On May 5, 2025, Microsoft made the decision to officially shut down Skype. Since the early 2000s, it had been one of the most widely used video calling and messaging platforms, but the company decided it was time to focus all its efforts on consolidating Microsoft Teams, which had been around for a few years and was widely used by businesses. So, if you're looking for Skype alternatives to improve your video calls on Windows, we'll tell you about some of them below.
We're going to give you several options, with their advantages and disadvantages, and which platform would be best for your needs. Shall we get started?
Microsoft Teams
If you've been using Skype, you'll know that for some time now, it has been warning its users to switch to Teams, as it was the alternative that Microsoft had launched.
Teams comes in two versions: free and paid. The free version lets you log in with your Skype credentials and also automatically transfers contacts and chats.
Its advantages include the ability to use a single platform for chats, video calls, voice calls, calendars, and more. Plus, you can create communities, share documents, and work collaboratively. However, its interface isn't as user-friendly as Skype's, and for users looking for convenience, it becomes more complicated (because it has more than what they'll be using).
Zoom
Zoom became popular during the pandemic, as one of the tools that allowed for video calls with multiple people at once. It offers high-quality images and sound and also allows you to record meetings, use virtual backgrounds, and divide into rooms. However, it has a catch: it only allows you 40 minutes in the free version, and you also have to install it on your computer and keep up with updates.
If you just want to make calls, it's not worth it, because it doesn't have that. They're all video calls. Plus, if you want longer calls, you have to pay.
Google Meet
Another alternative to Skype to improve your video calls on Windows is Google Meet. In fact, it's included if you have a Gmail account, as it will automatically appear. It has the advantage that you can access it from any browser and doesn't have the time-consuming issue that Zoom has. However, it's not as widely used as the former, often because the video and audio quality sometimes causes issues.
On the other hand, one of the highlights is the ability to add automatic subtitles and reduce background noise. But be careful, because many advanced tools are only available to paying customers. Free ones don't offer as many benefits as they'd like.
Jitsi meet
Much less known is this video conferencing, VoIP, and instant messaging software. It was launched in 2003 and is still active, although, as we said, not many people know about it.
What advantages does it offer you? Well, first, the fact that it doesn't require you to register or install anything. Plus, it has end-to-end encryption.
The problem may arise with the image and audio quality, which can be affected on older computers or those with slower connections. Furthermore, the interface isn't very intuitive.
Wire
Another option, not very well-known, is Wire. However, if you're very concerned about privacy, it's the best option. It has end-to-end encryption and a modern, professional design. Plus, it not only offers video calls, but also messaging and file sharing.
Where you may find drawbacks is in the fact that people don't know it, which can make many people distrust this platform for their video calls (hence the tendency to always use the same ones even if they aren't as secure as the ones we're talking about now).
Tox
Finally, we want to tell you about Tox. It's an alternative to Skype to improve your video calls on Windows. It doesn't rely on central servers and, most importantly, it doesn't collect data and encrypts it end-to-end. This gives it extra security.
On the other hand, it requires a bit of technical knowledge to use it properly, although the interface is quite basic.
What would be the best alternative to Skype?
When choosing one option or another, the key is to know what your primary use will be. That is, if you're going to use it for teamwork or professional meetings, using more well-known platforms will prevent the problem of someone not connecting due to unfamiliarity with the software.
That is, you could bet on Teams, Zoom or Meet.
But for occasional video calls, or those that don't require large meetings, you might want to go with Jitsi.
Privacy is also a point to consider, especially in the professional and work environment. This is where other tools, such as Wire, Tox, or Jitsi, would be more in your favor because they offer less protection than the previous ones. However, these tools are often more difficult to manage for people unfamiliar with technology, or for those who have devices, such as tablets, computers, or mobile phones, whose operating systems aren't compatible with them.
On the other hand, there's the length of the call. When the call is going to be long, Zoom isn't the best option, as it severely limits the time. But that's not the case with other platforms.
So, which one should you choose? It depends on you and how you intend to use it. It's true that Meet, Teams, and Zoom are the most popular. But you don't have to always use those. You can also try other options. Even use WhatsApp for those video or voice calls.
And you? Which alternatives to Skype would you choose to improve your video calls on Windows? Do you stick with the most well-known ones, or would you opt for those that give you extra security in your communications, even if they're not well-known? We'll read your comments.