Skype uses a technology called VoIP (pronounced voyp). VoIP simply means Voice-over-Internet Protocol. Skype employs this technology to enable you to make phone calls, video calls, group calls, etc, using internet data rather than through traditional phone lines. As long as both you and the person you want to communicate with have a Skype account, and you have internet data, Skype is completely free to use. But using Skype to call phone numbers is not free at all. You have to pay to use such a service. Skype is also one of the best platforms for video-conferencing and online meetings for business and other social purposes. Knowing this, we can quickly understand that Skype is not the only application that can be used to make voice and video calls. There are many options or Skype alternatives that you can choose from. Scroll down as we look into some of the Skype alternative apps that there are.
List of the Best Skype Alternative Apps for Android and iOS
1. ZOOM
ZOOM is a cloud meeting app that you can use to connect with more than 100 people at the same time. You can use the app to chat with internal and external contacts, place and accept calls, send text messages, and schedule a video meeting. Here you can create private chat channels which you can use to chat and share files with friends and family. Also, during a video meeting, you can easily annotate and share content such as files, images, GIFs, etc. The app is free but a paid Zoom One subscription or add-on license is required in order to use certain product features. It is available on both Android and iOS.
2. WhatsApp Messenger
Whatsapp is a very popular Skype alternative app that provides free messaging, voice calls, and video chat between people through their phone contacts. You can connect with anyone from around the world through texts, voice messages, voice calls, and video calls as long as you have their phone number. You can make use of group chats to stay in touch with friends and family. You can also make secure video and voice calls with up to 7 people at the same time. Also, your personal messages and calls to friends and family are end-to-end encrypted. Nobody outside of your chat, even WhatsApp itself, can read or listen to them. There is also a Status feature that you can use to share your daily moments with either all of your contacts or some selected ones. This Status is in the form of texts, images, GIFs, and video updates that disappear after 24 hours.
3. Viber
Viber is a free messaging and calling Skype alternative app that lets you connect with people from around the world using your internet connection. You can easily send text messages, and run audio and video calls with your friends and family. You can stay in touch with friends by creating group chats that can accommodate 250 people at a time. You can also connect with up to 50 people at a time through audio and video calls. Also, end-to-end encryption in Viber allows you to communicate with confidence knowing that all your messages are private, and not even Viber can access them. Viber also contains a feature called Disappearing Messages in your 1-on-1 or group chats which lets you set a timer for a message, and you can choose how long the recipient(s) can access or see them. Viber also has a Viber Out Subscription which can be purchased in-app and be renewed monthly or weekly depending on your plan, which enables you to make low-cost calls to international landlines. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS.
4. VSee Messenger
VSee is another app that provides free instant messaging and video calls to users with their phone contacts. It uses a low bandwidth as it conserves data usage. It also has an API for integrating with some applications. You can only make a group video call with four people at a time in VSee. Also, all calls and chats are end-to-end encrypted making your communication fully secure. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS.
5. Vippie
Vippie is a free messaging and calling app that lets you connect with other Vippie users. The difference between this app and the other app is that other apps make use of phone contacts. Yes, just like Skype, you only need to have a Vippie account to connect with other people, making it an ideal Skype alternative app. Here you can chat with friends and also create group chats that accommodate up to 100 participants. You can also make free audio and video calls with other Vippie users. On Vippie, your phone number is your ID. Those from your contacts who are already Vippie users are automatically detected. You can also use Vippie to call non-Vippie mobile phone numbers, but to do that, you have to buy one-of-the-minute plans or use their attractive pay-as-you-go rates. This app is available for download on both Android and iOS.
6. ICQ
ICQ is another Skype alternative app that you can use to chat and make voice or video calls with your friends and family. It even makes use of voice notes or messages that can be converted to text in case you are having a problem with listening. You can also make voice or video calls with a large group. Video calls in ICQ are more lively and funny as you can introduce the use of a mask to rid the boredom of a video call. There are about 30 animated 3D masks with familiar and unusual themes which are available for you to use. Also, there is the provision of an option to choose a nickname using your first and last name. And as a plus to your privacy, it’s unnecessary to share your phone number through the messaging app. ICQ also allows you to stay connected even in a poor signal range. The app is available on both Android and iOS.
Conclusion
For those who are accustomed to Skype, it’s good to know that Skype is not the only way to go, as there are other alternatives that you could possibly prefer to Skype. The apps listed above are some of the best Skype alternatives that you can choose to use. I assure you that you will have a great time as you explore them.
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