'Is Skype free?': It depends on who you're calling — here's a breakdown of Skype's different services and costs

stevenjohn23@gmail.com (Steven John)
·2 min read
Skype desktop logo
Skype desktop logo

Gil C/Shutterstock

  • Skype is usually free; however, if you want to use Skype to call someone's cell phone or landline in the US, you can use a subscription that starts at $2.99 a month.

  • You also have the option to buy Skype Credit to make phone calls, if you don't need the amount of minutes available with the monthly subscription.

  • Skype also offers international plans available at different price points.

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As long as you keep your calls, video chats, and messaging strictly between fellow Skype users, you won't pay a penny for the service.

Whether you're chatting with a friend two towns over or an uncle all the way around the globe, Skype-to-Skype communications are completely free.

Skype is typically free, but certain Skype services will cost money

Skype is not free when a Skype user goes outside the platform, using the app to call a mobile phone or a landline. But hey, considering Skype effectively turns your computer or smart device into a phone that can call anyone in the world, it might be worth a bit of cash.

Is Skype Free
Is Skype Free

Skype

And "a bit" is the operative phrase — just $2.99 per month gets you a Skype subscription that allows up to 2,000 minutes of calls within the US; after that it's an extra 15 cents per minute.

For $6.99 a month, you get 2,000 minutes of calls to all of North America, after that it's 35 cents per minute.

You can also get 800 minutes worth of calling to India for $7.99 per month — after which it's $1 a minute.

Not sure if you will make enough calls to justify a monthly subscription? Then, you can pay for Skype credits in increments as low as $5. You'll also need Skype Credit to call anywhere in the world outside of the US, North America, or India, since Skype's subscriptions only cover those regions.

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