Best Skype Alternatives in 2026 (Free and Paid Options)

Skype was retired on May 5, 2025, and Microsoft moved its users to Microsoft Teams Free. The best Skype alternative depends on what you used Skype for: for free video and voice calls between apps, use Teams Free, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime; for a phone number like a Skype Number, use a second-number app such as AvoCall; and for calling landlines and mobiles abroad, use a calling app that shows the per-minute rate before you dial.

Pick a replacement by what you used Skype for

What happened to Skype

Microsoft's support page says: "As of May 5th, 2025, Skype is retired," and that "Skype users can move to Microsoft Teams Free." Paid Skype features lingered for existing subscribers, but Microsoft lists May 1, 2026 as the end of Skype subscription service. Details are on Microsoft's Skype retirement page.

That leaves three jobs Skype used to do in one app, and in 2026 they are usually best handled by different tools.

1. Free video and voice calls between apps

If you mostly made Skype-to-Skype calls, any modern calling app will do. The deciding factor is usually network effect: pick the app the people you call already have.

• Microsoft Teams Free is Microsoft's official path for former Skype users.
• WhatsApp is widely used for voice and video calls with family abroad.
• Zoom and Google Meet are good for scheduled group video calls.
• FaceTime is built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Free plans can limit group size or call length, and those limits change, so check each app's current terms if you host long group calls.

2. A phone number people can call: replacing a Skype Number

A Skype Number gave you a real phone number that rang in an app. The closest replacement in 2026 is a second-number app: a separate phone number that lives in an app on the phone you already have.

With AvoCall you get a US or Canada number that you choose by area code or city. Calls and texts arrive in the AvoCall app over Wi-Fi or mobile data, next to your existing SIM and number. People call it like any other local number, and calls and texts you place from the app use your AvoCall number by default, so your personal number stays private.

What it costs:

• One plan, AvoCall+, with unlimited US and Canada calls and texts (fair use policy applies), voicemail transcription, and no in-app ads.
• On the web it is $8/month billed annually ($96/year) or $15/month billed monthly.

App store prices can differ, so check current pricing before you buy.

If you want to keep the exact number you had on Skype, Microsoft says to contact your new carrier to port it. AvoCall does not currently offer number port-in, so with AvoCall you would pick a new number.

For a wider comparison, see the best second phone number apps, or compare AvoCall directly with Google Voice and TextNow.

3. Calling landlines and mobiles abroad: replacing Skype Credit

Skype Credit let you call ordinary phone numbers in other countries. Several apps still do this. When you compare them, check:

• Current destination availability. A country appearing on a rate list does not mean every number there is reachable. Confirm the destination is currently available before you add credit.
• The rate shown before calling. Mobile and landline rates can differ, and carrier pricing changes. Prefer an app that shows the rate before the call.
• Billing terms. Check whether you are buying wallet credit, a subscription, or both, and how cancellation and refunds work.

AvoCall can call supported international destinations using wallet credit, with the per-minute rate shown before you dial; purchased credit does not expire. You can browse current rates first. AvoCall+ includes 500 international minutes a month to Mexico, India, Brazil, Japan, Colombia and Vietnam; for other destinations, add wallet credit before you call.

A few things to check in any replacement

• Verification texts. Not every number app receives texts from short codes, the 5 and 6 digit numbers many sign-in codes come from. AvoCall numbers do, along with toll-free and regular numbers. Read can a virtual number receive verification texts?.
• Emergency calls. AvoCall does not support 911 or other emergency calls, and most internet calling apps have limits here. Keep your regular phone service for emergencies.
• Unused numbers. Many free second-number apps release a number after a period of inactivity. AvoCall+ keeps your number while you are subscribed.

Getting started

If you used Skype mainly to have a number people could reach, start with a second number: download AvoCall, pick your number, and keep your personal number private. If you are moving overseas, the guide to keeping a US number while living abroad covers the options in more detail.