Skype review 2024: excellent for virtual classes, training sessions

Skype is a reliable video conferencing app with excellent call quality.

A real public phone number, Wi-Fi hotspots, live translation and applications for every major platform? Skype has taken care of that, too. Artificial intelligence (AI), in the form of chatbots, now joins the long list of Skype capabilities. Although Microsoft’s Windows 10 Skype strategy is not quite done yet, with both a preview and a released version available at the same time, the service still offers more than any competitor.

Skype: Description

You can take advantage of Skype whether you are an Android, Apple or Windows user. There are even clients available for Android Wear, Apple Watch, Blackberry, Linux and Xbox. No app is required. Across the board, Skype works with good voice and video quality, in sleek, modern interfaces. For this review, we tested the released desktop version on Windows 10, although we also used the Preview version to test the new bots.

To get started with Skype, go to skype.com and click the Download button in the middle of the page. After downloading and running the small installation file, select your language from the 39 available. Then you choose whether to install Click-to-Call in your Web browsers; this allows you to make calls from any Web page that displays a phone number. Next, you need to sign in or create a Skype or Microsoft account. If you’ve ever signed in with a Hotmail or Outlook.com account, you already have one.

You can also sign in with Facebook. Creating an account is done on Skype’s Web site and requires first and last name, e-mail address, country, language and your affirming Skype name and password. Skype will make sure your password is strong so you can use a password manager to remember it. If your affirming name is not available, the setup suggests which name is available. After completing a CAPTCHA entry, you are a member of Skype.

Skype: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Free to use for basic features
  • Available on multiple platforms and devices
  • Supports instant messaging, voice and video calls, and screen sharing
  • Can host group video calls with up to 50 participants
  • End-to-end encryption available for private conversations

Cons

  • Free to use for basic features
  • Available on multiple platforms and devices
  • Supports instant messaging, voice and video calls, and screen sharing
  • Can host group video calls with up to 50 participants
  • End-to-end encryption available for private conversations

Key Features Table

SpecificationDetails
DeveloperMicrosoft Corporation
Initial releaseAugust 29, 2003
Operating systemsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Available languages108 languages
Communication featuresInstant messaging, voice calls, video calls, screen sharing, file sharing
Maximum participants50 for group video calls, 300 for group chats
EncryptionAll Skype-to-Skype communication is encrypted
End-to-end encryptionAvailable through “Private Conversations” feature
Account creationFree
Two-factor authenticationAvailable
CostFree for basic features, paid subscriptions available for additional features
AdvertisingYes
SupportOnline help center, community forums, customer support available for paid subscribers
Official linkVisit Website

Skype: Ease of use

Skype review

Skype’s interface is simple, light and clean, and installation is a breeze. To set up Skype, press download and follow the installation options, which are as simple as 1-2-3. The platform guides new users through installation and shows how each feature works.

Even for a techie, Skype’s navigation is simple and intuitive. Everything is labeled and you can make calls with one click. Just choose the contact you want to call and press “audio” or “video.” Skype also has applications for iOS and Apple, Windows, Android, Xbox and Amazon Alexa.

Setup

Setting up Skype is fairly simple. Users can download the application from the Skype Web site or through their device’s app store, and create an account by providing basic information such as their name, e-mail address and phone number. Once an account is created, users can add contacts by searching for them by name, email address or phone number, or by importing contacts from their address book.

Skype also allows users to conduct group chats and video calls with up to 50 participants, making it an excellent option for team collaboration and virtual meetings. To start a call or chat, users simply click on the contact with whom they want to communicate and select the appropriate option.

Skype is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops, and can be used on multiple platforms, making it a convenient and accessible communication tool. Overall, setting up and using Skype is intuitive and easy to use, with a range of features and options to suit different needs and preferences.

Interface and performance

Skype has an exceptionally clean user interface. Navigating through the application is intuitive, and the vast array of features and functionalities coexist seamlessly. During a video call, users can blur or blur their background, which is great for on-the-go or video conferencing from home.

The Skype application works smoothly on all the devices we tested. The only problem we noticed was that when switching from a mobile device to a laptop or desktop, notifications and data sometimes synced slowly. However, this only happened occasionally.

In terms of performance, Skype performed well in a four-call. With two participants connected to WiFi (about 25 Mbps), and two depending on mobile data (about 15 Mbps), there was minimal delay or distortion of audio or video.

Skype: Support

This is where Skype falls short. You could argue that for a free tool, you can’t expect much robust customer service, but for one of the world’s most popular video conferencing tools, I think you should expect a bit more than what they offer.

Skype’s help page first offers a large knowledge base with frequently asked questions, and below that you’ll also find a community hub and a virtual agent. They also have a Contact Us button, which doesn’t allow you to contact them directly.

It leads to a list of general questions or problems they hope their support pages can answer. Skype is discontinuing its business products, and the tool does not offer telephone customer support. This is disappointing if your business relies on video conferencing and you can’t get quick and direct support.

Skype: Security

Skype review

Skype is a video conferencing and instant messaging application that allows users to communicate with each other over the Internet. In terms of security, Skype provides some basic measures to protect users’ data and privacy. For example, all communications on Skype are encrypted, meaning that messages and conversations are protected from interception by third parties. Skype also lets users verify their identity using two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to their accounts.

In addition, Skype provides end-to-end encryption for its voice, video and instant messaging services when using the “Private Conversations” feature. However, Skype is not immune to security problems and has been targeted by hackers in the past. As with any online communication platform, it is important that users take their own measures to protect their data, such as using strong passwords and avoiding sharing personal information with strangers.

Plans and Pricing

Skype operates through a freemium pricing model and has offered a range of personal and business plans for most of its 13-year history. In 2020, however, Microsoft began phasing out Skype’s business options in favor of the recently announced Microsoft TeamsSkype’s merged audio and video conferencing platform can be used for free and allows up to 50 users to take advantage of the full range of Skype features.

While Skype’s free services will suffice for many businesses, there is also the option to purchase a one-time package or a recurring subscription of Skype Credits. Skype Credits allow users to call landlines and mobile numbers and send text messages.

Final Words

Skype is a high-quality video conferencing application that costs only a fraction of the cost of its competitors. In fact, for most business purposes, Skype can be used completely free of charge. It is equipped with industry-leading features and a seamless and intuitive user interface. Although there have been security concerns in the past, recent updates such as an end-to-end encrypted messaging service mean that Skype is more secure than many of its competitors.

FAQs

Is Skype good to use?

For both personal and business purposes, Skype is a great way to connect quickly and effortlessly. Overall, I have had a good experience with Skype. Perfect lightweight instant messaging app.

Is Skype safe and private?

All Skype-to-Skype voice, video, file transfer and instant messages are encrypted. This protects you from possible eavesdropping by malicious users.

Dian Erwin
Dian Erwin
Dian Erwin is a review writer for Bollyinside, covering topics related to computing, such as laptops, tablets, phones, and other hardware. Dian spends much too much of his free time on Twitter, reading speculative fiction novels, playing video games, and reading comic books. He also enjoys reading video game manuals.

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With Skype you can easily communicate and make free high-definition calls. It is very easy to install on smartphones and computers. With Skype you can easily search for people, messages and media files exchanged in the past. The real-time notifications are the best in the industry. Call recording is a plus.Skype review 2024: excellent for virtual classes, training sessions