As we all know Skype is the hugely popular multi user communication application that allows users to communicate via instant messages, voice and video chat. Skype and part of its popularity is in many ways down to the fact that it saves its millions of users a small fortune on phone calls each and every day.
Since the acquisition of Skype by software giant, Microsoft, a lot of Skype’s anti-Microsoft users have decided that they no longer care to use the chat client any more.
So, if you are one of the many who are now looking for a video chat alternative to Skype what are your realistic options that are out there?
Here are 5 of the best alternative video chats to Skype.
Tiny Chat.
If you are not that concerned with how a video chat client looks then you could do a lot worse than giving Tiny Chat a look.
Tiny Chat is never going to set the world alight when it comes to appearances and is thin on the offerings when it comes to features but it does do exactly what it says on the tin.
Tiny Chat allows up to 12 users to chat at once and allows users to not only share files but also their desktops.
Tiny Chat is importantly free and requires no login to use it. You simply load up the Tiny Chat software and send out the given URL to anyone you wish to join in your chat.
Google Voice.
Google Voice really is great but is only great if you live in the USA. With Google Voice you do not just get really cool video chat you also get a free phone number for personal use and free SMS and free calls within the United States.
Other than free calls and SMS Google Voice also allows voice mail, call screening, voice messaging and call transcriptions.
FaceTime.
If you are lucky enough to be a Mac user then your Mac will come with FaceTime preinstalled on it.
FaceTime is a pretty awesome video chat client which allows you to transmit video in stunning 720p high definition.
The biggest down side of FaceTime as an alternative to Skype is that FaceTime only allows you to chat with other Mac, iPad, iPhone and iPod owners.
Yahoo Messenger.
Yahoo Messenger as a video chat alternative to Skype is up there at the same level as Microsoft Windows Live Messenger. Obviously Yahoo Messenger wins this one because we are looking at Skype alternatives for those who are not so fond of Microsoft products.
Yahoo Messenger has a very large user base and offers instant messenger service along with decent quality video chat. You can also share links, video and photos with ease.
Google Hangouts
With the recent launch of Google + came Google Hangouts, a multiuser video chat for up to 10 users.
What I really liked about Google Hangouts was how the software intuitively displays the face of the person who is currently speaking in the centre chat window.
Not only is Google Hangouts a pretty nifty video chat option it also allows you to easily share photos, videos and YouTube videos.
The only way I can possibly fault Google Hangouts is that it does not allow you the option of having a private chat. Whoever happens to be in your circle can see and hear whatever is said.
Other than that Google Hangouts is easy, convenient and most important it is free.
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