There’s nothing more meaningful than staying connected with loved ones especially when they’re far from home. Over the years, Skype played a key role in helping families bridge that distance through video and voice calls.
As a digital professional and someone who values staying close to family abroad, I’ve used Skype for everything from casual check-ins to virtual celebrations. And now, with Skype shutting down in May 2025, a lot of us are left wondering: What now?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best alternative to Skype available today. Whether you’re calling your mom in the Philippines, your brother in Canada, or your kids studying abroad, I’ve made sure every option is easy to use, reliable, and affordable.
Because while platforms may change, the need to stay close never does.
The End of an Era: Skype's Shutdown
Skype used to be the go-to app for long-distance video and voice calls. Whether it’s for Skype for Business, Skype for international calls, or group calling, Skype is popular because it was easy to use and for many of us, it was how we kept in touch with family living overseas.
But over time, new platforms came along, ones that offered more features, better call quality, and smoother connections. Microsoft, who owns Skype, eventually focused their energy on Microsoft Teams, a more modern solution designed for both business and personal use.
So after years of slow decline, Microsoft has officially announced that they will no longer be supporting Skype in May 2025.
The good news? There are plenty of better, friendlier alternatives.
What Makes a Good Skype Alternative for Families?
Before we dive into the best apps, let’s talk about what really matters when it comes to calling family abroad.
When I help friends or family members choose a communication app, I always look for the same few things:
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Easy to set up and use
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Clear video and voice quality
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Works well on phones, tablets, and computers
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Low cost or completely free
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Safe and private
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Available in many countries
Especially when you’re helping older parents or relatives use these tools, simplicity and clarity are key.
What are the Best Skype Alternatives for International Calls?
If staying in touch with loved ones abroad is your priority, ESDIAC should be at the top of your list.
ESDIAC is designed specifically for families and communities who need to make international calls affordably and reliably, especially in regions where internet access is limited or inconsistent. It’s not just another app like Skype; it’s a complete communication solution built for real connection across borders, regardless of infrastructure.
Why it works for families:
- Optimized for low-bandwidth environments
- Offers premium international voice calls at competitive rates
- Perfect for calling landline numbers and mobile phones directly anywhere in the world
- You can even make calls to landlines and mobile phones for free in select destinations
- Designed for underserved and rural areas where signal is often difficult
- Built with global families in mind, easy-to-use interface with minimal setup
Whether you're dialing a landline in a remote village or connecting with family on their mobile phones overseas, ESDIAC makes it simple. And with their commitment to expanding global access, more people can make calls and stay connected, no matter where they are.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, and for good reason. It’s free, secure, and already used by billions, making it an easy choice for families looking to stay in touch.
Why it’s great for families:
- Free voice and video calls anywhere in the world
- Works on both mobile and desktop
- Supports up to 32 people in group video calls
- End-to-end encryption for all communications
Keep in mind: Calls require a stable internet connection, and group video calls are best with fewer than 10 participants for optimal clarity.
Viber offers a rich blend of calling and messaging features, but where it really shines is affordable international calling to landlines and mobile numbers, making it ideal for families with older relatives who may not use smartphones.
Why families choose Viber:
- Free app-to-app video and voice calls
- Viber Out: low-cost calling to international mobile/landline numbers
- Fun features like stickers and group chats
- Available on mobile, desktop, and tablet
Extra tip: You can even link your Viber account to your contacts for faster access to family members who also use the app.
If your family uses iPhones, iPads, or Macs, FaceTime is an intuitive and high-quality option. It’s integrated into every Apple device, meaning you can make a call in just a few taps, no downloads, no sign-ups.
Why Apple users love FaceTime:
- Crisp HD video and clear voice quality
- FaceTime Audio works well even with slower connections
- Supports group video calls with up to 32 people
- End-to-end encrypted for privacy
Note: FaceTime only works on Apple devices. If your family uses a mix of iOS and Android, you might want to look at cross-platform apps like WhatsApp or ESDIAC.
Google Voice may not be the first app that comes to mind, but it’s an underrated gem for those who prefer traditional voice calls over video. It gives you a U.S. phone number and lets you make low-cost international calls right from your device.
Why families choose Google Voice:
- Free domestic calling in the U.S.
- Low-cost international rates to dozens of countries
- Can forward calls to your mobile
- Easily accessible through web and mobile apps
Things to know: It’s best used for audio calls, and requires a U.S. Google account to set up.
Communication Trends: The World Is Changing
Let’s talk numbers for a second.
As of 2024, Microsoft Teams has more than 320 million monthly users.
Skype’s active users have dropped to around 36 million, a big reason for the shutdown.
According to SHRM, 46% of global companies now likely integrated virtual communication tools to keep teams and operations connected.
More than ever, people are choosing tools that are intuitive, mobile-friendly, and secure.
How to Help Your Family Transition from Skype
If Skype has been your family’s go-to for years, switching can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make the move easy:
- Talk about the change
Let your family know Skype is ending. Share some options and decide together which tool to try first. - Back up your data
Save any important chats, photos, or videos from Skype. - Download the new app together
Whether it’s ESDIAC or WhatsApp, do a test run and make sure everyone feels comfortable. - Create a shared calendar
Schedule regular calls, birthdays, holidays, or even monthly check-ins. - Stay patient and encouraging
Tech changes can be frustrating for some. Celebrate small wins like “first successful video call” or “everyone joined on time!”
One thing I’ve learned helping my grandma set up Zoom: lots of patience + clear steps = success.
Final Thoughts: It's Not Goodbye, It's an Upgrade!
We may be saying goodbye to Skype, but we’re not losing the ability to connect. In fact, we’re gaining access to tools that offer more flexibility, more reliability, and are better suited to how families communicate today, especially when it comes to international communication.
Whether you're looking for a mobile-friendly app like WhatsApp, a high-quality video chat through FaceTime, or a purpose-built international calling service like ESDIAC, there’s a solution to help keep your family close, no matter the distance.
These platforms make it easy to place landline and mobile calls, and many even offer free international options, making it more accessible than ever to stay in touch across borders.
