Microsoft Teams stands as the natural successor to Skype, offering a comprehensive collaboration platform that seamlessly integrates chat, video meetings, file sharing, and app integration. With its deep connection to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, users can transition smoothly while gaining advanced features like real-time document collaboration, customizable backgrounds, together mode for virtual meetings, and robust security protocols. For businesses already invested in Microsoft's environment, Teams provides enterprise-grade compliance and administration tools that extend far beyond Skype's capabilities while maintaining familiar interface elements for easier user adaptation.
Zoom has revolutionized video conferencing with its reliability and intuitive interface, becoming the go-to platform for millions worldwide. Beyond basic video calling, Zoom offers sophisticated features including breakout rooms for group discussions, webinar capabilities supporting thousands of viewers, advanced screen sharing options, virtual backgrounds, and filters. Its free tier supports meetings up to 40 minutes with up to 100 participants, while paid plans remove time restrictions and add cloud recording, transcription services, and enhanced administrative controls. Zoom's cross-platform availability ensures accessibility across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
WhatsApp delivers a streamlined communication experience used by over two billion people globally. While primarily known for mobile messaging, its desktop and web applications have evolved to offer comprehensive video calling features with support for up to 32 participants. The platform's end-to-end encryption provides security for all communications, including messages, calls, and shared media. WhatsApp's strength lies in its simplicity and global adoption, making it particularly valuable for international communications without additional fees. Recent updates have introduced features like disappearing messages, view-once media, and multi-device capability without requiring phone connectivity.
Google Meet has rapidly evolved from a business-focused tool to a versatile platform available to anyone with a Google account. The service offers enterprise-grade video conferencing with noise cancellation technology, low-light mode for better visibility, and real-time captioning in multiple languages. Meet integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar for scheduling and Gmail for instant meetings. Users can join directly through a web browser without additional software installation, and the platform supports up to 100 participants in standard accounts with extended duration limits. For Google Workspace customers, Meet provides advanced moderation controls, attendance tracking, and custom layouts.
Viber delivers a feature-rich communication experience that extends beyond basic messaging and calling. Originally popular in Eastern Europe and Asia, it has expanded globally with over one billion registered users. The platform offers free international calls between Viber users, competitive rates for calling non-Viber numbers through Viber Out, and robust group video capabilities supporting up to 20 participants. Additional features include self-destructing messages, hidden chats, extensive sticker collections, and Communities that can host unlimited members for broader discussions. Viber's cross-platform availability ensures consistent experience across mobile devices, tablets, and desktop computers.
WebEx represents Cisco's professional-grade communication solution with particular strengths in security and reliability for business environments. The platform supports video meetings with up to 200 participants in its standard plans, offering HD video, crystal-clear audio, and intelligent background noise removal. WebEx's standout features include AI-powered meeting assistants that can take notes, create transcripts, and generate action items automatically. Its webinar capabilities support events with up to 100,000 attendees, while integration with productivity tools including Slack, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace creates a connected workflow. Advanced security protocols with end-to-end encryption and compliance certifications make it suitable for industries with strict regulatory requirements.
Jami offers a fundamentally different approach to communication as an open-source, distributed platform that prioritizes privacy and user control. Unlike centralized services, Jami operates on a peer-to-peer network without storing user data on servers, ensuring conversations remain truly private. The software supports encrypted text messaging, voice calls, video conferencing, and screen sharing without requiring account registration or personal information. Its distributed architecture means communications occur directly between users' devices without intermediaries. While less known than commercial alternatives, Jami's commitment to privacy, combined with its free and open-source nature, makes it an attractive option for privacy-conscious users and organizations seeking to maintain complete control over their communication channels.