Top Alternatives to Skype

Google Hangouts was a versatile communication platform offering instant messaging, voice and video calls, and SMS capabilities directly from web browsers and mobile devices. Integrated deeply with Gmail and other Google services, it provided a convenient way to connect and collaborate across various platforms.

Telegram is a fast and secure cloud-based instant messaging platform offering robust privacy features, large group support, file sharing, and cross-platform synchronization, making it a versatile communication tool.

Slack is a leading cloud-based platform designed for team communication and collaboration. It offers a central location for conversations, file sharing, and app integrations, enabling teams to work more efficiently and stay connected regardless of location.

Mumble is a free and open-source voice communication application designed with low latency and high audio quality in mind, primarily for gamers. It offers features like positional audio, an in-game overlay, and strong privacy through encryption.

Tox is a free, open-source, and secure peer-to-peer instant messaging and video calling protocol designed for strong privacy and censorship resistance. It provides end-to-end encrypted communications without reliance on central servers.

Trillian is a versatile, multi-protocol instant messaging client that unifies various communication platforms like IRC, XMPP, and more into a single, user-friendly interface. It's designed for both personal and team collaboration, offering features like encrypted chats, group collaboration tools, and extensive customization options.

Viber is a comprehensive messaging and VoIP application enabling free and secure calls and messages to users worldwide. It offers robust features for both individual and group communication across various devices.

Discord is a versatile free communication platform designed initially for gamers but now widely used for communities of all types. It offers voice and text chat, video calls, and robust server customization for groups of any size, providing a centralized hub for real-time interaction and community building.

Signal is a secure, open-source messaging application that uses end-to-end encryption to protect user communications. It offers text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing, all with a strong focus on privacy and security. Available on multiple platforms, Signal is a leading choice for individuals prioritizing confidential conversations.

Digsby was a multi-protocol instant messaging client that unified connections to various chat networks and social media platforms. It allowed users to manage their conversations and updates from services like Aim, Msn, Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace all within a single, integrated application.

Imo is a free instant messaging and video calling application designed for global reach, prioritizing reliability, particularly in regions with unstable network conditions. It offers features like voice and video calls, chat, group messaging, and various multimedia sharing options.

Facebook Messenger is the official messaging application from Facebook, enabling users to connect with friends and family through text, voice, and video calls, as well as group conversations and media sharing.

Empathy is a versatile multi-protocol messaging client designed for text, voice, and video communication across numerous IM networks. It offers features like file transfers, location sharing, and integration with various services, providing a unified communication experience.

Glip, by RingCentral, is a comprehensive team collaboration platform combining real-time messaging, video calls, task management, and file sharing into a single, searchable hub. Designed to streamline communication and workflow, it aims to replace disjointed tools with a unified digital workspace.

TeamSpeak is a leading voice communication software designed for crystal-clear audio, minimal latency, and high security. Perfect for online gaming, team collaboration, and large community interactions, it offers unparalleled control over your communication server and prioritizes user privacy.

Google Voice provides a free U.S. phone number for calling, texting, and voicemail. It offers features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and integration with other Google services, simplifying communication across multiple devices.

Linphone is a free and open-source Voice over IP (VoIP) application and SIP client available on multiple platforms. It enables encrypted voice and video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing, offering a privacy-focused communication solution.

LINE is a versatile communication platform offering free voice and video calls, messaging, and a wide array of interactive features to connect with friends and family globally. It goes beyond basic chat with unique stickers, timeline posts, and integration with various services, providing a comprehensive social and communication experience in one app.

Wire is a secure, cross-platform messaging and collaboration client offering end-to-end encryption by default for all communication types including messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing across desktop and mobile devices.

Ring (SFLphone) is a free and open-source communication platform offering secure messaging, voice, and video calls. It leverages decentralization and end-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy across multiple operating systems including Linux, Windows, macOS, and Android.

Franz is a free, open-source application that consolidates multiple messaging and chat services into a single, convenient interface. It allows users to manage conversations across platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, and more without switching between different apps.

ICQ is a veteran instant messaging platform offering a wide range of communication features, including text chat, voice and video calls, screen sharing, and group chats. It aims to provide a reliable and feature-rich messaging experience with a focus on privacy and security.

FaceTime is Apple's integrated video and audio calling service, providing a seamless communication experience across Apple devices. It allows users to connect with friends and family through high-quality video and audio calls, including group conversations.

Fring was a pioneering mobile application that unified communication across popular platforms like Skype, MSN Messenger, ICQ, and Google Talk directly from your iPhone, offering voice calls, video calls, and messaging.

WeChat is a comprehensive mobile app offering instant messaging, social networking, payment services, and access to a wide range of mini-programs. It facilitates communication through text, voice, and video, supports group interactions, and integrates various lifestyle services.

Rocket.Chat is a comprehensive free and open-source team communication platform, offering real-time chat, audio/video conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing. Designed for flexibility, it can be self-hosted on-premises for maximum control and customization, making it ideal for organizations prioritizing data privacy and security.

appear.in offers effortless, browser-based video conferencing with no downloads, PIN codes, or registration required. Instantly create and join video rooms, perfect for quick meetings, chats, and screen sharing.

iMessage is a secure instant messaging service developed by Apple, seamlessly integrated across its ecosystem of devices. It allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, audio messages, and more, with end-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy.

MightyCall is a virtual phone system designed specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It offers a comprehensive suite of communication tools, including virtual phone numbers, call management features, and integrations, to help businesses manage customer interactions effectively and project a professional image without needing a traditional office phone system.

Matrix is an open network for secure, decentralized real-time communication. It provides a flexible protocol for developers to build collaborative applications like instant messaging, VoIP, and video conferencing, enabling seamless communication across different service providers.

Let's Chat is a self-hosted, open-source messaging application built for small to medium-sized teams. It provides persistent chat rooms, private messaging, and collaboration tools, prioritizing ease of deployment and control over your data.

Whaller is a secure and private team collaboration platform that enables organizations to create their own internal social networks, ensuring data privacy and control away from public social media platforms. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for communication, file sharing, task management, and project organization.

Tango is a comprehensive communication platform that offers free messaging, high-quality video and voice calls, and features for discovering and connecting with new people. It integrates social elements like photo sharing and groups, alongside essential security and privacy features.

VSee is a secure and robust video conferencing and telehealth platform trusted by organizations like NASA. It offers a suite of integrated communication and collaboration tools designed for professional use, emphasizing security, low bandwidth performance, and ease of use.

Psi+ is a robust, cross-platform XMPP/Jabber client tailored for users who prioritize control, privacy, and extensibility. As a development branch of the classic Psi client, it offers advanced features for secure and customizable instant messaging.

GoToMeeting is a robust online meeting and video conferencing solution designed for business communication. It facilitates seamless collaboration with features like HD video, screen sharing, and integrated audio. Ideal for remote teams and businesses needing reliable virtual meetings.

TribeScale is an all-in-one platform designed to streamline team coordination, encompassing communication, goal management, task delegation, and progress tracking to enhance productivity and alignment within organizations.

Curse is a comprehensive online platform designed for the gaming community, integrating robust chat, voice communication, and game management tools.

Google Duo is a high-quality video calling application designed for simplicity and reliability. Available across multiple platforms, it offers crisp video and clear audio, making it ideal for connecting with friends and family securely.

Tencent QQ (QQ) is a versatile instant messaging and social platform widely used in China and expandingglobally. It offers a wide range of communication tools including text chat, voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing.

Jitsi Meet is a free, open-source video conferencing platform enabling secure and scalable group calls directly in your browser. It prioritizes privacy and offers features like screen sharing, chat, and collaborative editing without requiring account creation or software downloads.

QuteCom, formerly WengoPhone, was a free and open-source VoIP client supporting the SIP protocol. It enabled users to make voice and video calls, send instant messages, and connect with contacts across various networks, including Google Talk.

Zulip is a powerful open-source group chat application designed for team collaboration. It uniquely structures conversations around topics, enabling users to easily catch up on important discussions and manage information overload. Zulip facilitates secure communication with integrated file sharing and various integrations.

Disa is a unified messaging hub that consolidates conversations from various services like SMS, Facebook, and WhatsApp into a single interface, simplifying communication management.

Sneek revolutionizes remote team collaboration by providing a constant visual presence, making distributed teams feel more connected and spontaneous. It's a video-first platform designed to replicate the informal interactions of a physical office environment.

Dialog Messenger is a robust, feature-rich enterprise messaging solution designed for businesses prioritizing security, privacy, and control. Available for both private server deployment and cloud hosting, it facilitates secure text, voice, and video communication across multiple devices, enabling seamless collaboration and real-time interaction within organizations.

Cisco WebEx is a comprehensive and secure platform for online meetings, video conferencing, and team collaboration, catering to businesses of all sizes. It offers a wide range of tools to facilitate communication and productivity in a remote or hybrid work environment.

Toky is a comprehensive cloud-based phone system designed for businesses, offering voice calls, SMS, call recording, and integrations with various CRM and business tools. It provides teams with a flexible and powerful communication platform for customer support and internal collaboration.

YakYak is an unofficial desktop client for Google Hangouts, providing a dedicated application experience outside of a web browser with features focused on convenience and improved usability.