The best Skype alternatives for international calls in 2026
When Microsoft retired Skype in May 2025, millions of people lost the simplest way they had to call a normal phone number abroad. If you used Skype to reach family overseas, a hotel, or a business, you need a replacement that dials real landlines and mobiles — not just another video-chat app. Below are the options that actually do that.
What to look for in a Skype replacement
- Calls real phone numbers — landlines and mobiles, not only app-to-app.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing with no subscription you have to remember to cancel.
- Works without installing heavy software — ideally right in the browser.
- A way to test it for free before you commit any money.
Side-by-side comparisons
We put together detailed comparisons against the services people search for most after Skype. Each one covers pricing, coverage, and where it wins or loses:
The simplest option: call from your browser
Hyallo is built for exactly the job Skype used to do: open a browser tab, dial any international number, and pay only for the minutes you talk. There is no app to install, no contract, and your first call is free. Here are a few popular destinations and what they cost:
