Nikolay Nadezhdin

With Skype, things don't turn out the way they want. In a sense - not at all. Then Skype is buggy, refusing to load. Then updates are not put. Then the user interface becomes completely unmanageable. Then obsolete computers are deleted.

In short, let's see which of the analogs can be used instead of Skype. Are there such programs? Or are they not?

I look at MacUpdate.com. And I immediately see an alternative - the ooVoo program. It is called that. And it is an alternative to Skype. This program is distinguished by the fact that it was not purchased by a "corporation of good". This means that it will not become as clumsy as Skype has become. But on the other hand, are there many clients in it? Is it possible to use it in principle? Or does this program need to be downloaded separately?

Let's say right away - you need to download it. But this is done much easier than with Skype. Just like Skype, the program can run on computers of various platforms. On Windows and OSX - for sure. Plus on iOS and Android gadgets. This list is already quite complete. We write this into the pluses of the program.

Further - to start the program, you need to register on the site. Is it possible? Yes, it is quite. One-time registration - with a nickname and password. After registering, we enter it every time, registering ourselves in the system. It doesn't take long. Perhaps precisely because the number of ooVoo clients is noticeably less than the number of Skype clients. Or maybe that's not the point. But so far everything is happening fast enough.

So - downloaded the program. And they launched it for the first time. And at the same time they registered themselves as clients of the program: What's new in the program? First, it is completely Russified. When launched, it opens a page with a name and password protected by asterisks. There is also a checkbox for the "Stay signed in" option. Second, the program interface is written in such a way that it is convenient to work with it. He's black. Just black. And that's it.

We launched the program. And we got three windows. The first is the far left. It is narrow. It contains pictures "Contacts", "Address book on our computer", "Call log". Then, through a small space, there is a button "Add friends!". Then comes the "Chat" picture. Then - "Dialing phone numbers" and "Link" Call me "". There is nothing else in this part of the window.

The second window is the largest. it working window programs. At the top is your nickname. I have Nik Nadejdin. And the green light of my status. There is also a window with my portrait - if there is a portrait. And buttons "ooVoo", "Facebook" and "Everyone". Among them, one button is lit - "ooVoo", since this particular program is running.

In this window, an icon is drawn, consisting of five icons. This is an advertisement for a link through ooVoo. She says that with "ooVoo it gets even more fun with friends." We do not pay attention to it. Below the window ends with a large "Add Friends" key. Do not touch this button yet.

Open the adjacent attachment with the "Facebook" button. And we get a lit Facebook interface - that is, a page through which we can contact our friends on Facebook. It looks very nice.

Well last tab"Everything" opens the same page as the first time - with a drawn appeal "even more interesting with friends." In short, we figured it out.

Yes, and what is this third window? This is an advertisement. She appears once. And it can be removed immediately. Two windows remain on the screen - the first with pictures and the second with an invitation. The third window is a tribute to the commercial program. Like Skype, ooVoo is designed to commercial use... But to work with the same programs installed on other computers, the ooVoo program is fundamentally free.

Now - what equipment will work in the ooVoo program? For the owners of Macs I will say - everything. Absolutely everything that is installed on your computer. In order to recognize all the settings, let's go deeper into them.

So, open the "Options". And the first page opens - "Video calls". Here you can set the parameters of video calls - "Outgoing" and "Incoming". Next up is Screen Sharing. (The frame rate can be set to 2 or 1 per second). The last option on this page is Media Storage. This is where the storage is registered, where the images taken by the program are stored.

The second page "Parameters" - "Notifications". Highly simple system notifications written in the program. The first option is "Alerts". There are two default times indicated. We open the second subpage - "Sounds". And we get to the list of sound notifications about events. Finally, the third sub-page is "Email". Check the box "Receive important news and notifications from ooVoo". At the same time, we select the language for messages - Russian.

The third page "Parameters" is "Confidentiality". Here we select the privacy values ​​- "Who can log in and contact us on ooVoo". Or "Show my personal information". But the most important thing is not here, but on the "Blocked contacts" subpage. It is here that unnecessary people are blocked.

On the Audio / Video page, it becomes clear how this whole system works. The input level (microphone) data is written here. The speakers and the notification system are involved. And also a camera is selected - if your computer has two cameras. Or the one in your laptop turns on.

The last page of "Options" is "Support". Here you can enable debug logging and enable sending saved logs.

That's all about the settings. Let's see how the program works. Turn on ooVoo. And we send a request to another computer. In this case, the following will happen. If the computer does not installed program, a request for its installation will be sent to the mail (if it is in the address book). And by installing the program, we will be able to talk to the person we are calling. This is the easiest way to communicate. Having dialed once, we will be able to call further - using email... The program, I repeat, is very easy to download. And just as easy to install. The program settings in the case of the Mac are very simple. And in Windows system look no more complicated than Skype settings.

In addition to video calls, we can turn off video calls and communicate only using voice. Or via text chat. Everything is just like in Skype. This program has become an alternative to Skype - since this program has such difficult moments. And there is hope that she will not have what happened with Skype. That is, the program will not be purchased by Microsoft. And there will be no "improvement". This means that the program will work and work.

Skype company has been providing its users with the possibility of free and unlimited communication in time for more than a year. During this time, the program has been constantly updated and supplemented with new features. Skype developers did not let their fans down this time either. In July, the company updated its world-renowned app. Now, all users of the service have the opportunity to exchange short video messages. This function is available to all device users on most platforms that support Skype, including Windows 8, iOS, Mac, Android, and BlackBerry. Let's take a closer look at all the possible alternatives. Skype programs, which are not inferior in functionality, and maybe even surpass it.

New development - video messages can be recorded for three minutes. Skype- this is an excellent service that helps to communicate and see your relatives who live far away, makes it possible to be even a little closer to them. But, unfortunately, no new technology can save us from overloaded everyday life, busy schedules and missed calls. This is precisely where the need to introduce new function... Even if you missed a call from someone from your loved ones, you will still see a familiar face and hear a native voice in the message that will wait for you as long as you like.

There are, of course, a number of disadvantages that this innovation has, for example, a video letter cannot be sent to several subscribers; there is no way to share audio messages; the recorded audio clip cannot be saved in the memory of your gadget. Also, sent video messages, unlike text messages, cannot be canceled after sending. Despite the many complaints that were caused by the incrimination of Skype in the transfer to the authorities confidential information about its users, Skype still occupies a leading position in the Internet telephony market. If you decide not to look for a replacement for Skype, you can download Skype for free for Windows 7 on our website using a direct link.

The best alternative to Skype for computer and phone.

Analysts from the company Analysis mason conducted an independent study as a result of which it was found that 79% of all Internet users use Skype. But, recently, all new versions of the program have become less and less popular and cause negative reviews. Some will wonder if there is alternative to skype which can replace the outdated version of Skype.

Internet giant Google recently merged its services into one. Now, in order to take advantage of the many advantages of a search engine Google hangouts don't even need to install additional program... This service is launched through the extension Chrome browser... The new service includes - chat Gtalk, Gmail, as well as a video communication service Skype analogGoogle voice.

Is ooVoo a real Skype replacement?

ooVoo- this is another, absolutely free app which could be Skype replacement, but even if you do not replace it completely, you will noticeably move the "skype". Oovoo has many more options for using video calling. The quality of the transmitted picture and sound is an order of magnitude higher than that of "Skype". In addition, Oovoo users are given the opportunity to fully expand the conversation across the entire diagonal of the monitor. The application interface is also very user-friendly and straightforward to operate.

One of the most convenient features of Oovoo is video sharing. That is, you can easily remotely from each other, watch a movie or video at the same time and, at the same time, discuss it during the broadcast. V free version Oovoo service has a limitation on group communication, the number of participants should not exceed 12 people. You can download the OoVoO program at

The most popular program for free communication using a smartphone or PC is traditionally Skype. Thanks to its functionality, you can send files, images and messages. The most impressive Skype experience is making calls to anywhere in the world (both normal, audio and video). You can also create video conferences with multiple participants. However, the quality of communication and the frequent malfunctions in Skype have led to the fact that many users are gradually switching to other communication options. Moreover, several dozen developments can be called an analogue of Skype for a computer, although no more than eight of them can actually replace this application.

Viber is a full-fledged analogue of Skype for PCs and smartphones

One of the most popular Skype analogs for video calling, working on both computers and mobile phones, is Viber. Its main advantage is the ability to perform free calls to any phone number registered in the system. At the same time, there is always a high quality of communication. Other benefits include:

The disadvantages of using the application include binding to a phone number - using it on a computer is far from so convenient. In addition, the safety of using Viber is lower compared to Skype. Although it is Viber that can become a real alternative to Skype for both PC users and those who have this program installed only on their phone.

Hangouts - an analogue of Skype for Google account holders

Another alternative to Skype for Windows is Hangouts, one of the few disadvantages of which is the presence of a Google account.

Hangouts is integrated with electronic mailbox Google and linked to profiles search service on PC and smartphone.

However, it only takes a few minutes to register this account, and as a result, you will receive:

In addition, if the file is not sent in the messenger, you can open access to it in your file storage on the Google server. This means that the level of usability of the application is quite consistent with the capabilities of Skype.

Allo is an analogue of Skype from Rostelecom

Rostelecom also released its own messenger Alla - an analogue of Skype of domestic production. With this program you can:

It should be noted that this analogue of Skype from Rostelecom is not available in every Russian city, but only in 16 largest settlements. However, in the future, the coverage area "Alle" should be expanded and, theoretically, can actually replace Skype for domestic users.

TOX - an alternative to Skype without ads

Unlike the Russian analogue of Skype, the Tox application allows you to free audio and video calls not only from a mobile phone, but also from a PC.

Moreover, this free service does not contain advertising and sufficiently reliably protects the transmitted information. Encryption is performed using NaCl crypto libraries, which means that neither fraudsters nor even government services... Among other advantages of the program, it is worth noting the free additional features for which other messengers require payment.

Skype analog ooVoo - stable connection and video call recording

Paid options include disabling ads. The advantages over Skype include a more stable connection and an invitation to participate in communication with users of popular social networks from Twitter to Facebook. In addition, the application server can store up to 1,000 minutes of video recordings.

KakaoTalk - South Korean replacement for Skype

South Korean developers also offer their alternative to Skype for PC, which is notable for cross-platform, large size forwarded files (100 Mb) and a user-friendly interface. Using this service, you can:

Some of the disadvantages of KakaoTalk include dubious data security and the presence of only three languages, among which there is no Russian. In addition, the application may slow down due to the location of the servers in South Korea... And yet it can be used instead of Skype.

Skype analogs for sending messages

Among the programs that successfully replace Skype, but do not allow making video calls, two popular applications can be noted:

VotsUp is a Skype analogue program that works on smartphones and allows you to send various types of messages (from text and graphic to sound). The pluses include free calls and group chats. Among the disadvantages is the lack of support for video conferencing and not too much comfortable work on the computer.

The Telegram service, created by one of the developers and owners of the Vkontakte social network, allows you to transmit audio and video clips, images and texts. Video conferencing and even video calls are not included in the list of features of this domestic messenger. However, reliable information protection allows us to expect that the popularity of the service will grow over time. Especially if the functionality of the application reaches the level of Skype.

Skype has never been the best protocol for secure and secure communication, and after it was bought by Microsoft in 2011, many concerns about privacy and conversations on Skype began to accumulate.

Although Skype has great applications for all platforms, including not only Linux, but also Windows, Android, OSX, which are very convenient to use, but if you need confidence in the privacy of your data, you need to look for an open source and encrypted alternative.

There are many programs for a similar purpose for computers under Windows control, but if we want to find an analogue of Skype for Linux, with support for Linux, and even an application for smartphones, it will not be easy. The choice of the program depends on what type of communication you need. Skype covers text chat, video chat, VoIP. Finding a safe alternative that includes all three features will not be easy. But still there are such projects.

In this roundup, we'll take a look at the best Skype Linux alternatives. Moreover, we will focus on ensuring that the program has all the necessary functions and supports various platforms and encryption.

Tox is the closest project to Skype in terms of functionality and capabilities, one might say, a direct alternative to skype linux. The program supports three types of communication: text chat, video chat, and VoIP calls. Tox also has a great interface, in some places even better than Skype.

The reason for the appearance of Tox was the latest events, which showed how much the government is interested in knowing everything about what we are talking about on the Internet. Tox developers prioritize user privacy and promise never to change application policies. Maybe later everything will change, but until now they have stuck in this direction.

All interactions in Tox are securely encrypted. There are no advertisements here. And the open source license allows you to modify the Tox code however you want. The program is available, except Linux, for Windows, MacOS and Android.

2. Linphone

Linphone supports encrypted VoIP calls, which is a great reason to try this app. The program is available for various platforms (Windows, Linux, Android, IOS, WinPhone), has a beautiful interface and you can be sure of your privacy.

Linphone supports video and VoIP calls as well as latest versions text chat. You can manage multiple calls at once (in pause, hold and transfer mode). It is also possible to combine several calls into a conference.

If you don't like Tox for any reason, you can try Linphone, which is a Linux analogue of Skype, ready to compete seriously with the original, supporting a full set of functions and protocol encryption.

3. Telegram

Telegram is an even stronger analogue of Skype for Linux, like other applications, it is completely free to use and has no ads. But there is one drawback - there are no voice calls yet, but as the developers say, such a function will appear soon.

The communication between you and your contacts, as well as your messages, are fully encrypted. For even more security, you can configure messages to self-destruct via the right time... You can send files of any type and, if necessary, media data will be saved in the Telegram cloud.

Telegram is based on cloud technologies... The network of servers is scattered all over the world in order to deliver your messages to the addressee as quickly as possible and keep synchronization between devices.

Despite data encryption, there are potential risks in using Telegram associated with storing data in the cloud.

4. Jitsi

Jitsi is a modern cross-platform free open source messenger. Besides standard functions text messages, video and VoIP calls are supported by such popular protocols as: Jabber, XMPP, Facebook.

Here, too, an emphasis is placed on privacy and confidentiality. All your messages and calls are encrypted using OTR and ZRTP protocols.

But there is one drawback here, only desktop platforms are supported: Windows and Linux, there are no applications for Android and IOS yet. However, applications that support the OTR protocol can be used as mobile clients.

5. Viber

This is a relatively new, but already quite popular application for text messaging, video and VoIP calls. Quite a popular analogue of Skype for Linux.

Initially, the project was developed for smartphones and tablets, but then versions for desktop platforms including Windows, Linux and MacOS.

An interesting feature of Viber is its simple and beautiful interface, which is much more convenient than the interface Skype. For example, to extract the history of Skype correspondence, you need to understand the program files and use third party utilities, here backup copy correspondence is done in a couple of clicks.

As in previous programs, according to the developers' statement, your messages are reliably protected by encryption.

6. Google Hangouts

This is not an entirely ordinary program, as we are used to understanding it. Hangouts is a browser plugin that allows you to exchange messages, make video and video calls, and transfer media to your Hangouts registered friends. The service supports not only Windows and Linux, but macOS also has applications for Android and iOS.

This is a relatively new service that appeared in 2013, in addition to regular chats, it is possible to use group chats, as well as create group video conferences with the ability to broadcast to Youtube. The developers say that during calls and video chats, all transmitted information is encrypted, so no one can access it.

conclusions

If you want the most complete alternative Skype best choose Tox or Liphone. They both have all the functionality you need, all in one, so to speak. Telegram is also a good choice if you are ready to give up video calls and you are not worried about the cloud.

What analogs of Skype for Linux do you use? Are there other alternatives with encryption support and desired functionality that I missed? Or will you never give up Skype? write in the comments!

Despite the fact that Skype remains the most popular and widespread application for voice and text communication, he has many competitors, some of whom are already trying to take over the championship. Although Skype has managed to become a kind of standard, its work is far from perfect - perhaps all users in the last year and a half managed to encounter various bugs, sometimes very annoying. In addition, calls to phone numbers Skype is still paid, which also does not add points to him.

Each messenger has its own strengths and weak sides, and today we will consider 10 worthy (and most importantly - free!) Skype alternatives that can quite successfully replace it.

Viber

Skype's strongest competitor. With it, you can make free calls to everything mobile phones having account Viber. By the way, Viber uses your mobile phone number as a login.

pros

Viber automatically imports contacts stored in the phone book. Any subscriber who also uses Viber can call for free.

Rich functionality - the application can be used for calls, video calls, chats (including collective ones), sending files of almost any format.

Cross-platform - you can download Viber for any current platform.

Minuses

It is impossible to register without using a mobile phone.

Low security of the application - Viber cannot boast of sufficient security, and linking to a phone number makes the account even more vulnerable.

ooVoo

Echoing the functionality of Skype, ooVoo is one of its main alternatives. ooVoo is more of a service than an application. Despite the presence of clients for various platforms, a browser is enough to make calls, send text messages and files - the ooVoo website immediately offers full functionality.

pros

No need to download the desktop version (which, nevertheless, is).

Reliable connection - perhaps better than Skype.

Many additional useful functions- the ability to record and send video, show your desktop to video conference participants, embed a video chat on the site.

The maximum number of participants in a video conference is 12 people, while Skype has a limit of 10 users.

Minuses

OoVoo only works correctly with high-speed Internet access.

TOX

Relatively fresh messenger which is still being finalized. Despite this, he already today has all the functions of Skype, and in addition - increased communication security. main feature TOX - no centralized transmission and storage of user data, communication is carried out directly between subscribers.

pros

Free and free software.

Cross-platform.

High security of users from third-party access to correspondence and conversations.

Minuses

Working with contacts is not very convenient - each user is assigned a Tox ID, which is something like a long code of letters and numbers. However, the usual login can be obtained through registration on the TOX website.

Bugs and unfinished cross-platform functionality. On this moment TOX users often encounter difficulties in communicating with clients across multiple devices.

An alternative to Skype from Google. Free work with the application is available to all users who have google account... Hangouts is generally inferior to Skype in terms of functionality and security, but it would be logical to use it if you work with other Google products.

pros

Chat with other Hangouts users for free using audio, video, group chats, and video conferencing.

The ability to stream video conferencing directly to Youtube.

Cross-platform and easy client synchronization.

Minuses

The most obvious is the inability to use Hangouts without registering with Google.

File transfer is limited by the image format.

Conversations and correspondence of users are not particularly protected in any way, as Google honestly declares.

CacaoTalk was originally developed for the South Korean market, but has become popular outside of Korea over time.

pros

Availability of clients for any platform.

Minuses

CacaoTalk itself is a mature product that works stably and reliably. The problem is that data is processed in South Korea, and this can cause significant delays in communication.

The application interface is not translated into Russian.

The privacy and security situation is ambiguous, although this may be a cause for concern mainly for local users.

Bleep

Bleep resembles TOX - the application also lacks a central control and only helps users to communicate with each other directly.

pros

Cross-platform.

Easy, virtually absent registration - in order to get started, you just need to specify your username.

The presence of all the necessary functions - chats, calls, sending files.

The best security among all messengers - except for direct communication between users, reliable encryption of all data is used.

Minuses

There are problems with the stability of the application, as well as high battery consumption in the case of a mobile application.

Jitsi

Lightweight and highly secure Skype alternative.

pros

Simple interface and stability of the application.

High security - it is extremely difficult to decrypt the transmitted data.

Higher quality video calls compared to Skype.

Minuses

Lack of mobile clients (at the moment there is an experimental and unstable version for Android).

The application is still not widely used among the mass user.

Apple Facetime

As the name implies, this free alternative Skype is intended for owners of apple technology.

pros

Superb picture quality, clear audio-video sync.

Stable, fast and trouble-free application.

Minuses

Only Apple technology owners can use FaceTime.

Many additional features are missing. However, such minimalism is compensated by the ideal communication quality.

A universal cross-platform client that allows you to transfer audio and video signals without significant losses, even at low bandwidth channel.

pros

Cross-platform - in addition to versions of the program for Windows, Mac OS, Android and iPhone, there are also clients for Linux and BlackBerry.

The ability to communicate with other users with high quality sound and images (even at low connection speeds). The ability to record calls with high video and audio resolution.

Extensive traffic encryption capabilities.

IPv6 support.

Minuses

Due to its specificity, the program is more common among the "techies", although it has a simple interface.

VSee

A program that is not very well-known in the Russian-speaking segment with functionality identical to Skype. Thanks to its stability, additional functions and a very simple interface, it has become a kind of standard in the medical field - with the help of VSee, doctors communicate with patients remotely. The program is free though additional functions paid. However, they may be of interest only to doctors for whom the integration of the client with medical equipment is important.

pros

Free and unlimited high quality calls. The data compression algorithm allows you to communicate comfortably even with 3G access.

Convenience of organizing video conferencing and stability of work with a large number users.

Minuses

A small number of active users;

I would like to warn all freebie lovers right away that free calls are a very expensive pleasure for their organizers, since they need to keep large volumes SIP servers and monitor the signal quality without getting carried away with "transcoding" the transmitted sound. That is why Skype has become popular, primarily because it has provided and continues to provide an acceptable quality of conversation on the line.

In the previous article, we wrote about why and how much you can earn in a line.