Skype Alternatives 2024
What is Skype?
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.
Source: Skype home on www.skype.com on the 03/28/2022
Skype Pricing
Skype offers a simple Skype to phone plan but unlike other VoIP service providers, Skype prices their plans based on the country or region. A calling plan for unlimited minutes in the USA is priced at $3.59 per month while the same plan for North America is priced at $8.39 per month. A $9.59 monthly plan is inclusive of 800 minutes and the minutes exceeding this are billed at 1.2¢ per minute. Alternatively, you could use Skype credit for pay-as-you-go calling to a number anywhere in the world.
Source : Skype pricing on www.skype.com on the 03/28/2022
A complete guide
You need a more complete solution
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.
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.
You need more affordable pricing
The baseline of Skype’s pricing is quite affordable. However, pricing gets more expensive based on which part of the world you want to call. You also have a limited amount of calling minutes. If you call more than the given amount, you have to start paying 0.18 to 1.1 cents per minute. These charges can add up and your bill will be different each month so it can be hard to budget for.
Pros
Skype’s baseline pricing is affordable.
Cons
Skype’s extra charges can be unexpected and expensive.
You need something easy to use and set up
Business communication has a history of being complicated. It is important to choose a modern solution that is easy to start and simply to use. You should be able to set up a cloud phone system in 3 to 5 minutes and a more advanced contact center solution within 15 minutes. If this is not the case with Skype, it would be best to look for another provider so you don’t waste time in complex implementation.
Top 5 Alternatives to Skype
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:
| Price | Features | Ease of Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ringover | | | |
| Grasshopper | | | |
| Google Voice | | | |
| Spoke Phone | | | |
| magicJack | | | |
Alternative #1: Ringover
With a complete range of features, from basic business phone line to advanced call center features, Ringover is rated as the best alternative to Skype Ringover is an easy-to-use solution designed for small and medium size businesses who are looking to make unlimited calling, simplify call management and improve the experience of their callers.
With 2 simple packages, you can get the best deal with the most features in one single solution, including unlimited international calling from local numbers, videoconferencing, and text messaging.
Top Advantages of Ringover
- Get unlimited calling: Why pay more for calling? With Ringover, you get unlimited calls to and from 100 different destinations even in the smallest package.
- Simplify virtual calling: Set up and start calling with Ringover within minutes from any smartphone or computer. Using it and integrating with your CRM is pure simplicity.
- Centralize your communication: Access calling, videoconferencing, fax and messaging in a place specially designed for small businesses.
What makes Ringover better than Skype?
Alternative #2: Grasshopper
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.
Source: Grasshopper home on www.Grasshopper.com on the 05/05/2021
Alternative #3: Google Voice
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, $20 per user/per month for unlimited domestic locations, and $30 per user/per month for unlimited domestic and international calling.
Source: Google Voice home on cloud.google.com on the 04/26/2021
Alternative #4: Spoke Phone
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.
Source: Spoke Phone home on www.spokephone.com on the 03/12/2021
Alternative #5: magicJack
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.
Source: magicJack home on www.magicJack.com on the 04/28/2021
Skype Alternatives FAQs
- How much does Skype cost?
- Who are the top Skype competitors?
- What is the best alternative to Skype?
How much does Skype cost?
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 lets you use credit for pay-as-you-go calling. When you use Skype credit, calls are billed at different rates based on whether you’re calling a landline or mobile and the region being called.
Who are the top Skype competitors?
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 Grasshopper, Google Voice or magicJack that provide similar features.
Top 5 Skype competitors:
1: Ringover
2: Grasshopper
3: Google Voice
4: Spoke Phone
5: magicJack
What is the best alternative to Skype?
It’s a little difficult to stick to a budget if you use Skype to call your customers. Features like call recording, voicemail transcriptions, call analysis etc. are not included in their plans. This is why you need to look at alternative options like Ringover. They provide an all-in-one solution that lets you call anywhere in the world at the same rate and includes a number of other premium features as well.