When deciding which Skype alternative to use, first consider what actual needs you have.

See how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar. Pricing also came into account when determining our best list. We then tried each platform to see how user-friendly each was, as well as determine what range of tools and advanced options were available. To test for the best Skype alternatives we searched for a range of popular options as well as took recommendations from people we know who have previously used Skype but have now switched.

How we tested the best Skype alternatives WeChat also veers into social networking territory by enabling you to meet new people with its People Nearby feature. It is possible to make calls to landlines and mobiles in some countries, but not worldwide. Once you're up and running, WeChat offers voice, text, video and group chats, and it can be used to replace your existing SMS and phone apps. There is also a Windows 10 app in the Microsoft Store, and a version for macOS in the App Store. That said, it's worth pointing out that a mobile phone is needed to log into the web version of WeChat – an unnecessarily convoluted process that many people will find off-putting.

WeChat is mainly a mobile app – it's available for iOS, Windows Phone and Android – but there's also the option of using the web-based version of the service for desktop users who want to get in on the action. Here then we'll list some of the best alternatives to Skype, not least in terms of features, support, ease of use, and accessibility. Even still, for many business users they will want to have a dedicated VoIP service for business (opens in new tab) and additionally use their own hardware, such as VoIP phones (opens in new tab). However, while there are now a lot of free alternatives, for business there are paid options available to ensure the best quality for calls and video. Not all users were happy about the acquisition and following changes, and with the growth of rival services, a number of Skype users began to migrate to these. Some people prefer not to use Skye after Microsoft bought it in 2021 and started making changes, such as integrating it into its office suite of software applications. Not only do these offer voice-calling over the internet by default, most now also include video conferencing (opens in new tab) features. Although Skype became one of the early success stories when it came to easy-access VoIP (opens in new tab), there are many alternatives now available.

Skype sign up issues