Skype Officially Shut Down: 7 Best Video Call App Replacements

After more than two decades of being a pioneer in video conferencing, Skype has officially been discontinued. Microsoft, the company behind Skype, has decided to shift its focus and resources toward Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams is now seen as more relevant in today’s hybrid work era, where people combine working from the office (WFO) and working remotely (WFH).

This announcement marks the end of an era for an app that once played a crucial role in online communication, especially in the early 2000s. Launched in 2003 by developers from Estonia, Skype quickly gained popularity for allowing users to make free voice and video calls across countries.

In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for a massive $8.5 billion (around IDR 139.6 trillion) and integrated it into the Windows ecosystem. However, as technology evolved and new apps with better features and more modern designs emerged, Skype’s popularity started to fade.

Now, the dominance in digital communication has shifted to new platforms offering better user experiences.

If you’re looking for alternatives, here are seven of the best video conferencing apps to replace Skype:

1. Zoom

Zoom is one of the most widely used video conferencing apps globally, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s developed by Zoom Video Communications, based in San Jose, California, USA.

Key features:

Host up to 1,000 participants
Breakout rooms for group discussions
Virtual backgrounds
Automatic meeting recordings
Webinars and interactive polling

2. Google Meet

Developed by Google, Google Meet is part of the Google Workspace suite and can be accessed directly through a browser—no downloads required.

Key features:

Integration with Google Calendar
End-to-end encryption
Live captions (automatic subtitles)
Grid view for participants
Ideal for schools and businesses

3. Microsoft Teams

As Skype’s successor, Microsoft Teams offers a full collaboration platform. It’s now widely used by companies and educational institutions around the world.

Key features:

Messaging, voice, and video calls in one app
Full integration with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Real-time document sharing and editing
Channels and workgroups for team collaboration

4. WhatsApp

Owned by Meta, WhatsApp also supports video calls—both one-on-one and group calls.

Key features:

Group video calls with up to 32 participants (latest version)
End-to-end encryption
HD video quality
Cross-platform support (Android, iOS, Desktop)

5. Telegram

Known for its speed and security, Telegram now also supports group video calls.

Key features:

Group video calls with up to 1,000 viewers
Public channels for broadcasting
High-level security with no local data storage
Community tools including bots
Compatible with most operating systems

6. Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is a free and open-source video conferencing tool that doesn’t require an account to use. Developed by the open-source community and 8x8, a Swiss communications company.
Key features:
Unlimited meeting time
No account needed—just click the link
Screen sharing
Integration with YouTube Live for streaming
Built-in encryption support

7. Discord

Originally popular among gamers, Discord has evolved into a community platform that supports voice, video, and text communication.
Key features:
Community servers with multiple channels
One-on-one and group video calls
High-quality screen sharing
Auto-moderation and fun bots
Flexible, open community structure

These apps not only offer alternatives to Skype, but also provide better performance, more features, and improved usability. Whether for work, study, or casual calls, you now have many reliable options to stay connected.