Where can I talk over the phone other than Skype? Alternative versions of the Skype program - looking for a replacement

More recently, users all over the world used the wonderful Skype program to communicate with each other. The application, running on any platform, was capable of transmitting text messages in real time, using voice and video communication. But after Skype was acquired by Microsoft, many problems arose. First of all, the program has become more resource-demanding; now not every phone will be able to launch a video call. There is a problem with registration, which requires you to create a Microsoft account. The program is constantly advertising something. The time is not far off when Skype will become paid. Is there really no alternative for a computer with Windows and for Android? The focus of this article is a program similar to Skype.

Tender is announced

In order to find an analogue of Skype, you need to decide on the selection criteria - the functionality of the program and the platform on which the application should work.

1. Platform. The most popular platforms are Android, iOS and Microsoft. Linux and Blackberry are welcome, they are in the minority, but they also have the right to exist.
2. Sending text messages. This is the main requirement for the program, because correspondence gives users the opportunity not only to think carefully before writing, but also to keep a history of communication.
3. Voice communication in real time. Free communication from anywhere in the world not only saves money, but also brings pleasure.
4. Video communication. It is more of an entertaining nature, but it is a fairly popular function among users.
5. Creation of conferences. A very convenient functionality in business when you need to negotiate collectively or for holding seminars.
6. Resource requirements. The program should start quickly and use few resources. The important resources of a device are considered to be RAM, processor time, and a communication channel.

A holy place is never empty

Not long ago, an analogue of Skype called Viber was introduced to the world. In a short period of time, the application quickly spread among users and became very popular. So, how did the program win the hearts of millions of users?

1. The program is compatible with any platform. The joke that Viber is not installed except on the refrigerator means that owners of any mobile phones and operating systems on computers can use this wonderful program.
2. Text chat. It is unique - you can transmit not only text, but also pictures, video and audio messages.
3. Audio and video calls. The Viber program easily establishes a connection with the interlocutor and provides communication using the device’s video camera in real time.
4. Lots of useful little things. Simple registration linked to a mobile phone number. Synchronizing contacts, identifying owners of numbers who are already using Viber, and notifying them about the installation of the program. No advertising and absolutely free. If you have GPS on your phone, you can transmit your location to your interlocutor.

Small flaws in the Viber program

It's hard to believe, but they exist, and in Lately the developers are in no hurry to fix them. Although the application is compatible with any operating system, there are significant differences in Viber programs installed on different devices.

Owners of Android and iPhone are the luckiest ones - the entire range of services existing in Viber is open to them. Owners of BlackBerry with operating system version seven or lower are not able to transfer audio and video files. Owners of Microsoft and Bada operating systems will be left without an avatar and will join the owners of old BlackBerrys. Although the application was initially positioned as an analogue of Skype for Android, but in its work under the operating Windows systems and Linux would like more functionality and fully working contact synchronization.

An interesting offer for residents of Russia

This is not the first year that Russian residents have been using the “branded” service “Multifon” for communication, developed by specialists from the Megafon company. From year to year, Multifon acquires new capabilities, and the price for calls to mobile phones is rapidly approaching zero. The Russian analogue of Skype has only one significant drawback- “Multifon” is available only to subscribers of the “Megafon” network. But there are countless positive functions.

1. The program uses a SIP client, which allows you to use any SIP client, the same X-Lite or Fring, instead of the green “branded” program from Megafon, which are more flexibly configured and have more functions.
2. As in Skype, you can correspond, make video and audio calls completely free of charge between Megafon users.
3. Calls to mobile phones in GSM networks significantly lower than the tariffs of the same Skype. There are applications for any operating system, including workstations.
4. The Russian analogue of Skype allows you to record conversations during audio and video calls.

Another inexpensive solution from Russian programmers

If the use of video when communicating in real time is not critical, another Russian analogue of Skype, Beam, deserves positive user reviews. The program can conduct text correspondence and allows users to make calls within the network completely free of charge. Like Skype, the program can make calls to landline and mobile lines, and the price is significantly lower than its competitors. Users of the Beam program note the high quality of sound during communication. All this thanks to IP telephony, which is used in program code product.

There is also a negative in using the brainchild of Russian programmers, it is the only one, but it is quite significant - the application can only be installed on Android and IOS devices.

About social networks

It is no secret that sending messages, files, making audio and video calls can be done in the same Odnoklassniki, Google or the Mail.ru service. According to statistics, the number of users of social networks is an order of magnitude greater than the number of owners of the Skype program. But they do not use such a wonderful opportunity to communicate. What's the matter?

An analogue of Skype works through social network servers, which are already overloaded due to high traffic. Naturally, there is no question of any quality of voice or video transmission. The only thing you should pay attention to is the ability of the same Mail.ru to work on any platform, including mobile devices of the 2000s.

Players from all over the world, unite!

There is no way around the online gaming program called RaidCall. The Skype analogue for Windows was not chosen by players by chance. It's unlikely to be found free program, capable of organizing real-time audio conferences for large quantity of people. The program's interface may look like Skype, but there are many positive differences.

1. High quality sound. Thanks to the use external server RaidCall, where creating a conference is also free, players do not feel discomfort in communication.
2. Low requirements for computer resources. Taking away several megabytes from the system random access memory, the program takes 1% of its resources from the processor, which is a high figure among similar applications.
3. Compatible with different platforms. Android, Windows, IOS, Linux and other operating systems are familiar with the program, and everything works great.

Five thousand people in an audio conference?

This is possible with the TeamSpeak program, which is capable of uniting up to 512 people into an audio conference, who can communicate without problems in real time. The program also provides messaging capabilities between users and allows you to send files. Like RaidCall, the application can work with different platforms and is undemanding of system resources. Thanks to the use of an external server, the sound quality in an audio conference is high, regardless of the number of participants.

TeamSpeak, an analogue of Skype, has one drawback - the server part of the application is paid. This means that to create a conference, you need a moderator who must rent a “room” on the server with a specific IP address. He provides this address to all conference participants with whom he needs to communicate.

Free software from Google called WebRTC was initially not appreciated by either users or developers. As soon as Russian developers, interested in the software, created Russian analogue“Skype” and begin integrating it into the masses, just as Google revived its project. Several developers at once free browsers, such as Opera, Firefox and Google Chrome, announced to the world about new technologies implemented in their software.

WebRTC is an open Internet protocol that, like other analogues of Skype for PC, allows you to make audio and video calls in real time. The code is written in JavaScript, which means that the owner of any device can use the service, regardless of the operating system and device performance. The main condition is the functionality of the browser.

Finally

The listed analogues of Skype for computers and mobile devices are just the tip of the iceberg. Having proven itself well among users, thanks to positive feedback, programs attract attention. If you delve deeper into this topic, you can find thousands similar analogues"Skype". There will never be one ideal communication program that satisfies all requirements. As soon as an application gains popularity, it is bought by the giants of the IT industry and becomes paid or resource-intensive - this is a pattern. You need to learn to keep up with the times, find and use free apps according to the assigned tasks.

The slowdown and synchronization problems with Skype suggest that it’s time to find something to replace Skype with. But it's not so easy to find an alternative to Skype for PC that works on most platforms and supports file transfers different types, group calls and chats, safe, not slow and, preferably, free. For example, many applications only work in mobile version or offer free Skype features for money. And yet we will try.

Viber

Viber is considered the main competitor of our ward, and even has some advantage over it. A special feature of the messenger is that you log in to your account using your phone number, the application is synchronized with the phone book, i.e. the contact list is created automatically.

Advantages

While on Skype calls to everything mobile numbers are paid, in Viber only calls to numbers not registered in the program are paid. In fact, you can call via Viber like a regular phone, but for free, and the call quality is quite high.

As for the main criteria, we give pluses for cross-platform and free. You can write, call and video chat with contacts, send multimedia messages, create group chats, which is also a big plus.

In the latest version, Viber 5.9, there is an option to send all kinds of files, including office files, weighing up to 200 MB. But for a successful transfer, the interlocutor must also have the latest version installed. In addition, you can track whether the message was received by the interlocutor.

Bonus entertainment for Viber users - subscription to public chats, games and all kinds of sticker sets. At the same time, there are no advertisements in the application.

Flaws

Binding to a number, insecurity. Registration in the program is only from your phone, the application is too tied to numbers, and in fact it is much more convenient to use in the mobile version than in the desktop version. From the same connection to the phone number it follows low security communication in Viber - hack an account - nothing to do.

Sending files. Significant disadvantages of the program are problems with synchronization between the desktop and mobile versions, as well as the issue of file transfer. Until recently, only multimedia files were transferred in Viber, and in the desktop version there were problems with transferring anything other than photos.

Total

Viber is truly an alternative to Skype, but rather mobile. Although, perhaps, the latest version of the messenger has become more comfortable for use on a PC.

Verdict: Viber is your choice if you are looking for a replacement for Skype for communication - it is good here, and even better than Skype. For collective work, the messenger so far seems to be more problematic than Skype.

Telegram

Advantages

The advantages of Telegram include freeness, cross-platform, speed and the ability to create group chats.

You can send files of any type and your geolocation data, as well as search for images on the Internet right inside the messenger, use free stickers and add your own.

Telegram is positioned as a secure and privacy-protecting messenger.

Flaws

Security is not for everyone. The option of so-called “secret chats”, which leave no traces on servers, is not available for the Windows version. The issue of the application’s security remains open due to the same connection to the number.

Total

If you are only satisfied text correspondence, Telegram is a completely tolerable program that replaces Skype.

TOX

TOX is a project whose goal is to provide direct messaging between IP addresses without the use of centralized servers.

Advantages

The messenger is free, there are clients for different software platforms.

Since the developers’ task was to create an alternative to Skype, all the main functions are available: text messages, audio and video communications, group chats, file transfer.

It is considered one of the most secure messengers.

Flaws

Inconvenient adding contacts. To add a contact, you need to know his indigestible Tox ID - a set of several dozen letters and numbers, or a more readable address, which a friend must receive by registering in the Tox database on the official website.

Narrow functionality. There is no function for sending messages offline and many pleasant little things that are available in other instant messengers.

Inconsistencies in work. The project is still under development, so many functions are crude and sometimes do not fit together between clients working on different platforms.

Total

If you are wondering what to replace Skype with to ensure greater security and privacy, you can install TOX. But you need to be prepared for failures and limited functionality, since the program is in the process of being finalized.

Hangouts

Hangouts is familiar to all owners account Google, but not everyone knows about its capabilities.

Advantages

Supports text chats, calls to phone numbers (toll-free if not in the US or Canada), as well as video conferencing and free broadcast Hangouts on YouTube.

Hangouts works on different platforms, correspondence is synchronized between different devices.

There is sending of emoticons, photos and maps, there is integration with Google mail.

Flaws

Google users only. Linking to a Google account and Chrome browser on PC.

Images only. There is no way to send files other than images (however, this can be solved by saving the files on Google Drive and sharing them).

Data insecurity. According to Google representatives, the messenger is not so secure: the company can listen/read conversations and transfer data to the authorities upon request.

Total

If you have a Google account, it would be a shame not to use Hangouts as an alternative to Skype. But, in terms of security, it is no better, but weaker in functionality.

CacaoTalk

CacaoTalk is a popular South Korean product that is now actively used in other countries.

Advantages

Cross-platform, support for group chats, calls and video calls, exchange of files up to 100 MB and cute emoticons, pleasant interface.

In addition, the application supports a lot of games, an online gift shopping service, news from celebrities and brands, information about promotions and discounts.

Flaws

Speed ​​of work. In general, the application is fast, but the servers are located all the way in Korea, which is why the messenger may be periodically slow-witted. The interface language of the official program is only English, Korean or Chinese.

Privacy is in doubt. The issue of security is controversial: on the one hand, there was information in the media that the authorities were monitoring CacaoTalk, on the other, the owner of the application stated that he was not going to provide correspondence data to anyone upon request (but this is more likely for users from South Korea).

Total

CacaoTalk not a bad alternative Skype for Windows and other software platforms.

Bleep

Bleep is another decentralized messenger that establishes communication between contacts directly, bypassing central servers.

Advantages

Free clients for different platforms.

To register, you don’t have to use an email or phone number – you can only indicate a nickname.

Safety ( end-to-end encryption and no cloud storage, no metadata traces). The ability to “whisper” a message and delete it without a trace after reading it.

Messaging, calling and file transfers are available.

Flaws

Speed ​​of work. Judging by the reviews, it freezes at times and eats a lot of energy (however, the latter is not so important for the PC version).

Total

Bleep is a security guru. So, if you are paranoid about listening/reading, install Bleep.

Slack

Slack is a purposefully corporate messaging app designed for teamwork.

Advantages

Messages are grouped into separate channels: These can be large group chats or private messages.

You can search among all messages at once.

Integration with cloud storage(Dropbox, Google Drive), social networks(Twitter) and other services.

Eat free version, supported by all major platforms.

Extensive capabilities for working with files.

Flaws

Security issue. In 2015, the messenger user base was hacked, however, after that, additional measures security.

Total

According to the developers, Slack is used by employees of many well-known companies, including a NASA laboratory. Messenger seems like a cool alternative to Skype for teamwork, but there is a need to complement the application with voice communication.

Let's summarize the above

• Viber only lacks the ability to make group calls to completely replace Skype. Rating: 9/10
• Telegram attracts with its speed and declared security. We are looking forward to voice chats. Rating: 8/10
• TOX and Bleep are distinguished by privacy and reliable encryption and, unfortunately, the product is not ready. Rating: 7/10
• CacaoTalk does not have any distinct features, but it can easily pass for an alternative to Skype if you know English and agree to communicate with the world through Korea. Rating: 7/10
• Hangouts and Slack are good for teamwork, but with their own characteristics. Rating: 6/10

None of the listed applications claim the versatility and optimal set of functions that Skype has.

And if you dig deeper, not a single messenger is without problems with synchronization and freezes.

What messenger do you use, and which one would you recommend as an alternative to Skype for PC?

The following two tabs change content below.

Elizabeth

Without a twinge of conscience, I ask for “phone numbers” from guys and girls I don’t know well. To check whether the lock button fits comfortably under your finger and whether the autofocus works quickly :) I would like to visit MWC and conduct a live blog from the thick of things.

• Igor 02/16/2016

  Viber, as for me, is too “heavy” - i.e. it takes up too much RAM, which can cause other programs to slow down.
  And this overload of stickers is not for me.

  Answer

• Nikolay 02/16/2016

  I didn’t even install Skype, it’s Viber. As they say, I’ve become attached to it.)) I’m a conservative, I won’t even try other programs.
  With a phone it’s more difficult, I have a 520 Lumiya, and it only has one camera, the front one. Communication with multimedia - only via WhatsApp...

  Answer

  • Anastasia 02/17/2016

    Reply Nikolay:

    Many messenger users are conservative: whichever they started using first seems to be the best :)

    Answer

• Alex 02/16/2016

  Thanks for the interesting and useful article Dear author. To be honest, I didn’t know (like most users) that there are so many programs similar to Skype. In my opinion, the most suitable ones for replacing Skype from the list above are: VIiber, Tox, and also the Google program Hangouts. I, in turn, would like to add to this list such a program as ICQ. Once upon a time there was this program on an old laptop and I successfully used it to telephone conversations and sending SMS. The programs are, of course, good and can replace Skype with them, but the problem is different, in the ignorance of users about them.

  Answer

  • Zhenya 02/17/2016

    Alex's answer:

    Also reading the article I thought about adding ICQ. They took several steps to capture at least some portion of users, but even I, nostalgic for this service, did not appreciate them. The quality of video communication is very poor, not even close to Skype. But as a messenger it is quite convenient, but not popular and, as a result, again useless.

    Answer

• Anastasia 02/17/2016

  And the problem is that they do not fully replace Skype. There are a lot of messengers, but somehow there is no such universal on the horizon, so that it would be convenient to use both in work and in communication...

  Answer

• Varvara 02/18/2016

  For me, Skype is indispensable. Do not forget that it appeared first and most users are registered in it. Whatever application you use, both you and your interlocutor must have it. So it turns out that there are more of your friends on Skype, but there are problems finding them. And if my mother, for example, had difficulty installing Skype and got used to using it, why ask her to install Viber, for example. Moreover, he has not yet reached that level. There is a note about Viber. I have it installed on my phone and on my computer, and if I can see the history of correspondence in Skype, regardless of where it was conducted, that is, if I corresponded on my phone, then I can view this correspondence on my computer, but in Viber there is no such option. And for some reason I can't use the camera to make a Viber call. And for sending text messages, I found WhatsApp more convenient. I use it.

With people anywhere in the world. Supports video calls, mobile IP telephony and instant messaging. The first version appeared in 2003, and in 14 years Skype works has accumulated over 600 million registered users. But growing popularity VoIP technologies caused the emergence of applications and programs for communication such as Skype. Many of them are much simpler, faster and more functional than Skype.

Why Viber and not Skype

In the world of communication services, Skype has held a leading position for more than 10 years. This was exactly until the moment when Microsoft decided to buy the company. Now users are complaining about an increase in the number of failures, instability of work, high traffic and the appearance of intrusive advertising. Skype also suffers from spontaneously going offline followed by a reboot, which lasts for 10-15 minutes.

Thanks to the abundance of instant messengers and IP telephony services on the market, owners of PCs and portable devices can choose a program for communication like Skype. The first contender as a Skype alternative is Viber. The application works on iOS, Android and Windows Phone via 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi network.

It is also a program for communicating like Skype on a computer. After installation and launch, it must be synchronized with your phone via QR or SMS code. All data and contacts will be automatically transferred to your account on your PC.

Popularity and capabilities of the application

The number of Viber users exceeded 100 million in May 2017. And soon the developers promise to conquer the budget platforms S40 for Symbian Nokia and Bada for Samsung. This step will add another 1.5 million people who want to appreciate the delights of Viber.

Application features:

• provides free calls and chats between users;
• includes games;
• public chats;
• calls to mobile and landline phones;
• Available on most platforms including Mac and Linux.

Viber is shareware. No need to pay for downloading and installation. The program is freely available on the official website, Google Apps and iOS App Store. There is no need to pay for calls and correspondence with Viber users. Only when making calls to unregistered numbers - Viber Out - will you have to pay money.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts appeared in 2013 as a symbiosis of the messenger Google Talk and social networks Google+. This is a Skype-type communication program for Android, Apple products and PC. Like all of the company's products, using Hangouts is simple and convenient.

In some smartphones, Hangouts is installed automatically and, together with other Google products, is a standard tool. If you have a valid account, just launch the application and log in to your account. The program itself will transfer and synchronize contacts from the phone book and Google mail.

For installation on a PC with OS Windows Google Hangouts is installed as a plugin or extension on the Chromium engine. Web communications are carried out in real time using WebRTC technology. Calls occur directly in the browser window without the use of unnecessary tools.

Based on the Hangouts service, Google created a program for communicating like Skype on TV. With a Chromebox, microphone, camera, screen and monitor, the user creates a meeting room. Hangouts technology also allows video conferences for up to 30 participants.

ooVoo

A free Skype-type communication program for PCs running Windows, Mac, iOS platforms,Android. Distinctive feature - video calls High Quality. The application supports group chats of up to 12 people. To add a user to a conversation, just send him a link.

OoVoo has already gained more than 80 million users. It enjoys its popularity among young people due to the ability to record video conversations and broadcast the screen to chat participants. The application also supports instant messaging, calls to landline numbers and web calls to non-ooVoo users.

Appear.in

A program for communicating like Skype without maniacally picky confirmation of accounts and creation of profiles. The address of the conference room is entered into the browser line, and the user immediately joins the conversation. No need to download or install anything. Appear.in works similarly on mobile devices through links.

The Appear.in plugin was developed by Scandinavian startups for browsers that support WebRTC, which ensures image quality and clarity. How does it differ from similar services to Skype:

• Video conferencing via Appear.in can be streamed on your blog or webpage. Enough in the tag