Skype is one of the big players in the communication app space. It has been around for two decades and it has evolved into a full-blown communication hub that packs great features like screen sharing, instant messaging, and more.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Skype’s offering and identify where it shines and what areas it can improve. 

Key Features

• Voice and Video Calls – similar to what it was 20 years ago, Skype’s main function is to provide high-quality voice and video calls. It supports one-on-one calls and group calls of up to 100 participants. It even offers international calls at reasonable rates. 
• Instant Message – Skype’s messaging feature is robust and works seamlessly, allowing users to send text messages, GIFs, pictures, files, and more. 
• Call Recording – Skype also supports call recording, which is very useful for interviews, meetings, and personal use. 
• Live Captions and Subtitles – one of the best features for me is Skype’s real-time captions and subtitles for voice and video calls. This is very useful for users with hearing impairments or in cases when your audio device malfunctions. 
• Skype Translator – offers real-time translation during voice and video calls with support for multiple languages. 
• Background Blur – allows users to blur their background during video calls for privacy reasons or to avoid distracting other participants. 

User Experience & Interface

Skype features a very user-friendly interface that conveniently shows your recent chats, contacts, and call history on the main screen. 

This makes app navigation very simple, allowing you to quickly go in and out of meetings and conversations. Starting calls is very simple and gives users many options to customize their calls and messages. 

However, the app can feel messy, especially when you open multiple conversations at once since they open in separate windows. 

Although Skype is considered one of the best, it is not perfect. While using it, you might encounter random issues like calls dropping out of nowhere, audio and video lags, and difficulty joining a meeting. These issues are more likely to occur during group calls or when your internet connection is unstable. 

Performance

Skype delivers good video call quality, with clear and sharp images. Users can quickly join meetings and the initial setup is fast. However, there can be occasional lags and dropped calls during large meetings or when your internet is unstable. 

While I was on a video call, I noticed Skype was using more resources than usual on my M1 MacBook Air. However, it did not affect the performance of other apps and I was still able to switch between them without issues. 

If you’re using an older Mac, you might notice some slowdowns when using Skype simultaneously with other apps. 

Skype for Business

Skype for Business is a separate version of Skype that is intended for business use. It packs extra features like support for bigger meetings, improved security, and integration with Microsoft tools. 

However, I feel like Skype for Business is slowly losing the battle with its sibling, Microsoft Teams, as it offers better features for collaborative work. 

Final Thoughts

Skype has stood the test of time as a reliable communication platform. Despite facing competition, it continues to be the go-to option for both personal and professional communication. Skype’s strength lies in its tested reliability, extensive user base, and free calling features. 

PROS:

• Support for a wide range of operating system
• Extensive user base worldwide
• Free voice and video calls
• Reasonable international call rates

CONS: 

• High resource usage may slow down older devices
• Cluttered windows when opening multiple chats