If you still rely on Skype for calling, there's some bad news—Microsoft has quietly stopped selling Skype credit and new Skype phone numbers. Instead, it's pushing users toward monthly subscriptions for regional and global calling plans. This shift forces millions of users into a recurring payment model, removing the flexibility of pay-as-you-go calling.
Microsoft made no formal announcement about this change. Instead, users discovered it when they couldn't top up their Skype credit, and a Microsoft forum moderator confirmed the update. A Microsoft spokesperson later verified that sales of Skype credit and new phone numbers had been permanently discontinued.
This change impacts millions who relied on Skype for occasional calls to landlines and mobile numbers worldwide.
For businesses that relied on Skype for affordable international calling and virtual phone numbers, this change creates a major disruption. Many companies used Skype numbers for customer support, remote teams, and global communication without needing traditional phone lines.
Now, with the removal of pay-as-you-go credit and new Skype numbers, businesses must either commit to a subscription plan or seek alternatives. This shift could lead to higher costs and less flexibility, especially for startups and small businesses.
Fortunately, modern VoIP solutions like Quicktalk offer a seamless and cost-effective replacement, providing virtual numbers, unlimited calling, and easy setup without forcing users into rigid subscription models.
Skype was once a pioneer in internet calling. Launched in 2003, it allowed users to make free online calls, avoiding traditional phone costs. Over the years, Skype introduced video calls, messaging, and file sharing. However, competition grew with the rise of WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Despite Microsoft's $8.5 billion acquisition in 2011, Skype usage has declined. Microsoft itself moved focus to Teams, even phasing out Skype for Business. Today, Skype is no longer a priority, and its latest decision to eliminate Skype credit and phone number purchases suggests it's shifting away from consumer VoIP services altogether.
With Skype moving toward subscriptions, many users are looking for a flexible, pay-as-you-go alternative. Quicktalk is the best option for anyone needing an affordable and easy-to-use VoIP service.
If you were using Skype credit for international or business calls, now is the perfect time to switch to Quicktalk. It provides the same benefits—without forcing you into unnecessary monthly subscriptions.
Ready to move on from Skype? Get started with Quicktalk today and enjoy hassle-free calling without losing control over your spending.
While Skype's shift away from pay-as-you-go credit may frustrate users, there are plenty of alternatives that offer more flexibility and better pricing. Services like Quicktalk, Google Voice, Zoom Phone, and Vonage provide VoIP-based calling solutions that can replace Skype's discontinued features. However, not all options are created equal, and choosing the right one depends on your needs.
Google Voice is a simple alternative for personal users and small businesses. It provides free U.S. phone numbers and call forwarding, but international calling rates can be high, and it lacks advanced features for growing businesses. Plus, Google Voice isn't available in all countries.
Zoom Phone, designed for business users, integrates with the Zoom ecosystem and offers VoIP calling, but it is primarily focused on enterprise customers and requires a subscription.
Vonage is another established VoIP provider with various business phone solutions. While it offers flexibility and a range of features, its pricing can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses looking for a cost-effective option.
Among these choices, Quicktalk stands out as the best alternative to Skype. With its affordable pricing, virtual phone numbers, and unlimited calling. Unlike Skype's forced subscriptions, Quicktalk keeps things flexible (cancel anytime), allowing users to pay for what they need without hidden fees or restrictions. If you're looking for an easy-to-use, budget-friendly replacement for Skype's calling features, Quicktalk is the best option available.
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].
