What are the best alternatives to Skype to make free video calls? 2022 list

Although it is true, for a long time video calls have become the main communication mechanism for most people. In the first place because they are multiplatform and thus, it is possible to do them from any computer, mobile phone or Tablet and also, provide great convenience for users to communicate with their family and friends from anywhere. Also taking into account that they do not require many tools to run, because just having a device with an internet connection, headphones with a microphone to ensure absolute privacy and have free Voice Over IP or VoIP software; you can make a video call.

VoIP programs they refer to a set of resources that make it possible for the voice signal to travel through the Internet using the IP protocol. One of the best known is skype that for many years, raised a revolution of this type in the online market to carry out calls and video calls to any city in the world and in a simple and economical way. However, today there are many more applications that make video transmission between interlocutors possible and they provide excellent tools to their users.

Thus, it is necessary to know all the alternatives to Skype or rather, the best ones to have other solutions at hand and of course, try other platforms that may seem more beneficial than the one mentioned abovebest fit your requirements and ultimately, offer you what you’ve been looking for to establish optimal video conversations with whoever you want.

What is Microsoft’s Skype program, what is it for and how does it work?

Skype is considered an ingenious program to establish communications between people around the worldsince it allows you to make calls, video calls, send instant messages and share any type of file (photos, videos, audios, documents, etc.) with other users, without even caring where each one is located.

For excellent support, this program developed by Microsoft can be downloaded and installed on any device and completely free of chargeso it works perfectly on all operating systems used today.

On the other hand, the program works as a very complete communication channel because it not only allows you to communicate with other Skype users but also, makes it possible to make calls to other people who do not use this application.

In view of through it, you can call directly to conventional telephones anywhere in the worldjust by having credit in your account and for that, it offers you rates that you can cancel monthly or annually, depending on the country of destination.

All this, from the use of the Internet protocol of the type of voice over IP It has the ability to convert voice signals into digital packets to be sent over the network instantly. Taking into account that it is a private code.

Fortunately, creating an account on Skype is very simple. Depending on the operating system you use, you must search for the app in the indicated application store and download it to finally, register with your email or phone number, set a password and voila. Also features a simple mechanism to search for friends and start chatting with them.

Advantage

To further detail Skype services, it is necessary to take into account all the benefits it offers to its users and indeed, we have specified the most important advantages of the Microsoft program:

• It is a completely free service for everyone that only integrates a payment plan to offer you other mechanisms that are not mandatory to cancel.
• The prices offered to make calls to conventional telephones They are extremely cheap and accessible.as well as varied.
• It allows you establish calls and video calls with any inhabitant of the worldsince in addition to being used by millions of consumers, it provides functions to communicate with people who are not even registered in the software.
• It makes it easy for you to make group calls that contain up to 24 participants at the same time.
• It is a service that shows great simplicity and speed to install and use.
• Works seamlessly on various operating systemsamong which are: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, iOS, Pocket Out.
• Work without any inconvenience with all firewalls, NAT and router.
• For business use, it is effective because provides good customer service in several ways and this allows increase the credibility, trust and reputation of your business.
• Enables the create your own phone numberso that they can call you as if you had one in the United States.

Disadvantages

Like all online services, Skype also has a number of drawbacks that are considered disadvantages or limitations. and of course, it’s good to meet them. The most notable are:

• It is mandatory to pay if you want: call landlines, enter your voice mail, send data to a fax and text message, place an answering machine, among other services.
• Many times, emits poor microphone quality and thus provides poor sound resolution. It even presents poor video or webcam resolutionso video calls can be of low quality, sometimes.
• If you don’t download the program from its official website or from a reliable app store, you can get a virus very easily.
• The software presents problems when you do not have a correct Internet connection.
• By occupying a lot of RAM memory in computers, the platform can slow down a lot.

List of Top 20 Skype Alternative Tools and Software

As we already mentioned, with the rise of online calls and video calls, Endless programs and tools have emerged that work very similar to the well-known Skype. Which, provide other functions to its users and have relieved a magnificent assistance to each of them, over time.

Therefore, we have prepared for you, a list of the 20 best alternatives to Skypeso that you can choose among all, the one that best suits your tastes or needs.

whatsapp messenger

Par excellence, this application It has been the most used messaging network for many years by millions of users worldwide. Which, for a long time, established excellent tools for make voice calls and video calls between usersregardless of your location.

Which makes it an ideal alternative to Skype, taking into account that it also allows the sending of messages, audios and various files (multimedia, documents, etc.) in all your chats. Given the great use of this app, there is no problem to secure calls and video calls, given that many people have whatsapp updated.

Among other features, gives you various details about each of the messages you sendyou can place featured messages if you prefer, disable various features for customization to your liking And as if that were not enough, it is possible to use it from any device, that is, on computers, terminals and Tablets.

Tango

Another option for be able to make good quality video callsit is Tango that also allows make fully accessible domestic and international calls and to any number in the United States, Mexico, Canada and India; with extremely low rates. Additionally, manages to establish communication through groups (as well as WhatsApp) that do not have any limitation of participants.

Among other functions of Tango, we find that can only be downloaded and installed through the Google Play Store and App Store, which means that it is compatible with any Android and iOS device. A novelty of this app is that during the video call it even allows you to add filters and stickers, and if that were not enough, have fun with online games while the video call is going on. You can also send common messages, share photos, videos and your location with Tango.

oovoo

Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows and Mac OS X, this is one of the most similar applications to Skype. First, because allows free calls and video calls, as well as establishing chats with other ooVoo users and sharing all kinds of files through the platform.

Taking into account that it is multiplatform, it is considered an excellent solution for any user and emits total quality in your video callsin which up to a total of eight participants from anywhere in the world can be added.

For its part, it includes the option of record video calls in the same app, which is not seen in any program and not even in Skype is this possible. The sound and image quality is very good and in reference to the desktop version makes it easy to watch videos on YouTube with your interlocutors.

Now, the cons of this platform is that does not present encryption in the conversationsgreatly limits the participation of users in calls and video calls and also, it is low diffusionso many people you know may not be registered on ooVoo.

Google Hangouts

It is a service developed by Google to share instant messaging and certainly, was specified in order to compete with the famous WhatsApp. Therefore, it has similar characteristics to both Skype and WhatsApp, either conduct videoconferences (only accepts 10 interlocutors), send all types of filesmaintain chats with other users and It has an option to invite all the people you want and are not registered on the platform.

Added to this, the app is cross-platform and accepts Android, iOS devices, as well as a web app that can be used through any browser. Being this an ideal mechanism to communicate with people who do not want to install the program on their computer. However, over the years since its creation, Google Hangouts has lost some value due to few updates or innovations.

Google Duo

It is an app that works since 2016 and exhibits the ability to broadcast high-quality video calls, regardless of whether you are connected via Wi-Fi or mobile data. As for its interface, It is very simple because you simply have to select a contact, press a button to proceed to the video call and that’s it.

Also, gives the facility to send video messagesin case the other user is not available at the time for a video conference and also support free voice calls.

Among other features, Google Duo is only available on Android and iOS devices and it works very quickly without having so many tools. Now, referring to its disadvantages, this app does not support group video calls so far; something that has been highly criticized by a large number of users.

Line

Of Japanese origin, this app has been widely recognized by its services to call and text for free. Therefore, it supports video calls and best of all, they can be group and include up to a total of 200 friends at the same time.

In addition to this, it provides the best quality for calls and video calls, where possible. add effects and filters to customize the issue. It also gives the facility to share images, videos and various content in each chat and it is considered that works like a small social network that only contains your own contacts.

Line secures all types of encrypted communication from the end-to-end method and this makes it an excellent platform to share any type of private information. In addition, it presents tools for quickly create surveys and with them, organize appointments with other users, it also has stickers like Skype and Line, you can share voice messages and your location, whenever you want. Finally, it adds a function that allows you to synchronize the computer and mobile to adapt everything you want to your rhythm.

ViberMessenger

It is a free app that works very similar to skypesince through it you can share text messages, images and make international calls totally free via quick voice call or video chat. The best thing is that it emits a great quality in these calls with both 3G and 4G connectivity and includes a program specially designed for Windows.

For its part, Viber Messenger accepts group chats with up to 250 peopledisplays a wide variety of icons emoji and stickersit is easy to operate, automatically secures encrypted communicationsprovides all its services instantly, gives you the option of authenticate your contacts manuallyallows you to delete messages once they have been sent, has hidden chats featureallows you to play and share your location at any time.

FacebookMessenger

As another alternative, we recommend this app that is mostly known as “Messenger” Y It is a messaging service of the social network Facebook only for mobile devices. Thus, it gives you the facility to interact at any time with your friends via call or video chat that you can use to talk to one person or connect with an entire group of users. It also allows you to include filters if you want and all for free.

In sum, Facebook Messenger works like Skype and most recommended applications to share photos and videos, send voice messages and even money safely and easily, adding your debit card or PayPal account, but this is only supported if you are in the United States, France or the United Kingdom United. On the other hand, you can also share your location with just a few taps and play with other users.

wechat

It is an application that supports most operating systems, except Linux. It has various chat modes that make it one of the most complete alternatives, either because allows you to send messages to other users with text, images, audios, videos, share the location in real time and establish group conversations with up to 500 members in total.

In reference to video calls, they are of high quality regardless of the location of other people and at the same instant, up to 9 callers can be connected. Among other features, we highlight that it has a function called “Time capsule” which is a kind of published story and it just lasts 24 hours.

Also offers mini-programs that do not require an additional installation and do not negatively influence the storage of your mobile, in addition to display popular articles so you can discover all kinds of interesting content without leaving the app. Finally, it has services of fully secure online shopping, booking taxis and medical appointments.

ICQ

Refers to an instant messaging service that became very popular since the 90s but at present, it does not show as much fame as in those times, because has an insignificant number of users.

However, it is considered a similar alternative to the Skype interface that is supported by Windows, Android and iOS devices. One of its best features is that has default end-to-end encryption for all calls and video chats.

Also, ICQ enables the transfer of voice messages with speech function to textit has tools for you to easily create your own stickers, has animated 3D skins for all tasteshas chat synchronization with all devices and broadcasts live chats with totally unlimited channels and participants.

yahoo messenger

It is a Yahoo Messenger service that makes it easy to transfer files across computers and terminals (by linking with Yahoo Mail), very easily and also, is free. Thus, it is a communication mechanism very similar to the famous Skype and therefore, It should be noted that it allows video calls between two profiles (it is a great limitation), this being the main and practically the most important function of Yahoo Messenger.

In addition, the application shows extensive functionality, allows delete chat messages once sent and to use it, it is not necessary to download the app because it can be used from any web browser. Equally, present applications for Windows, Mac OS X, iOS and Android. But unfortunately, does not have data protection and has been branded an inconvenient place to store personal information.

imo

A free app available for mobile devices belonging to Android, Windows Phone and iOS, which is quite similar to skype because it is dedicated to the same; high-quality voice and video call service, just as it allows sending photos, videos and common messages. All this unlimited over 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi.

One of its most outstanding features is that it has been optimized for Android Tablets and It presents a very attractive, practical and easy to use interface. To use it, you just have to enter your phone number and ready. That is, just as it is done with Skype to start chatting.

face time

This Directed especially for Apple users who have iPhone, iPad and Mac in the same house. The app allows you make calls from anywhere and in reference to video calls, they are transmitted in HD up to 720p on Mac that is compatible with Intel.

However, it exhibits a great limitation regarding the participants of videoconferences, because it only supports connecting with one user. On the contrary, when it comes to conversations with sound, up to 10 contacts can be added.

Highlighting its interface, it features smooth transitions when switching from chat to rear or vertical camera and it is extremely minimalist. Also shows easy and fast operation from the beginning and gives you the simplicity of manage all the contacts you wantusing an address book for calls, in order not to create new contacts (if you want).

Jitsi Meet

Is about an open source application that allows you to establish calls and video calls with an unlimited number of peoplesince it does not exhibit artificial restrictions around this aspect and, furthermore, has great encryption features that work perfectly well to protect conversations from eavesdropping. Taking into account that the quality of audio and video that it emits, is fully optimized and delivered with the best clarity.

In addition to this, you do not need an account in the app to be able to use it and it presents a web browser ready to use. invite all friends who want to join your chat or video conference. And for added security, it offers rooms with lock protection to control access to your conferences via a password. Jitsi Meet is available on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Android (Smartphones and Tablets).

Wire

Free, this instant messaging program exhibits the usual functions of a messaging servicethat is, it allows its users to establish chats and through these, send all kinds of files and like the other options, has functions to make audio and video calls.

The first, are capable of supporting up to 5 user accounts and in the case of video calls, can only be done between two Wire users. In this sense, it can be downloaded on Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS. Like be used from any web browserto attract more users and offer greater simplicity.

To highlight its best features, we inform you that Wire secures all the information that is shared from its platform, thanks to the fact that it has end-to-end encryption. Even all the data shared by Wire are stored on servers in the European Union. Being this way, one of the safest instant messaging services of all those that exist today in the market.

Discord

Despite does not integrate videoconferences in its servicesthis software that is available on computers and Android and iOS terminals for free, is considered a good Skype substitutethanks to the fact that it allows make voice call and support real-time text messaging, where you can share photos, clips, links, GiIFs and group chat with multiple friends. Fortunately, Discord keeps the always secure IP addresses and that is one of the biggest advantages of the platform.

Secondly, It is estimated as the only cross-platform voice and text chat app that is specially developed and designed for gamers.. Since it gives them the ease of being connected to all your text and voice chat channels, even when they are away from the keyboard.

Signal

Is about a private messaging service that is an ideal alternative to Skypein principle because it allows you to communicate instantly with the people you want and at no cost. Like create encrypted groups in order to keep all the information you and your friends share there private.

Likewise, enables the transfer of multimedia and other files in real time And one of the best things is that it never stores any of your data. Therefore, it is confirmed that It is a fairly safe and guaranteed option.

Apart from everything, Signal is free and open sourcein addition to being the only private messaging application that uses open source encryption protocols and analyzed by cryptographers to increase the security of conversations and voice calls. The only disadvantage of this application is that does not allow making video calls.

hipchat

Specially targeted for group messaging, This application facilitates communication and collaboration in work teams. Therefore, it works very similar to Skype but with a more business purposesince its main objectives is the collaboration between co-workers who share new projects, campaigns, ideas and constructions in real time. And being in real time, It makes it easy for the whole team to always stay connected, wherever they are.

Additionally, it shows functions that ensure all the data shared there, thanks to its private, secure and 100% protected nature at all times. For its part, HipChat’s interface is very simple to use to view and send files and images. Lastly, it has a complete clinical chat history to facilitate the search of files and works with 80+ integrations like Twitter, Hangouts, Driveamong others.

Trillian

Another good alternative is Trillian which It has a complete instant messaging service, when working on Smartphones, Tablets and PCs of various operating systems. As well as the other recommendations, This app is free and allows you to send unlimited messages to the users you want through an Internet connection.

In addition, it has a function that allows you to synchronization of all your devicesto ensure excellent account management.

For its part, all functions issued by Trillian are instant and it has an encryption that keeps all the information you share through this interface safe. Also It is estimated as a fast, reliable option with a very stylish platform that any user likes..

Finally, the servers of this program use TLS to ensure that third parties do not read your chats in any way. Now, in reference to its cons, Trillian does not have support for Facebook chat, Yahoo, Google Talk, among others. Y It does not allow videoconferences either..

slack

very similar to Skype and HipChatthis application is a kind of combination between both platforms that best integrates team communication and collaboration instantly and in one place. Especially since it has been designed to increase productivity at work and that both large companies and small businesses achieve success using Slack.

In this way, the application facilitates communications between teams and It has tools to organize all the chats by topic, project or any aspect of interest that fits your style of work.

In addition to this, it is an application that can be used from any device to share and even edit documents easily. It also adds tools that are widely used by people in their work, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Teitter, Asana and others.

It also has a simple search engine that Automatically archive the conversations and all the documents that you transfer to your group of colleagues and as if that were not enough, it allows you to customize the notifications so that you can concentrate on what interests you most at work.