Skype for Mac

CNET Editors' review

If you're looking to make free voice or video calls worldwide, Skype is a great start. Its clean and user-friendly interface makes interaction effortless, so you are ready to go as soon as you launch the app.

During our testing, we were impressed by the video and voice quality of Skype, which uses VoIP (Voice over IP) technology to enable communication worldwide without paying a cent. One of its best features is the chat and mood messages: if you are in the middle of something, you can inform your contacts about it or just type a text message instead of having a voice call. This is a nice feature on its own, but it's also handy if you don't have a microphone.

But this isn't the only feature you'll love: we also enjoyed Skype's ability to handle conference calling, group video calling, and screen sharing. In other words, if you have a reliable Internet connection, Skype can easily replace your phone and lower your communication bills.

To make calls, all you have to do is create a contact list of friends, family, and colleagues, but they must also have Skype, as only Skype-to-Skype calls are free. However, a great addition to the app is its ability to call landlines or mobile phones, but you'll need to purchase Skype credits to take advantage of this feature.

Its chatlike user interface makes Skype very easy to use, yet the key to optimum performance is a reliable Internet connection. As soon as you launch the app and start using it, you will surely place Skype among your favorite apps, just like we did after our test. Skype's useful features and intuitive user interface make the app appropriate for users of all levels.

Publisher's Description

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All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    3.1 stars

    out of 322 votes

    • 5 star: 82
    • 4 star: 79
    • 3 star: 34
    • 2 star: 37
    • 1 star: 90
  • Current version:

    4.5 stars

    out of 2 votes

    • 5 star: 1
    • 4 star: 1
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 0
    • 1 star: 0
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-2 of 2

  • 4.0 stars

    "I like this product very much"

    June 5, 2013  |   By orechad

    Version: Skype 6.4.0.833

    Pros

    It facilitates contact with people who are geographically remote and helps staying in touch.

    Cons

    sometimes the connection is not great and that is unpleasant.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "All you could want in a video-phone app"

    June 1, 2013  |   By russkirk

    Version: Skype 6.4.0.833

    Pros

    Clear transmission (mostly noise free)
    Very little lag
    Great extra features
    Easy to use

    Cons

    none that I found

    Summary

    Since I only use Skype for one 'call', from my daughter's MacBook Pro to my Mac-Mini, I can't say much about how it might work for others. Given that my daughter's in Holland and I'm in Oregon, though, I can't think of a much harder test.

    Any faults I could ascribe are more likely due to the quality of my webcam and internet connection.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

Results 1-2 of 2

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