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Hey, we caught you looking for the best Skype alternative, didn’t we?
Skype is shutting down, so it makes perfect sense to line up a new go-to for calls and messaging.
And because your search brought you here, we’ll dive right into it.
In the section below, we’ll go over the best Skype alternatives right now and what makes them tick.
We’ve analyzed these alternatives to Skype based on:
- Features
- Security and privacy
- Scalabilitity
- Device compatibility
- Integration options
We also considered how easy it is to switch from Skype, performance, and whether the option offers good value for money.
Top Alternatives to Skype
Let’s start by summarizing what the Skype alternatives in our roundup can do from a distance.
1. iPlum
iPlum is a mobile-first communication app that offers a dedicated second phone line for calling and texting.
It allows users to enjoy secure, reliable communication on their mobile devices and, more importantly, keep work and personal numbers separate.
Designed for professionals, iPlum offers secure messaging, call recording, voicemail transcriptions, auto-replies, and virtual receptionist, among other features.
iPlum vs. Skype
Skype was popular for personal and business communication, offering HD calling, messaging, screen sharing, and call recording.
But, with its Skype to Phone services and Skype Numbers discontinued, it’s time to look for a good alternative — and that’s where iPlum comes in.
With iPlum, you get crystal-clear calls, just like Skype. But unlike Skype, iPlum lets you switch between Wi-Fi and your phone’s voice network, reducing dropped calls and improving quality.
You can also transcribe voicemails, making it easier to track important conversations—something Skype didn’t offer natively. Plus, iPlum lets you record and archive calls for up to 12 months, compared to Skype’s 30-day limit.
Security is another reason to choose iPlum.
While Skype offered end-to-end encryption, it lacked industry-specific compliance tools. iPlum, in comparison, provides HIPAA-compliant secure texting, making it a good alternative to Skype for industries that handle sensitive information, such as legal, finance, and healthcare.
Skype to Phone service has been discontinued, so users can no longer call regular phone numbers. iPlum fills this gap. It allows you to make and receive calls from any number worldwide, positioning the platform as one of the best Skype alternatives for international calls.
The best part?
You can port or transfer your Skype Number to iPlum in a few steps (details below). That way, you’ll keep your existing Skype number, so clients and contacts can still reach you without any disruption. And, as icing on the cake, you’ll access all the features in iPlum’s standard plan.
iPlum doesn’t just match Skype features. It also comes with niceties like auto-attendants, business-hour settings, team accounts, API integrations, and more—tools that make managing calls and messages far more efficient than Skype ever was.
How to Port/Transfer Your Skype Number to iPlum
Porting your Skype number to iPlum is a simple process. Once done, it will start working with iPlum, and you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Follow these steps to make the switch:
Step 1: Request a Port-Out from Skype
- Sign in to your Skype account.
- Navigate to Manage Features → Skype Number.
- Check if a port-out option is available.
- Contact Skype Support and request a port-out PIN or Account Number if needed.
- Unlock your number before porting (iPlum requires you unlock your Skype number if linked to a digital provider like Google Voice).
⚠️ Important: Since Skype is shutting down, act quickly before losing your number.
Step 2: Sign Up or Log In to iPlum
- If you’re new to iPlum, choose “Port Existing Number” and enter your Skype Number.
- The system will show you a “Congratulations” message if your number is eligible for porting.
Step 3: Open an iPlum Account (If Your Number is Eligible for Porting)
- Set up your iPlum account, using a physical mobile number.
Note — iPlum does not allow account setup using virtual numbers. However, you can port your virtual number after setting up the account.
- Proceed with the number transfer after setting up your account as explained in step 4 below.
Step 4: Fill Out the Port-In Form
- Select the iPlum line where you want to port your Skype Number.
- Enter your Skype account details, including: - carrier name, account number, security code/pin and service address
- Upload Required Documents (if needed):
- Some transfers require a Letter of Authorization (LOA) and a copy of your Skype billing statement.
- iPlum provides an LOA template to download, sign, and upload.
Step 5: Wait for the Porting to Complete
- Porting usually takes 2-5 business days.
- You’ll get an email notification once the transfer is complete.
- Your Skype Number will stop working on Skype and start working on iPlum.
Step 6: Download and Start Using iPlum
- Install the iPlum app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Log in and start using the number you transferred with iPlum.
Step 7: Confirm Cancellation with Skype
- Once your number is active on iPlum, log back into Skype.
- Cancel any Skype subscriptions or services linked to that number to avoid future charges.
- Confirm with Skype Support that your account is no longer billed for the number (this will not be necessary, though).
Porting/transfering your Skype Number to iPlum lets you keep your number active.
In addition, it gives you access to iPlum’s powerful tools, such as voicemail transcription, secure texting, auto-attendants, and more.
Skype won’t keep your number forever, so transfer it now before it’s too late.
Click the button below to transfer/port your Skype number to iPlum today.
2. Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone is a cloud-based business phone system built into the Zoom ecosystem. It offers VoIP, SMS, call forwarding, auto-attendants, and integrations with popular business tools.
Zoom Phone vs Skype
Skype made business calls easy. Log in, dial a number, and talk.
Zoom Phone, on the other hand, is ideal for companies that want an all-in-one system tied to their video conferencing suite. That makes Zoom Phone a good alternative to Skype if your team spends significant time in Zoom meetings.
On the flip side, if your businesses require a simple but reliable phone system, Zoom Phone can feel like overkill. Not every call needs to be tied to a meeting link or routed through a complex dashboard.
Zoom Phone relies entirely on an internet connection. No Wi-Fi? No calls. Skype has similar limitations. That’s why we’re vouching for iPlum as the best Skype alternatives for phone calls. With iPlum, you can switch between VoIP and carrier networks for better reliability.
Then there’s pricing.
Zoom Phone offers a monthly per-user subscription, with extra fees for outbound calling. This makes sense for large organizations, not small businesses or solopreneurs looking for a business-friendly second line.
iPlum, for example, offers a second business line, international calling, and compliance features without the corporate price tag.
That said, Zoom Phone can be a worthwhile Skype alternative if your business already relies on Zoom for daily operations. It integrates well with Zoom Meetings, making it convenient for teams that need a unified communication system.
However, Zoom Phone locks you into a structured corporate setup, which may not suit users who simply need a second business number for calls and texts.
If that’s a dealbreaker, iPlum offers a flexible, cost-effective alternative. It gives you a standalone business line and innovative features without tying you to a larger system you don’t need.
3. Google Voice
Google Voice is a cloud-based phone service that provides users with a free United States number for calls, texts, and voicemail.
It’s popular among freelancers and small businesses looking for a basic business line for calls and texting.
Google Voice vs Skype
We’re only including Google Voice in this list of the best Skype alternatives because it offers a free-for-ever plan.
However, free also means limited capabilities. For instance, the account does not allow international calls. It doesn’t give you access to features like auto attendants or ring groups either.
And since it integrates with Google Workspace, it’s a good choice if you’re already using Gmail, Calendar, and Google Meet.
As the name suggests, Google Voice focuses primarily on voice calls and texts, so it’s a viable option if you don’t need Skype’s video and screen sharing features.
Users praise Google Voice for its simple, user-friendly design, especially if you’re familiar with Google’s tools. While Skype offers more features, its interface can feel cluttered, which can mean a steep learning curve.
It is important to note that Google Voice, like Skype, relies heavily on internet connectivity. We’ve read Google Voice reviews of users complaining about the platform’s poor-quality video and voice calls, so that’s something to keep in mind.
We’re not taking anything away from Google Voice as a Skype alternative. However, its limitations in international calling, business features, and call reliability leave room for more robust options.
Choose Google Voice if you need a free standard phone line for calls and texts, especially if you frequently use Google Workspace.
However, if security, scalability, and advanced business are priorities, iPlum is a strong alternative to Skype. With features like HIPAA compliance, toll-free numbers, and a cloud phone system, it gives you the edge you need to keep your communication professional, secure, and unrestricted.
4. FaceTime
FaceTime is Apple’s built-in video and audio calling app. It claims to deliver high-quality conversations. The platform has features like spatial audio, screen sharing, and SharePlay for watching movies or listening to music.
FaceTime vs Skype
FaceTime may offer crisp video calls, robust device integration, and fun extras like Portrait Mode and animated reactions. This makes it a decent Skype alternative for casual users.
Furthermore, the ability to leave video voicemails and collaborate on documents mid-call is a nice touch.
But here’s the kicker.
While FaceTime is good for personal use, it’s still tied to the Apple world, making it less flexible for cross-platform or business communication. Thus, when it comes to replacing Skype’s full functionality, FaceTime has some gaps.
It lacks business features like call recording, voicemail transcription, and SMS messaging. Moreover, it doesn’t support a dedicated phone number, meaning you can’t use it as a second line.
Plus, if your team or clients rely on Android or Windows, FaceTime can feel more like a workaround than a real solution. Therefore, if you’re looking for a Skype alternative for Android, consider an option like iPlum.
The solution offers a second phone line, call recording, and HIPAA-compliant texting. More importantly, it lets you route your calls and messages to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Thus, you can use iPlum on iOS, Android, and desktop.
5. Viber
Viber promises to make conversations feel natural with its mix of messaging, calling, and expressive features.
It offers free text, voice, video calls, and extras like stickers, GIFs, and disappearing messages. Meanwhile, Communities allow users to join public groups based on shared interests.
Viber vs Skype
Viber pops with free messaging, group calls, and fun communication features.
It’s a great option for casual chats, offering quality voice and video calls that rival Skype’s. Plus, the ability to edit or delete seen messages and set disappearing texts adds a level of control that Skype never had.
The platform also supports international calls to any number via Viber Out. However, this feature, while an excellent addition, has some blind spots, especially if you’re looking for a Skype alternative for international calls.
For starters, Viber Out lacks business essentials like call recording, dedicated phone numbers, and compliance-focused texting.
Sure, it syncs across multiple devices, but its primary focus is still personal and social communication rather than professional use. And although Viber encrypts messages, it doesn’t offer industry-specific compliance tools like HIPAA-ready solutions for those who need secure business communication.
That’s what makes iPlum a solid alternative to Skype for business calls.
Besides providing a second line, call recording, and compliance features, it also boasts VoIP capabilities, which make it a serious choice for users who want more than casual messaging.
Skype’s Gone — Switch to a Better Alternative Today
Skype is shutting down, but your number doesn’t have to.
With iPlum, you can port your Skype number and access powerful features Skype never offered.
Get a HIPAA-compliant mobile second line (for US and Canada), call recording compliance, a cloud phone system, fax solutions, and even a toll-free vanity number—all in one app.
In addition, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear calls without being tied to Wi-Fi.
Switching is easy. Simply port your existing Skype number to get started.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
