By S. Lucido-Balestrieri

| 14 Mar 2025

Call Center

Find Your Skype Replacement:
Top 9 Alternatives to Try in 2025

Over 36 million people¹ still use Skype, but since it shut down in May 2025, businesses are being forced to find a replacement. If you’re one of those users struggling to find the right alternative, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to 9 Skype alternatives for phone calls that offer enhanced call quality, seamless integrations, and better collaboration tools to help you stay connected and boost productivity.

Key Takeaways:

Microsoft is shutting down Skype, pushing businesses to find a better solution. As 70%* of companies have already switched to VoIP, it’s time to upgrade for better call quality and seamless integrations.
CloudTalk, WhatsApp, and Viber are among the top Skype alternatives for businesses. CloudTalk stands out for SMBs looking to scale, while WhatsApp offers cost-effective global communication. Viber is a good choice for businesses needing free messaging and calls.
Top Skype alternatives for businesses offer flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to manage calls from anywhere. CloudTalk stands out with its cloud-based infrastructure, AI-driven call distribution, and international number coverage in 160+ countries—ideal for global expansion and remote teams.
To choose the right Skype alternative in 2025, assess your team’s needs, prioritize HD audio quality, check for essential features and security, compare pricing, test with free trials, and ensure scalability for future growth.

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Why You Need to Switch to a Skype Replacement Before It’s Too Late

With Skype for Business shutting down, it’s time to upgrade to a solution that truly works for your team. Imagine crystal-clear call quality, seamless integrations with your existing tools, and effortless collaboration—helping you get more done, faster and without the hassle.

This transition could be one of the best things to happen to your business. Instead of focusing on Skype shutting down, take this opportunity to switch to a solution that works for you, not against you. It’s time to upgrade to a platform designed to help your business grow.

9 Best Skype Alternatives for Businesses

The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services market is expected to reach $236.25 billion by 2028³. However, with so many providers available, finding the right one for your business that can replace Skype for Business can be overwhelming.

#1 CloudTalk: Best For Call Quality

CloudTalk is a feature-rich VoIP provider known for its superior call quality and access to numbers in 160+ countries at an affordable price. Trusted by 4,000+ businesses, it integrates seamlessly with 35+ tools, including HubSpot and Zendesk, making it a top AI-powered solution.

Key Features

Skill-Based Routing: Direct calls to the most qualified agent based on skills and availability, ensuring faster resolutions and improved customer satisfaction.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Automate call navigation with customizable IVR menus, allowing patients to quickly reach the right department, reducing wait times and improving service efficiency.
Call Recording: Securely record calls to ensure compliance, enhance agent training, and maintain accurate documentation for better customer care and dispute resolution.
AI-Powered Insights: Leverage AI-driven analytics to track call volumes, detect trends, and analyze sentiment, helping managers optimize staffing, enhance service quality, and boost customer satisfaction.

pros & cons

Pros:

Ease of use: The platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing for quick adoption without a steep learning curve.
Scalability: CloudTalk allows businesses to easily add new users and expand their capabilities as they grow.
Reliability and stability: The platform delivers solid performance with minimal disruptions or downtime.

Cons:

No video conferencing

Pricing

CloudTalk offers four pricing plans, each with its own set of features:

Lite ($19/user/month, only in North America and LATAM): Includes unlimited US & Canada calling, business SMS, international numbers, call recording, basic call analytics, and 24/7 email/chat support.
Essential ($29/user/month): It offers 1,000 domestic outbound minutes, 24/7 live support, advanced analytics, IVR, Skill-Based routing, Integrations + Open API.
Expert ($49/user/month): It includes features like Power Dialer, Smart Dialer, VIP Queues, WhatsApp Inbound & Outbound Messages, and Call Monitoring.
Custom (Varies): This plan is tailored for businesses with unique needs and includes custom onboarding, unlimited outbound calls with flat rates, enterprise-level security, and developer support.

Best For

It’s best suited for SMBs in a growth phase and looking to scale their sales and customer communication operations efficiently.

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#2 WhatsApp: Best For Price

Over 3.14 billion people use WhatsApp monthly⁴, making it one of the leading VoIP services worldwide. It offers free voice and video calls over the Internet and cross-platform support on Android, iOS, and web, providing seamless and cost-effective communication, especially for international users.

Key Features

End-to-End Encryption: Ensures messages remain confidential and secure.
Multi-Device Support: Allows seamless use across multiple devices.
Voice and Video Calls: Provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional calls.
Group Chats and Communities: Allows group conversations and structured discussions.

pros & cons

Pros:

Cost-efficiency: It’s a good Skype alternative for international calls, as it significantly reduces communication costs by leveraging internet connectivity over traditional phone networks.
Global reach: Provides businesses with access to a vast user base, providing seamless communication across geographical boundaries.
Enhanced collaboration: Features like group calls and video conferencing allow efficient real-time communication among team members, boosting productivity and teamwork.

Cons:

Limitations on automation: Users* find restrictions on automating customer interactions, particularly for larger businesses with high inquiry volumes.
Integration difficulties: Some users* struggle with integrating WhatsApp Business with CRM systems smoothly.
Limited functionality: Users* say that the platform lacks customization options, impacting its adaptability.

Pricing

Variable pricing based on channel and region

Best For

WhatsApp Business App is suitable for small businesses, while the WhatsApp Business API is better for medium to large enterprises needing advanced features and scalability.

#3 Viber: Best For Cross-Platform Messaging

Viber is a popular cross-platform VoIP and instant messaging (IM) application that allows users to make free voice and video calls, send messages, and share media such as photos, videos, and stickers with other Viber users. It’s available on various platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Key Features

Rich Media Messaging: Allows to send images, videos, links, emojis, and call-to-action buttons for interactive communication.
Global Reach: Scale communication across over 190 countries with a large user base.
Personalized Messages: Offers customization using user data for targeted updates and promotions.
Automation: Automates reminders, updates, receipts, and account activations for timely communication.

pros & cons

Pros:

Free communication: Viber allows free calls and messages between users.
Broad device compatibility: The app is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
Groups and communities: Users can create groups of up to 250 members and communities for broader discussions.

Cons:

Resource consumption and performance issues: Some users* have reported that Viber consumes a significant amount of phone resources, affecting the overall performance of the device.
Video call quality: Some user* have reported issues with video call quality.
Intrusive advertising: The presence of ads within the app has been mentioned as a distraction by some users*, negatively impacting the overall experience.

Pricing

Variable pricing based on channel and region.

Best For

Viber Business Services are ideal for micro and small businesses with specific message and size limits.

#4 Microsoft Teams: Best For Microsoft 365 Integration

It’s curious to include Microsoft in a list of Skype alternatives for businesses—after all, they own Skype. But in an ironic twist, Microsoft is shutting down Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams instead. Launched in 2017 and deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, Teams gained popularity during the 2020 pandemic. It offers video calls, chat, live captions, and virtual whiteboards.

Key Features

Video Meetings: Supports virtual backgrounds, meeting recordings, transcription, and whiteboarding.
Screen Sharing: Shares desktop screens during calls or meetings for real-time collaboration.
Centralized Document Management: Integrates with OneDrive and SharePoint for seamless file sharing and editing.
Microsoft 365 Integration: Provides complete access to apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint within Teams.

pros & cons

Pros:

Robust communication features: The platform offers diverse communication options, including instant messaging, video conferencing, and voice calls.
User-friendly interface: Microsoft Teams’ intuitive design makes it accessible and easy to navigate for users of varying technical expertise.
Organized team and project management: Features like channels and tabs allow users to structure projects and discussions effectively, minimizing miscommunication.

Cons:

Performance Issues: Some users* have experienced lag and connectivity problems, disrupting workflow.
Glitches and bugs: Users mention* issues like messages not being sent or being sent twice, as well as problems with certain features (e.g., breakout rooms, sync issues with profile pictures).
Missing features: Some features* like better tagging of team members and multi-screen sharing are requested but unavailable.

Pricing

Microsoft Teams offers four pricing plans:

Microsoft Teams Essentials ($4/user/month): Includes group meetings for up to 30 hours and 300 participants, 10 GB of cloud storage per user, real-time collaboration tools (file sharing, tasks, polling), meeting recordings with transcripts, and standard security with data encryption.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($6/user/month): Adds custom business email (yourname@yourbusiness.com), 1 TB of cloud storage per user, access to web and mobile versions of Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and 24/7 support.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard ($12.50/user/month): Includes everything from Business Basic, plus desktop versions of Office apps, webinars with registration and reporting, collaborative workspaces with Microsoft Loop, and video editing tools with Clipchamp.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium ($22/user/month): Offers advanced security features, data protection, and cyberthreat protection, with Microsoft 365 Copilot available as an add-on.

Best For

It’s best suited for SMBs due to its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and comprehensive feature set.

#5 Zoom: Best For Video Conferencing

Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that allows users to host online meetings, webinars, and video calls. It is widely used by businesses, educational institutions, and individuals for its high-quality communication features. Founded in 2011, Zoom became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its accessibility and robust features. It’s available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Key Features

Unified Communications Platform: Integrates seamlessly with other Zoom products like meetings and chat, creating a cohesive ecosystem for efficient business communication.
Virtual Receptionist: Customizable auto-attendant feature routes incoming calls to the right department or person, improving customer satisfaction.
Call Recording and Transcription: Users can record important calls and access automatic call transcription for compliance, training, and quality assurance.
Mobile and Desktop Apps: Dedicated apps allow employees to make and receive calls using their business number from smartphones or tablets, ensuring connectivity on the go.

pros & cons

Pros:

Cost-effectiveness: Zoom Phone is praised for its affordable pricing, making it ideal for small businesses. It offers a low starting price and flexible plans tailored to specific business needs.
Ease of use and setup: Users appreciate how easy it is to purchase, set up, and start using Zoom Phone. The platform has a simple layout and a low learning curve, making it accessible for beginners.
Unified communications platform: Zoom Phone integrates seamlessly with other Zoom tools, such as video meetings and chat, providing a single point of communication and collaboration. It also integrates with popular apps like Salesforce and Google Workspace.

Cons:

Missing advanced features: Lacks key tools found in alternatives like Skill-Based Routing, Smart Dialer, and campaign management.
No Free Trial: Unlike many competitors, Zoom Phone does not offer a free trial, making it harder for businesses to test the service before committing.
Limited Integrations: Zoom Phone offers only 5 integrations, which is significantly fewer than its competitors.

Pricing

Zoom offers three pricing plans:

Basic (Free): Includes 40-minute meeting limits and up to 100 participants.
Pro ($13.33/month per user): Includes 30-hour meetings, 100 participants, 5GB cloud storage, and AI companion.
Business ($18.32/month per user): Offers up to 300 participants, unlimited whiteboards, and advanced features like SSO.

Best For

Due to its affordability, ease of use, and scalability, it’s a good fit for SMBs, startups, and growing companies. However, it may have limitations for larger organizations or very small businesses.

#6 Google Meet: Best For Google Workspace Integration

Google Meet has established itself as a powerful tool for team communication, especially useful for companies already within the Google Workspace ecosystem and also for those seeking a smooth and secure video conferencing experience.

Key Features

Seamless Integration: Google Meet integrates smoothly with other Google Workspace tools like Gmail and Google Calendar, making scheduling and managing meetings easy.
Screen Sharing: Enhances meeting productivity by allowing participants to share their screens, facilitating better understanding and collaboration.
Security Features: Provides robust security measures, ensuring business communications remain confidential and secure
Real-Time Captions: Google Meet offers live captions in multiple languages, which can be particularly helpful for participants with hearing impairments or those in noisy environments.

pros & cons

Pros:

User-friendly interface: Users appreciate its straightforward and easy-to-use interface, which is accessible for all levels of tech-savviness.
Free Access: It is free to use, which makes it an attractive choice for many users.
Mobile Accessibility: It’s accessible from both computers and mobile devices, providing flexibility in joining meetings from anywhere.

Cons:

Limited features: Users* mention that Google Meet lacks advanced features compared to other platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This includes limitations in interactive tools, dynamic presentation features, and meeting customization options.
Participant limitations: The free version restricts the number of participants (up to 100), which can be limiting for larger groups or events.
Meeting duration limit (Free Version): The free tier has a 60-minute limit for group meetings, which is a drawback for more extended discussions.

Pricing

Google Meet offers both free and paid plans based on the chosen Google Workspace package:

Free Plan: Available to anyone with a Google account, it allows meetings with up to 100 participants and a 60-minute duration.
Business Starter ($6 per user/month): Offering business email, 30 GB cloud storage, and standard support.
Business Standard ($12 per user/month): Includes meetings with up to 150 participants, meeting recording, 2 TB storage, and enhanced support.
Business Plus ($18 per user/month): Allows up to 500 participants, attendance tracking, 5 TB storage, and enhanced security.

Best For

It’s a good choice for SMBs due to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and integration with other Google tools.

#7 Slack: Best For Team Collaboration

Slack is a cloud-based communication platform designed to improve team collaboration and productivity. Acquired by Salesforce in 2020, it offers both free and paid versions. Slack helps teams stay organized, share information, and streamline workflows, making workplace communication more efficient.

Key Features

Channels and organization: Slack allows teams to organize conversations around specific topics or projects with public, private, and shared channels (using Slack Connect for external partners).

Integrations and Automations: Integrates with over 2,000 third-party apps to automate workflows and streamline tasks without coding.

AI and Canvas Tools: Slack offers AI-powered tools for message summarization and a canvas feature for real-time brainstorming and collaboration.

Huddles for Voice and Video Calls: Instant voice and video calls through Slack’s huddles allow quick discussions without the need for separate meetings.

pros

Pros:

Ease of use and organization: Slack’s intuitive interface helps teams organize conversations around topics or projects using channels, simplifying communication and keeping everything in one place.
Customization and personalization: Users can customize notifications, profiles, and workflows. Features like scheduling messages and pinning important files enhance productivity.
Fun and engaging interface: Slack’s visually vibrant interface makes it more enjoyable to use compared to other collaboration tools.

Pricing

Slack offers four pricing plans:

Free: Includes 90 days of message history, up to 10 integrations, and one-on-one calls.
Pro ($7.25/user/month): Unlimited message history, unlimited integrations, group calls, and priority support.
Business+ ($12.50/user/month): SSO, 24/7 support, advanced security tools, and compliance controls.
Enterprise Grid (custom pricing): Offers unlimited workspaces, advanced security features, and dedicated support, ideal for large organizations.

Best For

Slack is suitable for businesses of all sizes because it offers flexible features that cater to small teams with basic needs while also providing advanced tools and security for larger organizations with complex workflows.

#8 RingCentral: Best For Omnichannel Communication

RingCentral is a leading virtual phone system solution that includes omnichannel communication and seamless collaboration tools. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform.

Key Features

RingSense for Sales: Analyzes interactions between salespeople and prospects, providing insights, follow-ups, and performance scoring to help sales teams close more deals.
Omnichannel Communication: Supports channels including voice, video, SMS, chat, and social media, which enables seamless interaction with customers across various platforms.
Video Conferencing Tools: Includes robust video conferencing features that support HD video quality, screen sharing, and meeting recording with built-in security measures to empower remote collaboration.
Advanced Call Management: Includes features like Call Recording, Call Flip, Visual Voicemail, and an IVR system to enhance customer interactions.

#9 BOSS Revolution: Best for Affordable International Communication

BOSS Revolution is a comprehensive communication service that enables users to make international calls, send text messages, and recharge mobile phones globally.

Key Features

International Calling: Allows calling landlines and mobile phones in many countries.
Mobile App: Helps users manage calls, send messages, and access features directly from their iOS and Android smartphones.
Instant SMS: Allows sending text messages at low rates.
Zero-Fee WiFi Calling and Messaging: Offers app-to-app voice or video calls and messages with zero balance when connected to the Internet.Mobile Recharge: Facilitates easy top-ups for prepaid mobile phones across various networks worldwide.

pros & cons

Pros:

Cost-Effective Communication: BOSS Revolution provides some of the lowest rates for international calling.
User-Friendly Interface: The app is intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and access features.
Wide Coverage: BOSS Revolution supports calling to a vast number of countries, making it suitable for global communication.

Cons:

No desktop version of the app: Users can make calls and send messages only with mobiles.

Pricing

Pricing is competitive and varies based on the destination and type of service used, with options for pay-as-you-go or bundled plans.

Best For

BOSS Revolution is ideal for individuals who frequently communicate internationally and are looking for an economical solution for calling and messaging. It’s especially beneficial for expatriates and families with members living abroad.

Why is Skype Shutting Down in 2025?

Microsoft’s decision to shut down Skype marks the end of an era. Originally launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized the way people communicated across borders, but Microsoft has opted to focus on Teams, which has seen significant growth, now with over 320 million active monthly users¹¹.

This situation has left many users scrambling for a Skype for Business replacement. Additionally, business and consumer trends are rapidly moving toward more advanced VoIP solutions. In fact, 70%² of businesses have already integrated VoIP into their communication strategies, which makes Skype seem outdated. Its inability to keep up with modern features and trends in communication has led many to seek alternatives that offer better integration, scalability, and overall performance for today’s business needs.

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How to Pick the Right Replacement for Skype in 2025?

With countless options out there, finding the perfect Skype number replacement in 2025 can feel daunting. To help you make the right choice, here are a few simple steps to follow:

Assess your needs: Start by identifying what your team requires—voice calls, video conferencing, messaging, or a combination. Think about your current team size and whether you’ll need to scale in the future.
Consider call quality: Choose an HD and clear audio platform. Good quality is crucial for smooth communication, especially if you’re working remotely or conducting international calls.
Check for key features: Ensure the platform offers important features like cloud recording and integrations with your existing tools (e.g., CRM or productivity software).
Prioritize security: Check if the platform has strong security measures, such as end-to-end encryption, and complies with privacy regulations important for your business.
Consider pricing: Compare the pricing tiers to find a plan that fits your budget. Some services offer free versions with limitations, while others provide premium features that might be worth the investment.
Test and get feedback: Take advantage of free trials to test the platform’s usability and gather feedback from team members who will use it regularly. Make sure the interface is easy to navigate and intuitive for everyone.
Plan for future needs: Think ahead about your long-term communication needs. Will the solution be able to grow with your team? Consider scalability and future features when making your decision.

Reach the World with Superior Call Quality at an Affordable Price

In conclusion, with Skype’s shutdown fast approaching, it’s essential to find a reliable communication solution that suits your business needs.

By considering key factors like video and audio quality, features, security, pricing, and scalability, you can ensure the solution you choose meets your business needs now and in the future.

If you’re seeking a communication platform with superior call quality and the ability to reach international numbers at an affordable price, CloudTalk stands out as a top choice.

With advanced features and seamless integrations, it’s the smart choice for businesses ready to scale. Don’t wait for Skype’s shutdown—make the switch to CloudTalk today and ensure your business stays connected and efficient in 2025 and beyond.

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FAQs

What is the best alternative to Skype for Business?

CloudTalk is the best Skype alternative for business, offering superior call quality, global coverage, and seamless integrations at an affordable price.

Is Skype shutting down completely?

Yes, Skype is shutting down on May 5, 2025. With its end approaching, now is the time to find a reliable alternative to keep your business connected.

Can I still use Skype after 2025?

No, you will not be able to use Skype after May 5, 2025.Users will no longer have access to the app or its services.

What’s the best VoIP alternative to Skype?

CloudTalk is the best Skype number alternative, offering crystal-clear call quality, global coverage, advanced features, and seamless integrations at a great price.

How to Export Your Skype Data and Move to an Alternate Platform?

To export Skype data, sign in, request a backup, download the .tar file, and extract it. Then, sync Skype data with Teams by signing in with your credentials. Don’t forget to port your Skype number to the new platform to keep your communication seamless.

What to Use Instead of Skype?

Consider CloudTalk, offering superior call quality, seamless integrations, and scalability for growing businesses.

What is Skype’s competition?

CloudTalk leads as an alternative to Skype with advanced calling features and scalability. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet are also noteworthy.

What is the replacement for Skype on Windows?

CloudTalk stands out for its easy-to-use Windows app optimized for sales and support teams. Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet are also notable alternatives.