Microsoft has announced it will retire Skype in May 2025, ending the once-ubiquitous free VoIP service that many individuals relied on. In a public post, Microsoft encouraged Skype users to migrate to Microsoft Teams (Free). However, Teams is geared more towards collaboration and does not offer the simple personal phone-calling features (like SkypeOut dialing or Skype Numbers) that many individuals want.
Most VoIP providers today target businesses with expensive, complex plans. Fortunately, a few user-friendly, cost-effective VoIP services for individuals do exist.
Top VoIP Services to Replace Skype
Below we highlight the best Skype replacements for personal use – services that provide worldwide calling, texting, mobile apps, and support number porting (so you can keep your old Skype number). Each is compared to Skype in terms of features, benefits, limitations, and pricing.
Google Voice
Google Voice is a free internet calling service from Google. Like Skype, it provides voice over IP calling and SMS texting through an app or web browser. Google Voice is especially comparable to Skype for domestic calling – it lets you call regular phone numbers and send texts at no cost, but is currently limited to users in the United States. Skype’s strength was international calling, whereas Google Voice shines for U.S. users with its seamless integration into Google’s ecosystem.
Why Google Voice is a Good Skype Alternative
- Free Calling & Texting (U.S.) – Google Voice offers free unlimited calling and SMS texting to any U.S. or Canadian number. This mirrors Skype’s free Skype-to-Skype calls, but with Voice you can also call real phones domestically for free.
- Personal Phone Number – You get a dedicated phone number that can forward to your mobile. It works like Skype Number did, allowing others to reach you on a regular number.
- Voicemail & Transcription – Includes voicemail with automatic transcription to text, similar to Skype’s voicemail feature (and more advanced in converting speech to text).
- Multi-Device Access – Google Voice works on Android, iOS, and web browsers. You can place/receive calls on your smartphone or computer, much like Skype’s multi-platform support.
- Low International Rates – While not free globally, international per-minute rates are very cheap (often just a few cents), comparable to Skype’s pay-as-you-go rates for calling abroad.
What You Should Know
- U.S.-Only Availability – Google Voice is officially available only to users in the U.S. (and Google-provided phone numbers are U.S. based). Individuals outside the U.S. cannot easily get a local number, making it a poor choice for non-U.S. residents.
- No Emergency Calling – Google Voice is not a full replacement for a traditional phone line; 911 emergency calling is limited or unavailable, as with Skype.
- Verification Issues – Some banks and services won’t accept VoIP numbers like Google Voice for SMS verification. Short-code texts (e.g. two-factor codes) often do not work with Google Voice numbers – a drawback it shares with Skype’s SMS in certain countries.
- Requires Google Account – You must have a Google account to use it, and the number is tied to that account. All texting/calling goes through the Google Voice app, not your phone’s native dialer.
- Limited Support – Support is mostly self-service forums. Like Skype, Google Voice is a free service, so direct customer support is minimal.
Pricing
Google Voice (Personal) is free – there are no monthly fees for personal use of the service. Calls and texts within the U.S. and Canada cost $0.00. International calls incur per-minute charges (for example, about $0.01/min to the UK). There’s a one-time $20 fee if you choose to port your existing mobile number into Google Voice. Aside from pay-as-you-go credits for international calls, you won’t pay anything to use Google Voice as an individual.
Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone is the cloud telephony add-on to the popular Zoom video platform. While Skype focused on free consumer video chats, Zoom Phone is a modern VoIP phone system that can work for individuals or families. It offers high-quality voice calling to regular numbers worldwide via the Zoom app, essentially expanding Zoom beyond video meetings. Compared to Skype, Zoom Phone brings enterprise-grade reliability (Zoom’s infrastructure) and optional unlimited international calling plans – albeit at a higher cost than consumer Skype was.
Why Zoom Phone is a Good Skype Alternative
- Worldwide Reach – Zoom Phone supports local numbers in 40+ countries and lets you call internationally. It’s designed for global communication, much as Skype was known for worldwide calling.
- SMS & MMS Support – You can send and receive SMS/MMS text messages using your Zoom Phone number (currently domestic texting is supported in many regions). This is an advantage over Skype, which has limited SMS capabilities.
- High Call Quality – Built on Zoom’s infrastructure, call quality is typically excellent and on par with Zoom’s HD video/audio standards. It’s more reliable and scalable than Skype’s aging P2P network.
- Seamless with Zoom Meetings – Unique to Zoom Phone, you can upgrade a phone call to a Zoom video meeting with one click. This integration is great if you frequently shift between voice calls and video chats (a scenario Skype also handled but within one app).
- Cross-Platform Apps – Zoom Phone works through the same Zoom app on your desktop or mobile. If you already use Zoom, adding Phone means no new app to install – it’s all integrated (PC, Mac, iOS, Android).
What You Should Know
- Paid Subscription Only – Unlike Skype (which had free options), Zoom Phone is a paid service – you’ll need a Zoom account and to subscribe to a calling plan. There is no free outgoing calling tier for individuals.
- Setup Complexity – Because it’s derived from a business phone system, initial setup (choosing a plan, assigning a number, configuring 911 address, etc.) is more involved than Skype’s plug-and-play approach.
- Zoom Account Required – You must use it with a Zoom account. If you don’t already use Zoom, this adds an extra app/account to manage (though the basic Zoom Meetings plan can remain free).
- Primarily Voice (No Chat) – Zoom Phone is focused on voice calls and SMS. It doesn’t offer the richer IM/chat, file sharing, or presence features that Skype had – those are handled in Zoom Chat or other apps.
Cost for International – While international calling can be unlimited with the top plan, lower-tier plans charge per minute for calls abroad. If you make a lot of international calls, ensure you choose the appropriate plan or expect additional fees.
Pricing
Zoom Phone offers three individual-friendly plans (billed per user, per month):
- US & Canada Metered – $10/month: Provides a U.S./Canada local phone number. You pay per minute for outbound calls (rates vary by country). Includes unlimited SMS within the U.S./Canada.
- US & Canada Unlimited – $15/month: Includes a U.S./Canada number with unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada. SMS is included. International calls outside North America cost extra per minute.
- Pro Global Select – $20/month: Lets you choose a number in over 40 countries and includes unlimited calling in 40+ countries (covers most of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific). This plan is ideal if you need to call and receive calls worldwide.
All plans come with standard features (voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, etc.) and support number porting (you can transfer your existing phone number into Zoom Phone).
Note: Zoom Phone is contract-free for single users – you can cancel anytime, but fees are monthly. Taxes and E911 fees may apply on top of the base price.
Quicktalk
Quicktalk is a newer VoIP provider originally designed for small businesses, but it works perfectly for solo users. It stands out as a pay-as-you-go friendly service that, like Skype, supports low-cost international calling and virtual numbers. In fact, Quicktalk directly pitches itself as a modern replacement for Skype’s discontinued phone features. Compared to Skype, Quicktalk offers a simple all-in-one plan (including unlimited calling to many countries and texting) with an easy app-based setup.
Why Quicktalk is a Good Skype Alternative
- Simple Setup & Use – Quicktalk is ready to go in minutes: no hardware required, just install the mobile or desktop app and you get a working phone number. It’s as straightforward as installing Skype, with no technical configuration needed.
Unlimited Calling Plan – For a flat monthly rate, Quicktalk gives you unlimited calls to 36 destinations (USA, Canada, most of Europe, China, Australia, and more). This mirrors Skype’s subscription plans but covers multiple countries in one plan. - Text Messaging Included – All Quicktalk plans include SMS texting capability. You can send and receive texts on your Quicktalk number via the app, a feature only partially supported by Skype (which lacked full two-way SMS in many cases).
- Number Porting Support – If you have a Skype Number or any other number, Quicktalk’s team will port it in for free. They have handled hundreds of Skype number transfers, making the transition seamless.
- Cross-Platform Calling – You can make and receive calls on any device – use your computer for VoIP calls or forward calls to your mobile phone. Quicktalk’s flexibility here is similar to Skype’s, ensuring you never miss calls while on the go.
What You Should Know
- Requires Subscription – Quicktalk does not have a free tier; it’s a paid service (though very affordable). If you’re looking for a completely free solution, this isn’t it.
- Designed for Business – The app includes some business-oriented features (voicemail greeting, call routing menus, etc.) that individual users may not need. While you can ignore them, the interface is a bit more "business phone system" than Skype’s consumer-friendly UI.
- Internet Only – Quicktalk is purely VoIP. If your internet is down, you don’t have an integrated fallback (though you can set calls to forward to your cell number when offline). Ensure you have a reliable internet connection for it to work well, as with any VoIP service.
- Relatively New Provider – Quicktalk is a newer company. Unlike established names (Google, Zoom, etc.), it doesn’t have a decades-long track record. Early user reviews are positive, but as a young service, expect more frequent app updates and improvements.
- No Video/Chat – Quicktalk is strictly for phone calls and texts. It won’t replace Skype’s video calling or chat functionality – you’d use other apps for those. It focuses on being a great voice line and SMS provider.
Pricing
Quicktalk keeps pricing very straightforward: $9 per month for a solo user includes one phone number with unlimited calling and texting. This plan covers calling to 36 countries at no extra charge, which is a huge value (Skype’s subscriptions, in comparison, often charged per country or region).
If you need to add additional users or numbers, Quicktalk has a $19/month plan for up to 3 users (and $10/month for each extra user beyond that)– but single individuals only need the $9 plan.
There are no contracts and no hidden fees. Number porting is fully supported (and free), and you can also choose new numbers in various countries or even get toll-free numbers.
International destinations beyond the included 36 can still be reached with low per-minute rates (Quicktalk provides pay-as-you-go credit for those uncommon destinations). Overall, it’s a flat, predictable cost for almost all your calling needs.
MagicJack
MagicJack is a long-running VoIP service known for its inexpensive home phone device. It’s a compelling Skype alternative for individuals who want a very low-cost, traditional-style phone service. Like Skype, MagicJack allows unlimited VoIP calls to regular phones, and it also supports an app for calling and texting. The big difference is MagicJack uses a subscription model (annual or monthly) instead of Skype’s credit system, and it’s heavily focused on North America calling. It’s an ideal replacement if you used Skype primarily for cheap calls to the U.S. or Canada.
Why MagicJack is a Good Skype Alternative
- Ultra-Low Cost Unlimited Calling – MagicJack offers unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada for a fraction of what most services charge. The annual plan costs roughly $39/year (about $3.25/month), which was similar to or even cheaper than Skype’s old monthly unlimited plans.
- Works with Regular Phones – Uniquely, you can plug a landline phone into the MagicJack device to use your internet for calls. This means you can use a normal telephone handset to make VoIP calls, which might appeal if you’re replacing a home phone line (Skype requires a computer or special phone).
- Companion Mobile App – MagicJack’s app (for iOS/Android) lets you use your MagicJack number on your smartphone too. You can make/receive calls and even text message US/Canadian numbers through the app. In essence, it gives you Skype-like portability – your number works wherever you have internet.
- Keep or Get a Number – You can choose a new U.S. phone number or port your existing number to MagicJack to keep it. Many former Skype users with a Skype Number appreciate that MagicJack allows number transfers (porting in a number may require the annual device plan).
- Free App-to-App Calls – Similar to Skype’s free user-to-user calls, MagicJack users can call each other for free worldwide. The MagicApp will let you call any other MagicJack user (or any number on your plan) at no cost, which is great for families or friends who all switch over.
What You Should Know
- Geographic Focus – MagicJack’s unlimited calling is mainly for U.S. and Canadian numbers. Calling other countries requires purchasing prepaid international credits. If you need cheap international calls beyond North America, other services may be more convenient.
- No International SMS – The MagicApp supports texting, but only to U.S. mobile numbers. It does not support texting international numbers or short code messages (e.g., verification texts from banks won’t come through on MagicJack). This is a limitation if you text globally.
- Hardware vs. App Plans – MagicJack comes in two flavors: the classic device (plugs into your router or computer) which includes a year of service and supports number porting, and the newer app-only subscription (no device needed, just the mobile app). Note that porting your number is not available on the app-only plan – you’d need the device service to port in a number.
- Limited 911 Service – MagicJack is not a true landline replacement for emergency calls. You can register an address for 911, but power or internet outages will cut off service, and 911 calls may not work without proper setup. This is similar to the caution for Skype and other VoIP products.
- Support and Reliability – MagicJack is a budget service, and its customer support and voice quality can sometimes reflect that. Users report that call quality is generally good, but can vary if internet bandwidth is poor. Support is mainly via online chat or FAQ – there is no in-person Microsoft Store or extensive helpdesk, as Skype users also experienced.
Pricing
MagicJack is one of the cheapest options available. It offers a magicApp Premium subscription available via the Apple/Google app stores at around $5/month and provides a U.S. number with unlimited calling and texting through the app.
Number porting is supported (generally for the device plan; a $19 one-time fee applies to port your existing number into MagicJack).
International calling is pay-as-you-go: you purchase prepaid credits in your account for calling worldwide (rates per minute vary by country, e.g. a few cents per minute to many popular destinations). Overall, MagicJack’s pricing is hard to beat if your calls are primarily within North America.
iPlum
iPlum is a mobile-first VoIP service that provides a dedicated second phone line for calling and texting. It was designed for professionals and small businesses, but it works excellently for individuals who need a personal phone number in the cloud. In the post-Skype era, iPlum fills the gap of letting users call any phone number worldwide and send texts from an app, while keeping costs low. Compared to Skype, iPlum doesn’t offer video calls, but it adds many phone-centric features (like spam blocking, call recording, auto-attendant) and has strong security. It’s a solid alternative if you want a full-service personal phone line that isn’t tied to a device or carrier.
Why iPlum is a Good Skype Alternative
- Global Calling Capabilities – iPlum allows you to make and receive calls from any number worldwide, addressing the shutdown of Skype’s ability to call regular phones. You can reach mobiles and landlines internationally by dialing through the app (pay per minute or via bundles, similar to how SkypeOut worked).
- Calling & Texting in One App – Like Skype, iPlum combines voice calling and messaging. You get a real phone number that supports unlimited texting (SMS) and calling. This means one app covers both your call and text communications, just as Skype had chat and calls unified.
- Multi-Country Numbers – iPlum lets you choose phone numbers from over 20 countries (including US, Canada, UK, Australia, and others). If you need a local number outside your country or a specific area code (much like Skype Numbers offered), iPlum provides that flexibility.
- Mobile and Desktop Access – iPlum is primarily a smartphone app, but it also has a web interface and can forward calls to other phones. It’s built for on-the-go use, much as Skype was used on mobiles and PCs alike. You can talk or text from your iPlum number on your personal cell phone without swapping SIMs.
- Feature-Rich Phone Line – Beyond basics, iPlum offers features like voicemail transcriptions, call recording (with 12-month storage), auto-replies, and even HIPAA-compliant secure texting. Many of these were not available in Skype, giving power users more control over their personal line.
What You Should Know
- Not Completely Free – iPlum is a paid service (though inexpensive). There is no unlimited free calling tier; you either pay a low monthly fee for a package or add credits for pay-as-you-go. It’s designed as a professional tool, so unlike Skype or WhatsApp, you won’t get by forever without spending.
- Mobile-First Experience – The service is optimized for mobile use. While there is a web interface, iPlum doesn’t have a dedicated desktop app like Skype did. Heavy desktop users might find it less convenient, though you can configure call forwarding to a landline or use a SIP client in some plans.
- Regional Bundle Limits – iPlum’s base plans typically include unlimited calling in the US/Canada. International calls are charged per minute unless you purchase specific bundles or credits. If you are used to Skype’s unlimited world subscriptions, note that iPlum might require per-minute fees for many countries (though rates are competitive).
- Incoming Text Verification – As a VOIP-based number, iPlum can have similar limitations as Skype or Google Voice when it comes to receiving short-code verification texts from certain services. Most normal SMS will work, but some automated systems might not recognize iPlum numbers as mobile.
- Customer Support – iPlum provides customer support via email and an online help center. There’s no live phone support for basic users. Given it’s a smaller company (not as large as Microsoft/Skype), major issues rely on contacting iPlum’s team online. On the flip side, they tend to release frequent updates and improvements based on user feedback.
Pricing
iPlum offers flexible plans. For a single individual, the most popular choice is the standard mobile line plan at $8.99 per month (when billed annually; about $11 if month-to-month). This includes a phone number in the US or Canada, unlimited calling within those countries, unlimited SMS texting, and all the calling features.
If you need a number in another country or international calling, iPlum lets you purchase numbers in over 20 countries (starting around $5/month) and offers pay-as-you-go credits or add-on bundles for international minutes.
Number porting is supported – you can port your existing mobile or landline number into iPlum to use it as your iPlum line (porting typically costs $10 one-time). There are no contracts; you can cancel or change your plan as needed.
Overall, iPlum’s pricing is straightforward: a small monthly fee for your line, and low per-minute costs for any international calls not included in your plan.
Choosing the Right Skype Replacement
Choosing the right Skype replacement depends on your specific needs. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Use Google Voice if you want a free personal number for calls/texts and you primarily call within the U.S. (great for cost-saving on domestic calls, though limited internationally).
- Use MagicJack if you need an ultra-low-cost home phone replacement for unlimited U.S/Canada calling – it’s perfect to keep a home phone or to port your old Skype Number cheaply (just note the texting and international limitations).
- Use Quicktalk if you want a global calling solution on a budget. Quicktalk is ideal for individuals who call overseas frequently or want an easy way to keep their number and get unlimited international minutes for a flat rate.
- Use Zoom Phone if you need a more robust, enterprise-grade service or a specific international number. It’s a bit pricier, but offers reliability and features (like native Zoom integration) that power users or remote professionals might value.
- Use iPlum if you’re looking for a versatile second line on your mobile with lots of features. It’s great for separating work/personal calls or having a number in another country, all while texting and calling from one app.
Each of these alternatives can help former Skype users stay connected without breaking the bank. Consider your calling patterns (domestic vs international), desired features, and budget to select the service that best matches your needs in the post-Skype era. With the options above, you’ll be well equipped to continue making voice calls over the internet long after Skype signs off.
