Skype number alternatives

Skype, the long-running digital communications platform, is set to be discontinued as of  May 6, 2025. Microsoft, the parent company of Skype Technologies, is framing the shutdown as a move that will allow it to focus more on Microsoft Teams. 

The frustrating reality, however, is that the more than 40 million users who have relied on the software for personal or business communications for the past 22 years need to find an alternative. 

If you’re one of these users, you can prepare for the shutdown by finding a top Skype number alternative. If you don’t act now, your number will be lost forever. 

The good news is that plenty of great Skype number alternatives are out there. One of these is Voiply, a solution that can keep your Skype number active and continue Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connectivity. VoIP allows you to make calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a phone line. And since Voiply transmits voice data over the internet, the result is crystal-clear audio and seamless communication. 

Don’t wait until your Skype number is gone forever; follow the guide below for step-by-step instructions for porting your number to Voiply and information about other alternatives.

Why is Skype shutting down, and what does it mean for users?

Skype first launched in the summer of 2003 and immediately became a top VoIP service. Why, then, is Microsoft choosing to get rid of it now, after decades of success? According to the tech giant’s official U.S. website, the intent is to be able to provide more support and focus toward Microsoft Teams. 

To be fair, Microsoft’s move should come as no surprise, as Skype has been steadily losing users over the last few years. Nevertheless, the end of the service is going to have some serious consequences, including the following: 

• Loss of Skype Numbers: Users who don’t act before May 6 will permanently lose access to their numbers 
• No Direct Solutions from Microsoft: Microsoft has not provided an easy way for users to keep their Skype numbers
• Disruptions for Businesses: Companies that rely on Skype for customer communication must migrate quickly 

Though Teams may be a suitable replacement, as it is free to use and offers many of the same features that you can access in Skype, shifting operations to the new platform may not be as easy as you think.

That’s because there is a lot of conflicting information about whether you can port your Skype number to Teams. Some independent advisors and users claim that you can’t, while others suggest that you can port Skype for Business numbers. 

Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t provided clear direction for Skype users, leaving many individuals and small business owners scrambling to find a Skype number alternative ahead of the May 6 deadline. 

What happens to your Skype number?

Skype numbers are virtual phone numbers that allow users to receive calls from any phone worldwide. However, the entire infrastructure that supports Skype is digital; once Microsoft retires Skype, any numbers that haven’t been transferred will be lost for good. 

As you’ll effectively lose ownership of the number past that point, it could be reassigned to another user and service provider altogether. Microsoft is not offering an automatic migration solution to another VoIP provider, either, which means it's up to you to protect your number. 

Thankfully, there are a few different options that you can look into before the end of Skype: Port numbers to assign them to a new service provider or park them until you are ready to reactivate your service. 

In more specific terms, parking your Skype number lets you keep ownership of it but not actively use it. Think of it like keeping an old cell phone in a junk drawer, just in case your primary phone breaks or gets lost. Parking your number is also the cheapest solution, and it’s something you can do right now to protect your Skype contact information until you decide which service you want to use. 

Porting your number reassigns it to a new service, such as Voiply, and allows you to keep using it without any disruptions. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your Skype number just yet, port and park your Skype number with Voiply. The process is quick, easy, and affordable, and you can take advantage of our VoIP solutions once you are ready to assign your Skype number to them. 

Park your Skype number for only $2/month.
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Best Skype number alternatives

Some of the top options available for Skype number alternatives are as follows:

Voiply: The leading Skype alternative

Voiply offers the following VoIP solutions for both homes and businesses:

• International calling
• Plug-and-play setup
• Number porting
• Call forwarding
• Caller ID
• Enhanced E911
• Spam blocking
• A user-friendly mobile app

Our top-rated VoIP phone service is available to residential users for just $8.95 per month. You don’t need any additional hardware or software to use it, either. You only need an internet connection, a Voiply account, and an adapter, which we send to you for free.‍

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Is it time for your business to switch to VoIP? Learn about the benefits of VoIP for businesses.

Voiply vs. Skype

How does Voiply stack up to Skype, though? For starters, Skype is a communication app that uses VoIP tech for voice and video calls, screen sharing, and messaging. Voiply, in contrast, is a comprehensive VoIP service. 

Additionally, where Skype was a purely app-based solution, Voiply works with your phone and includes a mobile app, desktop interface, and all the tools you need to stay connected. As a complete VoIP service, you can also integrate Voiply with your CRM and business workflows.   

To top it all off, Voiply makes porting your existing Skype number quick and easy. We aim to ensure seamless communication and minimal disruptions so you can keep the number you’ve used for years and level up how you communicate.

Other VoIP alternatives to Skype 

Here’s a quick look at additional Skype number alternatives: 

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If you are looking for a personal use option, Google Voice and Voiply are top solutions. Zoom Phone is geared toward businesses of varying sizes and may make more sense for mid-sized companies that already use the video chat app. 

Vonage is a business-focused VoIP company that does not offer any plans for individuals, and while RingCentral provides tons of features, it, too, is built for enterprise-level organizations. As such, Vonage and RingCentral can each be cost-prohibitive for small business owners. 

How to choose the right Skype alternative for you

It’s great to have plenty of options when looking for a Skype number alternative, but you also need to know how to identify which one is right for you. 

When making your decision, consider the following factors:

• Pricing: Free apps are convenient and appealing, but low-cost paid plans offer additional features and protection 
• Features: Choose a solution that includes all of the tools and tech you need 
• Ease of Use: Your new platform should be easy to set up and even easier to use
• Use Case: Whether you are looking for a solution for personal or business uses makes a difference

Google Voice is a great option for occasional personal use. However, if you frequently use your Skype number to communicate, you may need a more feature-packed solution like Voiply. Our service is also an excellent option for replacing your home phone service, transitioning your business to VoIP, and staying connected with everyone in your circle. 

Learn more about Voiply’s business solutions.

How to keep your Skype number with Voiply

When you’re ready to move your Skype number to Voiply, follow these three simple steps. 

Step 1: Check if your Skype number is eligible for porting

Your first step involves finding out whether your number is eligible for porting. Most Skype numbers can be ported, but a key exception is one that is linked to a Skype for Business account that you don’t own. For instance, if you use an employer-provided Skype number, you may not be able to port it without your company’s permission. 

Fortunately, that exception doesn’t apply to most users; if you have a personal or business Skype number that you own, you should be able to port it to a new provider. Voiply has already ported hundreds of Skype numbers over to our service. Once you sign up, our user interface will walk you through the porting process. 

Step 2: Initiate the porting process with Voiply

When you sign up for Voiply, select “Keep My Number,” and we will automatically submit a port request for you. Here‘s what to expect when porting your number with Voiply:

• Porting typically takes seven to ten business days
• We can assign a temporary number while you wait
• There will not be any downtime during the transfer
• Our team keeps you updated via SMS messages and email

If you forget to choose the Keep My Number option when signing up, simply log into the Voiply Portal, find the port request form, and fill out the requested information. Our team will process the request as quickly as possible, and the same expectations listed above apply.

Step 3: Set up your Voiply account and features

Now comes the fun part: choosing your subscription tier and setting up all of the great features that Voiply provides. In addition to online fax capabilities and number parking, Voiply offers three different business plans, which are as follows:

• Starter: Designed for solo entrepreneurs; $5.95/month or $59.50 annually
• Advanced: Designed for teams of up to 25 people; $11.95/month or $119.50 annually
• Premier: $16.95/month or $169.50 annually

When activating your Voiply account, you will be prompted to set up your voicemail, call forwarding, and caller ID. Make sure to download our mobile app from Google Play or the App Store so you can stay connected on the go!

Port or park your number so you don’t lose it!  

The clock is ticking, and the Skype shutdown will be here fast. Porting your number can take several business days, so you don’t want to wait until you’re right up against the deadline to take action. Start researching Skype alternatives and port or park your number so you don’t lose it on May 6!  

As one of the best Skype number alternatives, Voiply provides crystal-clear calling services and a plug-and-play setup. We even offer monthly residential phone services for just $8.95 per month, and you can save even more with an annual plan, which starts at $89.50 per year. 

Don’t delay — park any existing number or port it, including your Skype number, to Voiply today! It’s free, and you can get started using our service in almost no time at all!

Frequently asked questions

Is there an alternative to a Skype number?

Yes, there are several alternatives to a Skype number, including Voiply, Google Voice, and RingCentral. Compare the features and costs of these services to choose the right option for you. 

What are people using instead of Skype?

Today, Microsoft Teams and Zoom represent two of the top options for replacing Skype’s video chat and screen-sharing features. For individuals who want to keep their Skype VoIP numbers, however, the best course of action is to sign up for services such as Voiplyy or Google Voice. 

Why are Skype numbers no longer available?

Microsoft is getting rid of Skype for two reasons. Its publicly stated rationale is that the company wants to focus on improving and supporting its Teams app. As for a more direct explanation, Skype usage has been steadily declining over the last several years, which made it easier for Microsoft to choose to sunset the app.