Despite the fact that Skype remains the most popular and widespread application for voice and text communication, it has many competitors, some of which are already trying to seize the championship. Although Skype has become a kind of standard, its work is far from perfect - perhaps all users in the last year and a half have encountered various bugs, sometimes very annoying. In addition, calls to phone numbers on Skype are still paid, which also does not add points to it.
Each messenger has its own strengths and weaknesses, and today we will look at 10 worthy (and most importantly, free!) alternatives to Skype that can quite successfully replace it.
Viber
Skype's strongest competitor. With its help you can make free calls to all mobile phones with a Viber account. By the way, Viber uses your mobile phone number as a login.
Pros
Viber automatically imports contacts recorded in the phone book. Any subscriber who also uses Viber can call for free.
Rich functionality - the application can be used for calls, video calls, chats (including group ones), and sending files of almost any format.
Cross-platform – you can download Viber for any current platform.
Cons
It is not possible to register without using a mobile phone.
Low security of the application - Viber cannot boast of sufficient security, and linking it to a phone number makes the account even more vulnerable.
ooVoo
Echoing the functionality of Skype, ooVoo is one of its main alternatives. ooVoo is more of a service than an application. Despite the presence of clients for various platforms, a browser is enough to make calls, send text messages and files - the ooVoo website immediately offers full functionality.
Pros
No need to download the desktop version (which, nevertheless, exists).
Reliable connection – perhaps better than Skype.
Many additional useful functions - the ability to record and send video, show your desktop to video conference participants, embed video chat on the site.
The maximum number of participants in a video conference is 12 people, while Skype has a limit of 10 users.
Cons
OoVoo works correctly only with high-speed Internet access.
TOX
A relatively new messenger that is still being finalized. Despite this, today it already has all the functions of Skype and, in addition, increased communication security. The main feature of TOX is the absence of centralized transmission and storage of user data; communication is carried out directly between subscribers.
Pros
Free and open source software.
Cross-platform.
High protection of users from third party access to correspondence and conversations.
Cons
Working with contacts is not very convenient - each user is assigned a Tox ID, which is something like a long code of letters and numbers. However, the usual login can be obtained by registering on the TOX website.
Bugs and unfinished cross-platform functionality. At the moment, TOX users often encounter difficulties in the process of communication between clients working on different devices.
An alternative to Skype from Google. Free use of the application is available to all users with a Google account. Hangouts is generally inferior to Skype in terms of functionality and security, but it would be logical to use it if you work with other Google products.
Pros
The ability to communicate with other Hangouts users for free through audio and video calls, group chats, and video conferencing.
The ability to stream video conferences directly to Youtube.
Cross-platform and easy client synchronization.
Cons
The most obvious is the inability to use Hangouts without registering with Google.
File transfer is limited by image format.
Conversations and correspondence of users are not particularly protected in any way, which Google honestly states.
CacaoTalk was originally developed for the South Korean market, but over time it became popular outside of Korea.
Pros
Availability of clients for any platform.
Cons
CacaoTalk itself is a mature product that works stably and reliably. The problem is that the data is processed in South Korea, and this can cause significant delays during communication.
The application interface is not translated into Russian.
The privacy and security situation is mixed, although this may be a cause for concern mainly for local users.
Bleep
Bleep is reminiscent of TOX - the application also does not have central control and only helps users communicate with each other directly.
Pros
Cross-platform.
Easy, virtually non-existent registration - in order to get started, just enter your login.
Availability of all necessary functions - chats, calls, sending files.
The best security among all messengers - in addition to direct communication between users, reliable encryption of all data is used.
Cons
There are problems with the stability of the application, as well as high battery consumption in the case of a mobile application.
Jitsi
An easy and highly secure alternative to Skype.
Pros
Simple interface and stable application.
High security – it is extremely difficult to decrypt the transmitted data.
Higher quality video calls compared to Skype.
Cons
Lack of mobile clients (at the moment there is an experimental and unstable version for Android).
The app's popularity among the masses is still low.
Apple FaceTime
As the name implies, this free alternative to Skype is intended for owners of Apple devices.
Pros
Excellent picture quality, clear synchronization of audio and video.
Stable, fast and trouble-free application.
Cons
Only owners of Apple equipment can use FaceTime.
Many additional features are missing. However, such minimalism is compensated by the ideal communication quality.
A universal cross-platform client that allows you to transmit audio and video signals without significant losses, even with low channel bandwidth.
Pros
Cross-platform - in addition to versions of the program for Windows, Mac OS, Android and iPhone, there are also clients for Linux and BlackBerry.
The ability to communicate with other users with high quality sound and image (even at low connection speeds). Ability to record calls with high video and audio resolution.
Wide range of traffic encryption capabilities.
IPv6 support.
Cons
Due to its specificity, the program is more common among “techies”, although it has a simple interface.
VSee
A program that is not very well known in the Russian-speaking segment with functionality identical to Skype. Thanks to stability, additional functions and a very simple interface, it has become a kind of standard in the medical field - with the help of VSee, doctors communicate with patients remotely. The program is free, although additional features are paid. However, they may only be of interest to doctors for whom integration of the client with medical equipment is important.
Pros
Free and unlimited calls in high quality. The data compression algorithm allows you to communicate comfortably even with 3G access.
Convenience of organizing video conferencing and stability of operation with a large number of users.
Cons
Small number of active users;
I would like to immediately warn all lovers of freebies that free calls are a very expensive pleasure for their organizers, since it is necessary to maintain large volumes of SIP servers and monitor the quality of the signal, without getting carried away with “recoding” the transmitted sound. This is why Skype became popular, primarily because it provided and continues to provide acceptable call quality on the line.
In the previous article we wrote about why and how much you can earn in a line.
It is a free application that allows you to exchange messages and files up to 20 MB in size. The messenger has many functions and is incredibly convenient. Therefore, it is not surprising that the application has many analogues. There are programs that have similar functionality. But what distinguishes them from Viber and which one should you choose?
Line
A good alternative to Viber for registration which does not require a SIM card. The application has similar functions, so it makes no sense to dwell on them in detail. However, Line has distinctive features that make it unique among instant messengers:
- The “two-way opt-out” function does not allow you to write to another subscriber until he adds you to his contact list. The advantage of this tool is that those with whom you do not want to communicate will not send messages to you.
- GPS technology allows you to see those around you.
- Thanks to widget support, in order to view notifications from the messenger, you don’t have to log into it.
- The presence of a built-in browser allows you to browse web pages directly from the application.
Telegram
- High confidentiality. All messages are transmitted via encrypted channels, access to which is severely limited. The creators of the messenger position it as the most secure application of its kind.
- Fast message transfer. Even with a slow Internet, sending messages takes a minimum amount of time.
- The expenditure of a small amount of resources allows us to say that the installed application and its work in the background will be practically unnoticeable.
When listing analogues of Viber, special mention should be made of this messenger, which is its main competitor. WhatsApp users number several hundred million. The disadvantages of the application include the lack of video calls. However, the developers are working on introducing this function into new versions of the messenger.
These are just the main analogs of Viber that are gaining popularity at the moment. In addition to them, there are other free instant messengers, so even if you give up Viber, you can easily find a replacement and always stay in touch.
There are many different chat rooms that allow for free* chat with friends with mobile phone**. And at the same time, you do not have to pay the mobile operator for the number of messages sent and the duration of the call. (As happens with SMS and MMS)
To yours and mobile phones** friends are installed with a program that transmits your text messages, pictures, voice via the Internet. Among such programs there are popular ones, you install one for yourself and see that most of your friends already have this program installed. Lepota - take it and talk. Moreover, you can communicate as much as you like and for free*. Even if friends live in another country.
I’ll tell you about the stars right away :
mobile phone ** - here I mean that your phone runs on the Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone platform. If you have a dumb phone, then you need to either get a phone on one of the above platforms, or - “goodbye” - the article is not for you.
for free* - the asterisk is also here for a reason. It is assumed that you have cheap, fast and preferably unlimited Internet on your mobile phone**. And again, if phone** If there is no such Internet, then you need to connect it.
Now about the programs :
Skype
This program is most likely familiar to you. Allows you to communicate by text, voice, voice with video and transfer files (on most platforms).
You can download the program here: http://www.skype.com/intl/ru/get-skype/on-your-mobile/ mobile phone**.
If you have a Skype account, you can use it, but if not, then you need to come up with a Skype name and register either in the program or on the Skype website.
The program is very functional, but also resource-intensive. We must understand that according to the ideology of such programs, they must be constantly launched on phone**. (So that you can immediately contact the right person)
Even if the program is not currently in use, but hangs quietly in standby mode, it still eats up the battery, Internet and resources.
I turn on the program occasionally when I want to talk to someone by voice or show something via video call.
Advantages:
Flaws:
- When registering, you need to come up with a unique Skype name (for some people this is difficult);
- to call a person you need to know his Skype name (sometimes such names are invented);
- video calls only work decently on powerful enough phones**;
- fairly high traffic consumption (unlimited Internet is desirable);
- drains the battery quite a bit phone**.
Viber
This program is less known than Skype, but it is still quite functional. Allows you to communicate by text, voice and send pictures.
You can download the program here: http://www.viber.com/ or from the application store (Google Play, AppStore, Marketplace,...) on your mobile phone**.
Viber, unlike Skype, is more tailored for use on mobile phone** and, accordingly, it is more convenient to use. In order to start using it, you need to provide the program with your phone number. (This is actually registration).
The program will look through the list of phone numbers of your contacts and immediately show which of them also have Viber installed. You can call and write to all contacts from the program, but if the contact does not have Viber, then the call or SMS will be made as usual on the phone (and will be paid). If you call or write to a contact who has Viber, then it will be free.
At the moment I do not use the program, since it eats up the battery in a very childish way. I hope this will be fixed, because... I actually like the program.
Advantages:
- the ability to make voice calls;
- the ability to transfer pictures;
- good integration with by phone**(convenient to use);
- To call a person, you just need to know his number (and whether he uses Viber from this number will be visible).
- there is no client for the computer (already exists);
- Only pictures can be transferred from files;
- the battery drains brutally phone**.
whatsapp
This program, like Viber, appeared relatively recently, but has already gained popularity due to its convenience and simplicity. Allows you to communicate by text, share your location and transfer pictures, music and videos.
You can download the program here: http://www.whatsapp.com/download/ or from the application store (Google Play, AppStore, Marketplace,...) on your mobile phone**.
WhatsApp, like Viber, is designed for use on mobile phone** and, accordingly, it is convenient to use. However, if we compare Android clients, WhatsApp is less convenient than Viber.
Here, first, you also need to provide the program with your phone number. Next, you can select the write action (button with a pencil) and the program will show a list of contacts with WhatsApp installed. And - you can communicate.
At the moment I use the program constantly (without turning it off), it’s worth praising the developers - the program treats the battery very carefully.
Advantages:
- the ability to transfer pictures, music and audio;
- no need to come up with a name for yourself;
- practically does not drain the battery;
- to write to a person you just need to know his number phone** ;
- support for group chats (you can chat with several people in one chat).
- no client for computer;
- You cannot communicate by voice;
Other programs :
I will also provide a list of programs similar to those described above.
Just because I don't describe them in detail doesn't mean they are necessarily less functional or bad.
They are simply less popular with us and few people have them installed. And accordingly, there is no point in using them.
But you can try them too.
- ooVoo(http://www.oovoo.com/mobile.aspx?pname=MobileOverview) The program is similar in functionality to Skyp.
+ There is a version for computer
- Only one of my contacts has. - Line(http://line.naver.jp/en/) Something like Viber-a
+ There is a version for computer
+ Cool emoticons
- At the time I tried to use it, it was very damp. - Google Talk(available on every Android device by default)
+ Service from Good Corporation (I'm a Google fan)
+ Correspondence history is stored in Gmail-e (optional)
+ There is a version for computer
- No versions for other mobile platforms - Facebook Messenger (
Skype has changed a lot since its acquisition by Microsoft. In particular, M$ began to disable direct data transfer, including voice, between users directly, passing all traffic through its own servers. But for many this is not such a big problem. But the dominance of advertising in new versions can be very annoying, especially since not many people can do it. To prevent users from using older versions without advertising, Microsoft began disabling older versions in the summer. As a result, many users were left without Skype. And it would be fine if this only concerned operating systems like Linux. But users of Skype-enabled TVs, Skype phones, and even older operating systems such as Windows Mobile were also affected.
Skype has plenty of alternatives. In particular, many of my contacts use Viber. I couldn't be happier with this app myself. I especially liked the fact that registration is very simple - just indicate your phone number, to which an activation number will be sent. In this case, all contacts from the phone book are pulled up automatically. Well, the best part is that you can use Viber on your computer to answer faster and even make calls.
Unfortunately, the latest versions of Viber for Android leave much to be desired. Previously, voice communication worked fine even on weak channels, but now I have problems even when calling over Wi-Fi. But the most surprising thing for me was that messages were also not delivered very well in the presence of periodically falling off Internet. At home this is not critical, but in a hotel it was very annoying. I had to look for alternatives.
Alternatives to Skype and Viber for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac OS
- Telegram allows you to make voice calls, as well as send text messages, photos and videos. For voice messages, an encrypted connection is used between two subscribers; if a direct connection is not possible, Telegram uses its servers. Telegram offers group chats, bots and channels. The application can be downloaded for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, as well as desktop computers running Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
- LINE allows you to make voice calls, video calls, and send text messages, photos and videos. In addition, LINE offers group chats, which can even be used to create communities and receive information from them. The application can be downloaded for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Nokia Asha, Firefox OS, as well as desktop computers running Windows and Mac OS. The only thing missing is Linux support.
- KakaoTalk allows you to make voice calls, send text messages, send photos and videos, and share your location. Video calls are not supported. The application is available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Nokia Asha. The application is also available for Windows and Mac.
- WeChat allows you to make voice and video calls, send text messages and photos, and use group chats. The application is available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Symbian, Nokia Asha, and Mac OS. In addition, you can use WeChat on computers via an Internet browser.
What pleased me most in terms of sound quality was Telegram.
In second place was LINE (now it is blocked by RosKomNadzor). When the Internet was of high quality, there were no problems with video. When the Internet was weaker, we had to use only voice calls. Sometimes the 3G quality was so low that even voice communication was impossible. The only thing I didn’t like about the app was that I couldn’t find how to set my ringtone.
I give third place to KakaoTalk. The application also worked very stable. The only thing missing is video calls.
In general, it is too early to say that cellular operators will become just a data transmission pipeline. If they gave some kind of guarantee of the thickness of the channel, at least with a high probability, then using voice calls over the Internet would be much more comfortable.
I didn't like the quality of WeChat and Google Hangouts compared to the two alternatives above.
Unfortunately, the majority of users install only Whatsapp on their smartphones, although its messages are not encrypted, and the quality of audio and video calls leaves much to be desired. Viber has slightly fewer users. Telegram has even fewer of them, although this application is my favorite.
What applications do you prefer to use to communicate via the Internet?
Update (March 31, 2015)
Free voice calls have also appeared in the Whatsapp messenger. In addition, Whatsapp now offers a web client that allows you to chat using a browser. We are looking forward to support for all popular mobile devices, as well as video calls.
Update (April 27, 2017)
Telegram from Pavel Durov now allows you to make audio calls. I really liked the sound quality when I first tested it.
Facebook Messenger also allows you to make audio and video calls.
WhatsApp doesn't need any special introduction. Sooner or later, all users of smartphones and tablets will learn about it, no matter what platform the device is running on. The messenger is free, functional, intuitive and easy to use. But this is a third-party application, and like any program, sometimes it breaks, or even simply does not start.
There are many options, but sometimes users have to look for analogues of the WhatsApp messenger. Here another problem arises. There are a great many programs of this class in official stores, and even more on the free Internet. And it is sometimes difficult for an inexperienced person to make a choice in favor of one or another application. The issue is aggravated by the fact that each of us has our own list of contacts - and if WhatsApp does not work, we need to look for a version that our friend, colleague, or relative will have.
Choice of Russian users
Sociologists conducted a survey and found out which messengers are similar to WhatsApp, according to the average smartphone owner in Russia.
Survey results:
- Viber.
- Skype.
- Messenger (Facebook).
- Hangouts (Google).
The top three, besides him, have included Viber and Skype for several years now. Also called Facebook Messenger and the brainchild of the American search engine Hangouts. The ratio can be seen in the diagram: 
And this is how the Play Market answers the same question - a store for Android-based devices. Experienced users of the service know that when viewing a separate page you can see similar options - on the right when viewed from a computer, or below when viewed from a mobile phone. There, by clicking a separate button, the full list opens. This is what the page of similar applications for WhatsApp looks like in the Play Market. 
There is more choice here, and the current location depends on the ratings of those who downloaded it. Some countries release their own versions of programs that also fall on this list, so you need to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism. For example, Line is a good app, but it is adapted for Japan.
In order to make the right choice, you need to consider the capabilities and key features of the programs that users from Russia install.
A dozen articles would not be enough to describe the full capabilities of each development, so what follows will be a brief review of each.
Viber
Skype
There is no particular point in describing Skype separately. The dialer, well known to PC owners, was ported to work on mobile operating systems. All functions and capabilities are present. Unlike the application described above, if a person wants to communicate through this messenger, he must be constantly online.
Considering some of the unadvertised features of the desktop version that have been transferred to the mobile version, using this messenger entails a large consumption of traffic and battery power. This is due to the fact that Skype’s own server has not learned to differentiate between mobile and desktop clients.
The only advantage of this Skype is that the program on the basis of which it is made appeared before Viber. If the user previously had clients on Skype, he does not lose anything when changing programs. In other cases, Viber will be a better choice.
Messenger
The application, the main name of which clearly indicates its functions, is developed by Facebook, the owner of the social network of the same name. Practically speaking, this is a chat feature ported to mobile platforms, provided to users of the social network.
It follows that, despite the fact that there are several versions of this manager in the Play Market, it is pointless to use it without having an account on a social network. But, according to sociologists, in Russia no fewer people are registered on Facebook than on VK or Odnoklassniki.
Some respondents noted that they do not have a separate messenger, since they use a special application that allows them to be on the social network constantly. It remains to be noted that stores have options that allow you to constantly “sit” not only on Facebook.
Hangouts
Hangout is promoted by Google. It appeared in 2013, merging several services of the concern:
- Google Talk,
- Google+ Chats;
- Google+ Hangouts
It is not particularly popular. According to unverified rumors, all new versions of Android already have this application included. The service is cross-platform, allowing it to be used not only on mobile electronics. It works as a browser add-on, which limits its functionality.
According to the developers, the program should seriously displace the position of WhatsApp, but judging by user surveys, there is no hope for this in the near future. Normally, only text chat functions in the mobile version. But the development of the program does not stop.
Conclusion
Technologies do not stand still. Feature phones are gradually being replaced by smartphones, and short SMS by normal text messages. With the advent of WhatsApp in 2009, it became possible to use texts, files and even videos. Demand creates supply, and modern analogues of the WhatsApp messenger provide users with a wide choice from simple text messages (Facebook Messenger) to full-fledged video conferencing (Viber).
