After more than 20 years, Skype is closing down for good, with Microsoft shuttering the venerable old service on May 5, 2025. So, if you're one of the millions of folks bemoaning Microsoft, it's time to check out the best Skype alternatives.

Google Voice might be the most similar competitor to Skype's VoIP international calling service. If you are already invested in the Google Workspace ecosystem for business or personal use, it integrates seamlessly with other popular staples, including Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Meet.

For international calls, Google Voice offers cheap rates comparable to Skype's, starting at $0.01 per minute, with business plans from $10 monthly. These are payable via credit or debit card or directly from a bank account. Like Skype, there is also an auto-recharge function that will top you up with your desired amount whenever your balance falls below $2.

It seems that Google Voice noticed Skype's misgivings, such as its unreliable performance and outdated UI, and went one better. Google Voice provides a more secure, up-to-date service with spam filtering and call screening, voicemail transcription, and call forwarding across multiple devices. Add to this Google Workspace integration, and Google Voice is far more appealing than the once-ubiquitous Skype.

Zoom became a household name during the global pandemic, and its cloud telephone service, Zoom Phone, has been around since 2019. If you already use Zoom's services for video calling, Zoom Phone is the ideal accompaniment for making international calls, although it feels more weighted toward commercial usage than Skype, which is geared for business and personal use in equal measure.