Imagine one day waking up and realizing that the app that connects you with millions of people is shutting down. Microsoft will retire Skype after 23 years. Users must now migrate their chats and contacts to Microsoft Teams or another platform.
According to a Forbes report, Skype once had 300 million monthly users in 2016, but by 2023, only 36 million remained. The decline simplified the way for newer, more advanced video-calling solutions. Microsoft is now focusing on Teams, its primary communication tool for businesses.
Where to go next? We’ve got you covered! Our detailed migration guide helps transfer contacts, chats, and data effortlessly. Plus, we’ve categorized a list of top Skype alternatives to keep your video calls stable.
How to transfer your data from Skype to Microsoft Teams
Before May 5, moving your data from Skype to Microsoft Teams is easier than you think! Simply sign in to Teams for free using your Skype credentials. Your chats and contacts will automatically transfer—no extra steps needed!
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Teams isn’t just a replacement; it’s an upgrade. Enjoy one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing with up to 10,000 participants in a single meeting. Advanced security and integrations with Office 365, OneDrive, Trello, and more make it perfect for work.
Teams are available on Android, iOS, Mac, PC, and the web. Ready to switch? Sign in today and experience a powerful new way to connect!
How to export Skype data
Make sure your messages, files, and contacts are safely backed up. Follow these simple steps to export your Skype data before the shutdown:
- Log in to Skype and click the three horizontal dots under your name.
- Navigate to Settings > Account & Profile > Your Account.
- You’ll be redirected to Skype’s web portal—choose what to export:
- Contacts (.csv)
- Caller ID numbers (.csv)
- Files & chat history (Conversations & Files)
- Click Submit Request and Continue to begin the export.
- Once complete, hit Download to save your data securely.
That’s it! Your Skype history is now backed up and ready for future access. Don’t wait—export your data today!
Top 11 Skype Alternatives for better Team Collaboration
Let’s discuss some of the Skype Alternatives for Better Team Collaboration:
1. Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Teams is a video conferencing and collaboration tool from Microsoft.
- It launched in March 2017, six years after Microsoft acquired Skype.
- Teams work on web browsers, desktops, and mobile apps for easy access.
- The free version supports 100 participants and meetings up to 60 minutes.
- One-on-one meetings can last up to 30 hours without interruptions.
- Screen sharing lets you present live with or without sound.
- Participants can collaborate live by adding text, sticky notes, and reactions.
- The inherent chat feature allows messaging before, during, and after calls.
- Live captions help users follow conversations, supporting 30+ languages in paid plans.
- Customize backgrounds with templates or personal uploads for a professional touch.
- Teams provide more than video calls, integrating Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Store and access files on OneDrive, Microsoft’s secure cloud storage.
- Microsoft 365 subscribers get Teams at no extra cost with uninterrupted integration.
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2. Google Meet
- Google Meet is free for everyone with a Google account.
- It supports 100 participants per meeting with essential collaboration tools.
- Free meetings last 60 minutes when there are more than three people.
- Users can record meetings, share screens, and collaborate easily.
- Larger teams can benefit from Google Workspace’s advanced features.
- Paid plans allow 25 co-hosts, breakout rooms, and live YouTube streaming.
- Polls and Q&A sessions enhance engagement in interactive meetings.
- AI-powered Gemini assistant helps with notetaking and background creation.
- Google Workspace plans start at $7/month, offering more adaptability.
3. Zoom
- Zoom is a widely used video conferencing tool with powerful team collaboration features.
- Zoom supports 100 participants per meeting with private and group chat options.
- Users can share screens, take notes, and use a virtual whiteboard.
- Meetings can be recorded and later accessed.
- The free plan has a 40-minute time limit per meeting.
- Users can upgrade to paid plans for $13/month to avoid interruptions.
- Paid plans include AI Companion, which summarizes meetings and answers questions.
4. Webex
- Webex is a Cisco-owned video conferencing tool with powerful features.
- It includes screen sharing, session recording, and a virtual whiteboard.
- The free plan supports 100 attendees but has a 40-minute meeting limit.
- Paid plans start at $12/month and scale based on team size.
- Premium features include an AI assistant, live polling, and Q&A tools.
- Premium plans allow up to 1,000 attendees for large meetings.
- It provides strong security, enterprise-level integrations, and authentic performance.
- A trusted choice for teams that require seamless virtual collaboration.
5. Discord
- Discord was created for gamers. It is used for general communication.
- It works well for self-interest and small teams, but not large enterprises.
- In Discord, Calls are limited to 25 participants, making it perfect for casual meetings.
- Discord offers unlimited meeting durations, unlike many competitors.
- Features include screen sharing, meeting recording, and breakout rooms.
- The free plan provides essential tools, with paid plans at $5/month and $10/month.
- One of the most affordable video conferencing options available.
- Great for community building, team collaboration, and casual discussions.
- A solid choice for those who choose adaptability and affordability.
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6. Slack
- Slack is a messaging, voice, and video conferencing tool.
- The free version is great for small teams, while paid plans suit businesses.
- Premium plans offer more integration, storage, and advanced security features.
- Users can create channels for teams, projects, or discussions with admin control.
- It supports voice and video calls, along with third-party app integrations.
- The extensive app store includes tools for productivity and automation.
- Searchable message history makes retrieving past conversations easy.
- Dedicated file storage keeps shared documents accessible and organized.
- Users can send audio and video clips for quick, asynchronous communication.
- Slack Connect allows external collaboration with clients or partners.
- Calls can be started directly within the app for seamless meetings.
- A powerful and systematic messaging platform for all businesses.
7. Signal
- Signal is a privacy-based messaging app with an encryption system.
- Signal supports team video conferencing for up to 50 participants.
- Users can share call links, similar to Google Meet and Zoom.
- Unlike some competitors, Signal is completely free to use.
- It doesn’t require creating a group to start a video call.
- Perfect for users who prioritize security and simple communication.
- A reliable alternative for encrypted video calling and messaging.
8. Viber
- Viber provides messaging, voice, and video calls for personal and team use.
- Best suited for internal communication in small teams.
- Send texts, photos, videos, and voice recordings easily.
- Share files in chats or during video calls for seamless collaboration.
- Make high-quality voice and video calls with real-time switching.
- Group chats and calls allow multiple participants to stay connected.
- Users can edit or delete messages, even after they’ve been read.
- Ensures privacy and security for personal and team conversations.
- Viber works on both desktop and mobile, making it highly convenient.
- Businesses can use Rakuten Viber to provide customer-facing chat solutions.
9. Talky
- Talky is a web-based video chat platform with an easy setup.
- It supports video calls with 15 members.
- No downloads or accounts are required; just visit the website to start.
- Users can create custom chat rooms by choosing a unique URL.
- Share the link with others to join instantly.
- Screen sharing allows participants to collaborate effectively.
- Password protection keeps chat rooms private and secure.
- Talky has a minimum design with a focus on ease of use.
- Available on the web and iOS but lacks full cross-platform support.
- It is perfect for those who prefer a simple, effortless video calling tool.
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10. WhatsApp
- This popular messaging app is available on every platform.
- WhatsApp requires a mobile number for the sign-up process without a Google account.
- WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption for security.
- WhatsApp Business API provides tools for customer engagement.
- This messaging app syncs across devices, making it easy to switch between phone and PC.
- Free to use, with no hidden fees for messages or calls.
- Great for personal and business communication worldwide.
11. Jami
- Jami is Decentralized and server-free, ensuring private and secure calls.
- There is direct person-to-person communication without third-party integrations.
- Jami is available across multiple platforms.
- Jami provides sender-to-recipient secure encryption, guaranteeing privacy for all conversations.
- Jami is completely free without subscriptions.
- Jami is perfect for users who value security without compromising on features.
- A great alternative for those looking beyond mainstream apps.
