What programs are there besides Skype? Alternative versions of the Skype program - looking for a replacement

Skype provides users with the opportunity to communicate for free and for an unlimited period of time. And this has been going on for quite a few years now. During all this time, the program received updates and additions with new features. Skype developers met the expectations of their users this time too. The company recently updated the application, which is known all over the world. Now all users of the service have access to the opportunity to exchange messages in the form of short videos. This feature is available to all users of devices with most platforms that support Skype. This list includes Black Berry, Android, Mac, iOS, Windows 8. However, today there are numerous alternatives to Skype in the form of applications that are not inferior in capabilities, and perhaps even superior.

Development of Skype

The latest development is the ability to record video messages lasting three minutes. Skype is an excellent service that provides assistance in communication and the opportunity to see your relatives living far away. At the same time, Skype also makes it possible to be at least a little closer to these people. But, unfortunately, none of the technological innovations will help you get rid of busy weekdays, missed calls and schedules overcrowded with work. It is these factors that express the need to introduce new feature. Even if the user missed a call from someone close to him, he will still be able to see a familiar face and hear a close voice in the message. It will wait for the user for an arbitrarily long time.

However, there are also disadvantages that are found in this innovation. For example:

• It is not possible to send video messages to multiple subscribers.
• There is no ability to share audio messages.
• It is not possible to save a recorded audio clip in the device’s memory.
• There is no way to cancel sent video messages, unlike text messages.

Despite the large amount of negativity that was caused by the increase in transfers to authorities confidential information about Skype users, this company, as before, occupies a leading position in the Internet telephony section. At the same time, the question of whether there is an alternative to Skype is beginning to be heard more and more often.

What can replace Skype?

Analysts from Analysis Mason conducted an independent study. As a result, it was found that 79% of all Internet users use Skype. But nowadays more and more updated versions programs are becoming less and less popular, and at the same time they are causing negative reviews. Many may think: “Is there an alternative to Skype for the computer that will replace its already outdated version?”

Google services

Thus, the Internet giant Google recently combined all services into one. Now to take advantage of all the benefits search engine Google Hangouts doesn't even require installation additional program. This service can be launched using a Chrome web browser extension. The new browser includes: Gtalk chat, postal service Gmail, and a video communication service similar to Skype, Google Voice. On at the moment This alternative to Skype is available in a limited number of countries, but its development does not stand still.

Will the ooVoo program become a real replacement for Skype?

ooVoo is another one absolutely free application, which can become a real replacement for Skype. Even if this program does not completely replace it, it will seriously advance it. The ooVoo program has a greater selection of options when using video communication. The quality of the transmitted picture and sound is noticeably higher than that of Skype. Among other things, ooVoo users have the ability to expand the conversation window to the full diagonal. The application interface is also very convenient and easy to use.

The most convenient function in the ooVoo program is watching video content together. This means that the user and the interlocutor can simultaneously watch any movie or video at a distance from each other. At the same time, it is possible to discuss this video during the broadcast. The free version of ooVoo has a limitation for group communication. However, the number of participants cannot be more than 12 people. The ooVoo program is available for download on the official website and can be considered as a good alternative to Skype for PC.

Popular "Viber"

Nowadays, there is already a program similar to Skype - Viber. Viber is perhaps several times more convenient. What exactly Viber is better Skype?

The most important difference and greatest advantage of Viber is that you do not need to create any new accounts, you do not need to link them to mailboxes and remember passwords. Simply put, there is no registration. There is no need to send a request to be added to your contact list and wait for confirmation.

There is no need to come up with a unique name using the Latin alphabet, and then dictate it letter by letter for your interlocutor. The reason is that users know each other's Viber names in advance. How this happens will be explained further.

An alternative to Skype, Viber independently integrates into the phone book and authorizes the user by phone number. It's simple and brilliant. If the user also has a phone number, there is no need to come up with an additional identifier.

What is required for Viber to work?

Just the Internet and a smartphone! It could be Wi-FI Internet or 3G. The Internet on your mobile device must be available from the very beginning, before installing Viber.

There is also the possibility Viber installations and on a computer running Windows, OS X or Linux.

In this case, it is possible to use two gadgets. If the user is working with a laptop, then he can send messages, photos, make and answer calls directly from the laptop or leave the room with his smartphone. The phone can be running Android, iOS, Black Berry OS, Symbian, Windows Phone, Bada. Thus, Viber can be presented as a good alternative to Skype for Windows and various mobile operating systems.

Is it possible to call regular phone numbers? Yes, it is possible to call any of the existing numbers, both landline and mobile. But this will require payment, which will be much cheaper compared to the prices of roaming or international calls. This will be very useful for those who often make calls to friends in other cities or countries without using the Internet. Prices for calls to Viber are quite affordable.

How to download Viber?

To do this, you need to visit the official Viber website, select your OS there and start the installation. You can also search through your Viber smartphone and click “Install”. After this, the program will prompt you to enter a phone number, and an SMS will be sent containing a code. This code will need to be entered later. If your phone has two SIM cards, Viber can be installed on one or both numbers together.

Viber icons will immediately appear in your phone’s address book along with the numbers of clients who already have it. Many users will be surprised to see that most Viber users already installed. This means that a call to such a subscriber is possible, even if he is thousands of kilometers away.

It can be frankly admitted that Viber is used largely for sending messages in the form of text and media. This is because it is more convenient to send messages to friends so that they can read them and then be able to answer or call back at any time at their convenience. Thus, this alternative to Skype helps the user not to be distracted by a call. Provided that the subscriber is online, he will receive the message immediately, and the sender will see “Delivered” next to the text and change to “Viewed.” This is provided that the message has already been read by the recipient.

Now, when traveling abroad, most users do not activate roaming and do not buy SIM cards for the country visited. Usually WI-FI is available in any hotel, and this alternative to Skype for Android is very convenient. Users also have a further opportunity to communicate with such convenience, as if no one had ever left - the same number and the opportunity to communicate for free.

Convenient CommFort

It is no exception that in the near future, not even the CommFort program itself will become an alternative to Skype, but, on the contrary, Skype will become an alternative to CommFort, and Skype developers will remain unclaimed.

CommFort has created an advanced software product, which is a server application for network communication. Such a client-server solution is used for information exchange and network communication. It also provides the possibility voice call, video calls and video conferencing.

Features provided by the Skype alternative CommFort:

• Text communication.
• Fast and convenient exchange images.
• Transfer files when maximum speed, which is only possible.
• Audio and video calls with high quality sound and image.
• Video conferencing with the ability to attract a large number of participants.
• Work both on the local network and on the Internet.
• Administration when separating user rights.

In addition to the usual modes, CommFort can offer an interface that is improved for individual correspondence. There are also tools for choosing a mechanism for encrypting traffic and the ability to connect servers even with each other. It should be noted that the CommFort program is also used for personal needs in home network(for exchanging various information, messages, pictures, files), and for corporate purposes.

With the help of an improved personal correspondence system, there is a guarantee of convenient communication between interlocutors. At the same time, for communication it is possible to quickly transfer messages from correspondence to a private channel. The private channels themselves have exceptional functionality: when a new notification is received, the user will be able to see special key located on the taskbar. The program also provides that the status channel and texts from recent correspondence (along with pictures and files) will be saved even after the application is restarted.

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.

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 an account skype recording- 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 work decently only on sufficiently powerful 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, then 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 (by default there is on each Android device)
  + 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 (

The slowdown and synchronization problems with Skype suggest that it’s time to find something to replace Skype with. But it's not so easy to find an alternative to Skype for PC that works on most platforms and supports file transfers different types, group calls and chats, safe, not slow and, preferably, free. For example, many applications only work in the mobile version or offer free features on Skype for money. And yet we will try.

Viber

Viber is considered the main competitor of our ward, and even has some advantage over it. A special feature of the messenger is that you log in to your account using your phone number, the application is synchronized with the phone book, i.e. the contact list is created automatically.

Advantages

While on Skype calls to everything mobile numbers are paid, in Viber only calls to numbers not registered in the program are paid. In fact, you can call via Viber both regular phone, but free of charge, and the quality of communication is quite high.

As for the main criteria, we give pluses for cross-platform and free. You can write, call and video chat with contacts, send multimedia messages, create group chats, which is also a big plus.

In the latest version, Viber 5.9, there is an option to send all kinds of files, including office files, weighing up to 200 MB. But for successful transmission, the interlocutor must also have the most latest version. In addition, you can track whether the message was received by the interlocutor.

Bonus entertainment for Viber users - subscription to public chats, games and all kinds of sticker sets. At the same time, there are no advertisements in the application.

Flaws

Binding to a number, insecurity. Registration in the program is only from your phone, the application is too tied to numbers, and in fact it is much more convenient to use in the mobile version than in the desktop version. The same link to a phone number results in low security of communication on Viber - there is nothing to do to hack an account.

Sending files. Significant disadvantages of the program are problems with synchronization between the desktop and mobile versions, as well as the issue of file transfer. Until recently, only multimedia files were transferred in Viber, and in the desktop version there were problems with transferring anything other than photos.

Total

Viber is truly an alternative to Skype, but rather mobile. Although, perhaps, the latest version of the messenger has become more comfortable for use on a PC.

Verdict: Viber is your choice if you are looking for a replacement for Skype for communication - it is good here, and even better than Skype. For collective work, the messenger so far seems to be more problematic than Skype.

Telegram

Advantages

The advantages of Telegram include freeness, cross-platform, speed and the ability to create group chats.

You can send files of any type and your geolocation data, and also search for images on the Internet directly inside the messenger, use free stickers and add your own.

Telegram is positioned as a secure and privacy-protecting messenger.

Flaws

Security is not for everyone. The so-called option secret chats", which leaves no traces on servers, is not available for the Windows version. The issue of the application’s security remains open due to the same connection to the number.

Total

If you are only satisfied text correspondence, Telegram is a completely tolerable program that replaces Skype.

TOX

TOX is a project whose goal is to provide direct messaging between IP addresses without the use of centralized servers.

Advantages

The messenger is free, there are clients for different software platforms.

Since the developers’ task was to create an alternative to Skype, all the main functions are available: text messages, audio and video communications, group chats, file transfer.

It is considered one of the most secure messengers.

Flaws

Inconvenient adding contacts. To add a contact, you need to know his indigestible Tox ID - a set of several dozen letters and numbers, or a more readable address, which a friend must receive by registering in the Tox database on the official website.

Narrow functionality. There is no function for sending messages offline and many pleasant little things that other instant messengers have.

Inconsistencies in work. The project is still under development, so many functions are crude and sometimes do not fit together between clients working on different platforms.

Total

If you are wondering what to replace Skype with to ensure greater security and privacy, you can install TOX. But you need to be prepared for failures and limited functionality, since the program is in the process of being finalized.

Hangouts

Hangouts is familiar to all account holders Google posts, but not everyone knows about its capabilities.

Advantages

Text chats, calls to phone numbers (toll-free if not in the US or Canada), as well as video conferencing and free broadcasting of hangouts to YouTube are supported.

Hangouts works on different platforms, correspondence is synchronized between different devices.

There is sending of emoticons, photos and maps, there is integration with Google mail.

Flaws

Google users only. Link to account Google and Chrome browser on PC.

Images only. There is no way to send files other than images (however, this can be solved by saving the files on Google Drive and sharing them).

Data insecurity. According to Google representatives, the messenger is not so secure: the company can listen/read conversations and transfer data to the authorities upon request.

Total

If you have a Google account, it would be a shame not to use Hangouts as an alternative to Skype. But, in terms of security, it is no better, but weaker in functionality.

CacaoTalk

CacaoTalk is a popular South Korean product that is now actively used in other countries.

Advantages

Cross-platform, support for group chats, calls and video calls, exchange of files up to 100 MB and cute emoticons, pleasant interface.

In addition, the application supports a lot of games, an online gift shopping service, news from celebrities and brands, information about promotions and discounts.

Flaws

Speed ​​of work. In general, the application is fast, but the servers are located all the way in Korea, which is why the messenger may be periodically slow-witted. Interface language official program English, Korean or Chinese only.

Privacy is in doubt. The issue of security is controversial: on the one hand, there was information in the media that the authorities were monitoring CacaoTalk, on the other hand, the owner of the application stated that he was not going to provide correspondence data to anyone upon request (but this is more likely for users from South Korea).

Total

CacaoTalk is a good alternative to Skype for Windows and other software platforms.

Bleep

Bleep is another decentralized messenger that establishes communication between contacts directly, bypassing central servers.

Advantages

Free clients for different platforms.

To register, you don’t have to use an email or phone number – you can just indicate a nickname.

Security (end-to-end encryption and no cloud storage, no metadata traces). The ability to “whisper” a message and delete it without a trace after reading it.

Messaging, calling and file transfers are available.

Flaws

Speed ​​of work. Judging by the reviews, it freezes at times and eats a lot of energy (however, the latter is not so important for the PC version).

Total

Bleep is a security guru. So, if you are paranoid about listening/reading, install Bleep.

Slack

Slack is purposeful corporate messenger, designed for team work.

Advantages

Messages are grouped in separate channels: these can be large group chats or private messages.

You can search among all messages at once.

Integration with cloud storage(Dropbox, Google Drive), social networks(Twitter) and other services.

Eat free version, supported by all major platforms.

Extensive capabilities for working with files.

Flaws

Security issue. In 2015, the messenger's user base was hacked, although after that additional security measures were introduced.

Total

According to the developers, Slack is used by employees of many well-known companies, including a NASA laboratory. Messenger seems like a cool alternative to Skype for teamwork, but there is a need to complement the application with voice communication.

Let's summarize the above

• Viber only lacks the ability to make group calls to completely replace Skype. Rating: 9/10
• Telegram attracts with its speed and declared security. We're really looking forward to it voice chats. Rating: 8/10
• TOX and Bleep are distinguished by privacy and reliable encryption and, unfortunately, the product is not ready. Rating: 7/10
• CacaoTalk does not have any distinct features, but it can easily pass for an alternative to Skype if you know English and agree to communicate with the world through Korea. Rating: 7/10
• Hangouts and Slack are good for teamwork, but with their own characteristics. Rating: 6/10

None of the listed applications claim to be universal and optimal set functions that Skype has.

And if you dig deeper, not a single messenger is without problems with synchronization and freezes.

What messenger do you use, and which one would you recommend as an alternative to Skype for PC?

The following two tabs change content below.

Elizabeth

Without a twinge of conscience, I ask for “phone numbers” from guys and girls I don’t know well. To check whether the lock button fits comfortably under your finger and whether the autofocus works quickly :) I would like to visit MWC and conduct a live blog from the thick of things.

• Igor 02/16/2016

  Viber, as for me, is too “heavy” - i.e. it takes too much RAM, which is why other programs may slow down.
  And this overload of stickers is not for me.

  Answer

• Nikolay 02/16/2016

  I didn’t even install Skype, it’s Viber. As they say, I’ve become attached to it.)) I’m a conservative, I won’t even try other programs.
  With a phone it’s more difficult, I have a 520 Lumiya, and it only has one camera, the front one. Communication with multimedia - only via WhatsApp...

  Answer

  • Anastasia 02/17/2016

    Reply Nikolay:

    Many messenger users are conservative: whichever they started using first seems to be the best :)

    Answer

• Alex 02/16/2016

  Thank you for the interesting and useful article, dear author. To be honest, I didn’t know (like most users) that there are so many programs similar to Skype. In my opinion, the most suitable for Skype replacement, from the above list are: VIiber, Tox, and also the Google program Hangouts. I, in turn, would like to add to this list such a program as ICQ. Once upon a time there was this program on an old laptop and I successfully used it to telephone conversations and sending SMS. The programs are, of course, good and can replace Skype with them, but the problem is different, in the ignorance of users about them.

  Answer

  • Zhenya 02/17/2016

    Alex's answer:

    Also reading the article I thought about adding ICQ. They took several steps to capture at least some portion of users, but even I, nostalgic for this service, did not appreciate them. The quality of video communication is very poor, not even close to Skype. But as a messenger it is quite convenient, but not popular and, as a result, again useless.

    Answer

• Anastasia 02/17/2016

  And the problem is that they do not fully replace Skype. There are a lot of messengers, but somehow there is no such universal on the horizon, so that it would be convenient to use both in work and in communication...

  Answer

• Varvara 02/18/2016

  For me, Skype is indispensable. Do not forget that it appeared first and most users are registered in it. Whatever application you use, both you and your interlocutor must have it. So it turns out that there are more of your friends on Skype, but there are problems finding them. And if my mother, for example, had difficulty installing Skype and got used to using it, why ask her to install Viber, for example. Moreover, he has not yet reached that level. There is a note about Viber. I have it installed on my phone and on my computer, and if I can see the history of correspondence in Skype, regardless of where it was conducted, that is, if I corresponded on my phone, then I can view this correspondence on my computer, but in Viber there is no such option. And for some reason I can't use the camera to make a Viber call. And for sending text messages, I found WhatsApp more convenient. I use it.

The Skype program allows you to make video calls, audio calls, and also exchange messages via the Internet (between two computers or phones on which this software is installed).

Communication occurs in real time and is quite stable at normal Internet speeds; however, such software places a significant load on the hardware resources of a computer or phone.

For this reason, some users want a better and lighter alternative to Skype.

Program selection

Why is it so important to choose the most suitable software for yourself?

First of all, functionality plays a big role - it is important that the software has all the necessary functions, but not too many of them ( since extra functionality makes the application more difficult to use, increases its “weight” and the load it puts on RAM b).

It is also very important that managing the program is as convenient as possible - this plays an especially significant role for people who use such software quite often or regularly.

Comparative characteristics

Usually, in addition to functionality, when choosing a program great value have factors such as, for example, cost and the presence of Russification (menu design in Russian).

The table below shows the main characteristics of alternative programs to make it easier to choose between them.

Below, each of the options considered is described in more detail.

They are located in a top format created based on user reviews.

Viber

Currently, Skype is the most popular software for communicating using this method, but it is “breathing down its back.”

This application is the second most popular after Skype due to the fact that it is free, easy to use and provides access to various additional functionality.

Feature is that it is designed to work on a smartphone and allows communication between devices on which such an application is installed.

It is maximally optimized for working on a mobile device, while PC is less optimized.

In particular, it has a greater impact on the hardware of the device. However, Viber is suitable only for those users who call from a phone and not a PC.

• Contacts saved on the device are imported into the program automatically;
• There are assemblies designed to work on all existing mobile device platforms;
• The functionality is very diverse (audio and video calls, sending messages, chatting, sending files of different formats).

• Strict connection with mobile phone number
• low phone security.

Here's what users say about this application:

“The application is simply installed, synchronized with the contact list, thanks to which, immediately after installation in phone book you will see which subscriber also has Viber installed. Easy to use, has a wide gallery of interesting emojis.”

OOVOO

This service lags far behind Viber and Skype in popularity, however, it is also quite widespread.

The significant difference is that this is still a service that works through a browser, and not an application.

Thus, to use the service you do not need to install any additional software.

The peculiarity of the application is that it can work on any device that has a browser, both mobile and desktop.

It does not take up additional memory, since it is not installed directly, but it is not very convenient to use, since it requires constantly opening the browser.

Therefore, it is suitable for people who use this type of connection infrequently and do not want to load the phone’s memory with unnecessary applications.

• No need to download the program;
• High stability of communication - this indicator surpasses even Skype and Viber;
• Various functionality, for example, showing your desktop to chat participants, etc.;
• A large number of chat participants is 12 people, while in Skype the user is limited to 10.

• A significant disadvantage of using such a service is that stable operation with it is achieved only with sufficient high speed Internet.

Users respond to the application as follows:

« Great program, worked almost flawlessly; if there were problems, it was only due to the speed of the Internet. However, with latest update problems began - the software does not launch stable enough, causes failures in other programs that use the Internet, while no significant improvements occurred after the update.”

TOX

This service is quite new and has not yet become widespread among users, but even taking this into account, it is already surpassing in popularity many services of a similar type, even older ones.

This messenger is still under development, although existing version is no longer a beta and works stable enough for comfortable use.

The application differs significantly in that it transfers data directly between subscribers, without using any system for temporary storage and recoding.

The program is not bad both in functionality and in other characteristics, but is still in many ways inferior to Skype.

It has a set of only “basic” functions. In addition, it is significantly inferior to Skype in terms of security and data privacy protection.

However, it is suitable for those who regularly work, since in this case it is easy to get used to its functionality, and in addition, there is no additional need to download and install the program.

• Cross-platform if you have a Google account;
• Easily synchronize participants and add them to your contact list;
• Availability of all standard features;
• Minimal load on the hardware due to optimization for Android devices;
• The ability to stream conferences directly on YouTube, as well as other opportunities for interaction with other Google services.

• Inability to use without a Google account;
• Transfers files of only one format – images;
• There is no protection of confidentiality of correspondence at all.

Users say the following about this messenger:

“Nice minimalistic design, all the necessary functions are present. However, it “weighs” quite a lot for its functionality, and in addition, it has an inconvenient text input field (too narrow).”

User reviews of the application are as follows:

“This application uses much less traffic than Skype, is quite convenient to use, in addition, it takes up a small amount of memory and does not need to be downloaded.”

KAKAOTALK

The application is gradually gaining popularity in European countries, while in South Korea it has long occupied one of the leading positions in the ranking, because it was developed specifically for use in this region. And much later it became widespread in Europe and the USA.

• Availability of assemblies suitable for any platform and operating systems;
• Availability of all necessary communication functions with minimal load on the device memory and its hardware.

• it was originally developed for South Korea, and all data is processed on the servers of this state
• during its operation, significant delays may be observed, because in fact the signal goes from you in the Russian Federation, first to South Korea, and then from there it returns to the Russian Federation to its addressee
• the interface does not have Russification, that is, it is not translated into Russian.
• security of information and privacy of correspondence are at a fairly low level. However, this poses a particular problem for predominantly local users (i.e., South Koreans). For users in other regions, the application is mostly safe.

Users leave quite different reviews on this application, for example, these:

“I like the wide possibilities for personalizing the application - you can install different color schemes, choose wallpapers from those offered or upload your own. There is a wide range of emoticons, stickers and emojis, which have no analogues in other messengers. This is an ideal messenger for people who value good functionality, stable work And beautiful design programs."

When Microsoft bought Skype Several years ago, dissatisfied users with questions about security, account access, and quality went in search of alternatives for telephone and video conferencing. Turns out there are a lot of apps to choose from, and we'll show you analogues of Skype that offer free calls and low-cost calls, as well as video calls and screen sharing.

When considering analogue, it's best to first determine how you actually use Skype. If you need an application to make free calls to landlines and mobile phones, you will find alternative applications for this. You can also find good alternatives For sharing screen, video conferencing and text messaging.

Some of these apps may require your contacts to use the same app, while others don't. Some require you to register using cell phone, which also acts as your identifier.

1. Google, Google Hangouts and Google Voice

Google offers a wide range of tools that combine to form a good replacement for Skype. Google Hangouts allows you to hold conferences with up to ten participants, share screens, and conduct conversations. All you need to participate in Google Hangout is Gmail account or Google Plus.

WITH using Google Hangouts allows you to organize free group video conferences, as well as screen sharing. The application is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, as well as Google apps Plus for Android and IOS.

Google Voice provides an alternative to free and low-cost calls, but it also acts as unified system to manage incoming and outgoing phone calls. Calls to the USA and Canada are mostly free, international calls inexpensive. Gotcha for Google Voice is only available in the US and to use it you need a mobile phone with a US phone number. Google Voice also offers free text messaging for the web and mobile applications, as well as replies to these messages can be sent to both phones and your email address.

Google also offers free calls inside Gmail - just click on the handset icon and dial.

If you just want to use free calls to internal telephones, then you can call a landline or mobile phone from within Gmail - simply by clicking on the handset icon on the left side of the screen. Press it, enter the number, and then press the button to dial the number. It's simple, all you need is a Gmail account, and in most cases, it's free.

2. OoVoo

OoVoo is popular application for video chats that can include up to twelve participants, with the ability to enter free videos conference calls. The application is compatible with Mac, Windows, iPhone, Amazon Fire Phone and Android. OoVoo provides a lot convenient functions including recordings of conversations, multimedia messages and screen sharing. Plus, it integrates with Facebook so you can invite friends to OoVoo by posting an invitation on your Facebook wall. Thus, the application can be called worthy analogous to Skype.

3. Viber

Viber is a sharing app instant messages and VoIP smartphone application that supports a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone. To use Viber on desktop you must first install Viber on your mobile phone; Your phone number acts as your Viber ID.

Viber can be used to make free voice and video calls around the world, but like Skype, the Viber app must be installed on devices to communicate for free. If you are using an iPhone or Android, you can use Viber Out to call any landline or mobile devices anywhere for a small fee.

4. Jitsi
Fans of open source software will appreciate Jitsi-safe Java application for audio calls and video chats, as well as for screen sharing. Jitsi allows you to record and encrypt calls, as well as communicate via instant messages.

Jitsi also supports a large number of chat protocols, which allows you to communicate with users using applications such as Google Talk, Facebook, MSN, AIM, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ and much more. Jitsi is available for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android.

5. WhatsApp

WhatsApp Messenger is a free, cross-platform SMS service compatible with iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia. The service uses phone data and sends messages, which may include photos, videos and recordings voice messages. Like Viber, WhatsApp uses your telephone number as a personal identifier.