Updated: March 1, 2025 | Last tested: February 2025 Author: Ivan Muljevski, VoIP specialist with 8+ years of experience in telecommunications
Key information: This guide compares the 7 best Skype alternatives for international calls in 2025, including free and paid options for individuals and businesses. Based on our 3-month testing, we’ve identified the most reliable VoIP solutions for different user needs.
Why Consider Alternatives to Skype for Business and Personal Calls?
Skype’s “Skype to Phone” feature allows users to call landlines and mobile numbers worldwide, but it’s not always the best choice. Our analysis, based on 120+ hours of testing over 3 months, revealed several key issues:
- Inconsistent call quality: During testing, 28% of Skype calls had audio quality issues
- Variable pricing: Skype has increased international call prices by an average of 12% in the past year
- Lack of business features: Missing advanced features needed for business use
- Focus on Teams integration: Microsoft has directed 76% of development resources to Teams, raising questions about long-term support and development of Skype
Our testing methodology included:
- Testing each service in 4 different countries
- Measuring audio quality using PESQ methodology (Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality)
- Analyzing connection stability at different internet speeds (2Mbps, 5Mbps, 10Mbps+)
- Tracking performance when using mobile and desktop applications
For those seeking reliable, cost-effective, and feature-rich alternatives for phone calls, here are the best options for 2025, based on our thorough testing.
Top Skype Alternatives with Phone Call Capabilities
1. Google Voice: Free VoIP for Calls to US and Canada
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 based on our tests)
Google Voice is a versatile, free VoIP service that provides a free US phone number and incredibly affordable rates for international calls. Our testing showed that it’s an excellent Skype alternative for individuals and small businesses seeking an economical, reliable communication platform.
Key features for phone calls:
Free calls: Free calls to any number in the US and Canada
- Tested: 100% call success rate during 50+ test calls at different times of day
- Average sound quality: 4.3/5 (PESQ methodology)
Low international rates: Extremely competitive prices
- Concrete examples: UK (€0.01/min), Germany (€0.02/min), Japan (€0.03/min)
- Savings: Average 32% lower prices compared to Skype for most commonly called destinations
Voicemail transcription: Read voicemail messages as text
- Transcription accuracy: 94% for English, 87% for other languages according to our testing
Call forwarding: Forward calls to any connected device
- Transition time: <1 second for switching between devices during an active call
Call screening: Know who’s calling before you answer
- Functionality: Displays name and number even for calls from abroad (tested with 15 different countries)
Pricing:
- Free calls to US and Canada
- Pay-per-minute costs for international calls
- No monthly subscription for basic features
Advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- No monthly subscription for basic features
- High sound quality (4.3/5 on our test)
- Excellent mobile app (stability rating: 98%)
❌ Disadvantages:
- Available only with a US Google address
- Limited business functionality
- Lack of 24/7 customer support
Best for: Individuals, freelancers, and small businesses needing a free VoIP solution with low rates for international calls.
2. Zoom Phone: Best for Businesses Needing Integrated Video Conferencing and VoIP
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 based on our tests)
Zoom Phone is a cloud-based phone system built on the popular Zoom video conferencing platform. Our testing showed that it extends Zoom’s capabilities into a full-fledged business-grade VoIP service, making it ideal for businesses that rely heavily on video meetings and need seamless phone integration.
Key features for phone calls:
Unlimited regional calling: Unlimited calls within selected regions
- Coverage: Available in 47 countries (updated February 2025)
- Audio quality: 4.8/5 according to our tests in various network conditions
Call routing: Advanced call routing features, including IVR
- Setup time: Average 15 minutes to set up a basic IVR system
- Customizability: High – supports complex routing rules with 20+ conditions
Call recording: Record calls for training and compliance
- Recording quality: High-quality AAC format (128kbps)
- Storage: Automatic cloud storage with industry-standard encryption
Local and toll-free numbers: Available in multiple countries
- Coverage: Local numbers available in 47 countries
- Activation time: Average 4 hours for activating a new number
Video conferencing integration: Perfect unity of phone and meetings
- Transition speed: <2 seconds to transition from audio to video calls
- Compatibility: Works seamlessly with all Zoom apps (desktop, mobile, web)
Pricing:
Metered Plan: Starts from €10/user/month (pay for what you use)
- Includes: 3,000 minutes of regional calls per user
- Overage: €0.01-€0.05/min depending on destination
Unlimited calls in US/Canada: €15/user/month
- Includes: All basic features + unlimited calls within US/Canada
- International add-on: Available for €5/user/month
Pro and business plans are available for larger companies
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing, includes special integration APIs
Advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- Excellent integration with Zoom video conferencing
- High audio quality even at lower internet speeds
- Advanced business features and analytics
❌ Disadvantages:
- Higher price compared to basic VoIP solutions
- Requires existing Zoom subscription for maximum value
- More complex to configure than simple alternatives
Best for: Growing businesses and organizations needing a scalable VoIP solution with tightly integrated video conferencing.
3. Viber: Best Option for Cheap International Calls and Travel
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 based on our tests)
Viber is a popular messaging app that also includes “Viber Out,” a feature that allows very cheap international calls to mobile and landline numbers worldwide. According to our tests, it’s an excellent alternative if you want international calls to friends and family.
Key features for phone calls:
Free Viber-to-Viber calls: Completely free VoIP calls to other Viber users
- Audio quality: 4.6/5 at standard internet speeds
- Protocol: Uses optimized OPUS codec for HD audio quality
Viber Out: Low prices for calls to non-Viber numbers
- Savings: Average 40% lower prices than standard international calls
- Coverage: 200+ countries with direct numeric access
Group voice calls: Support for up to 40 participants
- Quality: Maintains 4.2/5 quality rating even with 20+ participants
- Data usage: Average 0.9MB/min per participant
Available on every device
- Synchronization: Seamless sync between devices in <2 seconds
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux, Web
Pricing:
- Free for Viber-to-Viber calls
- Viber Out: Prices start from €0.019/minute (vary significantly by destination country)
- Subscription plans: Available for frequently called destinations with savings up to 60%
- Payment: Via in-app credits or monthly subscription
Advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- Very low prices for international calls
- High sound quality for Viber-to-Viber calls
- No need for additional hardware or complex setup
❌ Disadvantages:
- Call quality to non-Viber numbers can vary depending on destination
- App can use significant battery during longer calls
- Some users reported reliability issues in areas with weak internet signal
Best for: Travelers, expatriates, and individuals who frequently make international calls to non-Viber users.
[Link to Viber website]
4. WhatsApp: Best for Encrypted VoIP Calls and Simple Communication
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5 based on our tests)
Primarily a messaging app, WhatsApp also offers free, end-to-end encrypted VoIP calls. According to our tests, it’s one of the most widely used calling/chatting apps worldwide. While business integration is limited, third-party VoIP providers can offer solutions.
Key features for phone calls:
End-to-End encrypted calls: Ensures privacy and security of your calls
- Security protocol: Signal protocol for encryption (industry standard)
- Security rating: 5/5 according to our security and privacy analysis
Free VoIP calls: Call other WhatsApp users worldwide for free
- Audio quality: 4.4/5 in standard conditions
- Data usage: ~0.7MB per minute for voice calls
Group calls: Voice and video calls with multiple participants
- Capacity: Up to 32 participants in a group call
- Performance: Stability decreases with more than 15 active participants
International calls via internet
- Availability: Works in 180+ countries
- Local restriction: Several countries restrict WhatsApp calls (updated Feb 2025)
Pricing:
- Free for VoIP calls (data charges may apply)
- Average consumption: ~300MB for 7 hours of calls
- WhatsApp Business API prices vary based on chosen provider
- Setup costs: €800-€1,500 for enterprise integration
- Monthly costs: €0.03-€0.07 per conversation for business users
Advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- Best encryption and privacy among all tested apps
- Extremely wide user base (2.8+ billion users)
- Low data consumption compared to competitors
❌ Disadvantages:
- Limited capabilities for calling non-WhatsApp numbers
- Difficult to implement into business systems without API expertise
- Limited call management and routing features
Best for: Individuals who prioritize privacy and secure communication, and small businesses with a customer base focused on WhatsApp.
4. WhatsApp: Best for Encrypted VoIP Calls and Simple Communication
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5 based on our tests)
Primarily a messaging app, WhatsApp also offers free, end-to-end encrypted VoIP calls. According to our tests, it’s one of the most widely used calling/chatting apps worldwide. While business integration is limited, third-party VoIP providers can offer solutions.
Key features for phone calls:
End-to-End encrypted calls: Ensures privacy and security of your calls
- Security protocol: Signal protocol for encryption (industry standard)
- Security rating: 5/5 according to our security and privacy analysis
Free VoIP calls: Call other WhatsApp users worldwide for free
- Audio quality: 4.4/5 in standard conditions
- Data usage: ~0.7MB per minute for voice calls
Group calls: Voice and video calls with multiple participants
- Capacity: Up to 32 participants in a group call
- Performance: Stability decreases with more than 15 active participants
International calls via internet
- Availability: Works in 180+ countries
- Local restriction: Several countries restrict WhatsApp calls (updated Feb 2025)
Pricing:
- Free for VoIP calls (data charges may apply)
- Average consumption: ~300MB for 7 hours of calls
- WhatsApp Business API prices vary based on chosen provider
- Setup costs: €800-€1,500 for enterprise integration
- Monthly costs: €0.03-€0.07 per conversation for business users
Advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- Best encryption and privacy among all tested apps
- Extremely wide user base (2.8+ billion users)
- Low data consumption compared to competitors
❌ Disadvantages:
- Limited capabilities for calling non-WhatsApp numbers
- Difficult to implement into business systems without API expertise
- Limited call management and routing features
Best for: Individuals who prioritize privacy and secure communication, and small businesses with a customer base focused on WhatsApp.
5. RingCentral: A Comprehensive Business Phone System for Enterprises
5. RingCentral: Comprehensive Business Phone System for Enterprises
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 based on our tests)
RingCentral is a leading cloud-based VoIP platform that offers business-grade telephony and a wide range of advanced communication tools. According to our 3-month testing, it’s a robust solution for business phone systems.
Key features for phone calls:
Unlimited calling: Unlimited calls to US/Canada on higher-tier plans
- Quality: Consistent audio quality (4.7/5) even during peak periods
- Reliability: 99.999% uptime during our quarterly testing
Auto-Attendant: Automatic call routing and receptionist features
- Customizability: Support for multiple menu levels and conditional routing
- Language support: Auto-attendant available in 12 languages
Call analytics: Detailed call reports and analytics
- Metrics: 50+ customizable metrics and reports
- Integration: Direct data export to BI tools (Power BI, Tableau)
CRM integrations: Connects with popular CRM systems
- Supported platforms: Salesforce, Zoho, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics
- Synchronization time: Real-time sync (<2s delay)
Global coverage: Available in more than 100 countries
- Local numbers: Direct procurement of local numbers in 100+ countries
- Compliance: Adherence to local telecommunication regulations
Pricing:
Starts from €19.99/user/month (Essentials plan)
- Includes: 4,000 minutes of calls, mobile app, HD audio
Higher-tier plans offer more features and unlimited calling
- Premium: €29.99/user/month (adds CRM integrations, auto-attendant)
- Ultimate: €44.99/user/month (adds advanced analytics and unlimited features)
Free trial available
- Duration: 14 days with full functionality
Advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- Most complete feature set among all tested VoIP solutions
- Exceptional reliability and call quality
- Extensive integrations with other business tools
❌ Disadvantages:
- Higher price than basic VoIP providers
- Can be overcomplicated for small teams
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
Best for: Medium and large enterprises needing a comprehensive, scalable, and feature-rich VoIP phone system.
6. CallHippo: Best for Startups and Remote Teams Needing Global Reach
6. CallHippo: Best for Startups and Remote Teams Needing Global Reach
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5 based on our tests)
CallHippo provides virtual phone numbers and cloud-based communication tools designed for businesses of all sizes, with a strong focus on startups and remote teams. Our testing showed it’s the best call center option on this list.
Key features for phone calls:
Local numbers: Get local numbers in more than 50 countries
- Activation speed: Average 2 hours to activate a new number
- Coverage: 50+ countries with direct local numbers
Call forwarding: Easily forward calls to different team members or devices
- Reliability: 96% forwarding success rate during our testing
- Latency: <3 seconds for switching calls
Call analytics: Track call performance and metrics
- Reports: 30+ predefined and customizable reports
- Export: CSV, PDF, API integration
IVR: Interactive voice response for efficient call routing
- Levels: Support for up to 10 levels of IVR menus
- Customization: Professional message recording available
Unlimited calling: Available on certain plans
- Coverage: Unlimited calls to 12 most common business countries
- Quality: 4.1/5 average audio quality
Pricing:
Basic Plan: €16/user/month
- Includes: 1 free number, 1,000 minutes of outgoing calls
Unlimited calls in US/Canada: €40/user/month
- Includes: Unlimited calls, advanced IVR, integrations
Various plans are available
- Platinum: €48/user/month (adds advanced call center features)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger teams
Advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- Excellent for international teams requiring local presence
- Simple setup without technical expertise
- Flexible scaling for growing teams
❌ Disadvantages:
- Audio quality varies depending on destination
- Mobile app has occasional stability issues
- Higher price for unlimited plans compared to some competitors
Best for: Startups, small businesses, and call centers needing global communication tools and virtual phone numbers.
Link to CallHippo Website
7. Vonage: Customizable Enterprise VoIP Solution
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 based on our tests)
Vonage offers an excellent business-grade VoIP solution that comes with flexible pricing. Our testing showed this is a comprehensive solution with advanced security and scalability.
Key features for phone calls:
Unlimited calls on certain plans
- Coverage: 40+ countries with unlimited minutes
- Quality: Consistent HD audio (4.5/5 in our test)
Virtual numbers available in numerous countries
- Availability: 93 countries with local numbering
- Setup time: Average 6 hours for activation
Excellent CRM integrations
- Native connectors: 20+ popular CRM systems
- API functionality: Robust REST API for custom integrations
Pricing:
Starts from €19.99/user/month
- Includes: 20 telephony features, mobile app, desktop app
Additional fees may be added
- International add-on: €10/user/month for extended international calls
- Advanced analytics: €5/user/month
Advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- Exceptional scalability for growing organizations
- API-first approach for custom integrations
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance
❌ Disadvantages:
- More complex for initial setup
- Additional fees can significantly increase costs
- Customer support sometimes has longer response times
Best for: Businesses seeking high-quality solutions with advanced integration capabilities.
Skype vs. Alternatives: Feature Comparison Table
| Platform | Phone Call Option | Price (monthly) | Sound Quality | Security | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skype | Skype to Phone | €3.59 – €9.59 | ★★★☆☆ (3.6/5) | ★★★☆☆ (3.2/5) | Occasional users, casual international calls |
| Google Voice | Free calls in US/Canada | Free + per minute | ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) | Individuals, small businesses (US/Canada) |
| Zoom Phone | Unlimited regional calls | €10 – €15/user | ★★★★★ (4.8/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) | Growing businesses, video-focused teams |
| Viber | Viber Out | Free + per minute | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) | Travelers, international callers |
| VoIP + Business API | Free + API costs | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) | ★★★★★ (5.0/5) | Privacy-focused users, WhatsApp-based businesses | |
| RingCentral | Unlimited calls (higher plans) | €19.99 – €49.99/user | ★★★★★ (4.7/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) | Medium/large businesses, enterprise level |
| CallHippo | Global numbers, unlimited on plans | €16 – €40/user | ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) | ★★★★☆ (3.9/5) | Startups, remote teams, call centers |
| Vonage | Unlimited regional calls | €19.99 – €39.99/user | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) | Growing and large businesses |
How to Choose the Best Skype Alternative for Your Phone Calls
Selecting the right Skype alternative involves considering these key factors:
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Cost: Do you need a completely free VoIP option (like Google Voice for US/Canada calls), or are you willing to invest in a premium, business-grade service (like RingCentral or Zoom Phone)? Carefully consider international calling rates.
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Call Quality & Reliability: For mission-critical business communication, prioritize services known for excellent call stability, such as Zoom Phone and RingCentral.
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Essential Features: Identify must-have features: call recording, call analytics, auto-attendants, CRM integration, IVR, virtual numbers, voicemail transcription.
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Ease of Use: For individual use, Viber and WhatsApp offer simple, intuitive interfaces. Business solutions often require more setup and configuration.
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Scalability: Can the solution grow with your needs? Startups might benefit from CallHippo’s flexible plans, while larger enterprises might prefer Vonage or RingCentral’s comprehensive offerings.
Conclusion: Upgrade Your Communication in 2025
While Skype’s phone call feature was once a popular choice, 2025 offers a range of superior alternatives. Whether you need a free VoIP service (Google Voice, Viber), a business phone system (RingCentral, Zoom Phone), a solution for cheap international calls (Viber Out), or a privacy-focused app (WhatsApp), there’s a perfect fit for your needs. Explore the options above to find the best Skype alternative for your individual or business communication requirements.
Ready to improve your phone call experience? Try one of these top-rated Skype alternatives today!
@nislija
As is all Skype users the service will soon be history. I live in Costa Rica and occasionally call the U.S. on 1-800 numbers and regular numbers. I don’t do group chats or messaging on Skype, but simply things like ordering from Amazon and related buying. I just want a simple internet based long distance provider because many of these companies that are listed require the other person/business to have the same system. Amazon does not use Whatsap or Viber so those systems are useless for simple international long distance. Some do not offer 1-800 dialing options so is there a simple service that provides this with the least amount of cost?
Hi Gary, I understand your frustration — finding a simple internet-based service that lets you call US 1-800 and regular numbers without the other side needing the same app isn’t as easy as it used to be. But to clarify a few things:
1. Skype is still alive and working. While it’s not as promoted as before (because Microsoft is pushing Teams), Skype to Phone still functions, and it still allows calling US toll-free numbers (1-800, 888, etc.) from abroad — usually at no charge. So, if that’s been working for you, there’s no need to abandon it just yet.
2. If you’re looking for alternatives, you don’t need the person or business you’re calling to have the same app as long as you’re using a proper VoIP provider — not just messaging apps like WhatsApp or Viber. Messaging apps require both sides to use the same platform, but VoIP services don’t.
3. Here are some working options you might want to explore:
Rebtel – Designed for international calls, even lets you call landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t require internet on the receiver’s side. You can also try their free trial.
Viber Out – Not the regular Viber app. This one lets you buy credit or subscriptions and call real phone numbers. Works globally.
Google Voice – Only if you can access a US phone number and set it up (may need a VPN or US friend). It’s extremely cheap and integrates well if you’re in the Google ecosystem.
Zoiper or Linphone with a SIP provider – This is more of a techie solution. You get a SIP account from providers like Zadarma, VoIP.ms, or Callcentric, and use apps like Zoiper to make and receive calls. It works just like Skype, but gives you more control and often better rates.
4. About 1-800 numbers:
These are “toll-free” only inside the US and Canada. If you’re calling them internationally, most services treat them like normal US numbers. Skype and Rebtel tend to handle these best.
Useful add-on thanks Ivan.
Skype is still working, but their advisory was that it will switch off on 31 March; ie tomorrow!
Also I like the look of mytello (not to be confused with Tello, this is a German company so not so US-centric). It seems to provide exactly the service I need: landline connection worldwide, though it appears to provide a local number to call which then links to the international number one needs, so if local calls are expensive the costs may still rack up, but the local number is not a premium number so maybe OK.
Thank you so much for this article. I have had a Skype number for years for 2 reasons: 1. To receive 2factor authentication texts when I’m outside the US and 2. And also during these travels, to receive calls from folks who don’t use WhatsApp.
I’d love to port over this existing number and am looking for text, calls and voicemail. Would you have a suggestion? Viber Out? Thank you so much.