The best Skype alternative for international calling in 2026
Skype shut down in May 2025. Hyallo picks up where it left off — call any landline or mobile worldwide straight from your browser, pay only for the minutes you use, and make your first call free.
Skype is gone. Millions need a replacement.
Microsoft retired Skype in May 2025 and pushed users toward Teams — but Teams is built for work meetings, not for quickly dialing a relative on a normal phone number. Most "alternatives" only do browser-to-browser video, which is useless when the person you are calling just has a regular phone. Hyallo connects you to real landline and mobile numbers in 200+ destinations, with no contract and no monthly fee.
Hyallo vs Skype: side by side
| Feature | Hyallo | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Available today | Yes | No — shut down May 2025 |
| Calls real phone numbers | Yes — landlines & mobiles, 200+ destinations | Was paid-only via Skype Credit |
| Works in the browser | Yes — nothing to install | Needed the Skype app |
| Pricing model | Pay-as-you-go, credit never expires | Subscriptions + credit that expired |
| Connection fee | None | Charged a per-call connection fee |
| Free first call | Yes | No |
| Sign-up required | Email only — no credit card to start | Microsoft account required |
| Video & group meetings | No — outbound voice calling only | Yes (now in Microsoft Teams) |
What it costs to call popular destinations
Tap any destination for full rates and dialing info.
What was Skype?
Skype launched in 2003 and became the default way to make free internet calls and cheap calls to phones abroad. Microsoft bought it in 2011, but usage faded as messaging apps took over, and in 2025 Microsoft shut Skype down and folded its meeting features into Teams. Paid "Skype Out" calling to phone numbers retired along with it, leaving its huge base of international callers looking for something just as simple.
Why people look for a Skype alternative
The people who relied on Skype most were not having work meetings — they were calling family overseas, reaching a hotel or business abroad, or staying in touch while traveling. They want to dial a normal phone number, pay a few cents a minute, and not install heavy software. That is exactly the gap Hyallo fills.
The verdict: which one should you use?
If you need to call real phone numbers abroad without contracts, downloads, or surprises, Hyallo is the clear Skype replacement: open your browser, dial, and pay only for what you talk. Your first call is free, so you can test the quality before adding any credit.
How to switch from Skype to Hyallo
Sign up with just your email — no credit card and no Microsoft account needed.
Dial any number abroad and test the call quality at no cost.
Top up from a small amount — pay-as-you-go, no subscription, and credit never expires.
Frequently asked questions
Is Skype really gone?
Yes. Microsoft retired Skype in May 2025 and moved its meeting features into Microsoft Teams. Skype Out calling to phone numbers was discontinued at the same time.
What is the best Skype alternative for calling phones?
For calling real landline and mobile numbers abroad, Hyallo is the closest match: it works in the browser, charges pay-as-you-go from $0.01/min, and gives you a free first call. For video meetings, Microsoft Teams or Zoom fit better.
Can I transfer my Skype Credit to Hyallo?
No — Skype Credit cannot be moved to another service. But Hyallo has no subscription and your first call is free, so there is nothing to lose by trying it.
Does Hyallo do video calls like Skype did?
No. Hyallo is focused on outbound voice calls to phone numbers. If you need group video or screen sharing, use Microsoft Teams or Zoom alongside it.