There are many different chat rooms that allow is free* chat with friends with mobile phone**. And do not pay mobile operator for the number of messages sent and the duration of the call. (As it happens with SMS and MMS)
On your and mobile phones** friends put a program that transmits your text messages, pictures, voice via the Internet. Among such programs there are popular ones, you put yourself one and you see that most of your friends have this program already installed. Whisper - take it and talk. Moreover, you can communicate as much as you like and is free*... Even if friends live in another country.
I'll tell you about the stars right away :
mobile phone ** - here I mean that your phone is running Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone... If you have a tupophone, then you need to either get a phone on one of the platforms mentioned above, or - "goodbye" - the article is not for you.
is free* - the asterisk here is also not without reason. It assumes the availability of cheap, fast and desirable unlimited internet on your mobile phone **. And again, if on phone ** there is no such internet - then it must be connected.
Now about the programs :
Skype
This program is most likely known to you. Allows you to communicate by text, voice, voice with video and transfer files (on most platforms).
You can download the program here: http://www.skype.com/intl/ru/get-skype/on-your-mobile/ mobile phone**.
If you have a skype account, you can use it, if not, then you need to come up with a skype name and register either in the program or on the skype website.
The program is very functional, but also power-hungry. It must be understood that according to the ideology of such programs, they should be constantly launched on phone **... (So that you can immediately contact the right person)
Even if the program is in this moment is not used, but quietly hangs in standby mode, then it still eats the battery, the Internet and resources.
I turn on the program occasionally when I want to talk to someone with a voice or show something via video.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
- when registering, you need to come up with a unique skype name (for some people this is difficult);
- to call a person you need to know his skype name (sometimes such names are invented);
- video calls only work decently on powerful enough phones **;
- sufficiently large traffic consumption (unlimited Internet is desirable);
- sits down the battery decently phone **.
Viber
This program is less known than skype, but at the same time it is quite functional. Allows you to communicate with text, voice and transfer pictures.
You can download the program here: http://www.viber.com/ or from the application store ( Google play, AppStore, Marketplace, ...) on your mobile phone**.
Viber, unlike skype, is more tailored for use on mobile phone ** and, accordingly, it is more convenient to use it. In order to start using it, you need to indicate your phone number to the program. (This is actually registration).
The program will view the list of phone numbers of your contacts and immediately show which of them also has viber installed. You can call and write from the program to all contacts, but if the contact does not have viber, then the call or SMS will be performed as usual on the phone (and will be paid). If you call or write to a contact who has viber, then it will be already free.
At the moment, I do not use the program, since the battery is eaten in a very childish way. I hope this will be corrected, tk. I actually like the program.
Advantages:
- the ability to make voice calls;
- the ability to transfer pictures;
- good integration with phone **(convenient to use);
- to call a person, it is enough to know his number (and whether he uses viber from this number will be seen).
- there is no client for the computer (already there);
- only pictures can be transferred from files;
- brutally drains the battery phone **.
Whatsapp
This program, as well as viber, appeared relatively recently, but has already gained popularity due to its convenience and modesty. Allows you to communicate with text, share your location and transfer pictures, music and videos.
You can download the program here: http://www.whatsapp.com/download/ or from the application store (Google Play, AppStore, Marketplace, ...) on your mobile phone**.
WhatsApp, like Viber, is intended to be used on mobile phone ** and, accordingly, it is convenient to use it. However, if you compare Android clients, then WhatsApp is less convenient than Viber.
Here, first, you also need to indicate your phone number to the program. Then you can select the action to write (a button with a pencil) and the program will show a list of contacts with WhatsApp installed. And - you can communicate.
At the moment I use the program all the time (without turning it off), it is worth praising the developers - the program treats the battery very carefully.
Advantages:
- the ability to transfer pictures, music and audio;
- no need to invent a name for yourself;
- practically does not drain the battery;
- to write to a person it is enough to know his number phone ** ;
- support for group chats (you can communicate with several people in one chat).
- no client for the computer;
- you cannot communicate by voice;
Other programs :
I will also give a list of programs similar to those described above.
The fact that I do not describe them in detail does not mean that they are necessarily less functional or bad.
It's just that they are less popular with us and few have been installed. And accordingly, the meaning of using them disappears.
But you can try them too.
- ooVoo(http://www.oovoo.com/mobile.aspx?pname=MobileOverview) A program similar in functionality to Skyp.
+ There is a version for the computer
- There is only one of my contacts. - Line(http://line.naver.jp/en/) Something like Viber-a
+ There is a version for the computer
+ Cool emoticons
- At the time when I tried to use it, it was very damp. - Google talk(by default there is on each Android device)
+ Service from a corporation of good (I'm a fan of Google)
+ The history of correspondence is stored in Gmail-e (optional)
+ There is a version for the computer
- No versions for other mobile platforms - Facebook Messenger (
Skype is one of the first computer programs allowing users to make video calls mobile devices... In recent years, competitive Skype analogues have been developed. You can download the best of the applications from us. They will compete with the mobile and desktop versions of Skype.
Here are the participants in the review - full-fledged analogues of Skype:
Viber app: a cross-platform Skype replacement
Already loved by many, the most popular Viber program has been downloaded by more than 7 million users around the world. It is the most famous and worthy replacement for Skype. In addition to a huge community, the Viber application has the functions of an Internet messenger with the ability to attach audio and video files, as well as voice messages, data on the location of an object, contact information and a wide variety of emoticons. Among the additional capabilities of the Viber messenger are group chats (up to 200 people).
This program has both regular and video calls, while in good quality if you believe the developers - in HD. Thanks to Push-notifications, you will not miss a Viber call even when the device is turned off. Among other things, the application has such elements of a social network as public chats of famous people and magazines, etc., has support Android systems Wear.
Thus, Viber is a good analogue of Skype for a computer and mobile platform (iOS and Android). Thanks to new tricks and following trends, Viber "is able to compete with Skype. It is not surprising that the growth of Viber's audience has only accelerated in recent years (at the moment, the audience of the messenger is about 600 million users).
Google Hangouts messenger
Google Hangouts is a kind of FaceTime alternative that comes with the Android OS. For iOS, there is a corresponding mobile version programs.
Admittedly, the alternative is not so bad. The application allows you to exchange messages and videos in real time. What attracts Hangouts is cross-platform and linking to a Google account. Accordingly, Hangouts integrates perfectly not only on Android, but also on Mac. Essentially, Hangouts replaces the Google Talk chatting feature found in Gmail and Google+.
Google Hangouts for Android is more than simple. It establishes a direct connection between two interlocutors, similar to Skype. Similar to Skype, in Hangouts you can send text and voice messages to other users, which will be available to them later, if these users are offline. In addition, group chats are supported.
When it comes to using Hangouts as a Skype replacement - yes, it makes sense. In some situations, the program from Google consumes less traffic and behaves more predictably, does not interrupt the connection (however, sometimes Hangouts have connection drops, but these are extreme cases). Voice calls via Google Hangouts are completely free, just like Skype.
If you have an Android phone, you need to connect google account is a bridge between many services, including Hangouts. The app imports contacts from address book and allows you to export back. Basically, Skype offers the same when installed.
As such, Hangouts is a good alternative to Skype with tight Google integration by default.
Google Voice - Skype replacement for landline calls and SMS
Google Voice is a client for VoIP telephony with the functions of incoming / outgoing calls, SMS messages, voice mail.
In 2017 Google developers Voice remembered that the client had not been updated for a long time and significantly lagged behind Skype and other messengers. Therefore, the first major update for the last 5 (!) Years was released. This came as a surprise to many users of the program and service.
First of all, Google Voice has got a user-friendly interface. The web client and mobile application for Android and iOS received a modern design, light colors, a tabbed interface, convenient for working with messages, calls, voice mail. The exchange of SMS messages is similar to other instant messengers, messages are available for each contact, grouped by topics.
There are also new features in Google Voice. Photo sharing, MMS, quick reply function available through the notification panel are supported. currently only available for English and Spanish.
The Google Voice service provides users by analogy with landline telephones(and programs like Skype). You can call virtual and real numbers, make outgoing calls. Voice is still the only application with voicemail functionality and text-based voicemail decryption.
Thus, Google Voice is a curious alternative to Skype. WITH latest update, there is reason to think, especially if you use Skype to make calls to landlines and send SMS.
By the way, the Voice application is integrated in, so both applications can be used in conjunction.
Line for Android - free Skype alternative
LINE is another super popular messenger and probably a good replacement for Skype for desktop and mobile platforms. The quality score is a wide community of> 6 million people.
Mobile analogue of Skype - LINE
By the way, LINE Corporation has developed an excellent camera for Android - B612. We recommend this application to replace the standard camera shell.
Line for Android includes a messenger with a large number of emoticons and stickers, audio and video calls, as well as a news feed for each user. With the help of the latter, you can share interesting moments from your life with friends using text messages, music, photos and videos, and even locations on the map. LINE users can subscribe to other people's news feeds, including various celebrities, bloggers and others. There are no such functions even in Skype itself.
Thus, in the "face" of Line we get an attractive analogue of Skype with a dozen unique functions.
Messenger Line is available for various devices: smartphones, tablets and desktop solutions (although the app was originally developed for Android and iOS). Mobile app Line Camera can be downloaded on Android for free from the link below.
WhatsApp (WhatsApp for Android)
The last member of the review is own Facebook messenger called WhatsApp. This iconic and popular messaging app is one of the few apps in history to boast over one billion downloads. WhatsApp is one of the most popular services in the entire history of the Web.
Using WhatsApp messenger, you can chat as well as create group chats. This app uses all the tricks of Material Design. Over time, the developers of WhatsApp for Android have slowly ramped up all kinds of communication features over the past few years, and this drive seems to only grow.
Definitely, WhatsApp is one of the best instant messengers for Android in general. A kind of replacement for Skype (another one, along with Viber).
imo free video calls and chat
Messenger "Video calls and chat" for AndroidThe mobile application "imo video calls and chat" has two main functions: text messaging with the ability to transfer multimedia files and voice messages as well as audio and video calls. Moreover, there is a set additional opportunities, like sending emoticons and stickers, creating group chats or joint video conferencing. It is noteworthy that the entire history of correspondence is stored on the developers' server and can be accessed from any other device in your personal account.
Zello walkie-talkie - another program for communication like Skype
First of all, it should be noted that it is not possible to make video calls in the "Zello walkie-talkie" application, which is why it is inferior to others analogs of Skype... However, the main advantage of this application is an audio conference function with up to 1000 subscribers. At the same time, you can create your own password-protected audio channel, track the online status of other users, use a Bluetooth headset and view the message history.
Tango: free video calls
Great video chat app - Tango has a number of basic features. Audio and video calls, correspondence using messages, including in group chats, as well as the ability to use emoticons and stickers, change the status of your profile. Like the LINE app, Tango for Android has a news feed for each user, the ability to comment on posts and photos, and share them.
Tango as an alternative to the annoying Skype
An interesting feature of the "Tango: Free Video Calls" program is the presence of mini-games, which can be played directly during a conversation with the interlocutor. Therefore, the function of turning on / off video recording during a call will be relevant.
Let's summarize
We've covered six cutting-edge programs like Skype. Of course, all Skype analogues - each in one way or another - have their own advantages and disadvantages. Among the leaders are Viber and LINE, whose multi-million audience speaks for the quality of these applications. Most of the programs mentioned have some functions social networks which are missing in Skype itself. The unusual Zello walkie-talkie is perfect for users who want to save money on regular calls, and allows you to create mass conferences. The creation of Google - Hangouts is characterized by a wide cross-platform, that is, it is supported on almost any mobile device, laptop and home PC, which significantly expands the circle of users' communication. Depending on the listed properties, you can choose what to replace Skype with, in accordance with your requirements.
Viber is a messenger that gains everything every year great popularity... The idea and the first development belongs to Igor Magazinnik and Talmon Marko. Viber's office was initially located in Belarus.
The program was first introduced to the world five years ago and is designed for the iPhone. The next year they released a version for Android. Then, every year, the company created new versions of the application for different operating systems.
Thus, today the program works on all known mobile platforms, among which:
- Android;
- Windows;
- Nokia;
- Blackberry;
- Windows Phone;
- Linux.
Viber is available in 29 languages, including Russian. This is undoubtedly very convenient and only allows you to increase the number of users.
There are a number of programs that are similar in function and allow you to communicate with friends in the same way as the Viber application. These include Telegram, Skype, WhatsApp, ICQ, and Line.
Telegram
This utility is not yet able to make voice calls and video calls. Today, this is a simple messenger and it most likely competes with WhatsApp, not Viber. The program is relatively new, aimed more at users from Western countries and has no special features. The number of users who have downloaded the application to their device is nearly thirty-five million.
Considering that the creator of the utility is Durov, the development prospects are enormous, since his brainchild Vkontakte has already become a leader in its industry. Download Telegram you can follow the link on the official site.
Skype
This is a free Voip app that they have the most in common with Viber. Prior to the advent of the latter, Skype was the monopoly leader in free communication. It has a standard registration procedure, where it is necessary to create account, come up with a name and password. Contacts will need to be searched by login, which is not very convenient and takes a long time. The program does not need a SIM card, communication takes place using an Internet connection.
In terms of sound quality, the app is very moody. For the connection to be excellent, the Internet connection must be at its best. Skype allows you to send messages and files of various formats, make both audio and video calls, send coordinates of your location, and create chats.
Whatsapp
It is an easy-to-use application that creates a binding to mobile number... He does not need complex and time-consuming registration and installation. Everything is quite easy, you just need to download, install, enter a phone number and enjoy the conversation. The interface is convenient, simple and straightforward. Developers often update the application, and changes along with this appearance WhatsApp. Download Watsapp Messenger you can follow the link is free.
The functions are very similar to Viber, except for the inability to make calls. Also, the program cannot send simple documents. There are no animations and stickers here either. Another negative point is that after a year of use, the application will require a dollar from you, and so every year. Viber is absolutely free.
Line
It is also a messenger that shares many of the same features from Viber.
Despite this, the utility has its own characteristics, such as:
- Doesn't need a SIM card;
- The presence of the function "two-way failure". This is both a plus and a minus, because they will not be able to write or call you until the contact is added to the friend list, but you will also not be able to communicate until you are included in the interlocutor's contact list;
- GPS can be used to make appointments;
- Supports widgets;
- There is an integrated browser.
ICQ
Unfortunately, this program has long been considered a relic of the past. It is used very little, even though the creator company is making updates.
You will be interested in:
Viber is free app for your Android smartphone, which allows you to exchange text and audio messages, photos and videos up to 20 MB with friends, make calls (including video calls) to any phones around the world where this program is also installed (if available access to the Internet). In addition, you can make calls to any numbers without an Internet connection using favorable rates which makes using mobile communications practically impractical. For completeness of communication, you can use a large variety of emoticons, which makes communication with friends even more interesting.
It is not surprising that such a popular program has a large number of analogues. So, for example, a fairly good analogue, Line, is gradually gaining popularity, which offers the user practically the same possibilities. What's better? We will try to find the answer to this question below.
On our website you can find the following article:? It is interesting to know the result of the comparison, be sure to follow the link after reading this article!
Line features
Since both applications are very similar to each other, consider the features that separate one utility from the other. So, Line features are as follows:
- You don't need a SIM card to enter. In Viber, for authorization, you need to indicate your mobile number, in Line you do not need to do this.
- Using the function "two-way failure". They cannot write a message or call you until they are added to your contacts. On the other hand, this is a significant drawback of the utility, since you will also not be able to write or call anyone until they bring you into contacts.
- Using GPS to meet people. You will be able to see who is nearby, which can significantly save time.
- Support for widgets. In Line you can add to main screen widgets that allow you to view information without going into the application.
- Built-in browser. You can open links and browse the web from the Line app.
Viber features
- Search function. If you need to search for something, just enter keywords in the corresponding field.
- The ability to contact any user. You can communicate with anyone without restrictions if the interlocutor has an account in the application.
- Receive messages offline. Even if the messenger is not open, you can still receive messages.
- Can be used on older phones.
- Data export to email... If you need to save something, you can export the data from the utility to your mailbox.
- The ability to remain invisible. You don't need to leave the app to work offline.
- Support for more languages.
- The ability to take photos and process them directly from the application.
- Built-in translator
Skype (Skype) has changed a lot since the acquisition by Microsoft. In particular, M $ began to disable direct data transmission, including voice, between users directly, passing all traffic through its own servers. But this is not such a big problem for many. But the dominance of advertising in new versions can be very annoying, especially since not many can. To prevent users from using older versions without ads, Microsoft began disabling older versions in the summer. As a result, many users were left without Skype. And it would be okay to deal only with operating systems like Linux. But users of Skype-enabled TVs, skype phones and even older operating systems such as Windows Mobile have also suffered.
Skype has plenty of alternatives. In particular, many of my contacts use Viber. I myself could not get enough of this application. I especially liked the fact that registration is very simple - you just need to indicate your phone number, which will receive a number for activation. Moreover, all contacts from phone book pull up automatically. And the best part is that you can also use Viber on your computer to answer and even call faster.
Unfortunately, latest versions Viber (Viber) for Android (Android) leaves much to be desired. Earlier voice communication worked great even on weak channels, and now I am having problems even when making a call over Wi-Fi. But the most surprising thing for me was that messages are also not delivered very well in the presence of periodically falling off the Internet. At home, this is not critical, but in the hotel it was very annoying. I had to look for alternatives.
Alternatives to Skype (Skype) and Viber (Viber) for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac OS
- Telegram allows you to make voice calls, as well as send text messages, photos and videos. For voice messages, an encrypted connection is used between two subscribers; if a direct connection is impossible, Telegram uses its servers. Telegram offers group chats, bots and channels. The application can be downloaded for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, as well as desktop computers under Windows control, Linux and Mac OS.
- LINE allows you to make voice calls, video calls, and send text messages, photos and videos. In addition, LINE offers group chats, which you can even use to create communities and get information from them. The application can be downloaded for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Nokia Asha, Firefox OS, as well as Windows and Mac OS desktops. The only thing missing is Linux support.
- KakaoTalk allows you to make voice calls, send text messages, photos and videos, and report your location. Video calls are not supported. The application is available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Nokia Asha. The app is also available for Windows and Mac.
- WeChat allows you to make voice and video calls, send text messages and photos, and use group chats. The app is available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Symbian, Nokia Asha, and Mac OS. In addition, you can use WeChat on computers through an Internet browser (browser).
Telegram pleased me the most in terms of sound quality.
In second place was LINE (now it is being blocked by RosKomNadzor). When the Internet was of high quality, there were no problems with video. When the Internet was weaker, you only had to use voice calls. Sometimes the 3G quality was so low that it was impossible to communicate even by voice. The only thing I didn’t like about the application was that I didn’t find how to put my own ringtone.
I give the third place to KakaoTalk. The app was also very stable. The only thing missing is video calls.
In general, it is too early to say that cellular operators will simply become a pipeline for data transmission. If they gave some kind of guarantee of the thickness of the channel, at least with a high probability, then using voice calls over the Internet would be much more comfortable.
I didn't like the quality of WeChat and Google Hangouts compared to the above two alternatives.
Unfortunately, the majority of users on smartphones install only Whatsapp, although its messages are not encrypted, and the quality of audio and video calls leaves much to be desired. Viber has slightly fewer users. Telegram has even fewer of them, although I like this application the most.
What applications do you use to communicate over the Internet?
Update (31 March 2015)
Free voice calls also appeared in the Whatsapp messenger. In addition, Whatsapp now offers a web client that allows you to chat using a browser. We are waiting for support for all popular mobile devices, as well as video calls.
Update (April 27, 2017)
Telegram from Pavel Durov now allows making audio calls. I liked the sound quality during the first test.
Facebook Messenger also allows you to make audio and video calls.