7 Best VoIP Alternatives to Skype in 2025

Last Updated on October 27, 2025

If you’re a business owner relying on Skype, it’s high time you looked ahead.

With the evolving communication landscape and Microsoft gradually shifting away from Skype, it’s time to find an alternative that suits your business needs.

The thing that matters the most today is finding a reliable and future-ready VoIP platform.

So, whether you’re managing a remote team, supporting customers globally, or just simply need crystal-clear VoIP calls, the first thing you’ll want to boost your working efficiency is a platform capable of replacing Skype.

Looking for a Skype replacement right now?

Start your 7-day trial with Air Landline today!

As a business owner, you deserve to experience professional-grade VoIP for all the hard work you do every day! 

Now, let’s get to the real deal and explore why Skype is out of the market —and what the best Skype alternatives are for your business.

What Is Going on With Skype?

Skype, once a trailblazer in VoIP and video calling, is officially retiring in May 2025.

Since its acquisition by Microsoft in 2011, the platform has seen numerous shifts.

However, in recent years, Microsoft’s focus has clearly moved toward Microsoft Teams.

Honestly, it’s a platform better suited for today’s collaborative work environments. 

From March 2025, users will be able to log into Microsoft Teams Free with their Skype credentials.

Microsoft will also transfer chats and contacts as it aims to establish Teams as the main communication app going forward.

They’ll also officially pull the plug on Skype for Business Server 2016 and 2019 in October 2025.

While Skype was once the go-to for VoIP calls, Skype calls, and basic instant messaging, it’s not a secret that now it is widely seen as outdated.

Businesses that relied on it for daily communication started to find it less and less reliable over time.

Gotta give credit where it’s due; the competitors have worked hard to become the best Skype alternatives available today.

For a long time, users had been reporting several ongoing issues with Skype. Some of the most frustrating ones included:

• The call quality was poor compared to modern platforms
• Limited business-grade features
• Weak integration with current remote work and video conferencing tools
• Uncertainty over managing or transferring a Skype number
  

The writing is on the wall: Skype is being phased out. The businesses relying on the platform should now move on.

You need a scalable virtual phone system that allows you to handle local operations and make frequent international calls without any tiresome worry constantly hanging over your head. 

So, what’s next?

By now, it’s obvious you’re looking for the best options to replace Skype. Our advice is to go through our recommended list of powerful VoIP solutions that can be altered to your business needs. 

What’s Replacing Skype?

As Skype approaches retirement, business owners need not worry about other communication tools available in the market.

The platform was once synonymous with VoIP calls, Skype calls, and instant messaging, but it gradually fell behind modern standards, similar to how Nokia reached its endgame after the arrival of smartphones. 

Skype’s once-groundbreaking features have been quite easily surpassed by platforms designed for today’s fast-paced remote work settings.

While Microsoft Teams is a natural choice for businesses deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, it is understandable that it can’t be the most suitable option for every company.

Many small to medium-sized enterprises are on the lookout for options that are cheap, easy to use, and manage. 

The relieving thing is that modern VoIP platforms are actually great at being more than just a Skype replacement.

They deliver VoIP calls, instant messaging, international calling, and smart app integration. 

To make it sound like a jackpot, they even come with business-grade features, including multi-level auto-attendants and CRM syncing.

Let’s explore the top solutions that are stepping up as the go-to choices for businesses now that Skype is almost gone:

• Air Landline:  A robust VoIP service for business owners. It offers a virtual phone system, UK-based numbers, and exceptional call quality. It’s great for both teams working remotely and running customer support. Air Landline comes with a 7-day trial to get started right away.
• Zoom Workplace:  An evolved platform offering much more than just meetings. This COVID find is great for webinars, team calls, and integrated video conferencing.
• Microsoft Teams: The official successor to Skype, with butter-like integration across Microsoft 365, chat, and video conferencing. However, the fact can’t be ignored that it feels overwhelming for smaller teams.
• Google Voice & Google Meet: Great options for businesses using Google Workspace. They cover voice calls, chat, and video conferencing all in one ecosystem.
• Viber app: Popular for personal and small business communication. Viber is famous for supporting international calls, file sharing, and secure messaging.
• WhatsApp: Useful for smaller teams or client-facing professionals needing quick and mobile-first chat and calling.
  

It is understandable that the transition might feel sudden, but the market today offers far better solutions than Skype ever could.

The biggest plus point is that modern VoIP platforms are also integrating AI to enhance communication. 

Skype for Business Alternatives

We have picked out the best Skype for Business alternatives out of the 1,000s of options available in today’s market.

From feature-oozing platforms to budget-friendly solutions, we present you with the seven best Skype alternatives that will make your business communication elevate from good to great:

1. Air Landline
2. Microsoft Teams
3. Zoom
4. Google Hangouts
5. Discord
6. Slack
7. Viber

Air Landline

Air Landline is a powerful, cloud-based phone system that was built keeping the needs of business owners, freelancers, and remote teams in mind.

It offers all the benefits of a traditional landline without actually having to own the physical hardware.

If you’re running a remote or hybrid business model, Air Landline lets you maintain a professional image.

Streamlining customer communications and centralising your business calls have never been this easy in this modern age. 

Pros of Air Landline

• Professional business number, be it local or national
• No need for hardware; just use your mobile phone
• Auto-attendant, call forwarding, and a whole heap of advanced call features come included
• Works perfectly across mobile networks and the internet
• Easy setup – you’ll start making calls in minutes
• A Trusted name by thousands of UK small businesses
  

Air Landline Pricing

Air Landline offers a straightforward plan at just £9.99 (+VAT) per month after the trial.

Our customers enjoy flexibility with no contracts, no cancellation fees, and no hidden charges.

Air Landline is perfect for businesses that need professional-level communication without the hassle.

Are you ready to get started? You can explore more about the pricing here.

Key Features

• Call Forwarding: With Air Landline, you’ll never miss an important business call as it provides call forwarding option.
• Auto Attendant: The package comes with professional call routing and automated greetings.
• Voicemail: The built-in voicemail comes with greetings that can be customised.#
• Local and National Numbers: Choose the number type that fits well with the nature and scale of your business.
• Mobile Diverts: Calls can be forwarded to your mobile for easy access.
• Call Recording: Calls can be recorded for the purposes of training and documentation.
• Voicemail Transcription: Voicemails can also be received as texts for easy follow-up when dealing with clients in bulk.
  

Can I Transfer My Skype Number to Air Landline?

Yes. Air Landline supports number porting. You can transfer your existing Skype number and continue with the regular operations without causing any interruption to your business.

Get a Virtual Landline Number With Air Landline

Are you thinking about coming across as more professional without getting into the hassle of investing in a traditional phone system?

With Air Landline, you can:

• Get a local number to build trust with loyal customers
• Get access to leading VoIP features
• Have a balanced work-life equation with the option of call scheduling at your disposal

Start your trial today. There’s no harm in testing a modern phone system that works for your business and not against it for a change!

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is Microsoft’s official successor to Skype for Business. It is designed with enterprise needs in mind.

You’ll get a combination of messaging, video meetings, and file collaboration all in a single interface.

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Teams

Pros:

• Microsoft Teams is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365
• It is powerful enough to cater large organisations
• It allows video conferencing and chat on one platform
  

Cons:

• It can feel overwhelming for small businesses to use
• Microsoft Teams can be a steep learning curve
• You can’t access all the features without a Microsoft 365 subscription
  

Microsoft Pricing

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic – $6/user/month: Includes online Office apps, 1TB storage, Microsoft Teams, and more.
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard – $12.50/user/month: Adds desktop apps, webinars, and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium – $22/user/month: Offers high security, device protection, and threat protection.
• Microsoft 365 Apps for Business – $8.25/user/month: Desktop apps and 1TB storage.

For more details, check Microsoft 365 Business plans.

Key Features

• Video and audio calls
• File sharing and co-authoring
• Calendar and task management
• Secure messaging and compliance tools

Zoom

Zoom has become a household name since the pandemic. It’s known for its smooth video conferencing.

It also offers VoIP solutions via Zoom Phone for business users.

Pros and Cons of Zoom

Pros:

• Excellent video and audio quality
• Easily scalable for small to large teams
• Easy to use and adopt
  

Cons:

• VoIP features are not as rich as the ones provided on Zoom Phone subscription
• It can get expensive with all the additional add-ons
  

Zoom Pricing 

• Basic: Free, includes 40-minute meetings, 100 participants, team chat, and limited document sharing.
• Pro: $13.33/month/user (annually), offers 30-hour meetings, 100 participants, 5GB cloud storage, AI companion, and live chat support.
• Business: $18.32/month/user (annually), supports 300 participants, unlimited whiteboard, scheduler, and extras like SSO and managed domains.

For detailed info, please visit Zoom Pricing.

Key Features

• HD video and voice calling
• Screen sharing and whiteboarding
• Meeting recordings
• Zoom Phone (optional VoIP add-on)

Best Alternatives to Skype for International Calls

Dealing with global clients and overseas remote team members has never been this easy.

The following  options offer reliable international call support: 

• Air Landline: It offers UK and international rates, which are actually affordable. Serves best for businesses needing landline and mobile communication options.
• Zoom: It has global dial-in numbers along with handy call features on Zoom Phone.
• Viber: It is a strong international VoIP provider that comes with a mobile-focused app for unlimited calls.

Google Chat & Google Meet

Google Hangouts is now evolving into Google Chat and Google Meet. Their focus is on a basic communication model that integrates well with Google Workspace.

Pros and cons of Google Hangouts

Pros:

• Free for personal use
• Easy for the users of Gmail and Google Calendar
• No installation required

Cons:

• Lacks tools specifically needed by businesses

Google Chat and Google Meet Pricing 

• Business Starter:  $6.30/user/month (1-year commitment): Includes 30 GB pooled storage per user and secure custom business email.
• Business Standard: $12.60/user/month (1-year commitment): Offers 2 TB pooled storage per user and secure custom business email.
• Business Plus: $22/user/month (1-year commitment): Provides 5 TB pooled storage per user, secure custom business email, eDiscovery, and retention.
• Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing: Includes 5 TB pooled storage per user, secure custom business email, eDiscovery, and retention.Discord 

Discord

Originally made for gamers, Discord is trying to evolve into a communication service for communities and creators. 

Pros and cons of Discord 

Pros:

• Free and rich features
• Great for teams operating internally
• Comes with excellent voice quality
  

Cons:

• It is not ideal for client-facing communication
• The branding is not business-centric
• Focused more on gaming rather than business communication.

Discord Pricing 

• Free: Discord is free to download and use. Its basic features are available to all users. Note that Discord is not intended for business use.
• Discord Nitro: Offers 50MB file uploads, custom emojis, unlimited Super Reactions, and a Nitro badge on your profile.
• Discord Nitro (with extra features): Includes 500MB file uploads, custom emojis, unlimited Super Reactions, HD video streaming, 2 Server Boosts, custom profiles, and more.

For more details, check Discord’s subscription options.

Key Features 

• Voice and video channels
• Group messaging
• Screen sharing
• Server customisation and bots

Slack

Slack is a team communication platform great for messaging. It also supports voice and video calls. 

Pros and cons of Slack 

Pros:

• Very easy-to-grasp  interface
• Allows integrations with Google, Zoom, etc.
• Channels help with keeping the conversations organised
  

Cons:

• Native calling features are limited
• It can become difficult to use without good management
  

Slack Pricing 

• Free – $0/month: Includes 90 days of message history, 10 app integrations, 1:1 audio and video meetings, 1:1 messages with external people, and 1 workspace.
• Pro – $8.75/user/month (50% off for 3 months): Features unlimited message history, unlimited app integrations, group audio and video meetings, 1 workspace, unlimited workflows, and Slack AI add-on.
• Business+ – $15/user/month: Adds user provisioning, SAML-based single sign-on, data exports for all messages, unlimited workspaces, and Slack AI add-on.
• Enterprise Grid – Contact sales for pricing: Offers unlimited workspaces, support for data loss prevention, HIPAA-compliant collaboration, custom templates, and more high security and compliance features.
  

For more details, check Slack’s subscription options.

Key Features 

• Messaging, file sharing, voice/video calls
• Integrates with 2,000+ apps
• Custom workflows
• Secure team collaboration
  

Viber

Viber is another great Skype alternative for international communication.

Pros and cons of Viber 

Pros:

• You can make free app-to-app calls
• Viber supports international VoIP at low rates
• Works well on mobile
  

Cons:

• Viber may not be the best for big teams or businesses
• Not many features for those looking to use it professionally

Viber Pricing

Viber Out is a VoIP service that users use to call local and international landlines and mobile numbers.

The recipient doesn’t even need to be on Viber. It operates on a pre-paid credit system that can be purchased online.

The service is used for both personal and business communication. It works great on mobile devices, PCs, and Macs. 

For specific pricing in each country, check their website.

Key Features

• Video/voice calling
• Group chats and broadcast lists
• Encryption for privacy
• Viber Out for low-cost VoIP
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary – Best VoIP alternatives to Skype

Honestly, there are many VoIP platforms to choose from.

Switching to a solution that is more compatible with the current business needs is the smartest thing for solo entrepreneurs and growing businesses to do. 

It’s about time you ditch the old system and start your trial with Air Landline today!