Due to the Coronavirus, there is an increased dependency on communication tools for remote teams. Imagine a company that has multiple teams across the globe. For global teams to work, there needs to be a working communication tool that allows productive conversations. Skype used to be the solution for remote teams.
However, there are rumors that Microsoft will be shutting down Skype as of July 31, 2021. Microsoft’s goal is to encourage people to start using Teams. But, not everyone likes using Teams due to its complexities. To see alternatives to Microsoft Teams, click here.
If you are a person using Skype, there are more holistic alternatives that can deliver more than what you have. To figure out which communication tool is best for your remote teams, we provide a list of alternatives. Here are the five best skype alternatives.
- AirSend
- Discord
- Telegram
- Zoom
- Tox
AirSend
AirSend is a simple communication tool designed for remote teams. Our platform provides built-in:
- Conversation spaces
- Video and audio calling
- Sharing files/notes
- Task and Business management
AirSend’s capabilities will allow remote teams to work better and faster. No more distractions, everything is found in one space. Even more notable is that users can also plan and communicate on upcoming projects from multiple devices. Working from any device allows users to constantly stay in the loop without missing a beat.
Furthermore, our user interface carries a sleek and simplistic design. A clean design allows users to view all features needed for a channel, such as writing/tracking notes.
Finally, AirSend can do large file transfers, downloads, and uploads.
Discord
Discord is known for its all-in-one voice and text chat. While Discord is originally meant for gamers, they offer a lot of features for a free communication tool. Compared to Skype, Discord offers way more functionality to seamlessly get work done. With Discord, users can
- Organize their servers/channels
- Install bots and moderator roles
- Do basic code
- Audio/video calling
However, Discord is originally designed for community building. What this means is that Discord’s features and tools are made for communities. But, if you can get past the community features, which also work great for a team chat setting, then Discord may be a good choice.
Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app with a focus on security and speed. The selling point to Telegram is that it is available on many of the most widely used platforms. Telegram is also free.
With Telegram, you can send messages, photos, and videos to people who have Telegram, and to those who are in your phone contacts. You can also create groups for up to 200,000 people or channels.
They also have cool features like bots, secret chats, self-destructing messages, and support large files. If you are looking for a free communication tool that carries a lot of features, Telegram may be worth considering.
Though Telegram carries a lot of features, they lack the features and functions for team collaboration. Like WhatsApp, Telegram is made for casual conversation with friends and family.
Zoom
Zoom is a web-based video conferencing software. Though the platform lacks channel-based functionality, we believe that the video/audio quality is much better than Skype. With Zoom, you can have guest links and scheduled meetings. Additionally, Zoom can house up to 50+ people in a call without any lag. However, Zoom has a 40-minute call limit in the free version.
Tox
Tox is a great alternative to Skype. The tool features encryptions and is fairly easy to use. Additionally, the platform supports text, voice, and video chat. They also support screen sharing. One of the main selling points to the tool is that it has zero central servers. This means that the entire network is comprised of the users. This also means no server outages that could disrupt workflow.
Summation
As you can see, each platform carries its pros and cons. However, we believe these tools are currently the five best Skype alternatives. It is all a matter of what you feel would be the perfect team chat software and alternative to Skype.