Skype is one of the most popular video conferencing platforms in the world, with over 300 million active users. It’s widely used for personal and professional purposes, allowing users to make voice and video calls, send messages, and share files. However, many people are unsure about the cost of using Skype. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Skype pricing, features, and costs to help you understand whether Skype is free or not.
Skype Pricing Plans
Skype offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. Here are the main plans:
Skype Free
The Skype Free plan is the most basic plan, which allows users to:
- Make voice and video calls to other Skype users for free
- Send messages and share files
- Make group video calls with up to 25 people
- Use screen sharing and live subtitles
The Skype Free plan is ideal for personal use, and it’s free to sign up and use.
Skype Premium
The Skype Premium plan offers additional features, including:
- The ability to make calls to landlines and mobile phones in over 170 countries
- A set of minutes to call landlines and mobile phones (the number of minutes varies depending on the country)
- The ability to record calls and save them to your computer
- The ability to use Skype Connect, which allows you to receive calls from landlines and mobile phones on your Skype account
The Skype Premium plan costs $6.99 per month, and it’s ideal for users who need to make calls to landlines and mobile phones regularly.
Skype for Business
Skype for Business is a more advanced plan designed for businesses and organizations. It offers features such as:
- Integration with Microsoft Office and other business tools
- Advanced security and compliance features
- The ability to manage user accounts and permissions
- The ability to use Skype Meeting Broadcast, which allows you to broadcast meetings to up to 10,000 people
The cost of Skype for Business varies depending on the number of users and the features required. It’s typically priced per user per month, and it can range from $5 to $20 per user per month.
Skype Costs and Fees
While Skype offers a range of free features, there are some costs and fees associated with using the platform. Here are some of the main costs and fees:
Calling Rates
Skype charges calling rates for calls made to landlines and mobile phones. The rates vary depending on the country and the type of call. Here are some examples of Skype calling rates:
| Country | Rate per minute |
| — | — |
| United States | $0.023 |
| United Kingdom | $0.039 |
| Australia | $0.039 |
| India | $0.019 |
Subscription Fees
Skype charges subscription fees for its Premium and Business plans. The fees vary depending on the plan and the number of users.
Connection Fees
Skype charges connection fees for some types of calls, such as calls to toll-free numbers or premium rate numbers.
How to Save Money on Skype
While Skype can be a cost-effective way to make calls and communicate with others, there are some ways to save money on Skype. Here are some tips:
Use Skype Free
If you only need to make calls to other Skype users, you can use the Skype Free plan, which is free to sign up and use.
Use Skype Credits
Skype Credits are a prepaid payment system that allows you to pay for calls and other features in advance. You can buy Skype Credits in various denominations, and they can be used to make calls, send SMS messages, and use other features.
Use a Skype Subscription
If you need to make regular calls to landlines and mobile phones, a Skype subscription can be a cost-effective option. Skype offers a range of subscription plans, including monthly and annual plans.
Skype Alternatives
While Skype is a popular video conferencing platform, there are some alternatives available. Here are some of the main alternatives:
Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing platform that offers a range of features, including video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and chat. Zoom offers a free plan, as well as several paid plans.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing platform that offers a range of features, including video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and chat. Google Meet offers a free plan, as well as several paid plans.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that offers a range of features, including video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and chat. Microsoft Teams offers a free plan, as well as several paid plans.
Conclusion
Skype is a popular video conferencing platform that offers a range of features and pricing plans. While Skype can be a cost-effective way to make calls and communicate with others, there are some costs and fees associated with using the platform. By understanding the Skype pricing plans and costs, you can make an informed decision about whether Skype is right for you. Additionally, by using Skype Credits, subscriptions, and other cost-saving features, you can save money on Skype and make the most of its features.
Is Skype completely free to use?
Skype offers a mix of free and paid features. Users can make free voice and video calls to other Skype users, send instant messages, and engage in group chats. Additionally, Skype allows users to make free calls to other Skype users’ landlines and mobile phones in some countries. However, some features, such as making calls to landlines or mobile phones outside of Skype, require a paid subscription or the purchase of Skype credits.
Skype’s free features make it an attractive option for personal and casual use. However, businesses or individuals who need to make frequent calls to non-Skype numbers may need to consider a paid plan. Skype’s paid plans offer more features, such as the ability to make calls to landlines and mobile phones, send SMS messages, and access advanced features like call forwarding and voicemail.
What are Skype credits, and how do they work?
Skype credits are a pay-as-you-go option that allows users to make calls to landlines and mobile phones outside of Skype. Users can purchase Skype credits in various denominations, and the credits are deducted from their account as they make calls. The cost of calls varies depending on the destination country and the type of call (landline or mobile). Skype credits can be used to make calls to over 160 countries worldwide.
Skype credits are a convenient option for users who only need to make occasional calls to non-Skype numbers. However, for frequent users, a paid subscription plan may be more cost-effective. Skype credits can be purchased online through the Skype website or through the Skype app. Users can also set up automatic credit replenishment to ensure they never run out of credits.
What is Skype Premium, and what features does it offer?
Skype Premium is a paid subscription plan that offers additional features beyond the free version. With Skype Premium, users can make unlimited calls to landlines and mobile phones in the United States and Canada, as well as discounted rates to other countries. Other features include group video calling, screen sharing, and the ability to send SMS messages. Skype Premium also includes 25 GB of free cloud storage on OneDrive.
Skype Premium is a good option for businesses or individuals who need to make frequent calls to non-Skype numbers. The plan is available as a monthly or annual subscription, and users can cancel at any time. Skype Premium also offers a free trial period, allowing users to test the features before committing to a paid plan.
Can I use Skype for business purposes, and what features does it offer?
Yes, Skype can be used for business purposes, and it offers a range of features that cater to business needs. Skype for Business offers advanced features like video conferencing, screen sharing, and integration with Microsoft Office applications. Businesses can also use Skype to make calls to landlines and mobile phones, send SMS messages, and access advanced features like call forwarding and voicemail.
Skype for Business is a good option for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable and feature-rich communication platform. Skype for Business is available as a standalone plan or as part of Microsoft 365, which includes additional features like email, calendar, and cloud storage. Businesses can also customize their Skype plan to meet their specific needs.
How does Skype’s pricing compare to other video conferencing platforms?
Skype’s pricing is competitive with other video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Cisco Webex. Skype’s free plan offers more features than some of its competitors, including free group video calling and screen sharing. However, Skype’s paid plans may not offer as many features as some of its competitors, particularly at the higher end.
Skype’s pricing is also more flexible than some of its competitors, with a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Skype’s pay-as-you-go option with Skype credits is also a convenient option for users who only need to make occasional calls to non-Skype numbers. However, businesses or individuals who need advanced features may find that other platforms offer better value.
Can I use Skype on multiple devices, and is it compatible with different operating systems?
Yes, Skype can be used on multiple devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Skype is compatible with a range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Users can access their Skype account and make calls from any device with an internet connection.
Skype’s cross-platform compatibility makes it a convenient option for users who need to make calls from different devices. Skype also offers a web-based version that can be accessed from any device with a web browser. However, some features may not be available on all devices or platforms, so users should check the Skype website for compatibility information.
Is Skype secure, and what measures does it take to protect user data?
Skype takes user security and data protection seriously. Skype uses end-to-end encryption to protect calls and messages, making it difficult for third parties to intercept or eavesdrop on conversations. Skype also complies with international data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.
Skype’s security measures include two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to user accounts. Skype also regularly updates its software and apps to ensure that users have the latest security patches and features. However, as with any online service, users should take steps to protect their own security, such as using strong passwords and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments.