Skype is one of the most popular programs for video calling. A few years ago, the large group Microsoft swallowed the Skype company. Since then, more and more people are not that satisfied with Skype and are looking for an alternative. We have listed some programs for you here. These offer a good replacement for Skype, both in terms of messenger functionality and (video) telephony.
Viber
Viber is a free messenger app that advertises with great security due to end-to-end encryption. You can write messages in individual and group conversations. Video calls and normal calls via Voice-over-IP are also offered. Viber is available as an app for Android devices and iPhone, but also as a desktop version for Windows.
Image source: https://static.viber.com/ Discord
In the beginning, Discord was mainly created as a messenger for gamers. It basically offers a mixture of Teamspeak and Skype. Due to the further development, the program can now also be used as a normal instant messenger. Messages are exchanged across platforms. It does not matter whether you use the program in the browser, directly on the Windows PC or in the app on the iPhone or Android device. The status of your chat conversations is adjusted on all devices. One downside to Discord is the lack of end-to-end encryption. A big advantage, however, is that messages can be deleted after they have been sent. In addition to sending messages, calls and video calls are also possible - each with two or more participants..
ooVoo
ooVoo has set itself the goal of becoming a messenger with particularly good picture and sound quality. To do this, it uses "Superclear" technology. Above all, this is intended to provide a particularly good quality picture and sound - regardless of how good or bad the internet speed is. In ooVoo you can easily have conversations in group or individual chats. This app also has a special feature: if you download the desktop app, you can, for example, watch YouTube videos together and at the same time by all participants in the call.
Image source: https://www.oovoo.com/oovoo/ Jitsi
Jitsi is an open source program that has a big advantage: You don't have to create an account to use it. A participant creates a telephone or video conference and can easily invite other participants by passing on a URL (i.e. website address). According to the Jitsi manufacturer, the program available for Windows, macOS and Linux is very secure. Messages can also be exchanged via Jitsi..
Tox
Tox offers encrypted communication in chat and (video) telephony. All common platforms are served with the app or the program. The principle behind the increased security is a peer-to-peer connection, so that data from individual or group chats do not even reach a server. Sent messages can only be viewed by the sender and recipient. By the way, pictures and videos can also be sent with this instant messenger.
FaceTime
Apple device users will surely have known and used this app for a long time: FaceTime. This app can be used to make normal calls and video calls to all possible Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPods. The calls are made either via the cellular network or via WLAN. People to be called can be selected from the Apple device's contact list. Identification via the Apple ID or email address is also possible. So if you own an Apple device with iOS 4.0 or higher and only use Skype for the call function, FaceTime is a good alternative for you - especially because the program is preinstalled on the newer Apple devices. However, FaceTime for the Mac is no longer free, but must be purchased for a fee.
Image source: https://support.apple.com/de-de/HT204380
