Skype malfunctions do not occur very often, however, it is still worth having an alternative that can replace the world's most popular means of calling over the Internet, just to have a way out of any problematic situation. Fortunately, there are a great many alternatives for Skype on iPhone and iPad, the best of which we will talk about today.
FaceTime
To make video calls anywhere in the world iPhone owners and the iPad doesn't even need to resort to third-party apps. FaceTime technology, which first appeared on iOS devices in 2010, is being used every year by more and more people who value convenience and simplicity.
You can access FaceTime by clicking on the application icon located on one of the desktops of your mobile device. You can make calls using FaceTime to contacts from phone book, to specific names and even to addresses Email, to which the Apple ID of your interlocutor is registered. Communication via FaceTime, as many have already understood, can only be carried out between owners of Apple equipment.
fring
The fring application has not been updated for a very long time, but the tool copes with its main function even in 2015. With fring, you can use your iPhone or iPad to call anyone for free, organize a group video meeting, or start texting. The functionality of fring is similar to FaceTime, however, you can make calls to devices running a variety of platforms.
Viber
Viber is a much more well-known tool for correspondence and video calls to the public, especially in Russia. Working on all possible platforms, having funny stickers and nice design and not requiring any financial investments, Viber can rightfully be called the main substitute for Skype.
ooVoo Video Chat
At a time when the first webcams began to be installed by users on still round monitors, perhaps the only program for organizing video meetings was ooVoo. The developers of the utility have not abandoned their work to this day, releasing an improved version of ooVoo Video Chat for all popular platforms. Features of the application for iPhone and iPad include wonderfully implemented integration with the address book, Facebook and WhatsApp and excellent image quality with which ooVoo Video Chat pleases its users.
VSee
And the last tool in our small selection of Skype “substitutes” is the VSee program, which is not known to everyone. I would like to immediately make two reservations: firstly, the utility only has a version for iPad, and secondly, it is aimed more at conducting business video meetings. Using VSee you can see all conference participants on one screen, broadcast windows of work applications and be able to quickly switch between the external and front cameras.
Skype is traditionally considered the most popular program for free communication using a smartphone or PC. Thanks to its functionality, you can send files, images and messages. The most impressive features of Skype are calls to anywhere in the world (both regular, audio, and video). You can also create video conferences with multiple participants. However, the quality of communication and frequent malfunctions of Skype have led to the fact that many users are gradually switching to other communication options. Moreover, several dozen developments can be called an analogue of Skype for a computer, although no more than eight of them can actually replace this application.
Viber is a full-fledged analogue of Skype for PCs and smartphones
One of the most popular analogues of Skype for video communication, working on both computers and mobile phones, is Viber. Its main advantage is the ability to perform free calls to any telephone number registered in the system. At the same time, the quality of communication is always high. Other benefits include:
The disadvantages of using the application include binding to phone number– using it on a computer is not nearly as convenient. In addition, the security of using Viber is lower compared to Skype. Although Viber can become a real alternative to Skype both for PC users and for those who only have this program installed on their phone.
Hangouts is an analogue of Skype for Google account holders
Another alternative to Skype for Windows is the Hangouts application, one of the few disadvantages of which is the presence of a Google account.
The Hangouts service is integrated with electronic by mailbox Google and linked to profiles search service on PC and smartphone.
However, it will only take a few minutes to register this account, and as a result you will receive:
In addition, if the file is not sent in the messenger, you can open access to it in your file storage on the Google server. This means that the level of usability of the application is quite consistent with the capabilities of Skype.
Allyo is an analogue of Skype from Rostelecom
Rostelecom also released its Alle messenger, a domestically produced analogue of Skype. With this program you can:
It is worth noting that this analogue of Skype from Rostelecom is not available in every Russian city, but only in the 16 largest populated areas. However, in the future, Allyo's coverage area should be expanded and, theoretically, could actually replace Skype for domestic users.
TOX - an alternative to Skype without advertising
Unlike the Russian analogue of Skype, the Tox application allows you to make free audio and video calls not only from mobile phone, but also from a PC. 
In addition, this free service does not contain advertising and reliably protects the transmitted information. Encryption is performed using NaCl crypto libraries, which means that neither fraudsters nor even government services will be able to gain access to the user’s confidential information. Among other advantages of the program, it is worth noting free additional features for which other messengers require payment.
Analogue of Skype ooVoo - stable connection and recording of video calls
Among the paid features is disabling advertising. The advantages compared to Skype include a more stable connection and an invitation to participate in communication among users of popular social networks from Twitter to Facebook. In addition, up to 1 thousand minutes of video recordings can be stored on the application server.
KakaoTalk - South Korean replacement for Skype
South Korean developers also offer their own alternative to Skype for PC, which is distinguished by its cross-platform functionality, large size of transferred files (100 MB) and user-friendly interface. Using this service you can:
Some disadvantages of KakaoTalk include questionable data security and the presence of only three languages, among which there is no Russian. Additionally, the app may experience slowdowns due to the servers being located in South Korea. And yet it can be used instead of Skype.
Analogues of Skype for sending messages
Among the programs that successfully replace Skype, but do not allow video calls, two popular applications can be noted:
WhatsApp is a program similar to Skype that works on smartphones and allows you to send different kinds messages (from text and graphic to audio). The advantages include free calls and the availability of group chats. Among the disadvantages are the lack of support for video conferencing and not very convenient work on the computer.
The Telegram service, created by one of the developers and owners of the social network Vkontakte, allows you to transfer audio and video, images and texts. Video conferencing and even video calls are not in the list of capabilities of this domestic messenger. However, reliable information protection allows us to expect that the service’s popularity will grow over time. Especially if the functionality of the application reaches the level of Skype.
Skype can deservedly be called a legendary program. It has found application absolutely everywhere - it has entered the lives of business people, students, gamers; the vast majority of people in the world communicate using Skype. The product is constantly updated, new functions are added and old ones are optimized. However, along with changes that are aimed at improving the product, a noticeable weighting also occurs. installation file, opening time increases, hardware requirements increase, operating system, components. Outdated machines can no longer fully work with new versions of Skype, so we have to look for alternatives among existing competitors.
One of the most popular programs for communicating online. It is a fairly strong competitor to Skype because it has similar capabilities. Communication takes place both in text mode with sending files, stickers, emoticons, etc., and in video communication mode. Live chats based on interests, incredible number free stickers and emoticons, encryption of text chats and video calls, and most importantly - not a single paid element or subscription - all this puts ICQ on par with Skype, and in some places even surpasses it.
QIP
Everyone has heard about this program; it is not far behind ICQ in popularity. Its meaning is the same - the same text messages (but with a much poorer list of emoticons), voice and video calls. Unfortunately, this application has not been developed for a very long time, so the technologies used here were outdated almost 4 years ago. The interface also leaves much to be desired. Although someone will definitely find a certain “old school” quality in this and will use the program at least out of a sense of wonderful nostalgia.
Agent Mail.ru
The Agent was first heard of long before Skype became popular. It was also available in a browser version - then you didn’t need to install anything on your computer; to communicate, you just had to log in to the site. Time does not stand still, and the Agent has grown significantly in his capabilities. Now it includes video/audio calls, sharing text messages with emoticons, sending files and much more. Calls to regular phones are also available for a fee, listening to music from My World and games from Mail.ru. Integration with other communication services deserves special attention - here the user can connect to ICQ, VKontakte, and Odnoklassniki.
Zello
An interesting Internet radio project. There are no text messages or video calls, communication takes place as in a real walkie-talkie - short voice messages. The technology is designed in such a way that communication over the Internet is divided into so-called “rooms” - voice chats by interest. Interesting idea, traffic savings, small size, cross-platform and complete absence of fees for anything - these are the main advantages of Zello, which, although not completely, can compete with Skype, a stripped-down alternative, so to speak.
Viber
Initially, Viber was positioned as a messenger for mobile devices, because it is still impossible to register there without using a smartphone or tablet. Later a version for computers was released, which made it possible to further expand the range of users. Viber has everything you might need for comfortable communication with friends, colleagues and relatives - general chats, personal correspondence, audio and video calls. TO nice additions These include advanced personalization settings and constantly expanding libraries of stickers that are used to send in messages.
As we said in the last paragraph, you cannot register with Viber without a smartphone, but now there are third party tools, allowing you to bypass this limitation. You can learn about them from our other article at the following link, if you suddenly have difficulties installing this communication program.
WhatsApp is a very similar application to Viber, which is also widely popular among mobile device users. The functionality here is practically no different from the previous software; we can only highlight the better quality of communication in certain moments. Here you also send messages, files, photos, record voice messages or communicate with your contacts. It is possible to create chats, groups, and add contacts from the phone book. This messenger is free, but you can purchase sets of emoticons or stickers for a fee.
As for installation on a computer, you also cannot do without using additional tools, because you will need a mobile device to confirm your login. However, in our other article the author further described in detail various methods installations, so we suggest you familiarize yourself with them.
Telegram
Almost immediately after its release, Telegram became a sensational messenger by providing users with a wide variety of innovative functions. It is inferior to Skype only in the lack of video communication, which may be corrected in the future. In all other respects, it is many times superior to almost all existing similar applications. In Telegram, you can not only communicate with friends, but also create and join various news or entertainment groups. Connect bots if you want to use additional tools, for example, from your bank or receive daily selections of a wide variety of content.
If you want to communicate with your colleagues or friends, the easiest way to do this is through text chat, but there is also the function of audio calls, video recording or voice messages. Much attention is paid here to security, for example, there are built-in proxies and two-step authorization. We recommend that you pay attention to this application for those who prefer text correspondence rather than video communication.
Discord
Discord - new era communication during online games. This application was released not so long ago and immediately eclipsed its competitors. Many users previously actively used Skype for voice communication during games, but it was not entirely convenient. Specialized programs were “crude” and lacked certain functions, and RaidCall, beloved by many, was completely closed. Now the functionality of Discord is focused specifically on the needs of gamers, so video calling is out of the question.
Voice communication is implemented on top level- present fine tuning microphone, different modes voice activation with detailed sensitivity configuration. Sound effects in games, they are muted during the interlocutor’s message, and the speaker’s avatar is displayed on the screen. Communication takes place both on servers with separate rooms and through personal chat. These same servers act as an entertainment aspect, because in some rooms news is published, music is played or radio is broadcast. Almost every popular streamer has its own server, which contains various themed rooms.
TeamSpeak
TeamSpeak is another solution where functionality is aimed at the needs of gamers. Here, just like in Discord, there are servers with separate rooms. The administrator independently configures the number of slots in the room and organizes access levels. There is no video calling here; you can only communicate using text chat or audio calls. Of course, creating a server here is available to anyone, but it is a little more complicated than in Discord. In addition, the quantity useful tools is also limited, so TeamSpeak is only suitable for those who are interested in voice communication between two or more participants on the same server.
This article reviewed the most popular analogues of Skype. They are needed by those who decided to find more functional software or are not satisfied with the policies or capabilities of Skype. It turns out that there are a sufficient number of slightly less popular programs that are capable of keeping pace with the undisputed leader in the online communication industry.
Skype has never been the best protocol for safe and secure communication, and after it was bought by Microsoft in 2011, a lot of concerns began to accumulate about privacy and conversations on Skype.
Although Skype has great apps for all platforms, including not only Linux, but also Windows, Android, OSX, which are very convenient to use, but if you need confidence in the confidentiality of your data, you need to look for an open source alternative source code and encryption.
There are many similar programs for computers running Windows control, but if we want to find an analogue of Skype for Linux, with Linux support, and even an application for smartphones, it will not be easy. The choice of program depends on what type of connection you need. Skype covers text chat, video chat, VoIP. Finding a safe alternative that includes all three features will not be easy. But such projects still exist.
In this review we will look at best alternatives Skype Linux. Moreover, we will place the main emphasis on ensuring that the program has all the necessary functions and supports various platforms and encryption.
Tox is the project closest to Skype in terms of functionality and capabilities; one might say, a direct alternative to Skype Linux. The program supports three types of communication: text chat, video chat, and VoIP calls. Tox also has an excellent interface, in some places even better than Skype.
The reason for the emergence of Tox was recent events that showed how interested the government is in knowing everything we talk about on the Internet. Tox developers place user privacy as a priority and promise to never change the application's policies. Maybe things will change later, but so far they have stuck to this direction.
All interactions in Tox are securely encrypted. There are no advertisements here. And the open license allows you to modify the Tox code however you want. The program is available, in addition to Linux, for Windows, MacOS and Android.
2. Linphone
Linphone supports encrypted VoIP calls, which is a great reason to try this app. The program is available for various platforms(Windows, Linux, Android, IOS, WinPhone), has a beautiful interface and you can rest assured about your privacy.
Linphone supports video and VoIP calls, as well as latest versions text chat. You can manage multiple calls at once (pause, hold, and transfer). It is also possible to combine several calls into a conference.
If for some reason you don't like Tox, you can try Linphone, it is an analogue of Skype for Linux, ready to seriously compete with the original, supporting a full set of functions and protocol encryption.
3.Telegram
Telegram is an even stronger analogue of Skype for Linux, like other applications, it is completely free to use and does not have any advertising. But there is one drawback - there are no voice calls yet, but as the developers say, such a function will appear soon.
Communication between you and your contacts, as well as your messages, are fully encrypted. For even greater security, you can set messages to self-destruct via right time. You can send files of any type and, if necessary, media data will be saved in the Telegram cloud.
Telegram is based on cloud technologies. A network of servers is scattered around the world to deliver your messages to the recipient as quickly as possible and maintain synchronization between devices.
Despite data encryption, there are potential risks in using Telegram associated with storing data in the cloud.
4. Jitsi
Jitsi is a modern cross-platform free and open source messenger. Except standard features text messages, video and VoIP calls are supported as follows popular protocols like: Jabber, XMPP, Facebook.
There is also an emphasis on privacy and confidentiality. All your messages and calls are encrypted using OTR and ZRTP protocols.
But there is one drawback: only desktop platforms are supported: Windows and Linux; there are no applications for Android and IOS yet. But as mobile clients You can use applications that support the OTR protocol.
5. Viber
This is a relatively new, but already quite popular application for exchanging text messages, video and VoIP calls. Quite a popular analogue of Skype for Linux.
The project was initially developed for smartphones and tablets, but then versions were released for desktop platforms, including Windows, Linux and MacOS.
Interesting feature Viber is its simple and beautiful interface, which is much more convenient than the Skype interface. For example, to extract Skype chat history you need to understand the program files and use third party utilities, right here backup copy correspondence is done in a couple of clicks.
As in previous programs, your messages, according to the developers, are reliably protected by encryption.
6. Google Hangouts
It's not really regular program, as we are used to understanding it. Hangouts is a browser plugin that allows you to exchange messages, make regular and video calls, and transfer media files to your friends registered in Hangouts. The service supports not only Windows and Linux, but MacOS also has applications for Android and iOS.
This is a relatively new service, which appeared in 2013. In addition to regular chats, it is possible to use group chats, as well as create group video conferences with the ability to broadcast to Youtube. The developers say that during calls and video chats, all transmitted information is encrypted, so no one can access it.
conclusions
If you need the most complete alternative to Skype, the best ones are Tox or Liphone. They both have all the necessary functionality, so to speak, all in one. Telegram is also a good choice if you're willing to give up video calls and don't mind the cloud.
What analogues of Skype for Linux do you use? Are there other alternatives that support encryption and the desired functionality that I missed? Or will you never give up Skype? write in the comments!
Skype is one of the first computer programs, which allowed users to make video calls on mobile devices. In recent years, competitive analogues of Skype have been developed. You can download the best applications from us. They will compete with the mobile and desktop versions of Skype.
Here are the review participants - full-fledged analogues of Skype:
Viber application: cross-platform replacement for Skype
Already loved by many, the popular Viber program has been downloaded by more than 7 million users around the world. Is the most famous and a worthy replacement Skype. In addition to a huge community, the Viber application has the functions of an Internet messenger with the ability to attach audio and video files, as well as voice messages, data on the location of an object, contact information and a wide variety of emoticons. Among the additional capabilities of the Viber messenger are group chats (up to 200 people).
This program has both regular and video calls, while good quality, according to the developers - in HD. Thanks to Push notifications, you won't miss a Viber call even when your device is turned off. Among other things, the application has such social network elements as public chats of famous people and magazines, etc., has support Android systems Wear.
Thus, Viber is a successful analogue of Skype for computers and mobile platforms (iOS and Android). Thanks to new features and following trends, Viber manages to compete with Skype. It is not surprising that the growth of Viber’s audience has only accelerated in recent years (by this moment, the messenger's audience is about 600 million users).
Google Hangouts Messenger
Google Hangouts is a kind of alternative to FaceTime and is included in the Android OS. For iOS there is a corresponding mobile version programs.
Admittedly, the alternative is not so bad. The application allows you to exchange messages and videos in real time. What's attractive about Hangouts is that it's cross-platform and connected to account Google. Accordingly, Hangouts integrates perfectly not only on Android, but also on Mac. Essentially, Hangouts replaces the Google Talk chatting feature found in Gmail and Google+.
Google Hangouts for Android is more than simple. It establishes a direct connection between two interlocutors, similar to Skype. Like Skype, in Hangouts you can send text and voice messages to other users, which will be available to them later if these users are offline. In addition, group chats are supported.
As for using Hangouts as a replacement for Skype - yes, that makes sense. In some situations, Google's program consumes less traffic and behaves more predictably and does not interrupt the connection (however, sometimes connection dropouts occur in Hangouts, but these are extreme cases). Voice calls via Google Hangouts are completely free, just like Skype.
If you have an Android phone, you need to connect Google account is a bridge between many services, including Hangouts. The application imports contacts from your address book and allows you to export them back. In principle, Skype offers the same thing during installation.
Thus, Hangouts is a good alternative to Skype with close integration Google by default.
Google Voice - Skype replacement for landline calls and SMS
Google Voice is a client for VoIP telephony with the functions of incoming/outgoing calls, SMS messages, voice mail.
In 2017, Google Voice developers remembered that the client had not been updated for a long time and was significantly behind Skype and other instant messengers. Therefore, the first major update in the last 5 (!) years was released. This came as a surprise to many users of the program and service.
First of all, Google Voice has a user-friendly interface. The web client and mobile application for Android and iOS have a modern design, light colors, a tabbed interface, convenient for working with messages, calls, and voicemail. The exchange of SMS messages is similar to other instant messengers; messages grouped by topic are available for each contact.
Google Voice also has new features. Photo sharing, MMS, and a quick reply function available through the notification panel are supported. Currently only available for English and Spanish.
The Google Voice service provides users, similar to landlines(and programs like Skype). You can call virtual and real numbers, make outgoing calls. Voice is still the only app with features voicemail and text transcript of voicemail.
Thus, Google Voice is an interesting alternative to Skype. WITH latest update, there is cause for concern, especially if you use Skype to call landlines and send SMS.
By the way, the Voice application is integrated into, so both applications can be used in conjunction.
Line for Android - a free alternative to Skype
LINE is another super popular instant messenger and probably a good replacement for Skype for computer and mobile platforms. Quality indicator - wide community of > 6 million people.
Mobile analogue of Skype - LINE
By the way, LINE Corporation has developed an excellent camera for Android - B612. We recommend this application to replace the standard camera shell.
The Line program for Android includes a messenger with big amount emoticons and stickers, audio and video calls, as well as a news feed for each user. Using the latter you can share with friends interesting moments from your life using text messages, music, photos and videos, and even map locations. Users LINE programs can subscribe to news feeds of other people, including various celebrities, bloggers and others. There are no such functions even in Skype itself.
Thus, in the “face” of Line we get an attractive analogue of Skype with dozens of unique functions.
Line messenger is available for various devices: smartphones, tablets and desktop solutions (although the application was originally developed for Android and iOS). Mobile app Line Camera can be downloaded for Android for free from the link below.
WhatsApp (WhatsApp for Android)
The last participant in the review is Facebook's own messenger called WhatsApp. This iconic and popular messaging app is one of the few apps in history to boast over one billion downloads. WhatsApp is one of the most popular services in the history of the Internet.
Using WhatsApp messenger, you can communicate and also create group chats. This application uses all the features of Material Design. Over time, the developers of WhatsApp for Android have been slowly building out all sorts of communication features over the past few years, and this desire only seems to be growing.
Definitely, WhatsApp is one of the best instant messengers for Android. A kind of replacement for Skype (another one, along with Viber).
imo Video calls and chat
Messenger "Video calls and chat" for AndroidThe mobile application "imo Video calls and chat" has two main functions: text messaging with the ability to transfer multimedia files and voice messages, as well as audio and video calls. At the same time, there are many additional features, such as sending emoticons and stickers, creating group chats or joint video conferences. It is noteworthy that the entire history of correspondence is saved on the developers’ server and can be accessed from any other device in your personal account.
Zello walkie-talkie is another program for communication like Skype
First of all, it should be noted that there is no ability to make video calls in the Zello walkie-talkie application, which is why it is inferior to other Skype analogues. However, the main advantage this application is a function of audio conferences with a number of subscribers up to 1000 people. At the same time, you can create your own password-protected audio channel, track the online status of other users, use a Bluetooth headset and view message history.
Tango: free video calls
An excellent video chat app, Tango has a number of core features. Audio and video calls, correspondence via messages, including in group chats, as well as the ability to use emoticons and stickers, change the status of your profile. Like the LINE app, Tango for Android has a news feed for each user, the ability to comment on posts and photos, and share them.
Tango as an alternative to boring Skype
An interesting feature of the “Tango: free video calls” program is the presence of mini-games that you can play directly while talking with your interlocutor. Therefore, the function of turning on/off video recording during a call will be relevant.
Let's sum it up
We looked at six advanced programs like Skype. Of course, all analogues of Skype - each to one degree or another - have their own advantages and disadvantages. Leaders include Viber and LINE, whose multi-million audience speaks for the quality of these applications. Most of the programs mentioned have some features social networks, which are not present in Skype itself. The unusual Zello walkie-talkie is perfect for users who want to save on regular calls and allows you to create mass conferences. Google's creation, Hangouts, is widely cross-platform, meaning it is supported on almost any mobile device, laptops and home PCs, which significantly expands the social circle of users. Depending on the listed properties, you can choose what to replace Skype with, in accordance with your requirements.
