Best Skype Number Alternatives Now That Skype Is Gone

Short answer: Skype closed on 5 May 2025. Microsoft says all Skype Number subscriptions ended in May 2026 and numbers can no longer be ported out, so you need a new number. If you want a US, UK or Canadian number you can use from any country, TINE costs from $5 a month and runs in your browser. Google Voice is free, but only for people in the US. For cheap calls to phones in other countries, which TINE doesn't do, use Viber Out or Rebtel.

What Happened to Skype Numbers

Here's what Microsoft's Skype retirement page says:

• Skype retired on 5 May 2025. Microsoft pointed users to Teams Free, and Skype chats and contacts can move over when you sign in.
• Skype Number subscriptions stopped renewing in April 2025 and ran until the end of the paid period. All of them had ended by May 2026.
• Port-out requests are no longer available. You can't move an old Skype Number to another provider any more.
• Leftover Skype Credit can still be used for calls through the Skype Dial Pad in the Skype web portal and in Teams Free, for remaining paid users.

Teams Free is built for chat and video calls, not for giving you a phone number. If people used to call you on a Skype Number, you'll need a new number from somewhere else, and you'll need to tell your contacts.

First, Work Out Which Skype Job You Need to Replace

Skype did two different jobs, and most replacements only do one well:

1. A number people could call you on. That's the Skype Number, a US, UK or other local number that rang in Skype. To replace it, you need a virtual phone number.
2. Cheap calls to phones abroad. That was Skype Credit and calling subscriptions. To replace it, you need an international calling app.

If you used both, you'll probably end up with two tools. That's normal, and both are cheap.

Best Replacements for a Skype Number

TINE: a US, UK or Canadian number, from anywhere

TINE works in any web browser on your laptop or phone. That's the closest thing to how many people used Skype: open it on your computer and take calls. You can sign up from any country with your email and phone number. There are no ID documents to upload, and you don't need an existing US number. Teams can share a number, with admin and member roles.

Limits:

• US and Canadian numbers call and text the US and Canada, and UK numbers call and text the UK.
• TINE doesn't call other countries.
• UK numbers are +44 7 mobile numbers, not London 020 landline numbers.

Best for: people outside the US who need a US or UK number for clients, family or sign-ups. Also people who used Skype on a laptop rather than a phone.

Google Voice: free, if you live in the US

Google Voice gives you a free US number with apps and a web version. The free plan is only available in the US, and it's tied to your Google account. If you're in the US and only need a US number, it's hard to beat on price. See our TINE vs Google Voice comparison for the full picture.

Hushed and Burner: phone apps for US-based users

Both are mobile apps with US numbers. Hushed also has Canadian and UK numbers. They suit people in the US, Canada or the UK who want a second number on their phone. Hushed isn't available in many countries, and Burner needs a US, Canadian or Australian main number, so neither helps most people abroad. Compare: TINE vs Hushed, TINE vs Burner.

Numero eSIM: numbers in other countries

If your Skype Number was in Germany, France, Brazil or another country TINE doesn't cover, look at a provider with wider coverage. Numero offers numbers in 80+ countries, priced by country.

For businesses on Microsoft 365

If your company already uses Microsoft 365, Microsoft's paid Teams Phone add-on gives staff phone numbers inside Teams. It's priced per user, so it suits companies more than individuals.

Best Replacements for Skype Credit (Calling Phones Abroad)

TINE doesn't do this, so here's what does:

• Free app-to-app calls. If the person you're calling uses WhatsApp, Viber or Teams, call them there for free.
• Viber Out. Calls landlines and mobiles in 200+ countries, using prepaid credit or monthly plans.
• Rebtel. Calls to 190+ countries, using credit, bundles or subscriptions.
• Leftover Skype Credit. If you still have some, Microsoft says remaining paid users can use it through the Skype Dial Pad in the Skype web portal or Teams Free.

How to Switch to TINE in 10 Minutes

1. Create an account with your email and mobile number. The country code fills in automatically.
2. Pick a number. If your old Skype Number was a US number, choose the same area code so it looks familiar to your contacts. For the UK, you'll get a +44 7 mobile number.
3. Pick a plan. A US or Canadian number costs $5 a month or $49.99 a year (about $4.17 a month). A UK number costs $8 a month or $79.99 a year.
4. Tell your contacts. Send a short message: "My Skype Number has stopped working. My new number is …"
5. Update your accounts that used the Skype Number. Test any that send sign-up codes first, because some services, often banks, refuse all virtual numbers.

Calls ring while TINE is open in a browser tab, and texts wait in your inbox. iPhone and Android apps are coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still port my Skype Number?

No. Microsoft says Skype Number port-out requests are no longer available, and all Skype Number subscriptions ended by May 2026. You'll need a new number.

Is Teams Free a replacement for Skype?

For chat and video calls, yes. It isn't built to give you a phone number, though, and calling phones from it relies on leftover Skype Credit.

Does TINE work on a laptop like Skype did?

Yes. TINE runs in any web browser, so you can make and take calls on your laptop. Keep the tab open to receive calls.

Can TINE call phones in other countries?

No. US and Canadian numbers call and text the US and Canada, and UK numbers call and text the UK. For other countries, use Viber Out or Rebtel.

Can I get a number in a country other than the US, UK or Canada?

Not with TINE. For other countries, try a provider with wider coverage, such as Numero.

The Bottom Line

Your Skype Number can't be saved, but replacing it is quick. If you need a US, UK or Canadian number you can use from anywhere, including on a laptop, with no ID, TINE starts at $5 a month. Pair it with Viber Out or Rebtel if you also used Skype to call phones abroad.

See pricing, or read our guides to getting a US number from anywhere and getting a UK number from the US.