Microsoft has officially retired Skype after 23 years of service, redirecting users to Microsoft Teams.Skype, founded in 2002, was renowned for its voice and video calling capabilities, but Microsoft decided to focus solely on Teams.The move to discontinue Skype was part of Microsoft's strategy to consolidate its communication tools under Teams' umbrella.Users transitioning from Skype to Teams can log in using existing credentials with chat history and contacts transferring seamlessly.Despite the shift to Teams, some users are seeking alternatives for various reasons such as user preference or functionality requirements.Top Skype alternatives in 2025 include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Viber, FaceTime, and Slack.Microsoft Teams, being the natural successor to Skype, offers a range of features and seamless migration for existing users.Zoom, Google Meet, and Discord cater to different user needs with features like HD-quality video, screen sharing, and group messaging.Signal prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encryption, while FaceTime is exclusive to Apple users and emphasizes ease of use.The sunset of Skype marks a new era for communication platforms, prompting users to explore alternatives based on their specific requirements.