What to Use Instead of Skype for International Calls (2026)

What to Use Instead of Skype for International Calls

Here's something most "Skype alternatives" lists won't tell you: 90% of Skype's final users weren't making video calls. Zoom killed that use case in 2020. What kept Skype alive was the ability to dial real phone numbers — landlines, mobiles, office phones — at rates that undercut carriers by 80%.

Microsoft didn't get it. They pushed everyone toward Teams, a collaboration platform designed for enterprise meetings. Great for companies. Useless for an expat calling their grandmother's landline in rural Portugal.

The Problem with "Free" Alternatives

WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal — all free, all limited to app-to-app calls. Try calling a hospital in Mumbai. An immigration office in Berlin. Your uncle's flip phone. These apps can't help.

Real phone calls require connecting to the actual phone network. That costs money. Skype figured this out in 2004 with SkypeOut. After they shut down, the gap was obvious.

A Quick Example

Maria, a Brazilian developer in Dublin, needed to call USCIS in Washington DC. Her Irish carrier wanted €0.89/minute. After 47 minutes on hold, that's €42. With browser-based VoIP like GlobCall, the same call cost $0.94.

Your Actual Options in 2026

Google Voice — Great, but requires a US phone number to sign up. If you're outside the US, it's not an option.
Viber Out — Works, but requires their app. Rates vary wildly by destination.
Microsoft Teams — Requires a Teams Phone license ($8-12/month) and is designed for businesses.
GlobCall — Browser-based, no app, no subscription. From $0.02/min to 200+ countries. Credits never expire.

The Contrarian Take

Most articles say you need multiple apps to replace Skype. That's overcomplicating it. If your main use case was calling actual phone numbers cheaply, you need exactly one replacement. The simpler, the better.

Think of it like replacing a Swiss Army knife — you don't need ten separate tools. You need one that does the main thing well.

What to Do Now

Don't panic about Skype credit. It's gone.
Try a browser-based option. GlobCall's first call is free — test the quality.
Compare rates for your top destinations on our rates page.
Keep $5-10 credit loaded for emergencies. Unlike Skype, it won't expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Skype shut down?

Microsoft discontinued Skype in May 2025, migrating users to Microsoft Teams. Teams is designed for business collaboration — not simple phone calls. Most former Skype users needed a simpler replacement.

Can I still use my Skype credit?

No. Skype credit became non-functional when the service shut down. Microsoft offered partial refunds through their support channels, but the window has largely closed.

What's the closest thing to Skype for calling landlines?

GlobCall. Same pay-per-minute model, same international coverage, but runs entirely in your browser. No app to install, no Microsoft account needed, credits never expire.

Is there a free Skype alternative?

For calling other app users, yes — WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Signal are free. For calling actual phone numbers (landlines, mobiles, offices), you need a paid service. GlobCall starts at $0.02/min with no monthly fees.

Do I need to download anything?

Not with GlobCall. It runs in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. Open the site, sign in, dial. Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers.

What about Google Voice?

Google Voice requires a US phone number to sign up — if you're outside the US or don't have an American number, it won't work. GlobCall is available worldwide with no geographic restrictions.

Ready to try it?

First call free. No app, no subscription, no credit card required.

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