7 Best Skype Alternatives For International Landline Calls In 2025

Understanding VoIP terminology and how international calling works

Here are some important definitions relevant to making international landline calls:

Table of contents

7 best Skype alternatives for international landline calls

Here's a breakdown of basic features of the Skype alternatives I looked at.

1. YappaCall: The browser-based option for reliable international landline calls

YappaCall is a simple option for international calls to family, residences, banks, government, and other bureaucratic institutions that rely on traditional landlines. No downloads, no installation or setup. Just load credits and make secure international calls.

Here's an overview of basic features and the reason I built YappaCall:

• Browser-based VoIP service designed to fill the gap left by Skype's discontinued international calling feature.
• US-based phone number to make international calls to landlines and mobile phones, especially to countries and regions with unreliable internet-based communication.
• Developed with expats, immigrants, digital nomads, and international business needs in mind, YappaCall lets you call family members and bureaucratic institutions in countries like India, The Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and others.
• Connect your Google account instantly from any internet-connected device via browser-based calling.
• Dedicated US phone number for $9.99/month, granting you SMS text messaging (crucial for two-factor authentication) and a consistent caller ID.
• Pay-as-you-go model that's perfect for occasional international callers without subscription commitments.

YappaCall has some features that separate it from other Skype alternatives currently available. Here's what it's best used for:

What sets YappaCall apart?

To know if YappaCall is the best option for your situation, it's helpful to see what it has as well as what most alternatives are missing.

Browser-based operation with no downloads required

Unlike many competitors that require downloading and installing an app, YappaCall works directly in your web browser, requiring no apps or software installation. This allows for instant setup, is quick and easy, and is very snappy compared to Skype.

Because no download is required, you don't have to worry about device compatibility or software updates. If you have a device that's connected to the internet, you can access YappaCall.

Connectivity to traditional phone networks (landlines and mobiles)

Many internet-based alternatives focus on app-to-app communication or don't support calls to traditional numbers. WhatsApp is a prime example, as it doesn't make calls to landline phones.

YappaCall lets you call any phone number worldwide, including landlines and mobile phones. This becomes a necessity when you need to contact bureaucratic institutions like banks, financial institutions, and governments. Especially in countries where they don't use internet apps like Zoom and only interact through traditional phone lines.

It's also ideal for letting you call government offices for things like background checks, identity verification, and other instances that require companies to contact overseas institutions via phone. It's also handy for contacting suppliers in industries like manufacturing and logistics. These sectors still prefer traditional means of communication over options like email or WhatsApp.

Unlike many alternatives on the market, YappaCall gives you a reliable connection (as well as solid backup option) for calling locations with spotty internet connections or people relying on app-based communication with limited data.

Flexible pay-as-you-go or monthly plan options

Pay-as-you-go is perfect for making occasional calls. No commitment or monthly fees, you only pay for what you use.

For those who need a reliable way to make frequent calls, a monthly plan might make more sense. It's especially useful if you want your own dedicated US-based phone number. Most alternatives don't offer a payment option this straightforward. Viber and Microsoft Teams, for instance, both require a paid subscription, and then charge you per-minute rates on top.

User experience designed for calls and texts

Most Skype alternatives are trying to replace it as an all-in-one communication platform for personal and business use. They often have social or messaging features, lengthy registration and logins, integration capabilities with other software, etc.

YappaCall is designed with a much simpler scope:

• Make international, landline, and mobile calls
• Offer a dedicated phone number
• Send and receive texts

YappaCall also lets you use your personal US-based phone number as caller ID and verify it via text message; a nifty feature that Skype had.

What people are saying about YappaCall

YappaCall pricing options

Here's what YappaCall offers in terms of pricing and cost:

• Browser-based calling with pay-as-you-go rates start as low as $0.01/minute and go up depending on where you're calling.
• Dedicated US-based phone number for $9.99/month
• No connection feeds or monthly commitments for the basic calling service
• Credit packages available at $10, $20, $50, and $100 with volume discounts
• Specialized rates for high-volume business use

Here's a snapshot of some of our international rates.

Have an international call destination in mind? Make your first call with YappaCall, right now!

2. Microsoft Teams: Best for business-to-business interaction within the Microsoft ecosystem

Microsoft Teams offers calling capabilities that works as a good replacement for Skype for Business. It offers comprehensive calling features while maintaining enterprise-grade security and compliance standards. Here's an overview of MS Team's key features:

• Comprehensive communication platform that combines chat, video meetings, and VoIP calling capabilities in one integrated interface.
• Teams' Phone System feature lets you call landlines and mobile phones worldwide directly from the application.
• Integration with Microsoft 365 suite provides workflows between Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other Microsoft applications.
• Advanced calling features including call queues, auto-attendants, voicemail with transcription, and call analytics.
• Business-use calling functionality optimized for organizational deployment.
• Tiered subscription-based model based on business needs and scale.

At a glance:

What Microsoft Teams is known for

MS Teams stands out for enterprise-grade security and compliance. Unlike more consumer-focused call alternatives, Teams provides much more extensive security features such as end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with major regulatory standards.

This makes it particularly suitable for businesses handling sensitive communications and data. Integration with Microsoft's broader security framework makes for consistent protection across all communication channels.

What people are saying

Microsoft Teams pricing.

3. Google Voice: Best for basic internet-based calling

Google Voice provides a good general purpose phone option for people needing a free US phone number for domestic calls. It also works within the Google ecosystem, offering smart features like voicemail transcription and spam filtering without complex setup requirements. Here's an overview of notable features:

• Free US-based phone number that enables no-cost domestic calling and competitively-priced international calls.
• Integration with Google services including Gmail, Calendar, and Google Meet for streamlined communication.
• Cross-device functionality allows calls and texts from smartphones, tablets, and computers with automatic synchronization.
• AI-powered features including automatic voicemail transcription and intelligent spam call filtering.
• Tiered service model with a free personal version and upgraded business plans requiring Google Workspace subscriptions.

At a glance:

What Google Voice is known for

Unlike standalone calling services, Google Voice works as an extension of the broader Google platform. Think of it as an added calling feature to the same environment you likely already use for email, calendar, and other productivity tools. This makes your calls part of your Google communication history and lets you synchronize them across all the services you use for professional and personal purposes.

What people are saying

Google Voice pricing

See their full pricing page and the features that come with each plan.

4. Viber: Best for high-quality voice and video calls to other Viber users

Viber is another comprehensive communication platform that connects you with other Viber users. Viber Out lets you reach landlines and mobile phones worldwide, granted they are also using the platform. The app is popular in Eastern Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia, combining messaging with flexible calling options. Here's an overview of what how you can use Viber as a Skype alternative:

• Unified messaging and VoIP application supporting free app-to-app communication and paid options for calling traditional phone numbers.
• Strong international presence with particular adoption in Eastern Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia.
• End-to-end encryption provides enhanced security for all communications within the platform.
• Flexible payment options including pay-as-you-go credit purchases and country-specific subscription plans for frequent callers.
• Community features enabling group interactions around specific topics or interests beyond simple one-on-one communication.
• Mobile-first design with desktop applications available for multi-device accessibility.

At a glance:

What Viber is known for

Viber provides a similar experience to Skype in that it unifies calls and messaging into a single environment. You can send text messages, share media, start group chats, voice and video call within the app.

What people are saying

Viber pricing

You can see Viber's international call rates here. To better understand how their pricing works for Viber Out, here is their help page.

5. Zoom Phone: Best for supplementing Zoom conferencing

Zoom Phone extends the Zoom platform to include cloud-based phone capabilities with international calling support. It's designed for those already relying on Zoom for video conferencing. It offers high-quality voice communication with smooth transitions between different call types. Here are Zoom Phone's key features:

• Cloud-based phone system built on Zoom's infrastructure with emphasis on call quality and business functionality.
• Advanced call management including recording, transcription, routing, and automated attendants.
• Flexible deployment options such as bring-your-own-carrier capabilities and multiple device support.
• Administrative tools for managing users, monitoring quality, and ensuring compliance across organizations.
• Enterprise-grade security meeting regulatory requirements for sensitive business communications.

At a glance:

What Zoom Phone is known for

Unlike traditional phone systems or standalone VoIP services, Zoom Phone lets you instantly transition voice calls to video meetings or add participants without losing the call. Keeping communication fluid like this brings efficiency and the ability to adapt to conversation needs instead of forcing the other user to switch methods.

What people are saying

Zoom Phone pricing

6. Talk360: Best for mobile-based video and voice calling app

Talk360 specializes in direct relationships with local providers in developing countries, it offers consistent quality for reaching remote or underserved areas. Here's an overview of key features and what makes Talk360 a practical Skype alternative:

• Mobile app and web-based calling options focused on reliability for international connections.
• Direct relationships with local telecom providers in developing countries ensuring better call quality to challenging destinations.
• Credit-based system requiring no subscription commitments, ideal for occasional or irregular calling patterns.
• Multiple payment options including local methods in many countries, increasing accessibility for users without international banking.
• Multilingual customer support addressing the needs of its diverse global user base.
• Interface prioritizing core calling functionality without unnecessary complexity.

At a glance:

What Talk360 is known for

Talk360 has optimized its network and partnerships specifically for reaching challenging destinations with consistent quality. While reviews are lacking, this makes Talk360 particularly valuable if you need to establish regular communication with people in difficult-to-reach regions.

What people are saying

Talk360 pricing

You can view Talk360 international rates here.

7. Yolla: Best for calling mobile numbers internationally Yolla focuses on providing low-cost international calling through its mobile application

Yolla offers competitively priced international calling rates through their mobile app. They are particularly well-priced when contacting certain destinations:

Weekly deals for African countries

• South Asia
• North America
• Western Europe
• Asia-Pacific

Yolla offers both pay-as-you-go and subscription options optimized for budget-conscious users. Here's an overview of their features:

• User-friendly mobile application designed for accessibility even for those with limited technical experience.
• Low rates for international calling to popular destinations.
• Flexible payment structure with both pay-as-you-go credits and subscription plans for high-volume callers.
• Callback feature that can further reduce costs in certain calling scenarios.
• First call free trial (up to 1 minute) allowing new users to test quality before committing.
• Referral program providing free credit, appealing to budget-conscious users.

At a glance:

What Yolla is known for

Country-specific pricing packages separate Yolla from other providers who's pricing is more standardized across different regions. They also offer specially optimized rates and subscription packages tailored for different countries and calling patterns. Over time, this geographic targeting by price adds up letting repeat users both save money and enjoy predictable costs.

What people are saying

Yolla pricing

You can view Yolla's international call rates here, and search by country.

Other Skype alternatives worth considering

• WhatsApp
• FaceTime
• Telegram
• WeChat
• RingCentral
• Vonage
• Rebtel

Don't let Skype's retirement of international calling leave you disconnected from family, friends, or business.

Try making an international call from your browser!