Skype enjoys incredible popularity among users from all over the world. Most people can no longer imagine life without this service for communication. However, in addition to Skype, there are other applications that can sometimes provide the user with even better quality of services. This article focuses on some of these applications.
VSee
It is a video conferencing service with screen space sharing. The principle of operation of the application practically repeats the notorious "Skype". VSee has one major advantage over Skype - best gear audio and video data. This is possible because the application uses less bandwidth. Another advantage of the application is the ability to share screen space with other users and use it for video conferencing.
The free version of the app gives the user unlimited group video calls.
Oovoo
Another free application that can, if not replace, then move Skype. This program has much more options when using video calling. Again, the quality of the transmitted sound and picture is an order of magnitude higher than Skype. In addition, the user is given the opportunity to expand the conversation screen to the entire diagonal of the monitor. Here the designers tried and placed the interface as conveniently as possible.
Probably the most big feature Oovoo, which also allows you to differentiate it from other competitors, are video recordings of conversations and video messages. One of the features of Oovoo is the ability to record the entire video call and also send video messages. Another handy feature of Oovoo is sharing information. That is, you can remotely watch the movie together and discuss it during the broadcast. In the free version of the Oovoo app, group communication is limited to 12 people.
Viber
Application history, started with mobile platforms. The developers positioned their creation as a convenient voice communication service for mobile devices, but later rolled out the release to desktop platforms. Today, Viber works great on Windows and Mac. In addition to multiplatform, the application guarantees users high quality sound on calls around the world. When you install Viber on a mobile device, the application is automatically synchronized with the built-in phone book and all your contacts will be available from the desktop at the first launch.
Similar Apps
If for some reason, you could not choose an alternative to Skype, then especially for you below we will present an extended list of similar tools.
Convenient for making group calls. To communicate, you need to have a google account. Recently available for Android OS users.
A convenient service for organizing video conferencing.
A special tool that allows website developers to add the ability to make video calls to their resources.
Good alternative to skype. Great opportunities for text messaging.
All types of communication in one application with an integrated fax service.
The application is exclusively for users of Apple products. The quality of the transmitted video is at a high level.
A simple service for video chatting without the need for registration. Limit of 12 people.
Conclusion
You probably already understood from the article that there are enough alternatives to the sometimes buggy Skype, but most likely, you didn’t even know about half of them. Perhaps we have helped you choose a client for communication that is right for you.
02.12.2015
Skype- This is one of the most popular and sought-after instant messengers that exist 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, this program may not suit some users, or the one with whom you want to chat, 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 are the analogues Skypefor computer.
Probably the most popular mobile messenger, which has recently migrated to personal computers.
If you are using Viber on your smartphone, you are probably 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 are public chats, and cool stickers, and the ability to send short voice messages, and send drawn images, and much more.
Download Viber for a computer, you can go to the official website of the developer 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 your messenger is linked - a message with a confirmation code will be sent to it. If you are not registered with Viber, do so by entering your phone number and then the verification code.
In the contact list, you will see everyone who has the application installed in your address book. As you understand, the only thing you need in order to contact absolutely free of charge is through Viber with a person, wherever he is, this is his mobile phone number and access to the Internet.
Google Hangouts
This is a whole set of communication services from the search giant, which have only recently been combined into one set. An 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 site, you can also install a browser extension from the store Chrome Web Store .
All you need to register is accountGoogle and phone number verification. The only drawback is that it is far from a fact that one of your friends uses this service, since it is less popular in our country 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 is both a paid version of the application for a computer and a free one.
Distinctive feature and difference from analogues - ooVoo allows you to upload videos to YouTube and broadcast live to the Internet.
It should be noted 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, install it following the instructions.
Run ooVoo and register in it by entering the following data.
Today it is starting to lose its popularity, especially after it was bought by Microsoft and ads began to be shown inside the program.
With the advent of Skype in 2003, we can say for sure that the world has changed, as a free alternative to voice calls using the Internet has appeared. Voice over IP (VoIP) in 2003 became a kind of revolution and proved to all mobile operators that in addition to them there are opportunities to communicate, moreover, for free. By the way, it was in 2003 that a serious reduction in the cost of communication began for all mobile operators.
Skype was the first, that's why it's so popular and we respect that. But, nevertheless, there are many working and functional alternatives that can replace Skype and give you new opportunities for video conferencing and chatting with your friends. First of all, we perceive Skype as a messenger for VoIP telephony, and not as a program for exchanging text messages. So let's take a look at everything possible alternatives Skype, in terms of video and voice calls (VoIP telephony).
VoIP is an abbreviation for English language stands for Voice over IP, literally "voice over IP".
What can replace Skype?
A few years ago, it was very difficult to find a convenient VoIP client that would work both on a desktop computer and on a mobile device. Today, almost all developers create for their programs mobile versions, which seamlessly allow you to communicate with friends through your mobile device or desktop computer, while using only one account. In a word, progress and global mobilization are doing their job, and many thanks to him for that!
The first alternative to Skype is Viber
Most likely the most popular replacement for traditional Skype, it is with this purple program that we will begin our review.
Supports all modern mobile and non-mobile communication devices. We will not list the entire list, I will simply note that it works on Nokia, Blackberry phones and similar platforms that are not very common. I am silent about Android and iOS, since it was under these operating systems that Viber was developed at the very beginning of its journey.
Viber can be used in 3G networks, as well as using any Wi-Fi connection. You can easily put it on all devices: computer, phone, tablet and use one account.
Calls to other Viber accounts are completely free, the main thing is that there is an Internet connection. If you want to call landline or mobile numbers, then the Viber Out service is suitable for you - the tariff is quite low and, as I understand it, less than that of Skype. So far, Viber Out only works on iOS and Android, but soon this service will be added to the desktop computer.
And another feature that makes Viber stand out from Skype is that there are no ads.
The second alternative to Skype is ooVoo
An Israeli startup that has been conquering the VoIP client market for several years. As written on the developers' website, ooVoo works at all: Android smartphones, Android tablets, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac, Windows Phone and of course Windows personal computers.
Possibilities:
- Video conference for 12 people;
- Ability to call landlines. To do this, you need to buy ooVoo credits;
- Standard text messaging;
- While talking with friends, you can simultaneously show them YouTube videos (Only works on PC);
- Send and receive photos, files;
- Recording a conversation on a voice recorder, with subsequent saving.
ooVoo has patented Superclear technology to deliver high quality video and crystal clear sound. The video is actually transmitted in good quality, but we did not do any tests and comparisons with Skype, so it's hard to say which program gives the best quality.
Unlike Viber, the free version has ads, so in this regard, programulina is not quite an alternative to Skype. When paying for a Premium account, there will be no ads. For my part, I understand the developers, because it is necessary to pay for the work of programmers and develop the program, so I am not against advertising, especially since the free version of ooVoo has full functionality.
Statistics:
- To date, 100 million people have registered in the program, how many of them are active is not known;
- 65% of users are under 25;
- 47% of male users and 53% of females;
- Registered users from 130 countries. The most users in the United States, the fastest growth shows in Canada, the UK, Japan and other South Asian countries;
- 1 billion hours of calls per month.
The third Skype replacement is VSee
So we got to the third alternative - Vsee. To be honest, until today I have not heard about this program, but when I began to study the issue of popular VoIP clients, it turned out that VSee is quite popular and a lot of people use it.
Video communication and the general operation of the program are very similar to Skype. But interestingly, the VSee data transfer method allows you to transfer video in very high quality with a smaller amount of transmitted information, this also applies to sound. VSee is ideal for those who constantly use video calls on their phone using 3G internet. Savings will be on the face, especially if you pay for the Internet by megabytes.
VSee is a simple and secure video conferencing program that can create so-called "video bridges" between countries and different groups of people with one click.
VSee positions itself as universal remedy contacting people at a distance. They are developing a program for tight integration with medical devices, there are opportunities to do examinations of clients remotely, by transmitting ultrasounds, x-rays, surgical fluoroscopes and the like online, right during the examination.
She's being used charity organisations in Rwanda, Indonesia and Syria, in a word, where there is very poor communication, but you need to use video communication with scientists, doctors, etc.
Load comparison of VSee with Skype
| Permission | VSee download / upload (speed) | Skype download / upload (speed) |
|---|---|---|
| 320x240p | 81 / 72 kbps | 423 / 306 kbps |
| 640x480p | 154 / 149 kbps | 530 / 472 kbps |
| 1280 x 720p (HD) | 513 / 492 kbps | 1470 / 1340 Kbps |
More options
Below are a few more programs to replace Skype, you can test them and see the functionality, maybe they will suit you better than our choice (Viber, ooVoo and VSee).
- Google Hangouts is a service from Google that is especially handy for video conferencing. Each participant must have a Google ID to sign in to Google Hangouts;
- UberConference - a specialized service for video communication with social integration for Western social networks;
- TokBox is a useful service for webmasters that allows you to create direct online broadcasts directly on the site;
- Jitsi is a good alternative to Skype, has similar capabilities for instant text and voice messaging;
- Facetime - This program can be called "Skype for Mac". Apple offers a FaceTime service that is free and fully compatible with Mac/iPhone devices;
- Tinychat is a very simple service, no registration required. Provides video conferencing for up to 12 people at the same time.
I hope this list of programs and services will be able to show you the wider possibilities of video communication, those that Skype gave did not exist. You should not get hung up on one program, as happened with Skype - there are a huge number of similar programs, without ads, with a convenient interface and fast speed.
Speaking about myself, I use Skype for work, as many colleagues use it, and I also have Viber on my tablet and computer - a very convenient tandem that suits me completely. But I feel that soon Skype will lose its positions very much, and it is still visible, especially if you look at my contacts a year ago and now - before 90% used Skype, now probably 60% Skype and about 30% use Viber.
More recently, users around the world have been using the excellent Skype program to communicate with each other. The application, running on any platform, was able to transmit text messages in real time, use voice and video communication. But after Skype was acquired by Microsoft, many problems arose. First of all, the program has become more demanding on resources, now not every phone will be able to start a video call. There was a difficulty with registration, which requires creating account Microsoft. The program constantly advertises something. Not far off is the time when Skype will become paid. Is there really no alternative for a Windows computer and for "Android"? The focus of this article is the Skype analogue program.
A tender is announced
In order to find an analogue of Skype, you need to decide on the selection criteria - the functionality of the program and the platform on which the application should run.
- Platform. The most popular platforms are Android, IOS and Microsoft. Linux and Blackberry are welcome, they are in the minority, but they also have the right to be.
- Sending text messages. It is the main requirement for the program, because correspondence allows users to not only think well before writing, but also to keep a history of communication.
- Voice communication in real time. Free communication from anywhere globe not only saves money, but also brings pleasure.
- Video communication. It is more of an entertaining nature, but a rather popular feature among users.
- Create conferences. A very convenient functionality in business when you need to negotiate collectively or for seminars.
- resource requirements. The program should start quickly and use few resources. Important resources of the device are considered to be RAM, processor time, communication channel.
A holy place is never empty
Not so long ago, an analogue of Skype called Viber was introduced to the world. In a short period of time, the application quickly spread among users and became very popular. So, how did the program win the hearts of millions of users?
- The program is compatible with any platform. The joke that Viber is not installed except on the refrigerator means that the owners of any mobile phones and operating systems on computers can use this wonderful program.
- Text chat. It is unique - you can transmit not only text, but also pictures, video and sound messages.
- Audio and video calls. The Viber program easily establishes a connection with the interlocutor and provides real-time communication using the device's video camera.
- A bunch of useful little things. Simple registration with reference to a mobile phone number. Synchronizing contacts, identifying number owners who already use Viber, and notifying them when the program is installed. No ads and absolutely free. If you have GPS on your phone, you can share your location with your interlocutor.
Small flaws in the Viber program
It's hard to believe, but they exist, and in Lately developers are in no hurry to fix them. Let the application be compatible with any operating system, but there are significant differences in the Viber programs installed on different devices.
The owners of Android and iPhone were the most fortunate - they have the whole range of services available in Viber. Owners of Blackberry with the operating system of the seventh version and below are not able to transfer audio and video files. The owners of Microsoft OS and Bada will be left without an avatar and will join the owners of the old Blackberries. Although the application was originally positioned as an analogue of Skype for Android, but in its operation under Windows and Linux operating systems, I would like more functionality and fully working contact synchronization.
An interesting offer for residents of Russia
It is not the first year that the inhabitants of Russia have been using the “branded” service “Multifon” for communication, developed by the specialists of the company “Megafon”. From year to year, "Multifon" acquires new opportunities, and the price for calls to Cell phones is rapidly approaching zero. The Russian analogue of Skype has only one significant drawback - Multifon is available only to subscribers of the Megafon network. But the positive functions are countless.
- The program uses a SIP client, which allows you to use any SIP client, the same X-Lite or Fring, which are more configurable and have more functions, instead of the green “proprietary” program from Megafon.
- As in Skype, you can correspond, make video and audio calls for free between Megafon users.
- Calls to mobile phones in the GSM network are much lower than the tariffs of the same Skype. There are apps for everyone operating system including workstations.
- The Russian analogue of Skype allows you to record conversations during audio and video calls.
Another inexpensive solution from Russian programmers
If the use of video in real-time communication is not critical, another Russian analogue of Skype, Beam, deserves positive feedback from users. The program is able to conduct text correspondence and allows users to make calls within the network for free. Like Skype, the program can call landline and mobile lines, while the price is much lower than that of competitors. Users of the Beam program note the high quality of the sound in the process of communication. All this is due to IP-telephony, which is used in the product code.
There is also a negative in using the brainchild of Russian programmers, it is the only one, but quite significant - you can install the application only on Android and IOS devices.
About social networks
It is no secret to anyone that sending messages, files, making audio and video calls can be made in the same Odnoklassniki, Google or on the Mail.ru service. According to statistics, the number of social network users is an order of magnitude greater than the number of owners of the Skype program. But they don't use this great opportunity in communication. What's the matter?
The analogue of Skype works through social network servers, which are already loaded due to high attendance. Naturally, there is no question of any quality of voice or video transmission. The only thing you should pay attention to is the ability of the same Mail.ru to work on any platform, including mobile devices of the 2000s.
Players around the world, unite!
You can not bypass the program of online game lovers called RaidCall. The analogue of "Skype" for Windows was not chosen by the players by chance. Hardly there free program capable of real-time audio conferencing for a large number of people. Let the program interface look like Skype, but there are many positive differences.
- High sound quality. Thanks to the use of an external RaidCall server, the creation of a conference on which is also free, players do not feel discomfort in communication.
- Low requirements for computer resources. Taking away several megabytes from the system random access memory, the program takes 1% of its resources from the processor, which is a high indicator among similar applications.
- Compatibility with different platforms. Android, Windows, IOS, Linux and other operating systems are familiar with the program, and everything works fine.
Five hundred people in an audio conference?
This is real with the TeamSpeak program, which is able to combine up to 512 people into an audio conference, who can communicate in real time without any problems. The program also provides messaging capabilities between users and allows you to send files. Like RaidCall, the application can work with different platforms and is not demanding on system resources. Thanks to the use of an external server, the sound quality in the audio conference is high, regardless of the number of participants.
Skype analog TeamSpeak has one drawback - the server part of the application is paid. This means that to create a conference, you need a moderator who must rent a “room” on the server with a specific IP address. He provides this address to all conference participants with whom he needs to communicate.
Free software from Google called WebRTC was initially not appreciated by either users or developers. It cost Russian developers who were interested software, create a Russian analogue of Skype and start integrating into the masses, as Google revived the project. Several developers of free browsers, such as Opera, Firefox and Google Chrome, announced to the whole world about new technologies implemented in their software.
WebRTC is an open Internet protocol that, like other Skype analogues for PC, allows you to make audio and video calls in real time. The code is written in JavaScript, which means that the owner of any device can use the service, regardless of the operating system and device performance. The main condition is the performance of the browser.
Finally
The listed analogues of Skype for computer and mobile devices are just the tip of the iceberg. Having proven itself well with users, thanks to positive feedback, programs attract attention. If you delve into this topic, you can find thousands of similar analogues of Skype. There will never be one ideal program for communication that meets all requirements. As soon as the application gains popularity, it is bought by the giants of the IT industry and becomes paid or resource-intensive - this is a regularity. You need to learn how to keep up with the times, find and use free applications according to the tasks.
