Barely a video chat application enjoys similar distribution as Skype. A key to success is the broad availability on platforms such as Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and Windows Phone. Nevertheless, there are many interesting Skype alternatives, which we briefly present here.
Google Hangouts
Skype alternatives: TinyChat, ooVoo, Google Hangouts, Tango, Jitsi, Yahoo! MessengerIn the Usability, User Base, and Stability categories, Google Hangouts is one of the most promising Skype rivals. If you have a Google Account, you can use Hangouts for chats and video calls. The service is used directly in the browser. Alternatively, install a Google Chrome plug-in or download an app for the iPhone or Android.
With hangouts alternatives, you can make free calls with up to ten participants at the same time. Sound and video quality are excellent, as long as the Internet connection is in order. In the case of several call partners, the speaker appears as a large picture in the foreground. The other conversation partners receive small pictures in the lower right corner.
ezTalks Video Conferencing
ezTalks Cloud Meeting is one of the most competitive alternative for ooVoo. It is also available in almost all the platforms. It is one of the world leading video conferencing solutions. You can connect with up to 99 participants over video conference for free, and connect with up to 499 participants with its paid plan.
tango
Skype alternatives: TinyChat, ooVoo, Google Hangouts, Tango, Jitsi, Yahoo! MessengerTango is a video telephony provider with growing user base. Initially available only for Android, quickly followed versions for iOS, Windows PCs and Windows Phone.
The program works similarly to Viber, but offers in addition to calls and chat also high-quality video conferences. Calls can be made between PCs as well as between PCs and smartphones. With 3G connections, mobile connections between two smartphones also run smoothly. In addition, Tango offers some gadgets like customizable e-cards and avatars as well as mini-games.
With the latest update, the software extends its functions in the area of the social web. Tango now has contacts that are close by.
ooVoo
Skype alternatives: TinyChat, ooVoo, Google Hangouts, Tango, Jitsi, Yahoo! MessengerooVoo – spoken Uwu – captivates with a pleasant user interface and good functionality. With ooVoo, Skype gets a strong competitor for PC, Mac, Andriod and iPhone.
The service supports video conferencing with up to 12 people at the same time. If a contact is not available, you can send him a video message. Both the video messages as well as the video conferencing ooVoo alternative transfers in good quality. For fun birds, the program also offers several effects that can be incorporated during the conversation.
However, ooVoo needs a lot of memory. To enjoy the chat, you should have a fast PC. Another disadvantage is the comparatively small user community.
Jitsi
As multi-protocol client, Jitsi supports multiple chat protocols. The user can chat with users of different chat programs without changing the program. With Jitsi, for example, users of MSN Live Messenger, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger, or Google Talk.
The Mac program allows audio and skype group video call as well as group conferences in addition to text chats. The program interface is rather simple and not as user-friendly as other programs.
Emoticons and smileys can not be found in Jitsi. For users with many friends on different platforms, the program is a good alternative.
TinyChat
TinyChat will probably win the prize for the simplest concept. The client is available as an app for iOS as well as Android and works with the rooms known from chats.
For a text, audio or video chat, you first open a new video conferencing room and then invite friends. In public areas you meet strangers and talk about interesting topics.
TinyChat supports video chats with up to 12 people. The quality of the videos left something to be desired. However, users are compensated with a particularly simple operation.
Yahoo! Messenger
Skype alternatives: TinyChat, ooVoo, Google Hangouts, Tango, Jitsi, Yahoo! MessengerGute quality and the ability to design the interface are the ingredients for the success of Yahoo! Messenger for PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Java.
In addition to video chat, you can use Yahoo! Messenger also send and share photos. Phone calls between PCs lass