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Overview

What is Skype?

Skype (the personal edition) is a free web meeting, video conferencing, and VoIP software. The free version includes audio and video Skype-to-Skype calls, ability to call mobile phones and landlines, paid international calling, and conference calling capabilities for up to…

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Recent Reviews

Great for one on one

6 out of 10
October 18, 2023
Incentivized
It has allowed us to connect with our team members around the world in one on one scenarios. It is helpful to be able to see them face to …
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Call on a budget!

8 out of 10
November 09, 2021
Incentivized
We use Skype, to conduct and monitor all our Sales calls and reach out programs, It is used primarily by our sales, product/Ops, and …
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Popular Features

View all 17 features
  • High quality audio (131)
    7.9
    79%
  • High quality video (129)
    7.8
    78%
  • Desktop sharing (114)
    7.3
    73%
  • Low bandwidth requirements (126)
    6.4
    64%

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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N/A
Unavailable

What is Skype?

Skype (the personal edition) is a free web meeting, video conferencing, and VoIP software. The free version includes audio and video Skype-to-Skype calls, ability to call mobile phones and landlines, paid international calling, and conference calling capabilities for up to 25 people.

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

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Alternatives Pricing

What is GoTo Connect?

GoToConnect, from GoTo, is a cloud-based business phone system with built-in web-based video conferencing solutions. It includes features such as call analytics, call recording, softphone, fax to email, voicemail to email, and desktop integration.

What is PanTerra Networks?

PanTerra is a provider of unified cloud-based services for communications, enterprise file sharing and mobility solutions for mid-market enterprises (MME), headquartered in Santa Clara. The Company's Streams service provides - Unified Communications and SmartBox - Communications-Enabled Content…

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Product Demos

Skype Video Call Demo Video (No Audio)

YouTube

One Chat - All in one Messenger for WhatsApp, Fb, Skype & more

YouTube

Designing a Drawer / Sliding panel in Winform App C# (Skype Demo)

YouTube

Skype on Symbian Video Demo

YouTube

Demo of Skype for the iPhone

YouTube

Sony Xperia M Skype Video Call Demo - Front Camera Quality - PhoneRadar

YouTube
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Features

Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software

Features related to the performance, reliability & compatibility of web conferencing and webinar (online events) software.

7.4
Avg 8.0

Screen Sharing

Features related to remote screen sharing capabilities.

6.8
Avg 7.9

Online Meetings / Events

Features related to hosting and attending meetings and events online.

6.7
Avg 8.2

Online Events Collaboration

Features related to collaboration between attendees during web conferences, webinars, and other online events.

7.7
Avg 8.4

Online Events Security

Features related to the security of meetings and other events held via web conferencing/webinar software.

7.3
Avg 8.3
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Product Details

What is Skype?

Skype (the personal edition) is a free web meeting, video conferencing, and VoIP software. The free version includes instant messaging, audio and video Skype-to-Skype calls, the ability to call mobile phones and landlines, paid international calling, and conference calling capabilities for up to 25 people. During video sessions, users also have the option to share their screen with other participants. Other distinctive features include background blurring, voice and text translation, location share, conversation search, and integration with Microsoft's Digital Assistant, Cortana.

This version of Skype works on phones, desktop, tablet, browsers, Alexa, and Xbox. Users can call landlines and mobile phones from around the world by paying for Skype Credit or signing up for Skype subscriptions, a monthly contract for users who only need service to specific regions. Users can also pay to have a local phone number through Skype Numbers, so that they can answer phone calls from their desktops, tablets, or smartphones. They can also send SMS text messages and share their location using the Skype mobile app.


Skype Video

What is Skype?

Skype Technical Details

Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationNo

Frequently Asked Questions

Skype (the personal edition) is a free web meeting, video conferencing, and VoIP software. The free version includes audio and video Skype-to-Skype calls, ability to call mobile phones and landlines, paid international calling, and conference calling capabilities for up to 25 people.

Reviewers rate Live chat highest, with a score of 8.4.

The most common users of Skype are from Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(2599)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(51-75 of 136)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use Skype for business contacts--typically with folks I don't have an established relationship with. It's less invasive to send some Skype messages than to text, you know? Navigating contacts is really easy on the desktop app, and calling Skype to Skype is pretty easy. I do find with calling via Skype, it's more formal than a phone call in that most people don't pick up a Skype call out of the blue--you arrange it beforehand.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Depending on the complexity of your use case Skype could be a great solution. Small teams with only a video conferencing/messaging need would be greatly served by Skype. However, there are more robust applications out there that address a lot of complex problems. The bigger your organization the more I think Teams or Slack become more beneficial.
April 21, 2021

Skype Review

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Skype is best for a conference call with work-related topics. Or simply a quick reunion with colleagues and go over the main points of the day. [It's] accessible when in terms to screen sharing and the ability to send messages during the calls. At the moment I [can't] necessarily find a scenario where Skype is less appropriate.
April 09, 2021

Skype - End of an Era

Score 3 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
In 2021 I would not recommend Skype over other quick messaging tools to [anybody].
Yes it was one of the founders of this type of communication but there are many alternatives on the market that offer more intuitive or more functional messaging solutions.

There is trouble with quality and reliability of the video and audio features and it just feels old & not cool
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
1 on 1 conversations or performance reviews are excellent via Skype. They are private and you can be certain that the conversation will remain private. Skype doesn't have a time allotment like other programs do where you only get 30 or 40 minutes before a meeting drops. You can have a 60+ minute conversation without interruption. Perfect tool for allowing your agents to chat amongst themselves without interrupting phone productivity. Group chats are something Skype needs to improve on to be more like Slack. They should allow for dedicated rooms with the ability to call out specific people within the group. I would also like to add multiple screen viewings and remote access if that is possible. Screen share capabilities are a limited function of mostly all Video Conf software. This can give Skype a major advantage in the corporate and IT world if they allow that. They should also allow more customizable profile options with custom away messages, out of office, or overall more fun options.
Dan Talvi | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Being one of the most well-known video conferencing software options prior to COVID-19, Skype is a familiar tool for remote video communication. Most individuals we spoke to in our organization had used Skype at least once prior to closures and were familiar enough with the interface that they could navigate the app and perform base-level troubleshooting when needed. However, since many have become more familiar with other options outside of Skype (such as Zoom and Google Meets), Skype seems to feel lacking compared to competitors in the industry. Features that have become staples in other software (such as Zoom's "Breakout Rooms") are still lacking in the most recent version of Skype. If basic video communication as a single group is all you need, this might be the best software for you due to it's simplicity. But, other options are available and they might provide your organization with additional tools that can enhance your virtual meetings beyond what Skype is currently capable of doing.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Skype is great for virtual team meets. It is not possible for all of our employees to work in the office due to lack of resources to adequately follow precautions in this pandemic. We're effortlessly connected to the employees working from home. It has also helped us improvise and come up with new business strategies for a post-COVID scenario.
Yurii Aliabiev | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Skype is great to use where you have at least the SSD in your computer, otherwise wait for freezing and bugs. Still, it's one of the most convenient software for conference calls. When you want to participate in business calls easily from your smartphone or join the conference using your smart TV, Skype is good option.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I strongly recommend Skype to every type of organization as it really helps to solve your difficulties if you are not physically present at your workplace. It allows you to chat and make voice and video calls free of cost. You can schedule your tasks and meetings and users will be able to join by just tapping on a link. It offers various amazing features like conducting one-on-one sessions, feedback sessions, large group discussions and you can make all this possible just by sitting at your home. It really helped when I worked from home and needed to connect my team on a platform and discuss things, really supported balancing my work life along with my personal life. You will get 24/7 extended support; if you have any issues you can chat and contact customer support. Compatible with mobile as well as desktop devices. It allows you to integrate with many other software like Gmail, Calendar, Outlook. An amazing tool to digitally connect with your near and dear ones.
Sanjog Ghimire | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
As a regular user of Skype I suggest that this is the best communication app that any office should use. It is very easy to use, so staff with little knowledge can easily operate it without any complexities. It can be used as a personal tool for communication with friends and family. It has made my online meetings very fruitful, saved me time, facilitated overseas business. I love the chat feature provided by Skype. Sometimes video freezes and lag occur but not very often. I am very satisfied with the app and I cannot find any scenarios that it would not be appropriate.
April 27, 2020

Skype Review

Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Skype is well suited when a customer who is very far away wants to place an order of items. In the comfort of their homes, they can communicate with the manager through Skype and give him a list of items they need, and then the manager makes a list and gives it to a shop attendant who goes ahead to collect all the items. The customer makes online payment and then the items are sent through the delivery program.
Shajae Barrett | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Skype is suited when there is a terrible weather condition and you have a scheduled meeting with colleagues; instead of cancelling the meeting, you could schedule the meeting on Skype. This enables you to video conference with your colleagues. In addition, if there is a presentation you wish to show you can screen share, showing the document on your device.
Additionally, if you want to pursue a career in being an online English as a Second Language teacher, this is the perfect platform to get the job done. Students are able to see you in real-time and you are able to execute learning through screen sharing pictures, colours and other learning documents.
March 17, 2020

Runaway from Skype

Score 2 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I live in a country where we are not allowed to use a credit card for online transactions. PayPal is my only option and that is why I am forced to use Skype. So if you are staying in a stone-age country like mine, use Skype. Also, they are pretty affordable. If you are someone looking for quality then skip Skype. They do not have call recording options and their support is the worst of all.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
The ability to download the application not only on your PC but on any mobile phone is great. In this day and age that technology is so advanced, and Skype follows within the leading edge of software as a provider.
We can manage to do our work on-demand making it easier to be on the go but still having contact with your team.
Tomer Nuni | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Skype is a great tool to collaborate while working with international team members overseas. It [allows] us to create international presentations (or even local but remote ones), to share our screens to go over bugs or to share design ideas, and makes all of our communication easier. Skype is also used by us for regular phone calls using VOIP and saves us a lot of money for international phone calls.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Most situations that Skype would be suited for the average user would be in situations where the employees frequently make commute or international journeys on the company's time that would require the average conferencing on a regular basis. This though can vary and is not a requirement as users have been known to use Skype in menial tasks. This application, however, is not suited for those who want to accomplish rigorous document analysis over communications that Skype provides.
November 26, 2019

Skype is Great

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Skype is great for communicating with people within and outside my organization. Some of our backend people work remotely, we use Skype to get an answer while talking with a customer on the phone. i also use Skype to send files.
Vivian Vassar | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We have used Skype to conduct interviews and if the internet connection is good it makes it easier to conduct the interview because you can see the person's face, hear their voice, and judge how the interview is going. If the connection is bad it is very distracting and not worth it. It can throw the whole interview off.
Ricardo G Lopes | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Skype is well suited for small offices, interaction with home-based employees, multi-country audio meetings (assuming there is a universal language), one-on-one coaching, or performance appraisal. Low customer assistance center using foreign numbers.
It is less appropriate for video conferences where a leader allows many participants to speak, share documents, and interact using their cameras (PC or cell phones) all at the same time. Zoom has taken the lead in this area. It is sad to see that PlaceWare, a pioneer at one time, has lagged behind after Microsoft bought it.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I don't see Skype as a social app, It's definitely best suited for the business environment. Its screen sharing and conferencing features and par excellent. The ability to call landlines and other non-Skype numbers (at a very reasonable cost) are very appealing. Furthermore, Skype saves you money, especially for a small business. This is what I love the most Skype enables small businesses to operate at lower communication expenses.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Skype is well suited in scenarios where one needs to speak with someone or a group of people that are in different locations. It works well internationally and across the US. It is less appropriate when users are in the same room, they should simply have a normal conversation in person rather than using Skype.
October 30, 2019

The one and only Skype

Kinga Odziemek | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Skype will work well if you are on the go and need to communicate with your clients and team. It is a stable desktop app too, will definitely play a significant role in each and every organization. It helps teams communicate better, more often and in the most efficient way, especially if they work remotely and hate e-mail communication if they prefer a quick chat or call.
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