Applications similar to Skype android. Alternatives to Skype - review of well-known analogue programs

You may or may not like Skype, but it is impossible to deny the popularity of this application. It is pre-installed on smartphones and laptops, even grandmothers and preschoolers use it, and Skype login found in contact information for online stores and on business cards almost as often as a mobile phone number. But for now, ordinary people are taking full advantage of popular application, a more advanced audience that worked with it back in the days when no one knew what a “Skype headset” was, is already looking for an alternative. After the takeover of the popular messenger by Microsoft, advertising appeared in the program, and not so long ago it became known that support would be discontinued over the next couple of months outdated versions Skype.

In the official explanation, the developers explain this step by saying that older releases are incompatible with new messenger functions (for example, sending messages to contacts who are not online). In addition, if users are working with older versions, it is impossible to implement correct operation programs when accessing the network from multiple devices. No one doubts that there are other reasons why Microsoft is uncomfortable with the old Skype versions, but we can only guess about them. However, the main thing is that very soon users of Skype 6.13 for Windows and more earlier versions, as well as Skype 6.14 for Mac and older releases simply will not be able to use the program. When trying to log in from old version The application will prompt you to update the program, otherwise the connection will not be established.

When people are forced to do something, it invariably makes them want to abandon the service, no matter how familiar and convenient it may be. But finding an alternative to Skype is not easy, if only because over the many years of its development the application has received a lot of functions that can be used on various devices: on desktop computers and laptops, smartphones and tablets. And for most of us, giving up the usual app on a Windows computer means looking for an alternative on a mobile device. Although the problem is most likely with the desktop messenger. There are a lot of mobile applications for text messaging, VoIP telephony and video calls, but not all of them have versions for Windows. Most developers are focused on developing their products for mobile platforms. However, messengers working simultaneously on mobile devices and computers, there are, and that’s what we’ll talk about today.

Jitsi - for now only for desktop

The developers of most modern instant messengers rely on support for popular mobile platforms, and desktop systems pay much less attention. In this regard, Jitsi is a unique program, since it works on all popular desktop platforms, but only Android is supported on mobile platforms, and even then only in alpha mode. The almost complete lack of support for mobile devices is compensated by a number of other advantages.

Firstly, in terms of basic functionality, Jitsi is not inferior to Skype - the same voice communication, video calls, including group ones, the presence of a chat, the ability to share your screen. Secondly, Jitsi is not just free program, she also has open source. At the same time, it is quite secure, since all traffic is encrypted. Thirdly, the application has good compatibility with other open standards: for example, sound is transmitted using the Opus codec, supported Google accounts, Facebook and others popular networks, voice and video calls in Jitsi can be made through SIP and XMPP accounts.

The SIP protocol is convenient for communication between users who are located in local network. This method of communication does not require registration - just indicate your IP address and a custom login. And in order to make voice and video calls not only on the local network, you can use the free XMPP service from the Jitsi developers. To do this you need to go simple registration on the jit.si website, then enter your XMPP account information (login is indicated in the format [email protected]).

Jitsi saves call history and allows you to keep track of missed calls. The application also allows you to transfer files - you just need to drag them into the application window. For voice calls, it supports echo cancellation, noise reduction, microphone mute, call hold, simultaneous voice chat with several interlocutors.

Viber is useless without a smartphone

Viber is a project that has partially Belarusian roots. One of the founders of the messenger is Belarusian, and work on the application is being carried out in Brest, as well as in Israel. First Viber version was released for the iPhone, but today you can use the messenger on almost all platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, half-forgotten BlackBerry OS, Series 40, Symbian and Bada. And since last year, Viber also works on desktops Windows platforms, Mac OS X and Linux, however, with some reservations, which are discussed below.

Viber supports all the usual Skype functions: you can chat with friends (up to a hundred people can be in one chat at the same time), and also make calls - just like in the one-on-one mode. voice communication, and with video. True, video calls currently only work in desktop versions of the application, and even then in beta mode.

If you want to use Viber as an alternative to Skype on the desktop, do not forget that this application was initially developed as a mobile one. This is why registration from the desktop client is not possible. To become Viber user, you must first install the application on your smartphone. A phone number is used for authorization; the same number must then be entered in the desktop client. After this, an activation code will be sent to Viber mobile, which must be entered in the desktop program. Moreover, if you log out of your Viber account in the mobile application, the desktop version will immediately stop working.

Viber desktop picks up the list of contacts from your mobile phone and displays them in the main window. If you wish, you can also connect your accounts Facebook posts and Twitter - then the list of contacts will become even larger.

Those people who use Viber will be marked in the contact list with a special icon— you can call them or chat for free. You can also call other contacts, but using the paid Viber Out function. If you install Viber on two or more devices, the application will synchronize all messages between clients. If a message is deleted on one device, it will also be deleted on the other.

Viber offers quite a lot of ways to express yourself. When chatting from a mobile device, you can use not only words and the usual emoticons, but also stickers.

In addition, you can record funny animated videos directly in the application and send them to your interlocutors.

Regular recording is also available voice messages, sending video files and photos stored on the device, sending location information. You can also make drawings and send them to the chat. For desktop clients, it works to send emoticons, stickers, and photos that are stored on the computer.

Among the numerous settings of the application, one can note the ability to block numbers, automatic removal old media files from the device, the ability to hide yourself from Viber networks, free reply to SMS via Viber (if the client is installed on the respondent).

Google Hangouts- video in browser

Google's communication service is integrated into various web services of the company, and also exists in the form of separate mobile applications for Android and iOS, and on Android devices the client is preinstalled by default. From your desktop, you can communicate via Hangouts from Gmail and Google+. There is also an extension for Google Chrome that adds a mini-app directly to the panel Windows tasks. Authorization on all devices, of course, occurs through the account Google entry. At the same time, all events are synchronized between devices: if you missed a video meeting, you will see a message about this on all your devices, as well as the history of negotiations in a text chat.

It's also interesting that Hangouts syncs notification settings across devices. If, for example, your computer has turned on blocking notifications about incoming messages for three hours, then during this time the smartphone will also be silent.

Another feature that will be convenient for those who use Hangouts on different devices, - displays information about which device is active in at the moment. The status can also show information that the user is currently talking to someone.

Using Hangouts you can send messages to your interlocutors text messages, location information, photos (on mobile devices you can take a photo from the application or select it from the gallery). Unfortunately, there is no convenient way transfer files like in Skype. Perhaps someday the developers will also integrate their service with Hangouts “ Google Drive", but for now you can only upload images and videos.

On any device, you can start a video meeting, in which up to one hundred people can participate simultaneously. During a video call, the participant who is currently speaking is displayed in a large window, and the others are displayed in a feed of small windows located at the bottom of the screen. On a slow Internet connection, video calls in Hangouts work even better than Skype.

Mobile versions of Hangouts are integrated with SMS (if the user has enabled this feature), so the app shows general chat for text messages and those sent through the application.

Hangouts for Chrome has a spartan interface. The application is presented in the form of a separate small window, and also adds its own icon to the notification area (its display can be disabled). At the user's request, it can be launched automatically when the browser starts.

Telegram - only a chat, but safe

Telegram is the youngest of the messengers in our review; the oldest of its clients is not even a year old. Nevertheless, the number of its active users in the spring exceeded 35 million. For promising project there is the well-known Pavel Durov, who invests money in it. Thanks to such powerful support, the application does not have any paid functions, as well as advertising (and, as the developers promise on the official website, it will not appear, since this project is not focused on making a profit).

Telegram is being developed by another Durov, Nikolai, who is Pavel’s older brother. Especially for the service, Nikolay created a special message transfer protocol called MTProto, which provides high level security. So high that they offered $200 thousand for hacking the protocol. virtual currency Bitcoin, but no one has earned it that way yet.

Like other mobile instant messengers, Telegram uses a mobile phone number as a login. It receives an SMS with an authorization code. If Telegram is used on multiple devices, you need to keep in mind that the first time you log in from new equipment, you will need to enter a verification code. Therefore, the phone number used for registration must be kept at hand. Interestingly, when authorizing on a new device, a message is sent to already activated devices for security purposes. In addition, in the application settings it is possible to remotely terminate all application sessions except the current one.

Telegram will be interesting for those Skype users who prefer text chat to all methods of communication. There are no VoIP telephony functions, as well as video calls, in Telegram (and are not planned yet). The app offers text messaging and also gives you the ability to send location information as a snippet google maps, attach images, send voice messages and videos up to 1 GB in size. You can record a voice message, as well as take a photo or video for your interlocutor, right there, without leaving the chat window.

All forwarded messages are stored on a remote server and are therefore accessible from any device logged in with a service account. And there can be a lot of such devices, because Telegram officially supports iOS and Android, and also has unofficial clients for Windows Phone, Windows Desktop, Linux and Mac, works as an application for Google Chrome and as a web application in the browser.

You can communicate on Telegram with more than just one person - to discuss issues that require presence more people, group chats are provided. Up to two hundred people can take part in such a chat, and not only the creator of the group, but also everyone who has already been invited to it can invite new participants. When you open a group chat window, you can see the total number of participants, as well as find out how many of them are currently online.

In addition to regular chats, Telegram also offers private ones - with increased level security. During communication, data is sent directly between two devices, and the correspondence history does not remain on the remote server. Moreover, communicating in secret chat, you can set the time after which messages will be automatically deleted from the sender's and recipient's devices. However, secrecy also reverse side: in the name of security, you will have to sacrifice the ability to access messages from other devices, the function of forwarding messages to other people, and the ability to send messages to subscribers who are not currently online.

ooVoo - video calling, but with advertising

Another app that you can consider as an alternative to Skype is ooVoo. Its main advantages are support for both desktop and major mobile platforms (iOS, Android, Windows Phone), as well as the ability to make video calls on all supported devices. Moreover, making video calls is the main purpose of the service, and a lot of attention is paid to this function. The transmitted video can be equipped with various special effects that are applied on the fly.

Up to 12 people can communicate in a video chat at the same time, and not all of them must be users of the service. If you want to chat with those who do not have the ooVoo app installed, you can generate a link to a video chat. Those who receive this link will be able to join the video conference directly in the browser by entering their details Facebook account or ooVoo account.

ooVoo for Windows is more functional than mobile applications. So, in the desktop client you can send any files (to mobile version- only photos and videos), record calls and video messages, watch videos on YouTube with friends, transfer a picture from your desktop.

Unfortunately, ooVoo has not only advantages, but also disadvantages. The main one is annoying advertising, which appears on both computers and mobile devices. You can remove it by switching to the paid version of the service, which also includes the function of storing up to 1000 minutes of video on the service’s servers (remember that you can send videos up to 1 GB in size to Telegram for free).

⇡ Conclusion

Well, today it is hardly possible to find a messenger that is not inferior to Skype in functionality and convenience. Among the considered alternatives, the most worthy solution seemed to be Google service Hangouts - there are no advertisements here, and the video is on mobile platforms It works well, and you don’t even need to register specifically, and the contact list is loaded from Gmail. However, other programs may also be suitable - it all depends on which Skype functions you use most often and on what devices you are used to communicating. For example, Telegram is perfect for chatting, Jitsi is perfect for voice and video calls from a desktop, and Viber is perfect for mobile voice communication.

02.12.2015

Skype is one of the most popular and in-demand instant messengers existing today. No, this is not a file hosting service, as they said in viral advertising on YouTube, this is the most convenient tool for text, voice and video communication.

However, some users may not be satisfied with this program, or the person with whom they want to communicate may Skype simply not installed. In this case, it is necessary to look for an alternative, which, of course, should be no less worthy. Below we will talk about what analogues exist Skypefor computer.

Probably the most popular mobile messenger, which recently migrated to personal computers.

If you are using viber on your smartphone, you are probably very familiar with all its functionality. In a few words: it is intended for the same purposes as Skype. However, the functions in Viber even more. These include public chats, cool stickers, the ability to send short voice messages, send drawn images, and much more.

Download viber for a computer, you can go to the developer’s official website by going to this link.

Save the program on your hard drive, and then install it following the installer's instructions.

Run Viber and enter the mobile phone number to which you have the messenger linked - a message with a confirmation code will be sent to it. If you are not registered in Viber, do this by entering your phone number and then the verification code.

In your contact list you will see everyone who has one of your address book application installed. As you understand, the only thing you need to contact absolutely free of charge is Viber with a person, wherever he is, this is his mobile phone number and Internet access.

Google Hangouts

This is a whole set of communication services from the search giant, which have only recently been combined into one package. Extremely convenient application for communication with approximately the same functionality as Skype. in any case, the necessary text and video communication, as well as regular calls, are present here.

You can use the application on the web by going to official website, you can also install a browser extension from the store Chrome Web Store .

All you need to register is availability accountGoogle and phone number confirmation. The only drawback is that it is far from a fact that any of your friends use this service, since it is less popular here than in the West. However, nothing prevents you from inviting them to Google Hangouts for communication.

This program is another popular service for text, video and voice communication, file sharing, etc. There are both paid version applications for the computer, and free.

Distinctive feature and difference from analogues – ooVoo allows you to upload videos to YouTube and broadcast live on the Internet.

It is worth noting that this messenger is more stable in operation than Skype. It is possible to invite friends from social networks, contacts email etc.

Save the program in a convenient place on your computer and install it following the instructions.

Run ooVoo and register in it by entering the following data.

Today there are many alternative programs, which can replace Skype. They sometimes even surpass the usual messenger in their functionality. Now we will look at the most popular programs analogues.

Why you may need to replace Skype

Analogues of Skype may be needed if the program is slow or does not sync with the device. It’s easier to choose a replacement program for a smartphone, but it’s more difficult to do for a computer. Not all programs are capable of running on most platforms that can support the transfer of a variety of files, group calls, and at the same time be free. In this case, you will have to look for a suitable utility and get acquainted with its functionality in advance.

Among users this program is gaining more and more popularity. More than 7 million people are already using the software and their number is increasing every day. The messenger is the most popular among the well-known Skype substitutes.

The main functions of the utility include:

• sending audio and video files;
• forwarding voice messages;
• video calls;
• exchange of regular messages;
• transmission of data on the geolocation of objects;
• transfer of information via contacts;
• wide selection of emoticons;
• the ability to create chats for communication with the participation of 200 people.

Using the application, the user can make both regular calls and communicate with people via video. The call quality is excellent in both call options, as it is designed in HD format.

Thanks to Push notifications, the user will not miss a call via messenger even if the device is turned off. The program also contains chats of famous people and magazines. Software supports Android system Wear.

Viber is worthy analogue Skype for all types of devices. Thanks to the advanced functions of the program, it is gaining popularity every day among residents of the entire planet.

Positive aspects of the software:

• automatic movement of contacts from phone book to the program server;
• free calls to all application subscribers;
• The program can be downloaded for any desired platform.

Disadvantages of the utility:

• You won’t be able to register in the app without using your phone;
• low program protection, which makes your personal account vulnerable.

Another Whatsapp Alternative

If you are not satisfied with Viber for some reason, then you can use another program, for example, Whatsapp. It is a popular SMS utility among users and one of the few programs with more than one billion downloads.

When using the messenger, you can communicate with friends and create group chats with them. The program has a simple and intuitive interface. With each new version The application has been improved for more convenient use.

Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to make audio calls through the messenger, but the developers are working on this problem and promise to solve it soon.

There are many alternative programs, and I could talk about each of them for a very long time. We have selected the most popular ones, which you can use if something did not work out with previous programs.

Telegram– an application for quick communication with friends and family.

Main advantages of the program:

• free operation;
• cross-platform;
• high speed;
• Creation group chats;
• transfer of files of any type;
• geolocation;
• search for various images on the Internet;
• free stickers.

Disadvantages of the messenger:

• lack of video and audio calls;
• presence paid content for individual functions;

If the program is needed only for communication in the form of correspondence, then Telegram is quite suitable for this.

TOX– an application that ensures the exchange of messages between IP addresses without using special servers for this.

Main advantages:

• the application is free for users;
• all the main functions of Skype are present: video and audio communication, simple messaging, group chats, sending various files;
• high security.

Cons of the application:

• inconvenient adding new contacts;
• there is no offline message transmission;
• problems with synchronization between different devices.

We introduced you to some programs that are similar to Skype in their functionality. Which program to choose instead of Skype is up to you personally, the main thing is that it is convenient and accessible to use.

There are many different chat rooms that allow for free* chat with friends with mobile phone**. And without paying 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 is running on Android platform, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone. 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 there is a cheap, fast and desirable 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 account skype - 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 (

Just a couple of years ago it was impossible to talk about an alternative to Skype - a program for video calls. However, today on the Internet you can download other applications that will be easier to run on weak PCs, will not be updated without permission, and will not glitch when switching from one tab to another. Let's consider analogues of Skype and their benefits.

ooVoo – video chat program

ooVoo is free application, which allows you to organize video chats with up to 12 people each. The advantage of such a program over Skype is the absence of lags when weak internet. The program also has the function of exchanging text messages, files, pictures, stickers. That is, it is in no way inferior to the popular Skype. At the same time, it should be noted that ooVoo takes up less space on the PC.

WhatsApp with video calling support

Probably only a child does not know about the WhatsApp program. This is a popular messenger that appeared simultaneously with touch phones. And if previously the video calling function was available only for devices with operating system iSO, then since the end of 2016, users of other popular platforms can also call via WhatsApp. Including Windows.

Talky - a new analogue of Skype

The Talky program is still young. It is intended for gadgets that run on iSO. To use it on Windows 7 and higher, you should use a browser. However, the advantage of Talky over Skype is that you can organize a video chat for 15 people simultaneously for free for unlimited communication time. At the same time, Talky allows you to capture images not only from the camera, but also from the screen. This means that showing other participants what is happening on your display is quite realistic and simple.

WeChat is a video calling service for Windows 10 and MAC

WeChat is popular Chinese service, which has an English interface. Until recently, it only worked on Android and iSO. However, in 2016 it received support for MAC and Windows 10. Using this application, you can organize video calls, conduct correspondence, and transfer files of various formats.

Viber is a favorite calling service

Many PC users have a number of difficulties installing Viber. However, this does not affect the popularity of this application. Using Viber you can send various files interlocutor, call mobile phones and even organize a video call. The program is completely free. It differs from Skype in that it has rather rare updates that are not downloaded without the knowledge of users.

ICQ – an old-timer for video communication

Initially, ISQ was developed exclusively for text correspondence. However, as popularity grew this application started receiving many others useful functions. In addition to transferring files and attaching stickers, calling a mobile phone, the program received a video calling function. Since the program is familiar and convenient to everyone, there are no problems with its use.

Gem4Me - the simplest messenger in the world

Not much is known about Gem4Me. This is a popular messenger in Europe and America, which appeared 2 years ago and already has 1 million downloads on Google Play. With this application, a person can call, write, organize video conferences and even send money. The program has high-quality hacking protection. Developed in Switzerland. Distributed free of charge.

Hangouts - a simple program for organizing video conferences

A program for communicating online, with which you can send text messages, files, call mobile phones, and organize video conferences. The program is designed for browsers. Works on both MAC and iSO.

In addition to the programs listed above, there are others on the network that can be an excellent alternative to Skype.