Best Skype Replacements for Calling Landline
Skype has been one of the most popular apps for making online calls, helping millions stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues around the world. But with Microsoft officially shutting it down in May 2025, users now urgently need a new way to call—especially when it comes to landline numbers.
Even before the shutdown was announced, many had already started looking elsewhere. Rising call costs, poor audio quality, and a clunky interface (made worse after Skype was folded into other Microsoft tools) made the experience frustrating for everyday users.
Thankfully, there are better options out there. Apps like Yolla offer a simple, affordable way to keep calling landlines—no matter where you are or who you’re calling. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best Skype replacements available, so you can keep making reliable calls without missing a beat.
How to Choose the Best Skype Replacement?
When choosing a new app to replace Skype, there are a few important things to think about. These tips will help you compare different apps and pick the one that works best for you:
Call Rates
Check the prices before you call. A good app will show you clear rates with no hidden costs. Some apps also let you earn free credit by inviting friends or give special discounts to new users.
International Availability
Make sure the app works in the countries you call most. The best options let you call landlines or mobiles in many places around the world.
Call Quality
Good sound quality is important. Read reviews or test the app to make sure calls are clear, don’t drop, and have no delays or echo.
Ease of Use
Choose an app that’s simple to set up and easy to understand. You should be able to call any phone number—even if the person you're calling doesn’t have the app or internet.
Extra Features
Some apps offer useful extras like international text messages, showing your real phone number when calling (caller ID), or sending mobile top-ups. These small things can make calling even more helpful and flexible.
Want to dig deeper?
You can also read our full breakdown of Skype alternatives and guide to international Skype call options to learn more about what to look for in a good replacement.
Best Alternatives for Calling Landlines
If you’re replacing Skype, it’s important to find an app that is easy to use, has good prices, and works well. Below are some top options to consider:
Yolla (Recommended)
Good for: Cheap local and international calls, clear pricing, and free credit offers.
Yolla is simple to use and offers low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles in over 190 countries, with rates starting from just $0.04/minute. You don’t need internet or the app to receive a call, which is great if the person you’re calling isn’t tech-savvy. The app shows prices before each call, so there are no surprises. You can also earn free credits by inviting friends, send international texts, and top up mobile phones—all from the same app.
Google Voice
Good for: U.S.-based users who already use Google services.
Google Voice works well for calling within the U.S. It comes with features like caller ID, voicemail, and connection with your Gmail or Google account. However, its international call support is limited, so it’s better for local use.
Viber
Good for: People who want calling and secure messaging in one app.
Viber is known for its strong messaging features and decent international calling quality. You can call landlines using Viber Out. Prices start at around $0.019/min, and you can also send texts or use the app to chat securely.
Rebtel
Good for: Occasional international callers who don’t mind higher costs.
Rebtel lets you call landlines without using internet—it connects through local phone lines. It’s easy to use and the sound quality is usually good. But it doesn’t offer much in terms of discounts or rewards, so it can cost more over time if you call a lot.
Vonage
Good for: Businesses that need strong call features.
Vonage is mainly for business users. It supports landline and mobile calls with high-quality audio and includes tools like call forwarding, voicemail, and multiple lines. It’s a solid choice for companies but might be too complex or costly for everyday personal use.
Calling Landline Numbers from Abroad
When calling international landlines, alternatives to Skype typically function similarly. Users purchase credit or subscription plans, enter the international dialing code plus the landline number, and place the call directly from the app.
- Affordable Rates: Apps like Yolla clearly display international rates upfront, often offering lower prices than Skype, especially when calling regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Ease of Connectivity: Unlike Skype’s complex subscription structures, alternatives usually provide straightforward pay-as-you-go pricing with the option for cheaper minute bundles. Many also offer free trial minutes or referral credits, significantly reducing international calling costs.
- Global Availability: Services like Yolla have extensive international coverage, enabling calls to almost every country worldwide (190+) without additional setup.
Practical tip: Always check rates before calling. Prices vary by country, but alternatives typically provide transparent rate-checking tools directly in their apps.
Calling Landlines Within Your Country
Making local calls should be simple, reliable, and affordable. Here’s how some of the best Skype alternatives perform when calling landlines in your own country:
Call Costs
While Skype had decent prices for local calls, some other apps offer even better deals. For example, Google Voice (for U.S. users) and Yolla (in many countries) often have lower rates. Some apps also give you free credits or run promotions to help you save more.
Connection Quality and Ease of Use
Many Skype alternatives provide better call quality with fewer problems like dropped calls or poor sound. Apps like Yolla and Viber are especially easy to use, even if you're not very confident with technology.
Helpful Features for Local Calls
Some apps include extra features that make local calling even more useful. Google Voice, for example, offers voicemail and call forwarding. Yolla lets you show your personal number when calling, so people know it's you. These small touches help make your calling experience smoother.
Understanding Call Rates: What’s a Good Deal?
When choosing a Skype replacement, it’s smart to check how much calls actually cost. A good app will show prices clearly, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Some apps charge more than others. Yolla often costs much less, starting from just $0.04 per minute for many countries. If you call landlines regularly, these savings can really add up.
Not all apps support every country, and some (like Google Voice) focus mostly on local calls. Others may rely on third parties or offer unclear pricing.
Top Tip
To be sure you're getting a fair rate, always check the prices for the countries you call most. You can view Yolla’s current rates here:
So, Why Is Yolla the Best?
Yolla stands out for all the right reasons.
Great Prices with No Hidden Fees
Some of the lowest international call rates around (from $0.04/minute). You’ll always see the price before you call, so there are no surprises.
Call Anyone—Even Without the App
Call any landline or mobile number. The person you’re calling doesn’t need the app or internet—just a phone that works.
Clear and Reliable Sound
Enjoy high-quality, stable calls without the problems people often had on Skype, like dropped connections or bad audio.
Simple and Easy to Use
Quick set up and easy to understand—even for beginners. You can start calling in just a few minutes.
Useful Extra Features
Send international SMS, top up mobile phones in 100+ countries, and earn free credit by inviting friends.
In short, Yolla isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a serious upgrade.
Skype Alternatives FAQ
Can I keep my phone number when switching apps?
Yes. Good Skype alternatives let you show your real phone number when calling, so your friends and family know it’s you. Yolla offers this by default, and it’s one of the reasons people trust it for both personal and professional calls.
Which app has the best call quality?
Yolla is often praised for clear, stable audio—even when calling abroad. While apps like Viber and Vonage also offer decent quality, Yolla stands out for combining strong connections with lower prices, especially in areas with weaker networks.
Are Skype alternatives cheaper for international calls?
Yes, and Yolla is one of the most affordable. It shows all rates upfront with no hidden fees, and offers extra ways to save—like referral bonuses and occasional promotions. If you call landlines abroad often, Yolla gives real value for your money.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Skype Substitute
With Skype shutting down in May 2025, it’s time to find a new way to call landlines—one that’s clear, affordable, and easy to use. Look for an app with low rates, good call quality, wide country coverage, and helpful extras like caller ID or credit rewards.
Among the top choices, Yolla stands out. It offers cheap, reliable calls, useful features, and no hidden fees. You can earn free credit, send texts, or top up phones worldwide—all in one simple app.
Ready to upgrade your calling experience? Download Yolla now and see why it's the ideal Skype alternative for yourself.
