Introduction
Skype has been the go-to application for many people around the world to make phone calls and have international numbers. However, it's not the only option available. In this article, we will explore some of the top alternatives to Skype for making phone calls and having international numbers.
Top Skype Alternatives
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is a communication platform developed by Google. It allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and even have virtual meetings with up to 25 people. Google Hangouts offers free calls to other Hangouts users and charges a small fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers worldwide.
// To make a call using Google Hangouts:
1. Open Google Hangouts
2. Click on the "Video call" or "Phone call" button
3. Enter the phone number or select a contact
4. Click on the "Call" button
Zoom
Zoom is a cloud-based communication platform that provides video conferencing, online meetings, and collaboration tools. Zoom offers high-quality audio and video, and it allows up to 100 participants for free and up to 1000 for paid plans. Zoom charges a fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers.
// To make a call using Zoom:
1. Open the Zoom app
2. Click on the "New Meeting" button
3. Select "With video off" or "With video on"
4. Share the meeting link or invite participants by email
5. Click on the "Call" button
Slack
Slack is a communication platform primarily used for team collaboration. However, it also allows users to make voice and video calls. Slack charges a fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers, but it offers free calls to other Slack users.
// To make a call using Slack:
1. Open Slack
2. Open a direct message or group conversation
3. Click on the phone icon in the top-right corner
4. Click on the "Call" button
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform developed by Microsoft. It allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and even have virtual meetings with up to 250 people. Microsoft Teams charges a fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers but offers free calls to other Microsoft Teams users.
// To make a call using Microsoft Teams:
1. Open Microsoft Teams
2. Click on the "Calls" tab
3. Click on the "New call" button
4. Enter the phone number or select a contact
5. Click on the "Call" button
Vonage
Vonage is a cloud-based communication platform that offers business phone systems, video conferencing, and contact center solutions. Vonage provides high-quality audio and video calls and offers international numbers in over 140 countries.
// To make a call using Vonage:
1. Open Vonage
2. Click on the "Dialer" tab
3. Enter the phone number
4. Click on the "Call" button
Comparison
| Platform | Free calls | Calls to landlines/mobile numbers | International numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Hangouts | Yes (to other Hangouts users) | Yes (with fee) | No |
| Zoom | No | Yes (with fee) | No |
| Slack | Yes (to other Slack users) | Yes (with fee) | No |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes (to other Teams users) | Yes (with fee) | No |
| Vonage | No | Yes (with fee) | Yes |
- Google Hangouts, Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Vonage are top alternatives to Skype for making phone calls and having international numbers.
- Google Hangouts offers free calls to other Hangouts users and charges a fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers.
- Zoom charges a fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers.
- Slack offers free calls to other Slack users and charges a fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers.
- Microsoft Teams offers free calls to other Teams users and charges a fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers.
- Vonage charges a fee for calls to landlines and mobile numbers but offers international numbers.
References
- Google Hangouts
- Zoom
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- Vonage
- "The Best Skype Alternatives" by PCMag. {" "}
- "5 Best Skype Alternatives for Video Calls" by TechRadar. {" "}