As some of you might know, Skype is shutting down in May. A lot of us expats, myself included, have been using it for years because it’s been reliable and affordable. Now I’m trying to find a good replacement, but nothing seems to check all the boxes. If you're looking into this too, let’s share options!
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Skype Is Shutting Down – Best Alternatives?
- Thread starter jupiter
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Melibaires
Well-known member
Here's a thread where this topic is being discussed. Telegram could work for calls, but it’s not exactly the same.
Blockchain
Well-known member
FWIW my friend just said he signed up for Tello and was happy with it.
CecilM
Active member
I was talking about this with my nephew, and he mentioned that Discord is a great option because the audio and video quality during calls is much better, and it offers screen sharing with good resolution. The downside is that it's not widely used in the corporate world. If you need something more business-oriented, Zoom or Microsoft Teams might be better choices.
GlasgowJohn
Well-known member
The annoying thing for me is that I will lose my Scotish land line number I have had for more than 20 years.
The alternatives that are available do not alllow me to have that number.
As far as I can see Team the recommnded Microsoft alternative does not allow you to call land lines or cellular numbers , but only your contacts who are on Teams.
The alternatives that are available do not alllow me to have that number.
As far as I can see Team the recommnded Microsoft alternative does not allow you to call land lines or cellular numbers , but only your contacts who are on Teams.
Same for me. I have been using the same number for 15 years with Skype. This is a big blow for me. What will you do @GlasgowJohn? Any other option to port your land line number??
GlasgowJohn
Well-known member
Avocado
Well-known member
It is amazing how many people use Skype for phone number. I did not know it was so popular for this.
GlasgowJohn
Well-known member
It allowed your friends from home to call you at no cost ( it started well before Whatsapp) and also it gave you a number to give to banks and governmente offices.
Blockchain
Well-known member
Yes GREAT for those of us who travel a lot around. It is going to be missed. At least Americans have more options for American numbers. Sounds like those of you in Europe are limited.
GlasgowJohn
Well-known member
Thats right @Blockchain , there are no decent alternatives to Skype in Europe.
earlyretirement
Moderator
Bummer. I have an old Skype cellphone number. I use it when I travel overseas sometimes. At least in the USA we have Google Voice.
VINO
Well-known member
FYI. Some Colombia University students are working on an alternative. They have a forum discussing alternatives.
Skype Number Alternative
What is the best Skype alternative? Get a phone number in any city of choice from $1.79 per month and unlock features Skype never had.
sonetel.com
That sounds promising! Although Sonetel is no help for you @GlasgowJohn as I don't see Scotland on the list but I do see the UK so maybe it will come before Skype closes.FYI. Some Colombia University students are working on an alternative. They have a forum discussing alternatives.
Skype Number Alternative
What is the best Skype alternative? Get a phone number in any city of choice from $1.79 per month and unlock features Skype never had.sonetel.com
I also heard about those Colombia students. There is a Reddit thread (below). It seems like it could be a good alternative to Microsoft pulling the plug on so all of its dedicated Skype users. The program is called Zkypee.
They're looking to incorporate 2fa capable sms, calls to landlines/mobiles, the ability to port your Skype number or buy a dedicated line. They are asking for feedback on features.
The biggest benefit is the banking SMS codes which is essential. But Zkypee might work if you can port your same Skype # https://www.zkypee.com/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Zkypee/
Digital Nomad
Well-known member
Their rates are nuts! 15 cents per call. No way that will work. Skype was so cheap.
Betsy Ross
Well-known member
Actually it says 3 cents a minute which was like Skype prices. Maybe even cheaper.
Zkypee | Best Skype Alternative | Free Skype Replacement
Looking for the best Skype alternative since Skype is shutting down? Zkypee is the perfect free Skype replacement with high-quality voice and video calls to anyone in the world.
Very buggy. Their site doesn't work. I tried signing up with my Google log in and it doesn't work at all.Actually it says 3 cents a minute which was like Skype prices. Maybe even cheaper.
Zkypee | Best Skype Alternative | Free Skype Replacement
Looking for the best Skype alternative since Skype is shutting down? Zkypee is the perfect free Skype replacement with high-quality voice and video calls to anyone in the world.www.zkypee.com
View attachment 8950
GlasgowJohn
Well-known member
@MikeYoung , They do have a Glasgow alternative - on the second part of the UK Numbers. I will watch and see what people say!
Wonderful! I hope that works out. Could be great for you. I seldom see European numbers on these but it sounds like Skype is leaving a lot of people hanging. Good luck.
VINO
Well-known member
Awesome! I was hoping that might help some people. I guess I will wait until right before Skype shuts down and then transfer over based on reviews. But it sounds like it could be a great option.
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