OSI-licensed only · self-hostable
Microsoft retired Skype in May 2025 and recommends Microsoft Teams Free as the replacement; its support page says Skype data could be exported until June 2026. If you want to leave Microsoft entirely, there are open-source tools for video calls, voice calls and chat.
Every tool below is under an OSI-approved licence (Apache-2.0, AGPL-3.0, GPL-3.0, LGPL-3.0, BSD-3-Clause), checked against its repository. Some replace video meetings, others replace one-to-one calling or messaging.
Licences checked against each repository on November 7, 2026.
| Tool | Best for | Licence | Runs as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jitsi Meet | Self-hosted video meetings | Apache-2.0 | Docker |
| Element | Chat and calls on Matrix | AGPL-3.0 | Desktop + server |
| Signal Desktop | Private messaging and calls | AGPL-3.0 | Desktop app |
| Jami | Peer-to-peer calling without a central server | GPL-3.0 | Desktop app |
| Linphone | SIP-based voice and video | GPL-3.0 | Desktop app |
| Mumble | Low-latency group voice | BSD-3-Clause | Server |
| BigBlueButton | Online classes and webinars | LGPL-3.0 | Server |
Best for: Self-hosted video meetings
A set of open-source projects for deploying video conferencing platforms with HD audio and video, screen sharing, chat and polls. Its README covers Debian packages, a Docker setup and building from source.
Best for: Chat and calls on Matrix
A Matrix web and desktop client. The repository is multi-licensed under AGPL-3.0, GPL-3.0 or an Element commercial licence.
Best for: Private messaging and calls
A private messenger for Windows, macOS and Linux that links with Signal on Android or iOS.
Best for: Peer-to-peer calling without a central server
A free, secure communication tool with a distributed design that needs no central server; the repository is the cross-platform client.
Best for: SIP-based voice and video
An open-source softphone for voice and video over IP calling and instant messaging, fully SIP-based. The README says it is also offered under a proprietary licence for a fee.
Best for: Low-latency group voice
An open-source, low-latency and high-quality voice-chat program written on Qt and Opus, with a client and a server.
Best for: Online classes and webinars
An open-source virtual classroom with real-time audio, video, slides, chat and screen sharing, and recording for later playback.
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| If you need… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Self-hosted team video meetings | Jitsi Meet |
| A chat and calls platform you can host | Element |
| Private one-to-one messaging and calls | Signal Desktop |
| Calls with no central server | Jami |
| SIP and VoIP calling | Linphone |
| Online classes and webinars | BigBlueButton |
Quick answers to common questions
Yes. Microsoft retired Skype in May 2025 and recommends Microsoft Teams Free. Its support page extended the deadline for exporting Skype data to June 2026.
For video calls, Jitsi Meet. For chat and calls on your own server, Element on Matrix. For private messaging, Signal.
Yes. Jitsi Meet, BigBlueButton and Mumble have server components, and Element works with a Matrix homeserver.
Its repository is multi-licensed under AGPL-3.0, GPL-3.0 or a paid commercial licence, so you can use it under the open-source terms.
Jami's README describes a distributed design that needs no central server.
List it on TechLogHub and we'll review it for this page.
