Microsoft closes Skype: Here are the best alternatives for users
The announcement, made by Microsoft, brings an end to the service that became a household name in internet communication since its launch 23 years ago.
After more than two decades of enabling people around the world to connect through video and voice calls, Skype has officially closed down as of Monday, May 5, 2025.
The announcement, made by Microsoft, brings an end to the service that became a household name in internet communication since its launch 23 years ago.
Skype allowed users to make free voice and video calls, send instant messages, and share files. Its appeal spanned personal chats, school projects, and business meetings.
Features like Skype-to-Skype free calls, affordable international rates, and screen-sharing made it a popular choice across different sectors and age groups.
The news of the shutdown has left many users nostalgic, especially those who relied on Skype to stay in touch with friends and colleagues across borders. However, users still have a range of options to switch to, each offering its own strengths.
Among the alternatives, Microsoft Teams stands out as the most natural replacement. Users can log into Teams using their existing Skype credentials and keep their contacts and chat history.
Teams supports video calls of up to 10,000 people—far more than Skype’s limit of 20. It also carries forward familiar features like group chats, file sharing, and screen sharing while adding stronger security and tools tailored for business.
Zoom is another popular option. It allows up to 100 people on a call and includes useful features such as meeting recordings, screen sharing, and a whiteboard tool. Free accounts come with a 40-minute limit per meeting, but this can be lifted with a subscription.
Signal, a secure messaging app, offers video calls for up to 50 participants. The app introduced its group video feature in 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Like Zoom and Teams, it enables users to join calls via links. It is completely free and does not charge for any extra features.
Google Meet also offers a straightforward option for users with a Google account. It supports video meetings for up to 100 people and includes tools like screen sharing and meeting recordings. However, on the free plan, calls involving more than three participants are capped at 60 minutes. Paid plans allow extra features such as breakout rooms and up to 25 co-hosts.
Slack, a platform known for team communication, comes with a Huddle feature that allows users to start audio or video calls directly from a chat thread. While its free version supports only two participants in a Huddle, paid plans allow up to 50 people. It is best suited for small, informal team meetings rather than formal presentations.
Discord, originally created for gamers, has grown to support broader communication needs. It offers features like unlimited meeting lengths, screen sharing, recording, and breakout rooms. However, it only supports up to 25 people per call, which may not work for larger groups or formal meetings.
Webex is also among the top choices for former Skype users. Its free version allows up to 100 attendees, with a 40-minute time limit per meeting. For longer sessions and larger teams, subscription options are available and include additional features like AI assistance, live polls, and Q&A tools.
Other mobile apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple FaceTime also remain popular for one-on-one and casual video calls.