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Skype

Skype is a free chat application available on most platforms. A free account is required, after which the user can make free audio and video calls, both to individuals and to groups.

SpecsUpdate

Audio recordingyes

PlatformsiOS, Android, WP, OSX, Windows, Linux, Web. Blackberry. Chrome OS. BSD, iPadOs

Videoconferencingyes

Mediaimages / video /audio / emoji

VoIPyes

PublisherSkype

End-to-end encryptionyes(optional)

Groupsyes

ScreensharingYes

Video recordingYes

File SizeVaries with device

Required Android Version6.0

Service integrationsSIP (paid)

Messaging systemsData

LocationsharingYes

In-App PurchasesNone

Server stored messagesLimited (30 days)

Cloud SyncYes

DIY integrationsNo

MultideviceYes

Hosting optionsHosted

Native videoconferencingYes

Pros

Pro
File sharing

Skype allows you to send any files (MP3s, images, text, etc.) by simply dragging and dropping then in the chat window making it simple to share things with colleagues.

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Pro
Screen sharing

You can show your whole desktop, a select part of the screen or a specific window over Skype.

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Pro
Cross-platform

There's software for Windows, Mac & Linux and apps are available on iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone.

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Cons

Con
Microsoft (Skype's owner) actively assists eavesdroppers

On the other hand, if you lose your copy of one of your conversations, you may be able to get a copy of it from your government with a little bit of luck and a public records request.

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Con
Not a feasible alternative as a professional team chat

Missing key feature such as centralized mgmt, centralized billing, data retention policies, ...

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Con
Poor Linux support

The version available for linux users is quite outdated, and does not support some of the newer functionality, such as the free group video calling and screen sharing.

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Con
Obnoxiously large ads

Ads take up over 25% of the usable space.

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Con
Plagued by bugs on all platforms

Crashes and other bugs are prevalent on Android, Windows and other platforms.

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Con
Poor quality when screensharing

It is not possible to manually set resolution or bitrate, and Skype often defaults to a resolution so low that text is unreadable. It is also not possible to transfer control over mouse and keyboard.

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Con
Slow filesharing speed

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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.

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