
Skype has been used in business-to-business communication for some time and as the business grows, there is a need for better, safer, and efficient ways of communication. The reasons are that Skype has some shortcomings, for example, security issues, lack of compatibility with other programs, and inefficiency for large companies. In this article, you will find the list of the best Skype alternatives for business communication and a description of each of them.
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Skype Alternatives for Business: Enhance Communication & Productivity
- 2 Why Businesses Are Moving Away from Skype?
- 3 Skype Alternatives For Business – Quick Comparison Table
- 4 Top Skype Alternatives for Business Communication
- 4.1 Zoom: A Leader in Video Conferencing
- 4.2 Microsoft Teams: A Comprehensive Business Communication Tool
- 4.3 Slack: A Modern Approach to Team Collaboration
- 4.4 Google Meet: Seamless Integration with Google Workspace
- 4.5 Cisco Webex: A Secure Platform for Large Teams
- 4.6 Amazon Chime: A Simple Business Communication Tool
- 4.7 GoToMeeting: Professional Video Conferencing for Businesses
- 4.8 Zoho Meeting: A Feature-Packed Video Conferencing Tool
- 4.9 Chanty: An Efficient Team Collaboration Tool
- 5 How to Choose the Right Skype Alternative for Your Business
- 6 Key Considerations When Switching from Skype to Another Platform
- 7 Tips for a Smooth Transition to Your New Communication Tool
Best Skype Alternatives for Business: Enhance Communication & Productivity
In the current business environment, there is a need to have communication that will be used to support communication, security and integration with other applications. These are however difficult demands for Skype to meet and as such companies have turned to newer solutions that would further the advancement of their operations.
Why Businesses Are Moving Away from Skype?
Skype has become a useful instrument for communication in the recent past. However, today’s business demands more capable solutions that comprise enhanced teamwork, enhanced security, improved video conferencing, and compatibility with other business tools. With so many employees working from home, there is a need to have ways of managing the large team as well as improve productivity and security of communication.
Skype Alternatives For Business – Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Zoom | Microsoft Teams | Slack | Google Meet | Webex | Chime | GoToMeeting | Zoho Meeting | Chanty |
Video Conferencing | Yes (HD) | Yes (HD) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (HD) | Yes (HD) | Yes (HD) | Yes (HD) | Yes (HD) | Yes (HD) |
Audio Calls | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Messaging | Yes | Yes (Teams) | Yes (Channels) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Teams) |
Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
File Sharing | Yes | Yes (SharePoint) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Meeting Recording | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Task Management | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Max Participants Per Call | 1000+ | 300+ | 15 (Paid Plan) | 250 | 1000+ | 250+ | 250+ | 100 | 20 |
Free Plan | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) |
Pricing | From $14.99 | From $5 | From $6.67 | From $6.00 | From $13.50 | From $3.00 | From $12.00 | From $10.00 | From $3.00 |
Security (End-to-End) | Yes | Yes | Yes (Limited) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Integration with Calendar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Top Skype Alternatives for Business Communication
As businesses shift from Skype, several other new communication technologies have emerged to be promising. These options have their special characteristics which can satisfy the requirements of different teams, communication, and security requirements. Here are some of the most popular Skype competitors that are being embraced in the market today.
Zoom: A Leader in Video Conferencing
Zoom has a good feature of video and audio and it can also grow its services. It is most suitable for businesses that are involved in regular and large-scale conferences and integration with other software applications.
Key Features:
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- Video Conferencing: HD video and high-quality audio calls.
- Screen Sharing: Easy to share your screen during meetings.
- Recording: Ability to record meetings for future reference.
- Large Meetings: Supports over 1000 participants.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: High-quality, video and audio, works well for multiple people, compatible with several calendars.
- Cons: The free plan has limited features, and security concerns in the past.
Target Audience:
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- Remote teams, small businesses, enterprises.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $14.99 per month.
Microsoft Teams: A Comprehensive Business Communication Tool
Microsoft Teams is an all-in-one communication tool that fits business structures and integrates with Microsoft 365.
Key Features:
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- Teams: Dedicated channels for team communication.
- Task Management: Integrates with Microsoft 365.
- File Sharing: Share files via SharePoint.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: Deep integration with Microsoft Office tools, and robust security features.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming for new users.
Target Audience:
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- Large enterprises, and businesses that are already using Microsoft products.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $5 per user per month.
Slack: A Modern Approach to Team Collaboration
Slack excels at team communication and collaboration, especially for remote teams. It also provides the feature of messaging that is much more advanced than what Skype has to offer in terms of communication.
Key Features:
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- Messaging: Channels for team collaboration.
- File Sharing: Easily share files within conversations.
- Integrations: Integrates with over 2,000 apps.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: It is also very good for collaboration with other people and can interact with other applications.
- Cons: Video conferencing is unavailable in the free version of the app.
Target Audience:
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- Small businesses, startups, remote teams.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $6.67 per month.
Google Meet: Seamless Integration with Google Workspace
If you are already using Google Workspace, then Google Meet is the best Skype counterpart in terms of integration and ease of use for video communication.
Key Features:
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- Video Conferencing: HD video for meetings.
- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace.
- Screen Sharing: Share your screen with meeting participants.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: It is free to use and can be integrated with the Google account as well as the calendars.
- Cons: Limited features on the free plan.
Target Audience:
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- Small business teams already using google workspace.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $6 per month.
Cisco Webex: A Secure Platform for Large Teams
Webex is highly secure and would be suitable for a large business that requires security in its communication processes.
Key Features:
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- Video Conferencing: HD quality video for large meetings.
- Collaboration Tools: Share files, and screens, and integrate with business tools.
- Security: Strong security features, including end-to-end encryption.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: Highly secure, excellent for large enterprises.
- Cons: Slightly complex for smaller teams.
Target Audience:
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- Large enterprises, and businesses with high security requirements.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $13.50 per month.
Amazon Chime: A Simple Business Communication Tool
Amazon Chime is a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use communication tool that will suit small businesses and startup companies.
Key Features:
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- Video & Audio Calls: HD video calls, seamless audio.
- Task Management: Basic integration with other Amazon services.
- Screen Sharing: Simple, intuitive screen-sharing functionality.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: Cost-effective, easy-to-use interface.
- Cons: Limited integrations compared to other tools.
Target Audience:
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- Small businesses, and teams looking for simple communication.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $3 per user per month.
GoToMeeting: Professional Video Conferencing for Businesses
GoToMeeting is aimed at business-oriented video communication and collaboration, so it is perfect for those who need high-quality meetings.
Key Features:
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- Video Conferencing: HD video calls for professional meetings.
- Meeting Recording: Record meetings for future use.
- Integrations: Integrates with Outlook, Google Calendar, and other tools.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: High-quality video and audio, easy to use.
- Cons: Higher cost compared to other alternatives.
Target Audience:
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- Small to medium-sized businesses, and enterprises.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $12 per month.
Zoho Meeting: A Feature-Packed Video Conferencing Tool
Zoho Meeting is affordable, particularly for small companies that require video conferencing with CRM such as Zoho CRM.
Key Features:
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- Video & Audio Calls: High-definition calls for business meetings.
- Screen Sharing: Share screens easily during meetings.
- Recording: Record meetings for later reference.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: Affordable, easy-to-use interface, integrates well with Zoho CRM.
- Cons: Limited features compared to more well-known competitors.
Target Audience:
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- Small businesses, and teams using Zoho products.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $10 per month.
Chanty: An Efficient Team Collaboration Tool
Chanty is a good Skype alternative because of its team messaging and task management features for remote teams.
Key Features:
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- Team Messaging: Organize teams in channels.
- File Sharing: Share and collaborate on files seamlessly.
- Task Management: Manage tasks directly within the platform.
Pros and Cons:
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- Pros: Great for small teams, task management features.
- Cons: Limited video conferencing options.
Target Audience:
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- Small teams, remote teams.
Pricing:
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- Starts from $3 per user per month.
How to Choose the Right Skype Alternative for Your Business
Selecting the most suitable Skype alternative for business requires some consideration; the number of participants, the frequency of the communication, and integration with other platforms. Here are some key considerations:
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- Video Conferencing Needs: If you want to focus on the quality of the video calls, you can use Zoom or Cisco Webex.
- Collaboration Features: Software such as Slack and Microsoft Teams are perfect if you require more than just a video conference on the platform – with talking, texting, and document sharing.
- Security Requirements: If security is a concern the two best options are Webex or Amazon Chime.
Key Considerations When Switching from Skype to Another Platform
When transitioning from Skype to another platform, several points should be taken into consideration to ease the process as much as possible and to take advantage of the new tool in the best possible way.
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- Integration with Existing Tools: One of the most important factors to consider is the compatibility of the new communication tool with the CRM, calendar, and other business applications. Such platforms as Microsoft Teams or Slack have many integrations to be able to connect all the communication channels and unite the flows.
- User Training: The last thing that one should do is to dedicate time and money to your team in order to prepare them for the new platform. Introduce the employees to the features, the interface, and any other functionality to avoid confusion and allow the employees to work efficiently from the start.
- Cost: Migration to another platform is an investment that has the initial costs and benefits in the long run. In addition to the subscription fees, one should consider the productivity gains, simplicity of the intended platform, and any other expenses, like training and implementation, to decide whether the new platform is worthy of the investment.
Tips for a Smooth Transition to Your New Communication Tool
Migration from Skype to another platform is not an easy process and needs to be planned effectively so that it does not lead to many problems. Here are some tips to help:
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- Test the Platform: Before committing to a new platform, take advantage of free trials or demos. It will give you the opportunity to see if the platform you are using will suit your team, discover some of its features, and confirm that the platform has all the features that you need.
- Plan the Switch: A well-thought-out plan is key to a smooth transition. You should also keep your team prepared by telling them about the change in advance and giving them enough time to acclimatize to the change. It may be useful to consider developing a timeline for the implementation of the training and the major milestones regarding the training.
- Seek Support: Select a platform that has good customer service support. In this stage, it is normal to be asked or faced with questions or issues. Getting assistance from the platform’s team is also crucial in addressing any problems that may arise, and makes it easier to transition to a new tool.
Conclusion
All the Skype alternatives for business have distinct advantages that set them apart from each other. Regardless if you need video conferencing software, collaboration software, or software with strong security, there is Skype-like software for you. It is crucial to assess the needs of your business and decide which tool will be most effective in increasing your employees’ efficiency.
Ready to upgrade your business communication? Get to know some of the best Skype alternatives and learn which one may meet your needs best. Start your free trial today and seek how they improve the collaboration, security, and productivity of your business. Don’t wait—boost your team’s efficiency now!
FAQs
What are the best Skype alternatives for business?
Some of the best alternatives to Skype include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Meet, and Webex, which have better features such as video conferencing, teamwork, and integration with business applications.
Is Slack a good alternative to Skype for team communication?
Yes, Slack is good for team communication and allows real-time messaging, file sharing, and integration which makes it suitable for remote working.
Can I use Skype alternatives for both remote and in-office teams?
Yes, almost all the alternatives such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, among others, are ideal for both remote and in-office teams.
Are Skype alternatives more secure than Skype for business communication?
Yes, there are platforms such as Microsoft Teams, and Webex, for instance, which are more secure than Skype, for instance, with end-to-end encryption.
What are the advantages of using Microsoft Teams over Skype for business communication?
Microsoft Teams provides the features of file sharing, task management, and better integration with Microsoft 365, which makes it more enhanced than Skype.
Are there free Skype alternatives for small businesses?
Yes, platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Chime offer free versions with basic features suitable for small businesses.
Which Skype alternative offers the best video conferencing features for businesses?
Zoom and Webex are most likely the best providers of video conferencing services with high-definition video quality, sharing capabilities across computers, and large-meeting capabilities.
What are the best Skype alternatives for large enterprises?
For large enterprises, Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Zoom are suitable as a result of their scalability, security features, and compatibility with other applications.
Are Skype alternatives suitable for customer support and client calls?
Yes, platforms like Zoom, google meet, Webex, etc. are ideal for customer support and client calls, with video and recording, and screen sharing.
Can I schedule meetings using Skype alternatives?
Yes, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet all allow easy scheduling of meetings.
Can I integrate Skype alternatives with my existing CRM or project management tools?
Yes, various communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams incorporate various CRM and project management tools including Salesforce and Asana.
Which Skype alternative is best for team messaging and chat functionality?
Slack is most suitable for team messaging, boasting channels as well as direct messages.
Do Skype alternatives offer mobile apps for remote teams?
Yes, platforms like Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet offer mobile apps for both iOS and Android.
What are the best Skype alternatives for remote teams working across different time zones?
Zoom and Google Meet are good for cross-continental teams, as they have functionality such as time zone management for meetings.
Can Skype alternatives be used for webinars or large-scale virtual events?
Yes, both Zoom and Webex are very good for conducting webinars and large virtual events.