This page is about Skype and Alternatives to Skype; specifically, software that allows users to make telephone calls from their computer to other software users, or to landlines and cell phones. Typically calls from software users to other users of the same software are free, while calls from software users to standard telephones involves a fee.
IP Voice communication over the Internet falls under or is related to what is known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP is the technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a Broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analogue) phone line.
FoIP or FAX over IP is not the same as trying to send a FAX over a VoIP network. For more details check out Faxing over IP networks.
Skype
With Skype VoIP Software you can communicate voice over the Internet to other Skype users for free. Internet users should be wary of Skype because its strategy is a throwback to the '80s built on proprietary standards that locks out all others.
SkypeOut allows Skype users to call traditional telephone numbers, including mobile telephones, for a fee.
SkypeIn allows Skype users to receive calls on their computers dialed by regular phone subscribers to a local Skype phone number. Includes Skype Voicemail. $18 for 3 months or $60 for a full year. If you pay $3/mo for Skype Pro, then total is reduced to $33 for a full year (including Skype Pro cost).
SIP Phone / Gizmo
Gizmo
Gizmo is a PC software that allows you to use SIP Phone or other IP services. Gizmo is the PC software you can use with SIP Phone, but is not required for SIP Phone.
An Open Source alternative to Skype designed to work with other applications of the same nature. Gizmo users can already make free calls directly to thousands of business, university and other organizational phone numbers around the world as well as to other net calling communities with absolutely no charge. Gizmo is the first SIP-based software program which works behind complex networking setups like Skype does.
Gizmo matches Skype's features plus add some neat ones, but more importantly it's based on Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) standards so it gives consumers choice and prevents one company lock-in like we have suffered through with Microsoft.
Base software is PC to PC only, but adding "Call Out" and "Call In" you can communicate with land lines. Also has support for Area 775, a way to have advanced features like Dual Ring, Call Transfer, and Call Screening. Regular "Call In" costs $35/year (roughly $3/mo).
SIP Phone
Related to the Gizmo project. SIPphone is a SIP service. We combine all the elements necessary to provide a simple, super-inexpensive and high quality experience.
OpenWengo
OpenWengo is the software only, not the service that connects you to land line phones. They have a hook into the French telephone provider Wengo that offers rates for PC to land line phone numbers.
Callserve
A commercial Skype alternative that does free Internet phone software and fee based PC-to-phone calls both nationally and internationally.
Cannot receive incoming calls.
iCall
iCall is a PC-based VoIP application. Like Skype it is currently Free for US calls. Unlike Skype, inbound calls are also Free. You can call any US-phone for Free with the software. If you want someone to call you via iCall, you receive an extension when you sign-up and whoever wants to get in touch with you calls one of the inbound access numbers (there are some in almost every US area code), and then they enter your iCall extension.
Voicemail: Yes Incoming Calls: Yes via an extension, not a unique number.
Lycos Phone (Beta)
Adware. Offers free incoming calls from a landline or PC. Lycos Phone is a free downloadable SIP soft phone integrated with voice, video, IM, MP3 player and real time video streaming, powered by online advertising.