Skype Alternative for Business: What to Do Now

If Skype handled your work calls, you need a replacement now: Skype retired on May 5, 2025. A good Skype alternative for business gives you a local number customers trust, a phone menu, voicemail to email and your business number on your cell phone.

Microsoft announced on February 28 that it would retire Skype, and yesterday it did. Users are being directed to Microsoft Teams Free, where they can sign in with their Skype account and find their contacts and chats. Plenty of small businesses used Skype for work. Some called customers with Skype credit. Some had a Skype Number that customers dialed. Some forwarded calls to a cell phone. If that was you, this is a good moment to think about what your business phone should really look like.

What Stopped Working When Skype Retired?

According to Microsoft's Skype retirement page, paid features such as Skype Number, texting and call forwarding stopped with the retirement. If customers called you on a Skype Number, or you counted on Skype to send calls to your cell, those things need a new home.

Microsoft's page explains the options for existing Skype subscriptions, credit and data. If you had a Skype Number or credit, read it soon, because some options come with deadlines.

Is Teams Free Enough for Business Calls?

For chatting and video calls with people you already know, Teams Free may be all you need. But a business phone does different work. Customers need to call one number and reach someone. Calls need to go somewhere sensible after hours. Messages need to reach the right person.

What Should a Skype Alternative for Business Include?

• A local number customers trust. Choose a number in your area code, a toll-free number, or one that spells your business name. Search on our business phone numbers page.
• An auto attendant. A short "press 1 for…" phone menu makes a small business sound established.
• A schedule on each number. Calls ring your team during the hours you set, go to voicemail or an on-call phone at all other times, and follow your holiday hours on the days you close.
• Call groups. Several people can answer the same number, so callers reach whoever is free.
• Voicemail to email. Messages arrive in your inbox with the recording attached.
• Your number on your cell. The Telonium app for iPhone and Android lets you answer and call out on your business number without giving out your personal one.
• Business texting. Send and receive texts on your business number, after a one-time registration with the mobile phone companies.
• 911 that knows where you are. Your registered street address and suite or floor go to 911 with the call, while your phones have power and internet.

You can see the whole list on our phone system features page.

How Do You Switch from Skype Without a Lot of Fuss?

If you used Skype on your computer, you are used to a phone that lives in an app. A cloud phone system works the same way. The Telonium app runs on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, and you can add desk phones if you want them. There is nothing to install in a closet and no wiring.

• List everyone who used Skype for work, and how.
• Decide on your main business number and any extra numbers.
• Check Microsoft's page for what happens to your Skype subscriptions and credit.
• Set up your new phone system and record and upload a greeting.
• Update your website, email signature and listings with your number.
• Let regular customers and vendors know how to reach you.

What Does a Business Phone Cost Compared to Skype?

Telonium is $24.95 per user per month, plus taxes and fees, with unlimited calling in the US (48 states) and parts of Canada. One number is included for every two users, and extra numbers are $5 a month. If someone only needs a voicemail box or forwarding, a user without a phone is $14.95 a month. The details are on our pricing page. You can sign up online in about ten minutes, and accounts are usually approved within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens to My Skype Number?

Check Microsoft's Skype support page for the options and deadlines that apply to your account.

Can I Use a Business Phone on My Laptop Like Skype?

Yes. The Telonium app runs on Mac and Windows computers as well as iPhone and Android phones.

Does It Include Calling to Canada?

Mostly. Unlimited calling covers the US (48 states) and parts of Canada; calls to other parts of Canada are billed per minute, like international calls.

Questions about moving on from Skype? Call us at 404-566-8888 and we will walk you through it.