If you still use Skype for calling, bad news—Microsoft has stopped selling Skype credit and new phone numbers, pushing users toward monthly subscriptions. This move forces millions into recurring payments, eliminating pay-as-you-go flexibility.
With this shift, Microsoft is steering businesses toward its Teams offerings, positioning it as the primary communication tool for professionals.
Looking something similar to Skype, but better? Discover the best 5 alternatives to Skype that you can use for your business VoIP provider.
Skype is a telecommunications application that provides users the ability to video call and voice chat using computers, mobiles, tablets, etc. Founded in 2003, Skype is headquartered in Washington. The solution is available worldwide in over 100 languages. Skype runs on several operating systems like Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Xbox One, etc. Skype uses the user's internet to place calls, send text messages, photos, videos, etc.
While Skype-to-Skype calls are free, it charges an amount for making Skype-to-landline/mobile phone calls. Users also have the possibility of having a local number in many different countries around the world. They allow users to video conference, insert emoticons, save chat history, and edit messages within their platform.
Skype is a well-known video calling platform which makes use of the VoIP technology. The platform uses a type of VoIP protocol called peer-to-peer connection, which means that after a user logs into their Skype account there's no need to manage communication between the sender and the receiver of the call.
Skype used to have 2 VoIP offers: Skype to phone for outbound calls and Skype Number for incoming calls.
Skype Number is a Skype option that allows you to get a second phone number to answer incoming calls. This is the option most used by businesses to manage their incoming calls. You can choose a number from up to 25 countries including the US, the UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, Brazil etc.
The main features are calls, voice messaging and call forwarding.
Skype is not a very complete solution to manage business calls. They only offer secondary phone numbers without other features you need to manage your business. For example, they do not offer the ability to transfer or forward calls, automate call routing, record calls, or integrate with your CRM. These are just a few of many other capabilities that Skype is missing. There are many alternatives on the market that better fit the needs of small and medium sized businesses, especially when it comes to managing your customer calls.
Pros: Skype is an easy way to get a secondary phone number
Cons: Skype is lacking many essential features that small or medium sized businesses need including:
The need of having a customer service that you can call and talk to is a no brainer when it comes to business phone services. At Skype, there is no such thing. Their customer service support is just a knowledge base.
On the other hand, at Quicktalk, you can call the customer support team at any time. They have a support team that works 24/7 and are always ready to answer all your questions. In this way, you truly get a service you can rely on.
Porting your number can be a complicated process—unless you choose Quicktalk. Our dedicated porting team, experienced in handling hundreds of Skype number transfers, makes the transition seamless and hassle-free.
Are you looking for a better option than Skype? Compare the other solutions on the market to select the best tool for your small or medium-sized business. Below, you will find a review of the competitors in terms of price, features, and ease of use:
Are you looking for an affordable business communication solution that offers everything a basic phone line would along with advanced call center features? If you have answered yes to the question, Quicktalk is the solution you should go for instead of Skype.
Quicktalk is easy to install and use. It is specifically designed to meet all the business communication requirements of a small and medium size business. Unlimited domestic and international calling and a simple call management system that improves your caller experience is what Quicktalk promises and delivers.
Quicktalk offers simple, cost-effective pricing: $9/month for solo users or $19/month for up to 3 users. Additional users cost $10/month each. For example, a 4-person team pays $29/month. All plans include unlimited calling, texting, and full features—making it a perfect alternative to Skype.
The advantages of Quicktalk include:
Toll-free numbers: Get a toll-free number for your business and connect with your prospective customers in a hassle-free manner.
Unlimited Calling: Make and receive unlimited calls to and from 36 destinations from any device. The destinations include the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and China.
Auto-Attendant: Set up custom greetings and business hours, and intelligently distribute calls to the right person on your team. The setup just takes a few clicks!
Call-monitoring: Use call recording and live call listening to improve your customer service quality and the customer experience.
Grasshopper is a cloud-based service that offers one or more phone numbers along with several extensions to accommodate employees. It combines a business number with a virtual phone system that keeps these numbers private. Customized greetings can direct the caller to the right department or team member. They offer voice-mail-to-text transcription and live virtual receptionist services. Grasshopper offers three different packages ranging from $26 per month to $80 per month, each option is billed annually.
Google Voice call management software comes with a mobile application and a desktop/tablet interface enabling users to log calls, block callers, create logs, and perform regular telephone functions. Other features like voicemail, texting, and transcribed audio voicemails can be activated by the user. They offer three packages starting at $10 per user/per month for up to 10 users with limited features (no auto-attendant and call distribution options), $20 per user/per month for unlimited domestic locations, and $30 per user/per month for unlimited domestic and international calling.
Spoke Phone is a VoIP platform designed for various sized businesses. Spoke Phone can be accessed on Windows, iOS, Android, Cloud, or SaaS based software systems. Some features include call routing, voicemail, conference calls, and call recording. Spoke Phone starts at $99.00 per month for up to 4 users. Additional users cost $25 and additional numbers cost $2. No free version is available, but they do offer a free trial.
MagicJack uses VoIP technology to allow users to make local or long-distance calls to the US and Canada with an internet connection. They offer conference calls, call transfers, eFax, DND, etc. Users have the option of keeping their current number and getting it ported or acquiring a new number. magicJack costs $39 for one year, but only provides one phone number. You must purchase magicJack prepaid calling credits to make international calls, unless you are calling magicJack to magicJack, which are free minutes.
Skype offers country-based limited and unlimited calling plans with prices based on the country or region. The subscription plan for the USA users is $3.53 per month. Skype used to let you use credit for pay-as-you-go calling.
Skype has many other U.S. based competitors that offer cloud communication solutions like business phone systems, call center solutions, video calling, etc. Skype is generally compared to Quicktalk, Google Voice or magicJack that provide similar features.
Top 5 Skype competitors
1: Quicktalk
2: Grasshopper
3: Google Voice
4: Spoke Phone
5: magicJack
Skype is probably not the best for small businesses. This is why you need to look at alternative options like Quicktalk. An easy-to-set-up solution that will improve the calling experience both for you and your customers.
Paul is a tech and business phone system enthusiast always open to discuss ideas. If you’re interested in collaborating on content projects or getting a product listed on our blog, don’t hesitate and reach out to us: [email protected].
