What Happened to Skype for Business? Here’s What to Use Instead
Looking for Skype for Business plans in 2025? Here’s why they no longer exist — and which tools you should use now.
🧯 Did Skype for Business Shut Down?
Yes — Skype for Business is officially gone.
Microsoft retired Skype for Business Online on July 31, 2021, and even Skype for Business Server is being phased out. If you're searching for “Skype for Business plans” in 2025, you’re likely finding outdated pages, broken links, or confusing Microsoft 365 options.
So what happened to Skype for Business?
What are companies supposed to use instead?
This guide breaks it all down — and helps you choose the best modern alternative for professional, reliable communication.
📉 Why Microsoft Retired Skype for Business
Skype for Business was originally Lync, rebranded in 2015.
But Microsoft quickly realized:
- Skype’s architecture wasn’t scalable for enterprise video
- Competitors like Zoom were moving faster
- Teams offered deeper integration with Microsoft 365
- Users were confused by having both Skype and Teams
Microsoft went all-in on Teams, and Skype for Business began to fade out.
🗓 Timeline: The End of Skype for Business
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2015 | Lync becomes Skype for Business |
| July 2019 | Microsoft announces retirement of Skype for Business Online |
| July 31, 2021 | Skype for Business Online shut down |
| 2024–2025 | Skype for Business Server deprecated |
If you're still looking for Skype for Business plans, you're looking for something Microsoft no longer offers.
❌ What You Can’t Do Anymore
- No new Skype for Business Online signups
- No support or updates unless you’re on legacy server
- No Microsoft 365 plans include Skype for Business
- No direct downloads or credit-based calling support
✅ What to Use Instead of Skype for Business
🥇 Microsoft Teams
Best for: Companies using Microsoft 365
- Integrated chat, meetings, file sharing
- Enterprise-grade security
- Built-in with most Microsoft 365 plans
🥈 Zoom for Business
Best for: Meetings and webinars
- Easy scheduling and screen sharing
- External guest access
- Available as standalone
🥉 Slack + Zoom or Slack Huddles
Best for: Messaging-focused teams
- Real-time and async communication
- Video calling via integrations
- Strong app ecosystem
🧠 Bonus Option: ZenCall for Phone Calling
Skype for Business allowed direct dialing of phone numbers — few replacements handle this well.
ZenCall offers:
- Pay-as-you-go international calls
- Rates starting at $0.02/min
- No app or subscription
- Works in any browser
Ideal for:
- External client calls
- Replacing Skype’s “Skype Credit” calling feature
- Lightweight VoIP communication
💼 Use Case Matrix
| Need | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| Internal collaboration | Microsoft Teams |
| External meetings | Zoom or Google Meet |
| Calling landlines/mobiles | ZenCall |
| Real-time messaging | Slack or Teams |
| Webinars or live events | Zoom |
💵 What About Skype for Business Pricing?
| Service | Approx. Cost/Month | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | Included in M365 | Full collaboration stack |
| Zoom Pro | ~$15.99 | Video meetings |
| Slack Pro | ~$7.25 | Team messaging |
| Teams Phone Add-On | ~$8–$15 | Phone system for Teams |
| ZenCall (per use) | $0/month | International calls on demand |
There’s no single “Skype for Business plan” anymore — you now combine tools to match your needs.
🔐 Security + Compliance
- Teams: HIPAA, GDPR, enterprise-grade
- Zoom: Optional end-to-end encryption
- Slack: SOC 2, enterprise-ready
- ZenCall: Encrypted, no tracking, safe pay-as-you-go
🧠 Pro Tip: Don't Wait to Migrate
Still using Skype for Business Server?
You're missing out on:
- Security updates
- Modern user experience
- Cloud flexibility
- Compatibility with modern devices and browsers
🔚 Final Thoughts
Looking for Skype for Business plans in 2025?
They're gone. But you now have better options:
- ✅ Microsoft Teams for collaboration
- ✅ Zoom for client meetings
- ✅ ZenCall for international calling
- ✅ Slack for flexible, fast chat
🚀 Get Started Now
👉 Try ZenCall — a smart replacement for Skype’s voice calling.
👉 Already using Microsoft 365? Start using Teams, the official successor to Skype for Business.