The best Skype alternative for international calling in 2026
Skype shut down in May 2025, leaving millions searching for affordable international calling. ZippCall gives you everything Skype offered—low rates to 200+ countries, pay-as-you-go pricing, and crystal-clear calls—without subscriptions or complicated apps.
View all country ratesWhat is Skype?
Skype was a pioneering VoIP service that revolutionized international calling when it launched in 2003. For over two decades, millions relied on Skype Credit for affordable calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide, with rates starting as low as $0.02 per minute. The service offered both pay-as-you-go credit and monthly subscription plans, along with video calling and instant messaging. However, Microsoft announced in early 2025 that Skype would be discontinued, with the service officially shutting down in May 2025. Microsoft Teams has absorbed some functionality, but the simple pay-as-you-go international calling that made Skype popular is no longer available in the same form.
You can learn more about Skype on their official website.
Why People Look for Skype Alternatives
With Skype's shutdown in May 2025, users have been forced to find alternatives. Microsoft Teams, while powerful, is designed for business collaboration rather than simple international calling—it requires subscriptions, has a steeper learning curve, and lacks the straightforward pay-as-you-go model that made Skype accessible. Many former Skype users are searching for services that offer the same simplicity: affordable per-minute rates, no mandatory subscriptions, and easy access from any device. Whether you used Skype to call family overseas, conduct business calls, or stay connected while traveling, you need a replacement that matches Skype's value without the complexity of enterprise-focused tools.
Skype vs ZippCall: Detailed Comparison
Since Skype is no longer available, this comparison focuses on what made Skype valuable and how ZippCall provides a modern replacement. Skype's key strengths were affordable international rates (from $0.02/min), flexible pay-as-you-go credit, and accessibility across devices. ZippCall matches all of these: rates start at $0.02/min to popular destinations, you only pay for minutes you use, and you can call from any web browser or mobile app. Where ZippCall improves on Skype's model is simplicity. Skype required downloading software, creating a Microsoft account, and navigating between Skype Credit and subscription options. ZippCall works directly in your browser—no downloads required. Sign up with just an email, add credit, and start calling in under 2 minutes. Credit policies also favor ZippCall. Skype Credit expired after 180 days of inactivity, causing users to lose money. ZippCall credits never expire, making it perfect for occasional callers. For video calling and messaging—features Skype offered—you'll need to use other services like WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet. ZippCall focuses specifically on voice calls to landlines and mobiles, doing one thing exceptionally well rather than being a jack-of-all-trades.
How to Switch from Skype to ZippCall
Switching from Skype to ZippCall takes less than 5 minutes. Here's your step-by-step guide:
Create Your Free ZippCall Account
Visit web.zippcall.com or download our iPhone or Android app and sign up with your email address. Unlike Skype, no Microsoft account or software download is required. The process takes less than 2 minutes.
Add Calling Credit
Purchase calling credit starting from just $5. ZippCall accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Unlike Skype Credit, your credits never expire—no 180-day inactivity expiration.
Make Your First Call
Simply enter the international number you want to call (including country code) and click to connect. Your first call is FREE as a new user, so you can test the quality before committing any money.
For Video Calling
ZippCall focuses on voice calls. For video calling, consider WhatsApp (free between users), Google Meet (free for up to 60 minutes), or Zoom. Many former Skype users use ZippCall for international phone calls and a free video app for face-to-face chats.
No credit card required for sign up • First call is FREE
Skype started out great.
But it's not perfect for everyone.
Skype's limitations can impact your international calling experience. Here's what users commonly find frustrating:
Skype is no longer available
Skype shut down in May 2025. Microsoft Teams is not a direct replacement for simple international calling.
Microsoft Teams is too complex
Teams is designed for business collaboration, not quick international calls to family or friends.
Skype Credit used to expire
Unused Skype Credit expired after 180 days of inactivity, causing users to lose money.
Why people are switching
from Skype to ZippCall
We built ZippCall specifically to solve these common frustrations. Here's how we do things differently:
Simple, available alternative
ZippCall is live and working right now. Make international calls to 200+ countries with the same simplicity Skype once offered.
No apps, no complexity
Call directly from your web browser—no downloads, no Microsoft account, no learning curve. Just enter a number and call.
Credits never expire
Your calling credits stay available forever. Perfect for occasional callers who don't want to lose money from inactivity.
Same affordable rates
Pay-as-you-go rates from $0.02/min—matching what Skype offered. No subscriptions required.
ZippCall vs Skype:
Side-by-Side Comparison
See exactly how ZippCall compares to Skype across pricing, features, and user experience.
| Feature | ZippCall | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Service available | Active now | Shutdown May 2025 |
| Web browser calling | Any browser | No longer available |
| Mobile apps | iOS & Android | No longer available |
| Pay-as-you-go pricing | From $0.02/min | No longer available |
| Credits never expire | Keep forever | Credits expired |
| No subscription required | Pure pay-as-you-go | No longer available |
| Countries supported | 200+Global coverage | —Service ended |
| HD voice quality | Encrypted HD | No longer available |
Service available
Web browser calling
Mobile apps
Pay-as-you-go pricing
Credits never expire
No subscription required
Countries supported
HD voice quality
Real-World Pricing Comparison
See how costs compare for actual calling scenarios between ZippCall and Skype.
10-minute call to India
10-minute call to UK
30-minute call to Mexico
Skype is no longer available. ZippCall offers comparable rates with the added benefit of credits that never expire.
Check ZippCall Rates for Your Country
Curious how much you'd pay with ZippCall? Enter your destination country below to see the exact per-minute rate—no signup required.
Select a country to view an exact rate
All rates shown are pay-as-you-go with no monthly fees. Credits never expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about switching from Skype to ZippCall.
Microsoft announced in early 2025 that Skype would be discontinued. The service officially shut down in May 2025. Microsoft has directed users toward Microsoft Teams, but Teams is primarily a business collaboration tool rather than a simple international calling service.
The Verdict: Which Service Wins?
With Skype no longer available, ZippCall offers the closest experience for international calling—affordable pay-as-you-go rates, browser-based access, and credits that never expire. It's the natural successor for anyone who relied on Skype Credit for overseas calls.
Primary Advantages:
- ZippCall is actually available—Skype shut down in May 2025
- Same affordable rates starting at $0.02/min with no subscriptions required
- Credits never expire, unlike Skype Credit which expired after 180 days
- Simpler than Skype—no downloads required, works in any web browser
We believe in honest comparisons. Skype may suit you better if:
- You need video calling (use WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet instead)
- You need instant messaging (use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal)
- You need a full business collaboration suite (use Microsoft Teams or Slack)
Overall Winner: ZippCall
Join8,252users who made14,763minutes of calls this week
The web browser access alone gives ZippCall significant advantages for users who make calls from computers or shared devices. Never-expiring credits and transparent pricing eliminate the complexity many users find frustrating with other services.
View all country ratesSign up today and get your first call FREE! No subscription required.