Ask the Techspert: Top Apps to Replace Skype

Long before the smartphone boom, Skype, launched in 2003, revolutionized video calls over the internet by making it widely accessible for the first time. It became a staple for connecting families, friends, and colleagues worldwide. However, as of May 2025, Microsoft will retire Skype and transition users to Microsoft Teams. If you’re looking for alternatives, here are some user-friendly options to consider.

Microsoft Teams (Best for Work and Family)

Microsoft Teams is the official successor to Skype. You can already sign into Teams using your Skype credentials, and your contacts and chat history will transfer automatically. Like Skype, Teams offers free calling and messaging, along with new features such as meetings and communities. You can use Teams in a browser by going to teams.microsoft.com or through its apps, available on iOS, Android, and computers.

To make a call on Teams:

• Open the Teams app (or the Teams website on your computer)
• Tap or click Chat, select a contact, and tap or click the video camera icon to start the call

Zoom (Best for Work)

Zoom is widely used for professional meetings thanks to its reliability and robust features, but it can also be a good option for personal calls. To make a call on Zoom:

• Open the Zoom app (on your phone or computer)
• Tap or click New Meeting, then choose Start a Meeting or Start with Video
• To invite someone, tap or click Participants, then Invite, and select how you’d like to send the invitation

FaceTime (Best for Apple Users)

FaceTime is the built-in video calling app for Apple devices, making it a convenient choice for Apple users.

To make a FaceTime call:

• Open the FaceTime app
• Tap the “+” button
• Enter the contact’s name, email, or phone number
• Tap the video camera icon to start the video call

Google Meet (Best for Google Users and Work)

Google Meet integrates well with other Google tools like Gmail and Google Calendar, so it’s easy to use if you already have a Google account. It also comes pre-installed on most Android phones, making it a good option for both personal and work video calls.

To make a call on Google Meet:

• Open the Google Meet app (on mobile) or go to meet.google.com (on a computer)
• Tap or click New Meeting
• Choose to start an instant meeting or schedule one for later

Signal (Best for Privacy-Conscious Users)

Signal is a simple, secure app for private messaging and video calls. Everything you send—whether it’s a text, voice message, or video call—is protected with end-to-end encryption, so only you and the person you’re talking to can see or hear it. Plus, Signal doesn’t collect your personal data and has no ads or tracking. It’s a great choice if privacy is your top concern when staying in touch.

To make a call on Signal:

• Open the Signal app
• Tap on a contact
• Tap the video camera icon to start a video call

WhatsApp (Best for International Calls)

WhatsApp is widely used around the world and offers free international video calls over the internet. All calls and messages are protected with end-to-end encryption, helping to keep your conversations private and secure.

To make a call on WhatsApp:

• Open the WhatsApp app
• Tap on a contact
• Tap the video camera icon to start a call

What’s Next?

In addition to video calling, all of the apps mentioned above are excellent for messaging individuals or groups. To learn more about group messaging, check out my previous Techspert article on the topic here.

Interested in learning how to host meetings on Zoom? Join our upcoming Introduction to Hosting on Zoom or All Things Zoom online classes.

Also, join the Everything Tech and Ask a Tech Expert groups on the Senior Planet Community platform to ask any tech questions you might have and discuss technologies with other like-minded individuals.

If you need help getting started with any of these apps, don’t hesitate to call the Senior Planet National Hotline at 888-713-3495.

Your Turn

Share your preferred video calling app in the comments below!

Photo: Mojahid Mottakin – stock.adobe.com

 

Techspert Jonathan is Senior Planet’s Sr. Digital Community Relations and Product Specialist and a former Senior Planet San Antonio technology trainer. He is also an iOS developer with a background in Information Systems and Cyber Security.

Have a tech question that’s got you stumped? Send your tech questions to Techspert Jonathan using THIS FORM. He’ll be tackling one question a month from readers.