Top 10 Skype Alternatives for Phone Calls: Options for Businesses

Have you heard the news? Microsoft is shutting down Skype on May 5, 2025. This means many businesses are now searching for new communication tools.

Skype has been around for a long time. Many people use it for video calls, voice chats, and even screen sharing. It was a popular choice for both personal and work use. But now, Microsoft has decided to stop supporting it. This means that after May 5, you will no longer be able to use Skype.

This change is a big deal for businesses that still rely on Skype. Some teams use it every day to talk to each other, meet with clients, or train new staff. Without Skype, they need to find something else that can do the job.

In this article, we’ll look at 10 popular Skype alternatives that your business can check out today! Read on to learn more.

Why Are People Looking for Skype Alternatives

Even though Microsoft wants people to switch from Skype to Microsoft Teams, not every business is ready to make that move. Many are checking out other options instead. Let’s talk about why.

Different Needs

Every business works a little differently. Some need just a basic video calling tool. Others want extra features like call recording, call forwarding, team chat, or better file sharing. Microsoft Teams is packed with features, but not all of them are useful to every company.

Some businesses feel it’s too much or not quite what they need. So, they’re looking for tools that match how their team works, without the extra stuff they’ll never use.

Cost Concerns

Money matters, especially for small businesses. Teams does offer a free plan, but many of its better features come with a monthly fee.

If a company only used Skype’s free tools in the past, they may not want to start paying now. That’s why they’re comparing prices. They want to find something that does the job without going over budget.

Stop overpaying for features you don’t use. Talkroute keeps it simple. Check pricing here.

Ease of Use

Let’s be honest—switching tools is never fun. People get used to what they know. If a new app is too complicated or takes a long time to learn, it can slow things down at work.

That’s a problem for busy teams. Many companies want something simple and easy to pick up so their team can start using it right away without hours of training.

Your phone system should work like your business: fast and flexible. See Talkroute in action.

Best 10 Skype Alternatives for Phone Calls for Businesses

Looking for a different way to make business calls besides Skype? Here are 10 easy-to-use alternatives that can help your team stay connected.

1. Talkroute

Talkroute is a smart alternative to Skype that helps businesses stay connected without the hassle. It puts calling, texting, and video meetings into one simple platform. You can manage everything from your phone, tablet, or desktop.

Whether you’re working with a small team or growing fast, Talkroute gives you the tools to keep communication clear and professional.

Key Features

• Call forwarding and routing – Send calls to any phone or team member, no matter where they are
• Text messaging – Reach out quickly with business texts for updates or customer support
• Voicemail management – Read voicemail transcriptions sent right to your email
• Menus and extensions – Guide callers to the right person with easy-to-use phone menus
• Customizable schedules – Set call rules that match your business hours and busy times
• Virtual receptionist – Greet callers with an automatic message and simple menu options
• Voicemail-to-email notifications – Get voice messages delivered straight to your inbox
• Apps for every device – Handle calls and messages from any device, wherever you are
• Scalability – Add more users, extensions, and features as your business grows

Run your business with a phone system that works. See how Talkroute keeps you connected.

2. RingCentral

Source: ringcentral.com

RingCentral RingEX is a VoIP phone system made for remote, hybrid, or on-the-go teams. Since it’s cloud-based, you can use it on your computer, mobile phone, or desk phone. This makes it easy for your team to stay connected from anywhere.

Key Features

• Call handling options – Lets you forward, screen, or transfer calls based on what you need
• Multi-device access – Make and manage calls from your desktop, mobile phone, or desk phone
• Voicemail-to-text – Voicemails turn into text and are sent to your email so you can read them easily
• Reliable service – Offers strong uptime so your calls stay connected without common issues
• Third-party integrations – Works with tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack to help your team stay in sync

3. Dialpad

Source: dialpad.com

Dialpad is an AI-powered business phone system made for teams of any size. It brings VoIP calling, video meetings, team messaging, and AI tools into one easy-to-use platform. Since it’s cloud-based, your team can use it from anywhere.

Real-time call transcription and smart routing help teams work faster and stay more organized. It’s a suitable choice for remote teams and growing businesses that want to keep things simple and connected.

Key Features

• AI-powered call transcription – Get real-time voice-to-text for every call
• VoIP calling – Make high-quality calls from your desktop, mobile phone, or web browser
• Smart call routing – Send calls to the right person without delay
• Easy integrations – Connect with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack
• Video conferencing – Run online meetings with HD video and screen-sharing

4. ZoomPhone

Source: zoom.com

Zoom Phone is a cloud-based VoIP phone system built for modern teams. It works on desktop and mobile, making it easy to stay connected from anywhere. With AI tools, call summaries, voicemail features, and strong uptime, it helps your team communicate clearly and work faster.

It’s a decent choice if you’re looking for a secure, flexible phone system that also handles meetings, chats, and more, all in one place.

Key Features

• AI call summaries and tasks – Get post-call summaries and turn voicemails into tasks so you can stay focused
• Strong security – All calls are encrypted using TLS 1.2 and AES 256-bit standards
• Easy setup and management – Use a simple admin portal to add users, manage settings, and track performance
• Global phone coverage – Make calls worldwide using Zoom’s secure and reliable cloud network
• Built-in team tools – Combine phone, chat, and meetings on one platform to save time and reduce app-switching

5. GoTo Meeting

Source: goto.com

GoTo is a user-friendly communication tool that helps teams and customers stay connected. It works well for both calls and meetings, with features that make it easy to manage everything in one place.

If security is important to your business, GoTo is a suitable option. It uses strong encryption to keep your audio, video, screen sharing, and messages private. You also get access to international calling in over 50 countries at a low cost.

Key Features

• Phone number extensions – Add team members under one main number for easy internal communication
• Call forwarding and routing – Send calls to the right person or device without delay
• Virtual voicemail – Get voicemails in a simple format so you can listen when it’s convenient
• Meeting recording and transcription – Record calls and meetings with auto-transcribed notes for later use
• Screen sharing and drawing tools – Show your screen and make notes during meetings to explain things better

6. Vonage

Source: vonage.com

Vonage is a cloud-based VoIP phone system made for businesses of any size. It offers voice, video, and messaging tools all in one place.

With plans you can adjust, strong integrations, and a reliable mobile app, it’s a suitable choice for teams that need a flexible way to stay in touch.

It works well for growing businesses that want to keep communication simple and easy to manage.

Key Features

• VoIP calling – Make and receive high-quality calls from anywhere
• Call recording – Record calls to help with training, reviews, or compliance needs
• Virtual receptionist – Route calls automatically to the right person or department
• Mobile and desktop apps – Handle calls, texts, and video meetings on the go or at your desk
• CRM integrations – Connect with Salesforce, HubSpot, and other tools to keep your workflow smooth

7. Sideline

Source: sideline.com

Sideline is a handy app that gives you a second phone number. It’s great for keeping your real number private when talking to new people, signing up for services, or doing business online. You can call and text using your regular mobile network, so you don’t need WiFi.

It’s a decent option for anyone who wants to stay safe, avoid spam, and keep things separate between personal and public communication.

Key Features

• Second phone number – Get a reliable number to use for work, online sales, or sign-ups
• Spam detection – Get alerts when a call or text looks suspicious or is from a telemarketer
• Auto-reply – Send a quick text reply when you miss a call or message
• Separate voicemail – Set a custom greeting and keep voicemails separate from your main number
• Unlimited messaging – Send and receive unlimited texts, pictures, and group messages

8. Nextiva

Source: nextiva.com

Nextiva is a VoIP phone system made for businesses of all sizes. It brings voice calls, video meetings, and team messaging into one simple platform. With strong call quality and helpful support, it’s a suitable option for companies that want a phone system that grows with them.

It’s easy to set up and use, making it a good pick for both small teams and large organizations.

Key Features

• VoIP calling – Make clear, high-quality voice calls with unlimited nationwide minutes
• Auto-attendant – Route calls automatically to the right department without a receptionist
• Team messaging – Chat with coworkers using built-in messaging for quick updates
• Video conferencing – Run virtual meetings with screen sharing and easy collaboration tools
• Call analytics – Track call volume and team performance with real-time data

9. 8×8

Source: 8×8.com

8×8 is a cloud-based phone system that brings VoIP calling, video meetings, and team messaging together in one platform. It works well for businesses of all sizes and offers unlimited calling to over 40 countries.

With strong security and AI-powered tools, 8×8 is a suitable option for businesses that want a full-featured system with global reach.

Key Features

• Unlimited global calling – Make calls to 40+ countries without paying extra
• Video conferencing – Run online meetings with screen sharing and teamwork tools
• AI-powered call analytics – Get insights into how calls are handled and how your team performs
• Omnichannel support – Handle calls, chat, SMS, and social messages from one place
• CRM integrations – Connect with tools like Salesforce and Microsoft Teams to stay organized

10. OpenPhone

Source: openphone.com

OpenPhone is a VoIP phone system made for startups, freelancers, and small teams. It gives you a separate number for work, so you can keep personal and business calls separate.

You can call and text from one app, making it easy to stay organized without any extra equipment.

Key Features

• Dedicated business numbers – Get a separate number for work on your phone or computer
• Call and text from one app – Manage all business calls and messages in a single place
• Shared inboxes – Work with your team by sharing call and message history
• CRM integrations – Connect with tools like HubSpot and Salesforce to stay on top of customer info
• Voicemail transcription – Read your voicemails so you don’t have to listen to them

Skype Alternatives Comparison Table

Here’s a quick look at what each Skype alternative we suggested offers your business:

Table Plugin

Recommended reading:

IVR Phone System: What It Is + 4 Steps To Set It Up

5 Online Business Phone Systems for Growing Companies

How to Set Up a Business Phone Number in 3 Easy Steps

Talkroute: A Simple Way to Handle Business Calls, Texts, and Meetings

Talkroute is a phone system made for businesses that want to stay connected with customers from anywhere. It works on your computer, smartphone, or browser.

You can talk, text, or meet with customers and your team—all in one place. No special equipment is needed. Just download the app and start communicating.

Here are the reasons why you should choose Talkroute:

Call Forwarding Made Easy

Send calls to your phone, your laptop, or your whole team. Whether you’re at home, at the office, or traveling, you won’t miss a call. You can set custom schedules, ring rules, and hold music, too.

Text From Your Business Number

Text customers from your local or toll-free number. You’ll see all your messages in the Talkroute app. You can reply fast, send notifications by email, and even control who on your team can see what.

Meet With Your Team or Clients

Host video meetings for up to 100 people. Share your screen, use the whiteboard, chat during the meeting, and send files. It works on all your devices, so you can meet from anywhere.

No More Missed Voicemails

Voicemails go straight to your email with the caller’s info and a transcript. You can check them in the app, too. Add as many mailboxes as you need and control who has access.

Simple Menu Options

Set up a phone menu so customers reach the right person or department quickly. You can create multiple levels, add recorded messages, or send calls to voicemail or another extension.

Unlimited Extensions

Give each team member or department their own extension. Choose single-digit or multi-digit options. Route calls to any device or voicemail and build the system that works best for you.

Record Calls Automatically

Keep a record of all calls. This helps with training, quality checks, and handling disputes. You can listen to recordings anytime and set user access for each phone number.

Apps That Go Where You Go

Talkroute works on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and browsers. Whether you’re at your desk or on the go, you can call, text, and meet from one app.

Full Control Over Your Phone System

Change your call settings, routing, greetings, and voicemail rules in seconds. You don’t need IT support. Just log in and update what you need.

Work smart, sound sharp. Test Talkroute’s business tools for free for 7 days!

FAQs About Skype Alternatives for Phone Calls

What are people using instead of Skype?

These days, people are choosing other tools over Skype for voice and video calls. For personal communication, many now prefer apps that offer free video calls, instant messaging, and group chats all in one place.

When it comes to work, businesses look for something more than just video calls. They want features like call routing, call recording, and screen sharing.

A popular switch has been to business phone systems that handle international phone calls, video meetings, and file sharing more smoothly. Talkroute is one of those Skype alternatives for phone calls.

It gives teams everything they need in one place—voice calls, video conferencing, and even international calls—without the need to juggle multiple apps.

What will be replacing Skype?

Skype hasn’t exactly vanished, but it’s not the go-to anymore. Microsoft Teams now takes its place in most workplaces, especially since Microsoft started focusing more on it.

For everyone else, especially small businesses, Skype alternatives like Talkroute have stepped in. Talkroute is built for clear phone calls, video calls, and even virtual meetings. It also comes with features that Skype never really offered, like call routing and easy-to-use call recording.

It’s not just about chatting or calling anymore; people want a full business phone system that works everywhere, even for international phone calls.

Why is Skype not used anymore?

Skype used to be the top choice for free calls and video chats. But over time, it didn’t keep up with what people needed. The app became slow, and the user experience felt dated.

Microsoft Teams took its place for video meetings and work-related communication. At the same time, other apps came in strong with smoother group chats, voice and video calls, and better tools for both business and personal use.

Skype alternatives like Talkroute became more appealing because they offer easy file sharing, screen sharing, and features like call routing and call recording. People want something that feels modern and just works, and Skype stopped being that.

Is there an alternative to a Skype number?

Yes, there are better options now if you want something like a Skype number. Talkroute is a top choice for that. You get a professional phone number for making and receiving phone calls, including international calls.

Plus, you get access to features that go beyond what Skype offered, like voicemail, call routing, free video calls, and support for voice calls and video conferencing.

It’s a better fit for both business and personal communication, especially if you want something reliable with all-in-one calling features.

So, if you’re looking for alternatives to Skype that work as a complete business phone system, Talkroute is worth checking out.