The End of Skype: Alternatives for Your Video Calling Needs
Microsoft is officially phasing out Skype. For many, Skype was the gateway to the world of video communications, allowing users to connect with friends and family anywhere around the globe. As long as there was a reliable internet connection, Skype made connecting a breeze.
As Microsoft prepares to completely discontinue Skype, long-time users will need to explore other platforms. While Microsoft will suggest transitioning to Teams, numerous superior options are available.
When selecting a video calling service, the primary goal is to encourage others to join you on the platform. The last thing anyone wants is to choose an application that most of their contacts are unfamiliar with, necessitating a cumbersome onboarding process. The smoother the transition, the better. Applications that integrate with existing accounts offer a unique advantage; there are promising choices like Viber and Signal that boast excellent video call capabilities, but you’ll be more successful if your friends are already active on the platform. This list is curated with that principle in mind.
Google Meet
For those searching for a straightforward video calling solution, Google Meet stands out as an excellent option. By 2025, the likelihood that your contact has a Google Account is quite high, even among those who do not consciously use it as their primary service.
Since many individuals already possess Google Accounts, device compatibility becomes less of an issue. Whether your companions are on Mac, Windows, or even differing mobile platforms like iOS and Android, Google Meet operates seamlessly across various devices. Best of all, the service is free, although opting for a subscription unlocks additional features, such as enhanced video quality.
However, Google Meet does come with its drawbacks; it tends to feel more tailored for professional meetings rather than casual video chats. For instance, labeling the default session as a “meeting” creates an atmosphere more suitable for work rather than catching up with loved ones. Additionally, free users face a 60-minute limit for calls, which can disrupt longer conversations.
If your friend has their Google Account configured correctly, initiating a call is as simple as making a traditional phone call. Conversely, if the account is not properly set up, sharing the meeting link becomes necessary—adding an unnecessary step to the experience. Ultimately, finding an ideal calling solution hinges on the platforms already used by your contacts.
You can conveniently access the Google Meet web application on your computer. Alternatively, dedicated applications are available for both iOS and Android—and Google Meet may already be pre-installed on your Android device.
Google Meet allows you to host calls with up to 100 participants, which matches Skype’s capacity.
In a similar vein to Google Meet, WhatsApp has garnered immense popularity globally. If you’re not using WhatsApp directly, there’s a strong chance someone in your network is, making it a close contender for the top recommendation.
This broad appeal ensures that there is a significant likelihood your contacts possess WhatsApp accounts. Interestingly, even if you don’t actively use the app, many still have it installed for its messaging capabilities. Another advantage is that WhatsApp imposes no limit on call durations, freeing users to chat as long as they wish.
Accessibility is also a strong suit; WhatsApp functions seamlessly on both iPhone and Android, as well as via the web application. Moreover, WhatsApp features a desktop app, potentially providing an experience even closer to what users enjoyed with Skype compared to Google Meet’s web interface.
That said, WhatsApp has a lower participant limit compared to Skype: a maximum of 32 participants can join a call, which, though fewer than Skype, is still substantial for video meetings.
Facebook Messenger
If opting for one Meta application wasn’t sufficient, consider Facebook Messenger. It has long served as the primary messaging tool for Facebook users, integrated seamlessly with the platform’s extensive social network. Over the years, Meta has successfully transitioned Messenger into a robust messaging app, attracting a significant user base.
The advantage here lies in Messenger’s existing user community. Facebook still boasts one of the largest user bases among social media platforms, meaning that your chances of successfully video calling someone through Messenger are quite high. Although connecting may require adding someone as a friend, the broad reach of Facebook ensures that many potential call participants will have an account.
The video calling experience with Messenger, especially on desktop, is quite satisfactory. The Mac application provides an intuitive interface reminiscent of Skype’s calling functionality. However, a minor annoyance is that initiating a video call requires an existing chat thread. If no conversation exists, you’ll have to send a message before making the call; while letting your friends know is courteous, it can create an unnecessary delay.
Messenger used to support up to 50 users for video calls via a feature called “Rooms,” but Meta has since discontinued that option. Thankfully, there are no time constraints on calls made through Messenger.
FaceTime
If you and the person you wish to connect with both have Apple accounts, FaceTime offers an effortless calling experience. The platform is user-friendly, features end-to-end encryption, and includes functionalities typically associated with business-grade software, such as screen sharing and remote control capabilities. Initiating a FaceTime call is incredibly straightforward—just tap the FaceTime icon in your iMessage thread or select a contact in the FaceTime application and connect.
The experience becomes complicated when attempting to reach out to friends without Apple devices—particularly those living abroad. It’s challenging to contact someone who hasn’t linked their international number to their Apple account.
Nonetheless, FaceTime shouldn’t be dismissed completely; Apple allows you to generate a FaceTime link accessible to anyone, including Android and PC users. While this slightly complicates the process compared to connecting with fellow Apple users, it remains a functional option which can make FaceTime a simple choice for iPhone and Mac users. Create a FaceTime link, share it, and wait for friends to join your call.
FaceTime accommodates up to 32 participants and does not impose any time restrictions. However, the absence of a built-in text chat function is a notable shortcoming. While Google Meet provides an integrated chat service, WhatsApp and Messenger focus on chat features. FaceTime stands apart, requiring separate messaging channels for ongoing conversations after the call ends.
Teams
Credit: DailyHackly
It’s no surprise that Microsoft is steering users from Skype to Teams. While this transition seems logical given the company’s ownership of both apps, Teams is distinctly aimed at work-related communication. For casual video chats, Teams may be excessive and overly complex, similar to suggesting Slack for personal conversations.
If all participants are Windows users with Microsoft accounts, Teams can be effective. The application allows for video calls with up to 100 participants and offers a call duration of 60 minutes (with unlimited one-on-one conversations lasting up to 30 hours). Teams is accessible on various devices, not exclusively Windows machines. If your device has a camera, you can likely use Teams for video calls; plus, the integrated chat feature can be advantageous.
That said, it is advisable to consider other alternatives before settling on Teams.
Zoom (Not Recommended)
Zoom emerged as a widely recognized platform during the pandemic, and many became accustomed to its functionalities. Although it is often the first app that comes to mind for video conferencing, it may not be the best choice for casual social interactions.
While Zoom allows free video calls with up to 100 participants, there is a significant limitation: free calls terminate after 40 minutes. Without a paid subscription, it becomes an inconvenient option for those looking to catch up with friends or family through video chats.
