★ Winner of Best Messaging Tool in 2017 and Best Communication Software in 2014.

Overview

Over 500 millions registered users and 25 millions users online daily makes Skype the most popular VoIP (voice over IP) software application in the world. Its easy-to-use interface and additional features such as instant messaging, file transfer, conference calling and the P2P (peer-to-peer) technology are some of the things that makes Skype so great.

Installation

The installing process of Skype is really simple and straight-forward. After downloading and launching the installation kit you will be asked to select the language of your desire and depending on your computer speed and internet connection you will be ready to use Skype in a couple of minutes.

Interface

Latest version of Skype comes with a brand new interface. The new thing about it is the two-box window change from the multi-window mode of previous versions but for the users that cant get used with the change there is a possibility to switch back to the old mode by accessing “Compact view” in the “View” option tab.

Skype works on multiple platforms, like Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and on a wide range of mobiles, some of them come with Skype build-in, and even on PSP (PlayStation Portable).

Keeping in touch with your family, friends, co-workers has never been so easy because Skype allows you to make FREE voice and video calls anywhere around the world between its users. All you need is a PC, a internet connection and a microphone and you are ready to enjoy high sound qualities of Skype voice calls.

Skype popularity is also given by its easy-to-use interface, adding/searching contacts, viewing recent chat discussions, missed calls or voice mails, calling friends or creating conference groups are just a click away. Its menus are intuitive and the latest version comes with tips and tutorials on how to set and improve your sound quality, set your web-cam or importing and finding friends. You can even enjoy a large variety of games, playing with your friends while voice chatting, sharing pictures, videos or any other files only by dragging and dropping.

Additionally to his base free features Skype has some payed functionality; SkypeOut allows you to make a call from your PC (your Skype account – Skype softphone) to a real phone and its very popular because it's cheap with a global rate of € 0.017 (~ $ 0.021). SkypeIn its the opposite of SkypeOut, allowing you to receive calls from real phone to your Skype softphone by associating your Skype account with a phone number.

Pros

• Free calls between Skype users
• Cheap calls to normal phones
• Easy-to-use interface with great tips and tutorials
• Good quality of sound and video
• Wide range of platforms supported

Cons

• Payed features are not supported in every country
• Some of the web-cams are not supported
• If you're a privacy concerned person, do note that Skype collects some personal information from its users

Conclusion

Revolutionizing the VoIP market, Skype manage to make space smaller allowing you to keep in touch for free with anyone around the world bringing a large number of extra features compared to its competitor making these some of the reasons I gave him 5/5 stars.