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5 Options
Skype is a VoIP and IM client. The service allows users to communicate with peers by voice using a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instant messaging over the Internet. Phone calls may be placed to recipients on the traditional telephone networks.
SpecsUpdate
PlatformsiOS, Android, WP, OSX, Windows, Linux, Web. Blackberry. Chrome OS. BSD, iPadOs
Videoconferencingyes
Mediaimages / video /audio / emoji
VoIPyes
PublisherSkype
File SizeVaries with device
End-to-end encryptionyes(optional)
Hosting optionsHosted
Audio recordingyes
ScreensharingYes
Native videoconferencingYes
MultideviceYes
Required Android Version6.0
Service integrationsSIP (paid)
Groupsyes
Messaging systemsData
Video recordingYes
LocationsharingYes
DIY integrationsNo
In-App PurchasesNone
Server stored messagesLimited (30 days)
Cloud SyncYes
Pros
Know any positive aspects of this option?
Cons
Con Subpar video quality with more than 5 users
Skype has significant problems with multiple users and video quality. Skype recommends that a max of 5 users group chat as video quality is severely affected. Even webcams tested with other chat services showed lower quality when used with Skype.
Con Requires both ends to be online (if neither end is using a cloud-enabled device)
Messages are sent and received only when both ends are online, if neither end is using a cloud-enabled device. In this case, if you are online 9-17 and your recipient is online 18-3, messages will never be delivered.
Know any negative aspects of this option?
Recommendations
Skype
Recommended a year ago
Con
Subpar video quality with more than 5 usersCon
MIcrosoft (Skype's owner) actively assists eavesdroppersCon
Plagued by bugs on all platformsCon
Poor quality when screensharingCon
Slow filesharing speedCon
Owned by MicrosoftCon
Obnoxiously large adsCon
Poor Linux supportCon
Requires both ends to be online (if neither end is using a cloud-enabled device)Con
Not a feasible alternative as a professional team chatSkype
Recommended 6 years ago
Pro
Screen sharingPro
Easily connect with others due to how popular the service isPro
Cross-platformPro
Group video for freePro
File sharing Pro
Available on LinuxPro
Send SMS and make regular callsPro
Group chat with archive / recordsPro
Powerful 1:1 chat and also group chatPro
Cheap fixed phone numberCon
Subpar video quality with more than 5 usersCon
MIcrosoft (Skype's owner) actively assists eavesdroppersCon
Plagued by bugs on all platformsCon
Poor quality when screensharingCon
Slow filesharing speedCon
Owned by MicrosoftCon
Obnoxiously large adsCon
Poor Linux supportCon
Requires both ends to be online (if neither end is using a cloud-enabled device)Con
Not a feasible alternative as a professional team chat