Analogue of Skype: review of alternative instant messengers like Skype and whether they are worth using. Alternatives to Skype - review of well-known analogue programs

Capable of becoming a worthy alternative to Skype.

In June, Skype updated its application. Now users of the service will be able to exchange short video messages; the function is available to users on most Skype-supporting platforms, including Windows 8, Mac, iOS, Android and BlackBerry. But what alternatives are there to a service that is outdated and late in delivering useful updates?

Skype video messages can be recorded up to three minutes long. “Skype helps people be closer to each other, but no technology can save you from overloaded schedules and missed calls,” this is how the service’s administration explained the need for the new function.

Meanwhile, the update raises more questions among users than joy. Thus, one video message cannot be sent to several recipients at once. Users still cannot share audio messages or videos from the memory of a smartphone or tablet. The recorded audio clip cannot be saved in the gadget’s memory. Finally, sent video messages, unlike text messages, cannot be canceled once sent.

The update, as critics of Skype and its mentor Microsoft rightly note, looks hastily and sloppy. All applications for Skype have recently become more and more cumbersome, and complaints against Microsoft, the owner of the service, began to be heard especially often after the company was convicted of transferring information about its subscribers to the authorities of the United States (and, possibly, other countries).

Skype still holds the lead in the Internet telephony market. According to a study conducted by telecom analysts at Analysis Mason at the end of last year, Skype is used by 79% of all users of VoIP applications and 16% of the total number of respondents of the total number of Internet users. But isn't it time to look for a replacement for the usual service? Moreover, there are really a lot of competitors on the market now. And almost each of them has significant advantages in comparison with the “monopoly”.

Google Hangouts. This year, the Internet giant Google combined its communication services - Gtalk chats, Gmail mail and Google Voice voice and video communication service - into one, Google Hangouts. Now, in order to use all this variety, you don’t even need to install a separate program on your computer: the service is launched through a special extension for the browser - Chrome or any other.

If you need to arrange a small video conference, then this happens right on the Google+ page. The main advantage of the service is that the user can start a conference in one of his circles with those participants who are currently interested in it, and then, as the dialogue progresses, other users can join the conversation. In the same Skype, if you are not a participant in the discussion initially, then you cannot find out about it and join the conversation. Up to 10 people can participate in a video conference.

A distinctive feature of Hangouts is its thoughtfulness and technology. During a conversation, the speaker will be displayed in a large window, and all other participants will be displayed in small windows located below. If two people say something to everyone else at the same volume, Google will select and show only one of them in a large window.

Experience shows that pictures and videos are displayed just fine on average-power laptops and average channel width, but only as long as the number of conference participants does not exceed five or six. Then freezes and distortion of the picture are possible.

Apple FaceTime. An excellent service for video communication, however, available exclusively to users of Cupertino corporation equipment - Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod. Data from the App Store, an online application store, is used as login and password for authorization. The mobile version of FaceTime is distinguished by absolute minimalism, limited capabilities for fine-tuning and excellent quality of voice and picture transmission. The FaceTime mobile application loads much faster, works more clearly, and for unknown reasons it doesn’t crash offline once every half hour, which is what Skype constantly does. And here's another thing: when calling via Skype using mobile devices, there is almost always a slight lag between video and audio. FaceTime doesn't have this problem. This is obviously the highest quality service in terms of data transfer on the market today.

Viber is a wonderful, albeit young, service from Belarus, which was founded by two guys from Israel. However, the development of almost all the code for it is carried out in Minsk and Brest. Initially, Viber is aimed at users of smartphones and tablets, and this is its main advantage over Skype, which, after all, was originally conceived for PC architecture. Viber does not require registration: accounts are linked to a mobile phone number. It doesn't require you to search for friends: the program simply shows which of the people in your phone book have Viber installed, and offers to call them or send a free message - like SMS, only via the Internet.

In order to stay connected on Viber, you don’t even need to launch the program: it always works in the background and consumes almost no traffic or smartphone battery resources. So you can use Viber in much the same way as we usually use mobile phones, but at the same time use exclusively the Internet for this. But the main advantage of the Belarusian-Israeli development is that it provides acceptable quality of voice communication even in conditions of completely poor Internet access speed. In order to clearly hear the interlocutor, using EDGE will be enough.

Recently, developers released a version of Viber for Windows and Apple OS X.

There are several disadvantages: you can only call other Viber users, there is no video calling.

Kakaotalk is a free cross-platform messenger that differs from others in its unusual fun design, excellent communication quality and availability exclusively for smartphone users. The creators believe that computers as a means of voice communication should be thrown aside long ago.

It works, like Viber, as if you can’t turn it off at all. At the same time, it allows you to exchange photos, videos, other files, conduct group video chats, use emoticons, send voice messages to the subscriber’s phone, etc. The main thing: there are functions of “sound filters” that allow you to distort your voice, making it funnier or giving it the desired intonation. KakaoTalk is a service for communicating exclusively with friends; it is distinguished by its “frivolity” in everything and the joy of using it. And here you can subscribe to newsletters of your favorite celebrities.

Jitsi. In March of this year, the official release of Jitsi 2.0, an open source SIP communicator, took place. Compared to Skype, this one of the most beloved programs among geeks encrypts all conversations using the ZRTP protocol - it is considered to be incredibly difficult to “open” it. Among the main innovations of Jitsi 2.0 are support for simultaneous multi-user video chat via XMPP, support for Outlook statuses and calls, a simple and elegant interface, fast loading and “lightweight” application, support for Opus and VP8 audio/video codecs with higher video quality compared to H. 264, which Skype uses. The number of chat participants is not limited in any way. But the main thing: Jitsi has minimal requirements for data bandwidth - this means that good communication quality will be ensured even when only slow Internet is available.

As usual, there is only one downside: the development is new, and therefore is still popular only among geeks. There are few contacts in Jitsi yet. But this, by the way, is its main advantage: the intelligence services of all countries of the world are not yet paying attention to the unpopular service and its users.

ooVoo is a fairly convenient program for making video calls via a computer, a simple and affordable alternative to Skype. The service allows you to arrange negotiations with six participants at the same time, and such conferences can be organized directly from the company’s website, so there is no need to directly install a client for one-time calls from other people’s computers. ooVoo, like Skype, allows you to search for contacts, share files, chat, etc. The creators position the service as an alternative to the “overloaded Skype interface.” Plus, ooVoo is more stable: disconnections in it happen much less often. ooVoo is distributed free of charge, the interface is multilingual, Russian is supported.

In general, there are more than enough Skype alternatives for those who have fallen out of love (or have never loved) with this program. In this review, we deliberately did not touch upon messenger programs that combine multiple protocols on one platform. The same imo.im allows you to communicate via Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook and other services directly from the browser window. All you have to do is register. We would like to add on our own behalf: try, experiment, be inquisitive. Sometimes the traditional and most popular solutions are far from the best for you personally.

If you're looking for a complete alternative to Skype, Discord will probably best suit your needs. Compared to Skype, this software can be considered quite young.

In Discord you will find almost all the features that you get in Skype. Chats, calls, video calls and group conferences are all fast and easy. The design is simple and modern, so even beginners can quickly figure it out.

The most convenient way to use Discord is on your PC through the official software itself, or on your smartphone through the Discord app for iOS and Android. But even on other computers, you can quickly log in via the web app and use all the features.

Alternatives to Skype: ICQ and Yahoo Messenger

Tox: Skype alternative without hidden eavesdropping

A few months after it was revealed that the NSA had direct access to Skype servers and theoretically read every conversation, a new messenger was released. Tox should be considered a secure alternative to Skype. Messages, phone calls and video chats are encrypted and thus protected from eavesdropping. The data to be transmitted is not sent through the server and is not cached there, but is transmitted directly through a Peer-to-Peer connection with the chat partner.

Although Tox has the basic features of a messenger, Skype offers many additional options. Tox is available for Windows, Mac OS, Linux and as an Android application. Even if the messenger is considered very secure, you will most likely have to invite your friends to Tox.

Video telephony on Facebook

Facebook offers a similar service as does Google. If you and your friends are active on these services,

The Skype platform is not the least popular in the ranking of messengers. However, recent updates to the service have begun to alienate users. There is a need to search for new messengers. Is there a worthy alternative to Skype?

There are also disadvantages

According to statistics from Analysis Mason, the messenger is used by 79% of all web users. Unfortunately, the constant updating of the service has ceased to contribute to the growth of popularity, and even on the contrary - the mark is declining along with a gradual increase in negative reviews.

What shortcomings have users started to identify?

• Skype has deprived subscribers of the ability to send video messages to multiple subscribers and the ability to send audio messages.
• You can no longer save an audio clip in the device memory.
• There is no way to cancel sent video messages, unlike text messages.
• Information about users is transferred to the authorities.

A worthy alternative

So, what can replace Skype? There are a lot of programs like Skype. Which ones are worthy of attention? Let's look at the most famous ones.

Unified Google Service

The corporation has recently combined all its services into one system called Google Hangouts. What does it include?

• Gtalk chat,
• Gmail mail service,
• Google Voice video communication service.

To use the system, you do not need to install additional software - just download the extension from the Google Chrome browser store.

This alternative is available in a limited number of states. However, as you can see, the developer is not standing still, which means the offer can be expanded.

Viber

The purple design of this program is familiar to almost everyone. The main advantage of the messenger is that it can be installed on PCs, tablets and smartphones with any type of OS.

Calls to other Viber accounts are free, as they are made via the Internet. There is an option for calls to mobile phones that do not have the program installed, as well as to landlines. This happens through the Viber Out service - the tariff is quite low and less than Skype. However, for now this function is available for gadgets on iOS and Android. Manufacturers promise that the function will soon appear in the version that is installed on the computer.

Unlike Skype, Viber does not have any annoying advertising. Thus, this is a very promising replacement for Skype.

ooVoo

Another free messenger and far from the last in the ranking. It can replace Skype almost completely. In addition, the program contains additional features.

Advantages of ooVoo:

1. The quality of video and sound is much higher.
2. The ability to completely expand the conversation to the entire diagonal of the monitor.
3. Convenient and intuitive interface.
4. The function of simultaneously viewing the same video remotely from each other. So, you can watch a movie and simultaneously discuss it during the broadcast in a chat.

The disadvantage of the program is the limitation on the number of participants in a group call (no more than 12 people).

It is more reliable to download the utility from the official resource at the link: http://www.oovoo.com/Download-oovoo. The program is installed on most devices.

VSee

This is a Skype-like option that focuses on more functional video communication: medical examinations at a distance along with the transmission of ultrasounds, x-rays, surgical fluoroscopes and other things online.

The messenger is perfect for everyday communication: here, with a smaller amount of transmitted data, the quality of sound and video is higher. This means that a 3G connection on a mobile device is sufficient to communicate with people. There is some traffic savings. However, the picture does not freeze.

VSee is a universal, simple tool that is effective for communicating between people at the everyday level and for conducting scientific conferences, medical examinations and other important purposes.

Jitsi

The app is not very popular, but it is easy to use. You can communicate on a computer using this program, but mobile versions are still being tested.

The interface of the official resource is only in English. Address: https://jitsi.org.

The application is available for Windows, Mac, Ubuntu, Linux. Like VSee, the program offers high call quality along with a slow connection. Separately, it is worth noting the level of security - it is extremely difficult to decrypt the transmitted data.

This option is suitable for owners of Apple products. Its users note that the program clearly synchronizes picture and sound with excellent quality of the two parameters.

The application is simple. This is both a plus and a minus at the same time: it does not have pleasant additional features, like ooVoo, for example.

Bleep

It is a cross-platform alternative to Skype from BitTorrent. Among the advantages, simplified registration stands out, or rather, practically no registration: to start working, you just need to indicate your login.

Supports all types of communication: chats, calls with audio and video, file sharing. Plus, there is reliable data encryption.

You can download it from the manufacturer’s official website: http://www.bleep.pm. Versions are available for the most popular PC operating systems and portable devices.

Tox

Tox is a newcomer to the messenger market, which is still at the finalization stage. However, this did not prevent it from acquiring the full set of functions that are available in Skype, so it is an excellent answer to the question: “What can replace Skype?”

The advantage is increased safety. Communication is established directly between subscribers, bypassing centralized data transfer and storage.

Among the shortcomings is the lack of cross-platform functionality: TOX users often encounter difficulties if they communicate through different devices.

Each user is also assigned a Tox ID - a long code of letters and numbers that is difficult to remember. This is not entirely convenient, although you can get the usual login if you register on the site.

The installer can be downloaded from the website: https://tox.chat.

Application from a South Korean manufacturer. It was originally created for communication within the country. However, it has become widespread throughout the world.

CacaoTalk supports any platform and all types of communication:

• text messages,
• video communication,
• audio communication,
• sharing files of various categories.

Since user data is processed in South Korea, the application may experience delays. There is also no Russian version of the program.

You can download the program here: http://www.kakao.com/talk.

Slow Internet is not a hindrance to working with this program. Available for all OS and devices, including Linux and Blackberry. Supports IPv6, a new version of the IP protocol. A significant plus is recording calls with high video and audio resolution.

Although the design of the program is quite simple, it is more popular among “techies”.

This Skype substitute also has an official resource: http://www.linphone.org.

This alternative server program is equipped with all the features of Skype and additionally offers:

• Fast file sharing.
• High quality sound and picture.
• Video conferences with a large number of participants.
• Work both on the local network and on the Internet.
• Improved interface for personal correspondence. At the same time, it is possible to quickly transfer messages from correspondence to a private channel.
• Independent choice of encryption mechanism and the ability to connect servers to each other.
• Message notifications on a special key located on the taskbar.

Be it ordinary communication purposes or corporate ones, the application copes with the tasks.
Official resource where you can find out more details: http://www.commfort.com/ru/.

The products replacing Skype are no worse than the “founding father” of video communication, no matter what his contribution to the development of IP telephony was. In some cases, other instant messengers are even better, given their additional features.

Skype isn't perfect. It doesn't cope well with video conferences involving more than two people, transmits poor quality video, and is generally more suitable for friendly communication than for serious collaboration in the office. H&F has selected the best services for online conferences with a lot of useful features for business.

TokBox was born as a free video conferencing service, but having failed to make money on it, it was reborn into a new, more interesting project - OpenTok. It is an API service that allows you to embed group video chat on any website, social network page or mobile application. Supports up to several thousand viewers simultaneously and up to 20 video streams on one page. The creators of OpenTok hoped that the service would be in demand in industries such as remote learning, online commerce and collaboration systems. Why is this convenient? Because video chat integrates into your existing space and you don’t have to send clients, readers and colleagues to another site to talk to them. For example, instead of asking a question in writing to an online store consultant, you can immediately talk to him. This may be more labor-intensive for the customer support team, but it builds greater trust in the store and allows you to establish warmer relationships with customers. In addition to organizing video conferences, OpenTok allows you to send text messages, record videos and much more. Two interesting facts: firstly, one of the founders of TokBox was Sergei Fage (who then moved to Russia and, together with Kirill Makharinsky, headed Ostrovok.ru), secondly, OpenTok collaborates with DoubleRobotics, who came up with an ominously beautiful robot for the office ( watch the video on their website, you won’t regret it). The service has per-minute billing. Up to 25,000 minutes of talk time per month are free, up to 75,000 cost $250, and so on.

Probably the most famous web conferencing service was created in 2004 by Citrix Systems Corporation. Up to 25 people can simultaneously participate in an online meeting, who can connect from almost any device (Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, Android). In addition to communication, the service makes it possible to collaborate with materials. The conference organizer can provide remote access to his desktop or a separate document, to which conference participants can make edits in real time. You can draw, highlight areas with color and, of course, write text messages. The work session will be recorded. Compared to Skype, the picture and sound quality is very high. GoToMeeting automatically detects and highlights the window of the person currently speaking. To invite someone to participate in a video conference, you can simply send a link to it by mail. No special registration is required from participants. The most obvious use of the service is joint remote work of a team. But there are other possible functions: for example, using it in the help desk. If a client wants to complain about the site, he can give the site owner access to his desktop so that he can see and fix the error on the spot. An annual subscription to the service costs $468.

A more informal, but absolutely free service that allows you to conduct video conferences with several participants, the number of which cannot exceed 12 people. Works on any platforms: Windows, Mac, Android. In addition to video calls, it allows you to record and send videos, text messages, and files up to 25 MB in size. It’s especially convenient that the recording can be uploaded to YouTube in almost one click. During a video call, you can have participants see the document or presentation that is currently open on the presenter's desktop. When you sign up for ooVoo, you can enter your Facebook username and password, and your contact list will automatically sync with your FB friends list that you can invite to “chat.” An interesting feature is the “video conversation room”, which you can add to your website, blog or social network. The room mini-application automatically fits into the site design. Rooms can, for example, be used to communicate with colleagues, readers of your blog, or to serve customers of an online store.

Google+Hangouts allows you to organize communication in the format of group video conferencing. Using this service, you can hold business meetings, webinars, and simply video chat. In a video meeting, you can show other participants what's happening on your computer screen by sharing any open application window. Participants can also share Google Drive files, collaborate on meeting notes, and write down ideas on a shared virtual whiteboard. Hangouts is integrated with Google Calendar, so users can schedule video meetings using the calendar. You can join them by following the link from the event and even from the reminder. 10 people can take part in the meeting at the same time. The “live video meeting” function allows you to organize a broadcast for a wide audience, but the number of meeting participants still cannot exceed 10. Users who start a video meeting can invite individuals or circles from Google+, or a combination of the two. Everything is convenient, pleasant, minimalistic - in general, in Google style.

GoToMeeting's main competitor, which is clearly ahead of it in some respects, belongs to Cisco. The functions are largely similar: the same maximum number of participants - 25 people (for the Meeting Center service), access from any devices, the ability to collaborate with documents and the desktop, exchange text messages and files. The meeting can be recorded and then posted on the server so that those who were unable to participate can watch it. There is integration with Outlook. The service allows you to hold meetings, trainings, brainstorming sessions, and make presentations for clients. Conference participants do not need to first install software on their computers: the necessary modules will be installed automatically when entering the conference. After launch, each user will have the WebEx Meeting Manager application window open, which displays the document shown by the presenter, a list of participants, an instant messaging window, and a panel displaying web cameras. WebEx's interface is said to be more intuitive than GoToMeeting's, and call quality is more consistent. Among the shortcomings, one can highlight some inequality of interlocutors. There are three different roles in a web conference: owner, presenter, and participants. Participants participate in the conference primarily as passive spectators, although they have some opportunities for interactive communication. A participant can only ask to speak by signaling with a “raised hand,” request remote access from the speaker to the document being shown, and participate in polls. Meetings for three are free, other accounts cost between $24 and $89 per month depending on the number of discussion owners and participants.

More recently, users all over the world used the wonderful Skype program to communicate with each other. The application, running on any platform, was capable of transmitting text messages in real time, using voice and video communication. But after Skype was acquired by Microsoft, many problems arose. First of all, the program has become more resource-demanding; now not every phone will be able to launch a video call. There is a problem with registration, which requires you to create a Microsoft account. The program is constantly advertising something. The time is not far off when Skype will become paid. Is there really no alternative for a computer with Windows and for Android? The focus of this article is a program similar to Skype.

Tender is announced

In order to find an analogue of Skype, you need to decide on the selection criteria - the functionality of the program and the platform on which the application should work.

1. Platform. The most popular platforms are Android, iOS and Microsoft. Linux and Blackberry are welcome, they are in the minority, but they also have the right to exist.
2. Sending text messages. This is the main requirement for the program, because correspondence gives users the opportunity not only to think carefully before writing, but also to keep a history of communication.
3. Voice communication in real time. Free communication from anywhere in the world not only saves money, but also brings pleasure.
4. Video communication. It is more of an entertaining nature, but it is a fairly popular function among users.
5. Creation of conferences. A very convenient functionality in business when you need to negotiate collectively or for holding seminars.
6. Resource requirements. The program should start quickly and use few resources. The important resources of a device are considered to be RAM, processor time, and a communication channel.

A holy place is never empty

Not long ago, an analogue of Skype called Viber was introduced to the world. In a short period of time, the application quickly spread among users and became very popular. So, how did the program win the hearts of millions of users?

1. The program is compatible with any platform. The joke that Viber is not installed except on the refrigerator means that owners of any mobile phones and operating systems on computers can use this wonderful program.
2. Text chat. It is unique - you can transmit not only text, but also pictures, video and audio messages.
3. Audio and video calls. The Viber program easily establishes a connection with the interlocutor and provides communication using the device’s video camera in real time.
4. Lots of useful little things. Simple registration linked to a mobile phone number. Synchronizing contacts, identifying owners of numbers who are already using Viber, and notifying them about the installation of the program. No advertising and absolutely free. If you have GPS on your phone, you can transmit your location to your interlocutor.

Small flaws in the Viber program

It's hard to believe, but they exist, and lately developers have been in no hurry to fix them. Although the application is compatible with any operating system, there are significant differences in Viber programs installed on different devices.

Owners of Android and iPhone are the luckiest ones - the entire range of services existing in Viber is open to them. Owners of BlackBerry with operating system version seven or lower are not able to transfer audio and video files. Owners of Microsoft and Bada operating systems will be left without an avatar and will join the owners of old BlackBerrys. Even though the application was initially positioned as an analogue of Skype for Android, we would like more functionality and fully working synchronization of contacts in its operation under the Windows and Linux operating systems.

An interesting offer for residents of Russia

This is not the first year that Russian residents have been using the “branded” service “Multifon” for communication, developed by specialists from the Megafon company. From year to year, Multifon acquires new capabilities, and the price for calls to mobile phones is rapidly approaching zero. The Russian analogue of Skype has only one significant drawback - Multifon is available only to subscribers of the Megafon network. But there are countless positive functions.

1. The program uses a SIP client, which allows you to use any SIP client, the same X-Lite or Fring, instead of the green “branded” program from Megafon, which are more flexibly configured and have more functions.
2. As in Skype, you can correspond, make video and audio calls completely free of charge between Megafon users.
3. Calls to mobile phones on the GSM network are significantly lower than the tariffs of the same Skype. There are applications for any operating system, including workstations.
4. The Russian analogue of Skype allows you to record conversations during audio and video calls.

Another inexpensive solution from Russian programmers

If the use of video when communicating in real time is not critical, another Russian analogue of Skype, Beam, deserves positive user reviews. The program can conduct text correspondence and allows users to make calls within the network completely free of charge. Like Skype, the program can make calls to landline and mobile lines, and the price is significantly lower than its competitors. Users of the Beam program note the high quality of sound during communication. All this is thanks to IP telephony, which is used in the product code.

There is also a negative in using the brainchild of Russian programmers, it is the only one, but it is quite significant - the application can only be installed on Android and IOS devices.

About social networks

It is no secret that sending messages, files, making audio and video calls can be done in the same Odnoklassniki, Google or the Mail.ru service. According to statistics, the number of social network users is an order of magnitude greater than the number of Skype program owners. But they do not use such a wonderful opportunity to communicate. What's the matter?

The analogue of Skype works through social network servers, which are already overloaded due to high traffic. Naturally, there is no question of any quality of voice or video transmission. The only thing you should pay attention to is the ability of the same Mail.ru to work on any platform, including mobile devices of the 2000s.

Players from all over the world, unite!

There is no way around the online gaming program called RaidCall. The Skype analogue for Windows was not chosen by players by chance. There is hardly a free program that can organize audio conferences for a large number of people in real time. The program's interface may look like Skype, but there are many positive differences.

1. High quality sound. Thanks to the use of the external RaidCall server, the creation of a conference on which is also free, players do not feel discomfort in communication.
2. Low requirements for computer resources. Taking several megabytes of RAM from the system, the program takes 1% of its resources from the processor, which is a high figure among similar applications.
3. Compatible with different platforms. Android, Windows, IOS, Linux and other operating systems are familiar with the program, and everything works great.

Five thousand people in an audio conference?

This is possible with the TeamSpeak program, which is capable of uniting up to 512 people into an audio conference, who can communicate without problems in real time. The program also provides messaging capabilities between users and allows you to send files. Like RaidCall, the application can work with different platforms and is undemanding of system resources. Thanks to the use of an external server, the sound quality in an audio conference is high, regardless of the number of participants.

TeamSpeak, an analogue of Skype, has one drawback - the server part of the application is paid. This means that to create a conference, you need a moderator who must rent a “room” on the server with a specific IP address. He provides this address to all conference participants with whom he needs to communicate.

Free software from Google called WebRTC was initially not appreciated by either users or developers. As soon as Russian developers, interested in the software, created a Russian analogue of Skype and began integrating it into the masses, Google revived its project. Several developers of free browsers, such as Opera, Firefox and Google Chrome, announced to the world about new technologies implemented in their software.

WebRTC is an open Internet protocol that, like other analogues of Skype for PC, allows you to make audio and video calls in real time. The code is written in JavaScript, which means that the owner of any device can use the service, regardless of the operating system and device performance. The main condition is the functionality of the browser.

Finally

The listed analogues of Skype for computers and mobile devices are just the tip of the iceberg. Having proven themselves well among users, thanks to positive reviews, programs attract attention. If you delve deeper into this topic, you can find thousands of similar Skype analogues. There will never be one ideal communication program that satisfies all requirements. As soon as an application gains popularity, it is bought by the giants of the IT industry and becomes paid or resource-intensive - this is a pattern. You need to learn to keep up with the times, find and use free applications according to the assigned tasks.