The 6 Best VoIP Alternatives to Skype

Skype is one of the most popular VoIP services currently on the market. Despite its popularity, the service is still suffering from severe quality-related issues. Are you ready to move on? Let’s take a closer look at the 6 best VoIP alternatives to Skype.

The Benefits of VoIP

VoIP, short for Voice over Internet Protocol, facilitates easy communication.

Over the recent years, it has been increasingly common for companies to do away with slow and heavy legacy telecoms systems, normally built on analogue landlines, and instead migrate to VoIP solutions. These solutions can be tied in with other forms of communication, such as

• Instant messaging
• Video calling
• Group calls
• File sharing

Simply put, these services are designed to streamline collaboration between employees who may not be based at the same location. But what’s the advantage of Voice over Internet Protocols?

Firstly, the resilience of VoIP is significant, as any device with an internet connection can double up as a softphone. In contrast, analogue headline outages are much harder to overcome, compromising continuity in the event of unplanned downtime. An added benefit is the competitive pricing of VoIP solutions. With a reduced need for hardware procurement, maintenance and upgrades by using cloud-based platforms, the long-term running costs will also be reduced – even if you want to add more users at a later point.

If you want to learn more about these services, we have a detailed introduction to VoIP here.

Finding a VoIP Alternative to Skype

Over the past few years, Skype has become the ultimate solution for the voice and video chat needs of most people, both privately and for businesses. It’s backed by Microsoft, and – on paper – Skype for Business can cater to most of your communication needs.

In fact, Skype’s 300 million users spend a collective 3 billion minutes a day on Skype.

Skype pricing is also considered favourable, and probably the main driving factor behind Skype for Business’s immense popularity. Essentially, Skype pricing depends on your chosen solution: everyone can access the free desktop VoIP version, which includes video conference calls for a maximum of 25 people. This should make Skype for business a good alternative for small businesses, right? In reality, however, things are a little bit different. Despite being the most ubiquitous video chat software on the market, many users are now looking at finding better alternatives to Skype. And the reason? Well, Skype is known for seriously struggling with issues related to

• Poor call quality
• Unwieldy notifications
• Poor connections
• Difficulties with Skype credits

Microsoft, Skype’s parent company, has worked hard to improve its VoIP services – but they’re still falling behind the competition. At the moment, there are plenty of software solutions offering better alternatives to Skype. And, in some of these cases, they offer more benefits than Microsoft’s VoIP offering.

Is it about time you find an alternative to Skype?

Our VoIP experts have gathered up a list of our six favourite VoIP services, ranging from downloadable desktop software to web-based solutions with links to private chat rooms. Let’s take a closer look at your options.

6 Great Skype Alternatives in 2022

LetsBRIK

LetsBRIK is a Skype alternative with consistently excellent call quality.

It directly connects with all mobile and landline devices, with no middleman needed, which results in calls of the maximum quality. LetsBRIK is completely web browser-based, meaning that you don’t need to download another app, plug-in or browser extension that eats up a chunk of your memory. It also means that you don’t need to worry about what operating system you’re using, as long as you’re connected to the internet.

To start a video or audio conversation on LetsBRIK, all you need to do is share a unique URL that’s assigned to you when you sign up. When the recipient clicks on the URL, a web browser will open and the call starts. This is arguably much simpler than the ordeal Skype insists upon – sharing your Skype ID, searching for your recipient and adding them as a connection before the conversation can even begin.

LetsBRIK also offers neat features such as setting your phone number as your caller ID. That way you can show the recipient your real phone number, even if you’re not calling from your phone.

RingCentral

For large and medium-sized organisations, RingCentral is definitely worth considering.

Its minimalist interface is easy to use, and calls can be routed based on criteria such as

• The caller’s number
• The recipient’s number
• The day of the week

The rules can be customised, and the callers can be asked to speak their names to let you know who’s calling before the call connects. This means that nuisance or unwanted calls can be easily blocked.

RingCentral integrates with a huge number of other programs, including Outlook, Gmail, Salesforce, Zoho, and Zendesk. Additionally, users can call, text or host meetings directly from the system, and they also have complete access to the whole business communications solutions from any location. This ensures that remote workers can have the flexibility to work wherever they are whilst maintaining a single business identity by being able to call either through a browser or any device they want.

A cloud-based VoIP solution that can simplify the way your organisation connects with customers, this solution is ideal for customer support and sales teams.

The phone system allows the user access to phone numbers in 30 countries, with the ability to quickly configure them and easily forward calls. Furthermore, Aircall offers a comprehensive set of features, including cascading phone calls through team members, call recording, and a shared inbox option so that employees can access saved voice messages, interactive voice response, and call queuing.

Aircall

Aircall integrates with CRM systems and other collaboration tools using an API and Webhooks. With its analytics and real-time and historical reporting, managers will be able to use Aircall to make data-driven decisions. Additionally, there’s no limit to the number of calls the system can handle at once, and Aircall’s desktop notification function means that you’re always aware of when your customers are calling.

VoxOx

VoxOx provides communication services across desktop and mobile devices through VoIP and cloud communications software.

The service includes

• Video messaging
• Voice calls
• Instant messages
• SMS
• Fax

With VoxOx, you’re given a free number that you can use to call and text across other devices. Any calls made between devices with the app are free of charge.

Additionally, the VoxOx Personal Assistant tool can answer and screen your calls for you. It can then let you know who’s calling so that you can either answer the call or send it to voicemail. This means that blocked numbers must identify themselves. You can also use the PA to make outbound conference calls from your desktop or mobile device. An added benefit is that the PA allows you to record conversations, removing the need to take notes.

Viber

Viber was once a VoIP system meant for direct calls between devices, but these days it allows for calls, video chats, texts, and file and image sharing.

The system is commonly available across platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. The service is completely free for Viber users, and it supports group calls for up to 40 participants.

On installation, Viber creates an account with the user’s phone number as a username. It then synchronises with the number’s associated address book, alleviating the need to add contacts in a separate book. All users are automatically registered with their phone numbers, so you can easily be told which of your contacts are also using Viber.

Google Hangouts

Google’s very own VoIP service is quickly becoming one of the most preferred Skype alternatives on the market. As a Hangout member, you can have

• text chats
• video calls
• VoIP calls
• Group chats for up to 100 members

It’s not necessary to download any software or install new applications. Rather, you sign up for the service with your Gmail account.

Google Hangouts is extremely easy to use, and it’s one of the most reliable Skype alternatives of 2022.

Need help finding your next VoIP solution?

A business looking for the right VoIP alternative to Skype is faced with a difficult choice to make. How do you find the VoIP solution that’s right for you?

In order to save both time and money, our experts here at Software Advisory Service can provide you with a shortlist of potential partners that can provide you with your ideal VoIP solution.  Our service is completely non-chargeable, and there’s no obligation to continue with our recommended shortlist.

Are you ready to find your next VoIP solution? Leave your details on our contact page, and our experts will be in touch shortly. What are you waiting for?