9 alternatives to Skype Business for your remote video conferences and meetings
After more than 20 years of loyal service, Skype is living out its final hours. Microsoft has announced that the platform will close its doors on May 5, 2025, to be replaced by Microsoft Teams. While the transition will be smooth for loyal users (who will retain their history and contacts), above all this marks the end of an era... and the ideal opportunity to rethink your communication tools.
Faced with an ever-increasing range of options on the market, how do you choose a solution that's truly adapted to your needs? Functionality, simplicity, security or cost: the criteria are numerous. Here we present 9 alternatives to Skype, some well-known, others more discreet, but all worthy of consideration.
Microsoft Teams: the natural successor to Skype?
With the announcement of the end of Skype, Microsoft Teams has emerged as the designated replacement. But does it live up to expectations? Let's decipher its strengths and weaknesses.
✅ S trengths :
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365: Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft suite tools such as Word, Excel and SharePoint, offering a unified experience for users already familiar with this ecosystem.
- Beyond simple videoconferencing, Teams offers features such as instant messaging, file sharing and task management, centralizing collaborative needs in one place.
- Benefiting from Microsoft's secure infrastructure, Teams ensures data protection in line with current standards.
🔎 Weak points :
- For those unfamiliar with Microsoft products, the Teams interface can seem complex, requiring time to adapt.
- Some users report slowness, particularly when using advanced features or on older devices.
- File organization: document management within Teams can be confusing, with a storage system sometimes deemed unintuitive.
Our verdict on Microsoft Teams: the tool is positioned as a robust solution for companies already anchored in the Microsoft ecosystem. However, it will take some getting used to before you can master all its subtleties.
Microsoft Teams
9 alternatives to Skype Business
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| Microsoft Teams |  Google Workspace |  GoToMeeting |  Livestorm |  ClickMeeting |  Jitsi Meet |  Tox |  Webex |  Zoom Video Conferencing |  Whereby |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 250 employees | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Microsoft Teams | Learn more about Google Workspace | Learn more about GoToMeeting | Learn more about Livestorm | Learn more about ClickMeeting | Learn more about Jitsi Meet | Learn more about Tox | Learn more about Webex | Learn more about Zoom Video Conferencing | Learn more about Whereby |
Google Meet: videoconferencing made easy
With its Google Meet instant messaging and videoconferencing platform in its Google WorkSpace suite, the American publisher enables all its users to hold quality conferences from Google or the app available on iOS and Android.
- Features include the ability to exchange files via Google Drive and broadcast the conference on YouTube.
- The number of participants in a meeting is limited to 10 (20 in the free Skype version).
- The main advantage of Google Meet is its ease of use (nothing to install, single URL to access a conference).
Google Workspace
GoTo Meeting: the professional videoconferencing experience
Developed by GoTo (ex-LogMeIn), GoTo Meeting is aimed at companies looking for a reliable, headache-free tool for organizing online meetings.
- It's quick to get to grips with, with a clear interface for scheduling, joining or recording meetings in just a few clicks.
- The tool offers advanced features such as screen sharing, a collaborative whiteboard and automatic transcription of exchanges.
- It integrates easily with your everyday tools: Outlook, Google Calendar, Microsoft Teams, Slack...
GoToMeeting
Livestorm: the French platform for B2B webinars
Livestorm is a made-in-France solution, designed for companies wishing to organize engaging online events: webinars, training courses, product demos...
- Everything takes place directly in the browser, without downloading, for maximum accessibility.
- Features include automated reminders, customizable forms and detailed participation statistics.
- As for compliance, Livestorm complies with the RGPD and hosts data in Europe: a real plus for companies concerned about confidentiality.
Livestorm
ClickMeeting: visio for business and education
ClickMeeting is aimed at SMEs, training organizations and consultants looking for a flexible solution for organizing remote sessions, whether commercial or educational.
- The tool lets you host interactive webinars with polls, chat modules, Q&A sessions and document sharing.
- You can personalize the meeting space with your own logo, colors and media.
- Several speakers can co-host a session, making it an ideal solution for workshops or multi-voice presentations.
ClickMeeting
Jitsi: the open source videoconferencing tool
Jitsi is positioned as a free, open-source alternative to Skype.
- Originally named SIP Communicator, Jitsi is capable of interfacing with other instant messengers such as Facebook Messenger and Google Meet.
- As its name implied at the time, Jitsi uses the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP ) to establish audio and video communications over the Internet.
- In addition to its open source nature, Jitsi has 3 key advantages over Skype: the ability to encrypt communications using ZRTP to preserve the confidentiality of your exchanges, a short URL to send to participants to quickly join the conference (eg.https://monsite.com/maconférence) and the ability to broadcast conferences live on YouTube.
Jitsi Meet
Tox: a free tool and encrypted communications
Tox is a free, ad-free videoconferencing tool. It is positioned as a simple alternative to market solutions, with one feature that is the subject of much debate: the encryption of communications thanks to end-to-end encryption.
- Indeed, the solution was created in the wake of the Edward Snowden revelations, and aims for optimum data protection: while publishers can read and deliver the content of your conversations, Tox offers the guarantee that your conversations will not be listened in on by anyone but you.
- Data transmission is peer-to-peer rather than via a central server, and the IP address is only visible to other conference participants.
- As it is not a commercial product, bugs may occur, but its availability on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and IOS is another strong point.
Tox
WebEx Meetings: a strong contender
From Cisco, Webex is a user-friendly alternative that has been adopted by millions of users. It offers high-definition audio and video quality.
- You can transfer files, share your screen and take control of other participants' screens.
- Available on all platforms, Webex also enables you to connect to your Microsoft Outlook account (e-mail, calendar), record your meetings and view them offline.
- Exchanges are secured by AES 256-bit encryption. Bonus: interoperability with Slack and Workplace by Facebook. In its Business package, Webex accommodates up to 200 participants.
Webex
Zoom: the must-have solution since the pandemic
Very popular with large companies for its more recent technology than Skype or WebEx, the Californian solution can support up to 1,000 participants.
- Zoom offers real-time messaging and content sharing. Zoom meetings synchronize with your calendar system and offer simplified corporate videoconferencing, on your computer or portable media.
- Video and audio are in HD, you can record your meetings locally or in the cloud, and consult transcripts generated by artificial intelligence.
- Other features include screen sharing and co-annotation, and end-to-end encryption.
Zoom Video Conferencing
Whereby: video connection without constraints
Whereby (formerly appear.in) is an alternative, offering a free version with a virtual meeting room for 4-person exchanges.
- Several advantages: good audio and video quality, and the ability to participate in a videoconference without having to create an account or install software.
- Features include URL personalization, screen sharing and secure conversations.
- Paid versions (for freelancers, SMBs and SMEs) include 3 virtual meeting rooms, 12 participants, conference recording and calendar integration.
Whereby
How do I choose videoconferencing software?
The market for videoconferencing tools is vast, and the promises are often similar. To make an informed choice, it's important to think about usage, not just features.
1. Criteria to consider
- Ease of use: a fluid tool, accessible to all, without complex installation.
- Audio/video quality: essential for frictionless business exchanges.
- Collaborative features: screen sharing, whiteboarding, recording, moderation...
- Data security: encryption, RGPD compliance, server hosting.
- Compatibility: with your existing tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, CRM, etc.).
- Technical support: reactivity and documentation in the event of a problem.
- Scalability: ability to scale up or organize more complex events (webinars, training courses, etc.).
2. The right questions to ask
- For how many participants are my meetings intended?
- Are my participants internal, external or a mix of both?
- Do I need to record or moderate exchanges?
- Are my teams already familiar with an ecosystem (Google, Microsoft, other)?
- Does the solution need to be hosted in Europe?
- What is my budget in the short... and medium term?
3. Our expert opinion
There's often a tendency to look for "the best tool", when what's really needed is the right tool for the job. A start-up does not have the same constraints as an IT department, a consulting firm or a training school. Start with your real needs, test two or three platforms (most offer trial versions), and involve future users in the choice. A good tool is one that your teams will want to use, not just one that ticks all the boxes on paper.
Comparison table of the best alternatives to Skype Business
| Software | Typical users | Benefits and key features |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | SMEs, large enterprises, Microsoft 365 teams | Microsoft 365 integration, complete collaborative space, enhanced security, messaging + videoconferencing |
| Google Meet | Startups, freelancers, Google Workspace users | easy-to-use, browser-based, Gmail/Agenda integration, fast and reliable |
| Zoom | All company sizes, trainers, customer services | video/audio quality, webinars, sub-commission rooms, automatic recording |
| Webex Meetings | Large groups, sensitive sectors, demanding IT | advanced security, pro features, integration with business tools, solid technical support |
| GoTo Meeting | SMEs, consulting firms, sales teams | clear interface, meeting transcription, collaborative whiteboard, Outlook integration |
| Livestorm | Marketing, HR, training, B2B SaaS | automated webinars, no installation, RGPD-ready, integrated analytics, data hosted in Europe |
| ClickMeeting | Training organizations, consultants, agencies | interactive webinars, personalization, multi-presenters, chat and Q&A |
| Whereby | Startups, freelancers, small teams | fast, no-account login, minimalist, browser-based interface, ideal for one-off calls |
| Jitsi | Technical users, associations, sovereignty-minded organizations | open source, free, no registration required, self-hosted, privacy-friendly |
FAQ - Finding the right alternative to Skype Business
Is Microsoft Teams really the ideal replacement for Skype Business?
Microsoft Teams is the official successor designated by Microsoft. It includes all the functionalities of Skype Enterprise, but goes one step further with a complete collaborative workspace: videoconferencing, messaging, document sharing, project management... For companies that are already Microsoft 365 customers, the transition is smooth and logical. On the other hand, for those looking for a lighter or video-only solution, other alternatives may be more appropriate.
Which alternative should a small business or start-up choose?
For lightweight structures, simplicity and cost are key criteria. Whereby, Google Meet or Livestorm (depending on your webinar needs) are good choices. They're quick to learn, offer sufficient functionality for efficient meetings, and avoid gas factories. Some solutions, such as Jitsi, may also be suitable for occasional, free use.
What solution should I choose to guarantee confidentiality?
If security is a major issue, give preference to platforms with end-to-end encryption and strict compliance with the RGPD. Livestorm, ClickMeeting (hosted in Europe), or Jitsi (open source) are options to consider. Webex and Microsoft Teams also offer solid guarantees for demanding IT environments.
Which platforms can automatically record meetings?
Most business tools offer recording, but not all do so natively or automatically. Zoom, GoTo Meeting, Webex, Microsoft Teams and ClickMeeting enable you to record your meetings, often with cloud storage and transcription options. However, check package limits.
Which alternative to Skype Business to choose?
The announced end of Skype Enterprise opens up a real opportunity to rethink your remote communication tools. And just what you need - the market is full of solutions designed for business use, from quick meetings to large-scale customer presentations.
The right choice will depend on your priorities:
Simplicity? Google Meet or Whereby.
Advanced features? Zoom, Webex or GoTo Meeting.
Webinars? Livestorm or ClickMeeting.
Microsoft environment? Teams is the obvious choice.
Open source approach? Jitsi can do the job... in a more limited context.
In short, there is no single alternative, but a range of tools adapted to each context. The most important thing is to adopt a solution that facilitates collaboration without adding complexity. And if it meets your security or sovereignty requirements, even better.
Maëlys De Santis, Growth Managing Editor, started at Appvizer in 2017 as Copywriter & Content Manager. Her career at Appvizer is distinguished by her in-depth expertise in content strategy and content marketing, as well as SEO optimization. With a Master's degree in Intercultural Communication and Translation from ISIT, Maëlys also studied languages and English at the University of Surrey. She has shared her expertise in publications such as Le Point and Digital CMO. She contributes to the organization of the global SaaS event, B2B Rocks, where she took part in the opening keynote in 2023 and 2024.
An anecdote about Maëlys? She has a (not so) secret passion for fancy socks, Christmas, baking and her cat Gary. 🐈⬛