Replacement for Skype
Skype has been an essential communication tool for years, but with Microsoft phasing out the service, many users—especially small businesses—are looking for reliable alternatives. So what is the best replacement for Skype?
This article compares some of the best Skype substitutes available today, focusing on affordability, ease of use, calling capabilities, number availability, and extra productivity-enhancing features.
Skype Replacement Alternatives
| Provider | Pricing | Calling Features | Phone Numbers | Ease of Use | Notable Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonetel | From $1.79/month per number; Premium: $9.95/mo (annual) unlimited calls to 40+ countries. | Voice calls, forwarding, conferencing, SMS, voicemail transcription, recording. | Local numbers in 50+ countries, global coverage. | Easy setup (web/mobile apps), intuitive UI. | AI-driven call summaries, automated follow-ups, excellent price-performance ratio. |
| Google Voice | Free personal (US only); Business $10–$30/user/month. | Voice calls, SMS, voicemail transcription. No built-in video. | Mostly U.S. numbers; limited international availability (Canada, UK, select EU). | Simple setup (Google account); Android/iOS/web apps. | Deep Google integration, voicemail transcription, spam filtering. |
| Grasshopper | $31–$89/month flat-rate plans (US/Canada). | Voice calls, SMS, forwarding, voicemail-to-email. | Local, toll-free (US/Canada only). | Simple mobile/desktop apps. Easy setup. | IVR, professional voicemail transcription. |
| magicJack | ~$3.33/month ($39.99 annual). Unlimited US/Canada calls. | Basic voice calling, forwarding, voicemail. | U.S./Canada numbers only. | Initial device setup required; easy thereafter via app. | Very low-cost; basic calling features. |
| OpenPhone | $13/user/month; unlimited US/CA calling. Extra numbers $5/mo. | Voice calls, SMS/MMS, voicemail transcription. | U.S./Canada only. No international numbers. | Modern interface, easy app setup, ideal for remote teams. | Team collaboration, integrations (Slack, email). |
| Dialpad | $15–$35/user/month, unlimited US/CA calls. | Advanced calling, video conferencing, real-time call summaries. | Local numbers globally (higher-tier plans). | User-friendly apps; integrates with productivity software. | AI-driven real-time call transcription and summaries. |
| Quicktalk | $19/month (unlimited calls to 36 countries). | Unlimited calls/SMS, forwarding, basic call management. | Local & toll-free numbers in 36 countries; strong EU presence. | Simple web/mobile setup. Ideal for international use. | Flat-rate international calling, straightforward pricing. |
Summary: Which Skype Alternative is the best replacement?
Which Skype substitute that is best for you depends on your needs.
- Best Overall Value
Sonetel provides competitive international rates and robust AI-driven productivity tools at an excellent price. - Most Affordable Basic Option
magicJack offers simple, unlimited North American calling at an unbeatable price. - Best Small Business Solution (North America)
Grasshopper provides professional calling features including IVR and voicemail transcription from $26–$80/month. - Ideal for Remote Teams (US/Canada)
OpenPhone excels at team collaboration with shared numbers and streamlined communication. - Advanced AI-driven Productivity
Dialpad integrates powerful AI features, including real-time call transcription and analytics. - Best for Flat-rate International Calls
Quicktalk offers unlimited calls to 36 countries at straightforward, affordable pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to our FAQ! Click any question below to expand and reveal the answer.
Why should I choose Sonetel over Google Voice?
Google Voice offers phone numbers primarily in the U.S., with very limited international options. In contrast, Sonetel provides local phone numbers in over 50 countries, extensive global reach, and competitive international calling rates. Sonetel also offers advanced AI-driven features like automatic call summaries and follow-up suggestions, significantly boosting productivity compared to Google Voice’s basic voicemail transcription.
Can I keep my existing Skype number when switching to Sonetel?
Yes, Sonetel makes porting your existing Skype number straightforward, and provides assistance throughout the process.
Do I need special equipment to use Sonetel?
No. Sonetel works seamlessly through easy-to-use apps on smartphones, tablets, and computers—no additional hardware required.
Does Sonetel offer reliable customer support?
Yes, Sonetel offers dependable customer support to assist with setup, troubleshooting, and any questions via email and chat.
Are there hidden fees with Sonetel?
No. Sonetel is transparent about costs, clearly outlining all charges upfront. The Premium plan even includes unlimited calls to over 40 countries, providing excellent value.
Is the call quality reliable with Sonetel compared to Skype?
Absolutely. Users consistently praise Sonetel’s high-quality HD audio calls, reporting superior reliability and clarity compared to Skype.