Alternatives to Skype
Skype is a program that allows individuals to make phone calls and videos for free using the Internet. The unique aspect about Skype is that calling another computer with a video or voice call is free. However, Skype can also be used to make a phone call from a computer to a land line. According to Skype.com, there are over 20 million users online during peak times. Skype is responsible for 8 percent of global calling minutes each year. Skype is an excellent program, but there are alternatives to Skype.
About Google Talk
Google Talk is a popular alternative that you can use instead of Skype. According to the Google Talk website, you can get free PC to PC calls anywhere in the world just as you do with Skype. Just like Skype, you can also send instant messages and files to other users for free. Google Talk also features an audio conference tool that allows you to talk to more than one person at once.
Mac iChat
Mac iChat is an alternative to Skype, but it's only available for Mac users. To use Mac iChat you'll need a Mac computer and access to either a MobileMe, AIM, Jabber or Google Talk Account. Like Skype, Mac iChat allows you to make video and audio calls to other people, but only other individuals with a Mac. This limits you to some extent because the majority of people still have Windows.
ooVoo
Oovoo is another alternative to Skype that provides free 2-way video calls. However, if you want to have video calls with more than 2 people you have to pay, unlike Skype. You can also pay per use for each time you want to have a video call or phone call with more than one person.
Sight Speed
Sight Speed is another alternative to Skype, yet not as popular as Google Talk or Mac iChat. Sight Speed provides a 30-day free trial to interested customers, but after that you'll have to pay money to use the service. Like Skype, but unlike Mac iChat, Sight Speed works on both PCs and Macs.
Vbuzzer
Vbuzzer is one of the most affordable alternatives to Skype because it provides free PC to PC calling, and you get 300 minutes of free calling to land lines each week according to VOIP News. If you go over 300 minutes then you'll have to pay approximately 1.2 euro cents or 1.68 USD cents per minute.
Tags: Google Talk, Sight Speed, alternative Skype, more than, Skype also