Skype
Microsoft's pioneering video calling app, retired in May 2025 in favour of Microsoft Teams Free.
- Verified facts
- 3 of 3
- Alternatives ranked
- 9
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
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Skype has been discontinued. Retired by Microsoft on 5 May 2025; users were moved to Microsoft Teams Free.
About Skype
Skype was one of the first mainstream internet calling apps, launched in 2003 and bought by Microsoft in 2011. For years it was the default way to make free video calls to friends and family around the world, and to call ordinary phone numbers cheaply with Skype Credit or a Skype Number. Microsoft gradually moved its focus to Microsoft Teams and retired Skype on 5 May 2025. Users could sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with their Skype credentials to carry over contacts and chats, or export their data; paid features were withdrawn from new customers, and Skype Number subscriptions ended in May 2026. The skype.com address now leads to Microsoft Teams. Skype for Business was a separate product and isn't covered here. Skype is listed because many people still search for a replacement. Teams Free is Microsoft's intended successor, while Zoom, Google Meet and personal messaging apps cover most former uses.
Best for: Nobody now; former users should move to Teams Free or another calling app.
Pros and cons
What works
- Contacts and chats could be migrated to Teams Free
- Data export was offered
- Long history as a familiar calling app
Why people leave
- Retired in May 2025
- Paid calling features withdrawn
- Skype Number subscriptions ended in May 2026
Top Skype alternatives
See all 9- 1
Zoom Workplace62.6Familiar video calls with a free plan for short group meetings.
- 2
Google Meet59.6Free browser-based calls for anyone with a Google account.
- 3
Jitsi Meet57.2Free, open-source calls with no account needed.
- 4
Discord50.0Free voice and video calls for friends and communities.
- 5
Microsoft Teams44.0Microsoft's official successor; Skype accounts sign straight into Teams Free.
Why people left Skype
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Skype, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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Skype: common questions
Is Skype free?
Yes, Skype is free to use.
Is Skype open source?
No, Skype is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Jitsi Meet and Signal.
What platforms does Skype run on?
Skype is available for Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Skype?
The highest-ranked Skype alternatives right now are Zoom Workplace, Google Meet and Jitsi Meet. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.