Programs similar to and compatible with Skype. What are the analogues of Skype?

A unique idea born in the developer's head, with practical implementation loses its former properties. Behind a person, a cohort of “like-minded people” forms, who create copies of the original source interspersed with individuality. Today we will talk about what it is alternative Skype, we will consider the most worthy projects, their strengths and weaknesses.

Briefly about the main thing

Hangouts

Minor from Google, which is linked to the account of the same name. The service has undergone integration with mail and profile on PCs and phones, which simplifies access to:

• Content on YouTube (text chats, streams, videos).
• Different platforms running specific operating systems.

A nice addition - a file not sent via the messenger can be viewed using cloud storage Google company.

KakaoTalk

Developers from South Korea took care of creating another “clone” of Skype, adding several interesting features. Within the system, the user can:

• Order food and make purchases in online stores (in foreign countries).
• Browse news feed, a list of promotions and discounts on popular products.

The main advantages of the project are intuitive clear interface, ability to transfer files big size(up to 100 MB).

Among the shortcomings are: a dubious system for protecting user information, limited language support, unstable work due to the remoteness of the server implementation.

The Skype program allows you to make video calls, audio calls, and also exchange messages via the Internet (between two computers or phones on which this software is installed).

Communication occurs in real time and is quite stable at normal Internet speeds; however, such software places a significant load on the hardware resources of a computer or phone.

For this reason, some users want a better and lighter alternative to Skype.

Program selection

Why is it so important to choose the most suitable software for yourself?

First of all, it plays a big role functionality– it is important that the software has all the necessary functions, but not too many of them ( since extra functionality makes the application more difficult to use, increases its “weight” and the load it puts on RAM b).

It is also very important that managing the program is as convenient as possible - this plays an especially significant role for people who use such software quite often or regularly.

Comparative characteristics

Usually, in addition to functionality, when choosing a program, factors such as, for example, cost and the presence of Russification (menu design in Russian) are of great importance.

The table below shows the main characteristics of alternative programs to make it easier to choose between them.

Below, each of the options considered is described in more detail.

They are located in a top format created based on user reviews.

Viber

Currently, Skype is the most popular software for communicating using this method, but it is “breathing down its back.”

This application is the second most popular after Skype, due to the fact that it is free, easy to use and provides access to various additional functionality.

Feature is that it is designed to work on a smartphone and allows communication between devices on which such an application is installed.

It is maximally optimized to work on mobile device, while the PC is less optimized.

In particular, it has a greater impact on the hardware of the device. However, Viber is suitable only for those users who call from a phone and not a PC.

• Contacts saved on the device are imported into the program automatically;
• There are assemblies designed to work on all existing mobile device platforms;
• The functionality is very diverse (audio and video calls, sending messages, chatting, sending files of different formats).

• Strict connection with mobile phone number
• low phone security.

Here's what users say about this application:

“The application is simply installed, synchronized with the contact list, thanks to which, immediately after installation in phone book you will see which subscriber also has Viber installed. Easy to use, has a wide gallery of interesting emojis".

OOVOO

This service lags far behind Viber and Skype in popularity, however, it is also quite widespread.

The significant difference is that this is still a service that works through a browser, and not an application.

Thus, to use the service you do not need to install any additional software.

The peculiarity of the application is that it can work on any device that has a browser, both mobile and desktop.

It does not take up additional memory, since it is not installed directly, but it is not very convenient to use, since it requires constantly opening the browser.

Therefore, it is suitable for people who use this type of connection infrequently and do not want to load the phone’s memory with unnecessary applications.

• No need to download the program;
• High stability of communication - this indicator surpasses even Skype and Viber;
• Various functionality, for example, showing your desktop to chat participants, etc.;
• A large number of chat participants is 12 people, while in Skype the user is limited to 10.

• A significant disadvantage of using such a service is that stable operation with it is achieved only with sufficient high speed Internet.

Users respond to the application as follows:

“An excellent program, it worked almost flawlessly; if there were problems, it was only due to the speed of the Internet. However, with latest update problems began - the software does not launch stable enough, causes failures in other programs that use the Internet, while no significant improvements occurred after the update.”

TOX

This service is quite new and has not yet become widespread among users, but even taking this into account, it is already surpassing in popularity many services of a similar type, even older ones.

This messenger is still under development, although existing version is no longer a beta and works stable enough for comfortable use.

The application differs significantly in that it transfers data directly between subscribers, without using any system for temporary storage and recoding.

The program is not bad both in functionality and in other characteristics, but is still in many ways inferior to Skype.

It has a set of only “basic” functions. In addition, it is significantly inferior to Skype in terms of security and data privacy protection.

However, it is suitable for those who regularly work, since in this case it is easy to get used to its functionality, and in addition, there is no additional need to download and install the program.

• Cross-platform if you have a Google account;
• Easily synchronize participants and add them to your contact list;
• Availability of all standard functions;
• Minimal load on the hardware due to optimization for Android devices;
• The ability to stream conferences directly on YouTube, as well as other opportunities for interaction with other Google services.

• Inability to use without a Google account;
• Transfers files of only one format – images;
• There is no protection of confidentiality of correspondence at all.

Users say the following about this messenger:

“Nice minimalistic design, all the necessary functions are present. However, it “weighs” quite a lot for its functionality, and in addition, it has an inconvenient text input field (too narrow).”

Apple FaceTime

The program is similar in many respects to the previous type.

It was also originally designed for devices with only one type of operating system - and is also pre-installed on all Apple smartphones.

It can communicate exclusively between subscribers who have such a device, and only with an Apple ID.

The stable operation of the program is noted due to the fact that it is maximally optimized for this type of operating system.

Does not require downloading and installation, does not take up much memory and is easy to use.

In general, if the user is accustomed to Apple products, working with the program should not pose any difficulties.

• Featuring audio and video synchronization;
• High connection stability;
• No bugs or crashes.

• it can only be used by owners of Apple devices
• functionality is narrower compared to other applications

User reviews of the application are as follows:

“This application uses much less traffic than Skype, is quite convenient to use, in addition, it takes up a small amount of memory and does not need to be downloaded.”

KAKAOTALK

The application is gradually gaining popularity in European countries, while in South Korea it has long occupied one of the leading positions in the ranking, because it was developed specifically for use in this region. And much later it became widespread in Europe and the USA.

• Availability of assemblies suitable for any platform and operating system;
• Availability of all necessary communication functions with minimal load on the device memory and its hardware.

• it was originally developed for South Korea, and all data is processed on the servers of this state
• during its operation, significant delays may be observed, because in fact the signal goes from you in the Russian Federation, first to South Korea, and then from there it returns again to the Russian Federation to its addressee
• the interface does not have Russification, that is, it is not translated into Russian.
• security of information and privacy of correspondence are at a fairly low level. However, this poses a particular problem for predominantly local users (i.e., South Koreans). For users in other regions, the application is mostly safe.

Users leave quite different reviews on this application, for example, these:

"Like ample opportunities personalization of the application - you can set different color schemes, choose wallpapers from those offered, or upload your own. There is a wide range of emoticons, stickers and emojis, which have no analogues in other messengers. This is an ideal messenger for people who value good functionality, stable performance and beautiful design programs."

Bleep

This application is the closest analogue of TOX in terms of functionality, features and even appearance.

However, it has a number of minor shortcomings and shortcomings., which make it less in demand and popular.

This software does not have any specific control center, but only connects subscribers with each other directly.

Registration for the program is very simple - in fact, there is no registration at all.

Users are not assigned any identification numbers, etc., as in TOX - they just need to indicate their login.

The functionality is not too wide, but all the necessary functions are available.

• There are versions designed for different types devices, different platforms and operating systems;
• This application has the highest level of confidentiality and data security - since communication is carried out directly between users, and in addition, all data is securely encrypted.
with Skype and stability.

In addition, the program has a very complex encryption code, which ensures high security of use, since it is almost impossible to decrypt the data.

Distinctive feature of the application– stable operation even at fairly low Internet speeds.

However, despite all this, the program has still received very little distribution.

But a significant disadvantage is that the software is focused only on PCs.

Currently, a version for Android has also been developed, but it is extremely unstable, crude, and, in fact, it is impossible to fully use it.

LinPhone– quite easy to use, cross-platform client. Allows you to maintain stable communication even when the bandwidth is heavily loaded. A significant advantage is cross-platform - there are versions for different operating systems.

Traffic is well encrypted, which ensures high security of communication.

In addition, calls made, both audio and video, can be recorded in high quality.

One of the disadvantages is the low prevalence of the program.

It is used mainly by people who understand software. Although the interface is quite simple.

Conclusion

Which application should you choose for yourself? Each user answers this question independently, based on what specific functions he requires for comfortable work. However, with any requirements for the messenger, it is recommended to pay attention to the level of security and give preference to those messengers that have a higher level of security.

For users Google services Hangouts software may seem quite convenient and functional, and in many ways, optimal solution. However, for those who are not used to this type of menu design and work organization (or do not have a Google account), it is better to give preference to another messenger. As for owners of Apple equipment, then pre-installed application FaceTime will be the best option for them when they communicate primarily with subscribers who have equipment of the same brand.

Viber is highly popular and is considered one of the most popular and functional instant messengers today. In terms of popularity, it has almost caught up with Skype. However, it is worth considering that the degree of protection in it is quite low, so the transfer of economic and other confidential information through it may be unsafe.

If you use video calls quite rarely, preferring to use traditional telephone communication, then for periodic use OOVOO service may also be suitable. Although it is not very convenient to use, it nevertheless does not take up memory on the device, and in addition, it does not put a significant load on the hardware (no more than normal browser operation).

Functional

Interface

Price

Despite the fact that Skype remains the most popular and widespread application for voice and text communication, it has many competitors, some of which are already trying to seize the championship. Although Skype has become a kind of standard, its work is far from perfect - perhaps all users in the last year and a half have encountered various bugs, sometimes very annoying. In addition, calls to phone numbers Skype is still paid, which also does not add points to it.

Each messenger has its own strengths and weaknesses, and today we will look at 10 worthy (and most importantly, free!) alternatives to Skype that can quite successfully replace it.

Viber

Skype's strongest competitor. With it you can call everything for free Cell phones having account Viber. By the way, Viber uses your mobile phone number as a login.

pros

Viber automatically imports contacts recorded in the phone book. Any subscriber who also uses Viber can call for free.

Rich functionality - the application can be used for calls, video calls, chats (including group ones), and sending files of almost any format.

Cross-platform – you can download Viber for any current platform.

Minuses

It is not possible to register without using a mobile phone.

Low security of the application - Viber cannot boast of sufficient security, and linking it to a phone number makes the account even more vulnerable.

ooVoo

Echoing the functionality of Skype, ooVoo is one of its main alternatives. ooVoo is more of a service than an application. Despite the presence of clients for various platforms, a browser is enough to make calls, send text messages and files - the ooVoo website immediately offers full functionality.

pros

No need to download the desktop version (which, nevertheless, exists).

Reliable connection – perhaps better than Skype.

Many additional useful functions– the ability to record and send video, show your desktop to video conference participants, and embed video chat on the website.

The maximum number of participants in a video conference is 12 people, while Skype has a limit of 10 users.

Minuses

OoVoo works correctly only with high-speed Internet access.

TOX

A relatively new messenger that is still being finalized. Despite this, today it already has all the functions of Skype and, in addition, increased communication security. The main feature of TOX is the absence of centralized transmission and storage of user data; communication is carried out directly between subscribers.

pros

Free and open source software.

Cross-platform.

High protection of users from third party access to correspondence and conversations.

Minuses

Not too much convenient work with contacts - each user is assigned a Tox ID, which is something like a long code of letters and numbers. However, the usual login can be obtained by registering on the TOX website.

Bugs and unfinished cross-platform functionality. On this moment TOX users often encounter difficulties in the process of communication between clients working on different devices.

An alternative to Skype from Google. Free work with the application is available to all users who have Google account. Hangouts is generally inferior to Skype in terms of functionality and security, but it would be logical to use it if you work with other Google products.

pros

The ability to communicate with other Hangouts users for free through audio and video calls, group chats, and video conferencing.

The ability to stream video conferences directly to Youtube.

Cross-platform and easy client synchronization.

Minuses

The most obvious is the inability to use Hangouts without registering with Google.

File transfer is limited by image format.

Conversations and correspondence of users are not particularly protected in any way, which Google honestly states.

CacaoTalk was originally developed for the South Korean market, but over time it became popular outside of Korea.

pros

Availability of clients for any platform.

Minuses

CacaoTalk itself is a mature product that works stably and reliably. The problem is that the data is processed in South Korea, and this can cause significant delays during communication.

The application interface is not translated into Russian.

The privacy and security situation is mixed, although this may be a cause for concern mainly for local users.

Bleep

Bleep is reminiscent of TOX - the application also does not have central control and only helps users communicate with each other directly.

pros

Cross-platform.

Easy, virtually non-existent registration - in order to get started, just enter your login.

Availability of all necessary functions - chats, calls, sending files.

The best security among all messengers - in addition to direct communication between users, reliable encryption of all data is used.

Minuses

There are problems with the stability of the application, as well as high battery consumption in the case of a mobile application.

Jitsi

An easy and highly secure alternative to Skype.

pros

Simple interface and stable application.

High security – it is extremely difficult to decrypt the transmitted data.

Higher quality video calls compared to Skype.

Minuses

Absence mobile clients(at the moment there is an experimental and unstable version for Android).

The app's popularity among the masses is still low.

Apple FaceTime

As the name suggests, this free alternative Skype is intended for owners of Apple devices.

pros

Excellent picture quality, clear synchronization of audio and video.

Stable, fast and trouble-free application.

Minuses

Only owners of Apple equipment can use FaceTime.

Many are missing additional features. However, such minimalism is compensated by the ideal communication quality.

A universal cross-platform client that allows you to transmit audio and video signals without significant losses even at low bandwidth channel.

pros

Cross-platform - in addition to versions of the program for Windows, Mac OS, Android and iPhone, there are also clients for Linux and BlackBerry.

The ability to communicate with other users with high quality sound and image (even at low connection speeds). Ability to record calls with high video and audio resolution.

Wide range of traffic encryption capabilities.

IPv6 support.

Minuses

Due to its specificity, the program is more common among “techies”, although it has a simple interface.

VSee

A program that is not very well known in the Russian-speaking segment with functionality identical to Skype. Thanks to stability, additional functions and a very simple interface, it has become a kind of standard in the medical field - with the help of VSee, doctors communicate with patients remotely. The program is free, although additional functions paid. However, they may be of interest only to doctors for whom integration of the client with medical equipment is important.

pros

Free and unlimited calls in high quality. The data compression algorithm allows you to communicate comfortably even with 3G access.

Convenience of organizing video conferencing and stability of work when large quantities users.

Minuses

Small number of active users;

I would like to immediately warn all lovers of freebies that free calls- a very expensive pleasure for their organizers, since it is necessary to maintain large volumes of SIP servers and monitor the quality of the signal, without getting carried away with “recoding” the transmitted sound. This is why Skype became popular, primarily because it provided and continues to provide acceptable call quality over the line.

In the previous article we wrote about why and how much you can earn in a line.

Today it is difficult to imagine life without Skype. After all, all relatives, friends, work colleagues and just acquaintances are there. To start communicating with any interlocutor, just make a few clicks. Everything is simply easy and accessible. But what if you need to maintain communication using other software? In this case, you need to use an alternative to Skype.

Analogues of Skype

To use an analogue instead of Skype, you first need to decide on the platform. Each of them has its own ideal set similar programs. We will look at two large groups. Please note that finding an alternative to Skype for Windows Phone you can in the section mobile platforms.

Discord

Discord appeared relatively recently and immediately established itself as a stable and high-quality communication program voice messages. The application immediately began to be used by e-sports teams, which only confirms its undeniable advantages:

• The ability to participate in large-scale voice conferences without significant expenditure of computer resources;
• Access can be obtained not only from the PC version of the application, but also through a convenient web interface on the program website;
• Availability of clients for mobile platforms: Android and iOS to always stay connected;
• Flexible voice chat settings;
• Increased security by adding malicious IPs to the blacklist.

ooVoo

ooVoo is a complete analogue of Skype for the computer, only much simplified. This does not mean that the program is inferior to Skype - quite the opposite. The most important advantage is the lightning-fast opportunity to start working. In other words, you don’t need to go through a long registration process, just quickly fill out three items about yourself, or integrate your account using social Twitter networks and Facebook. Other benefits:

• You can simultaneously video chat in a conference with 12 users;
• It is possible to send video messages;
• Ability to record all incoming and outgoing calls;
• Possibility to transfer files whose size is does not exceed 25 megabytes.

LINE

LINE is an analogue of Skype for a computer without a phone. This means that the program client can be used on a computer. There is also an optional option to use application clients on other platforms – Android and iOS. The functionality of Line is very similar to Skype.

Here you can communicate via video, audio and text chats, send files, create your own contact groups and even view a special activity feed of your friends.

• Light and pleasant Russian-language interface;
• Built-in convenient social network elements;
• Quick registration with minimal filling of information;
• Possibility to fill out personal information questionnaire after registration.

Conclusion

After reading our material, you will understand that there are a huge number of programs similar to Skype and each of them has its own advantages and benefits. Therefore, the question “What is the alternative to Skype?” no longer relevant. Explore, select and install. And then get to work! Which alternative to Skype is the best - decide for yourself, because each application has its own unique functionality.

Just a couple of years ago it was impossible to talk about an alternative to Skype - a program for video calls. However, today on the Internet you can download other applications that will be easier to run on weak PCs, will not be updated without permission, and will not glitch when switching from one tab to another. Let's look at analogues of Skype and their advantages.

ooVoo – video chat program

ooVoo is free application, which allows you to organize video chats with up to 12 people each. The advantage of such a program over Skype is the absence of lags when weak internet. The program also has the function of exchanging text messages, files, pictures, stickers. That is, it is in no way inferior to the popular Skype. At the same time, it should be noted that ooVoo takes up less space on the PC.

WhatsApp with video calling support

Probably only a child does not know about the WhatsApp program. This popular messenger, which appeared simultaneously with touch phones. And if previously the video calling function was available only for devices with operating system iSO, then since the end of 2016, users of other popular platforms can also call via WhatsApp. Including Windows.

Talky - a new analogue of Skype

The Talky program is still young. It is intended for gadgets that run on iSO. To use it on Windows 7 and higher, you should use a browser. However, the advantage of Talky over Skype is that you can organize a video chat for 15 people simultaneously for free for unlimited communication time. At the same time, Talky allows you to capture images not only from the camera, but also from the screen. This means that showing other participants what is happening on your display is quite realistic and simple.

WeChat is a video calling service for Windows 10 and MAC

WeChat is a popular Chinese service that has an English-language interface. Until recently, it only worked on Android and iSO. However, in 2016 it received support for MAC and Windows 10. Using this application, you can organize video calls, conduct correspondence, and transfer files of various formats.

Viber is a favorite calling service

Many PC users have a number of difficulties installing Viber. However, this does not affect the popularity of this application. Using Viber you can send various files interlocutor, call mobile phones and even organize a video call. The program is completely free. It differs from Skype in that it has rather rare updates that are not downloaded without the knowledge of users.

ICQ – an old-timer for video communication

Initially, ISQ was developed exclusively for text correspondence. However, as its popularity grew, this application began to receive many other useful features. In addition to transferring files and attaching stickers, calling a mobile phone, the program received a video calling function. Since the program is familiar and convenient to everyone, there are no problems with its use.

Gem4Me - the simplest messenger in the world

Not much is known about Gem4Me. This is a popular messenger in Europe and America, which appeared 2 years ago and already has 1 million downloads on Google Play. Using this application, a person can call, write, organize video conferences and even send money. The program has high-quality hacking protection. Developed in Switzerland. Distributed free of charge.

Hangouts - a simple program for organizing video conferences

A program for communicating online, with which you can send text messages, files, call mobile phones, and organize video conferences. The program is designed for browsers. Works on both MAC and iSO.

In addition to the programs listed above, there are others on the network that can be an excellent alternative to Skype.