Skype is the first name that comes to our mind when it comes to video calling/conferencing. It was able to gather a huge user base even before it was acquired by Microsoft in 2011. You can transfer texts, multimedia, along with voice and video calls within the app. But just because it is the most popular VOIP tool, doesn’t mean that it is the best. With Microsoft putting little efforts to simplify our Skype experience and its high-bandwidth requirement, there are lots of better options available from other vendors. So, if you are fed up of using Skype and want to try something new, then we have some Best Skype Alternatives that you should try.
Best Skype Alternatives for Free Calls
1.Google Hangouts
Even if Hangouts is not as popular as Skype, it is the Best Skype Alternatives for Voice and Video calls. Hangouts let you chat over text, video, and VOIP calls. Signing up for Hangouts is absolutely free and you need to use your Gmail account for contacts synchronization You can do group video chats with over 10 people at a time.
One unique feature of using Hangouts is that you can even broadcast your live hangout with Hangouts on Air. After the hangout is over, it will be automatically uploaded and saved to your YouTube channel. For using Hangouts on PC, you don’t need to install any software, unlike Skype. Their web client is cool enough to fulfill all your needs and is convenient to use.
2. WhatsApp
With more than 1.3 million active monthly users, Whatsapp needs no introduction to you all. Whatsapp was able to fasten its position as a worthy Skype Alternative even before Facebook acquired Whatsapp in 2014. In the initial days, Whatsapp was only the platform to share text, and multimedia files. But after the addition of voice and Video calls, it became one of the Best Skype Alternatives For Free Calls. You don’t need to create a separate account to use Whatsapp. Simply create your account using your mobile number and you are ready to make free audio and video calls on the go.
3. Messenger
Developed by Facebook, Messenger comes with tons of loaded features and is also one of the Best Skype Alternative available today. You can sign in using your Facebook account and also use your phone number to sync contacts. It also has a huge collection of emojis and stickers to choose from to express your feelings to members on your friend list or in a group.
Messenger allows you to chat with text, VOIP or Video Call on the single application. Additional features such as High-quality Group Video Chat are also available and is available for all devices and for all platforms. The only limitation of Facebook Messenger is that you need to install a separate app on your mobile device. Installing the Facebook app will not allow you to make voice and video calls.
4. Viber
Viber is a dedicated app designed specifically for video and voice calls. It is mostly popular because Viber works well even on a slower connection and is available for on platforms and all operating systems. You can use your phone number to sign in and start making free video and voice calls. The only disadvantage of Viber is that you won’t be able to send large video files to your contacts.
5. IMO
Now, this is an interesting app and is popular among users having limited bandwidth. Apart from this, IMO has all other cool features like file sharing, Group Video Calls, Encrypted chats and calls and support for emojis. IMO mobile app is available for both Android and iOS and the interface is quite simple and easy to use. There is also one Chrome Extension available if you want to use IMO on your computer device.
6. VSee
Started as a telehealth app designed to provide medical assistance to people in remote areas, Vsee allows you to make unlimited video calls for free. It consumes less bandwidth when compared to Skype and offers HD Video calling and free file sharing. The free plan lets you make unlimited group video calling, file sharing, and 1 screen share per day. If you want to exceed your screen sharing limit you need to purchase the premium plan starting $9 per month.
7. Oovoo
Oovoo is a simple to use and freely available app for making HD video calls and conferencing. You can add up to 12 members in the Group video chat and can also record the video calling sessions. The video calling session can also be uploaded to YouTube using the one-touch button. Oovoo premium account gives you ad-free experience and starts from $2.99 per month.
8.UberConference
Now, this is not a video calling app but rather is a widely used and most trusted audio-conferencing tool. The free plan allows you to make unlimited audio conferences with up to 10 people at a time. You can also record the calls and save them in your local storage. Integration with social media such as LinkedIn, Google+ and Facebook helps you connect with your Social contacts using UberConference. The premium plan starts from $10 per month and allows up to 100 callers in a conference.
9. Voxox
Voxox is another interesting app for texting and free voice calls. It has a large app support in more than 37 languages and is available for iOS, Android, and Windows. Along with free voice calls, you can also share free multimedia files over the chat. Voxox is popularly used by businesses such as Sip trunks, Cloud phone, and various carrier services.
10. Amazon Chime
If you are looking for a multipurpose video calling app, then we suggest you use Amazon Chime. Mostly used by businesses, Amazon Chime is availble for all platforms and Operating systems. The free trial is available for 30 days and is a perfect pick for medium to large scale business owners.
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Wrapping Up
So, this was our list of some of the Best Skype Alternatives that you can look for if you are bored of Skyping. All these apps have their own pros and cons, so you can choose any of them satisfying your needs. Do let us know in the comment section below if you think we missed something in the list. We would love to hear back from you.
