Replacement for Skype (to call UK only)

[KhunHeineken]

On 5/8/2025 at 12:37 PM, Greenside said:

I've just spent the best part of two days searching for that elusive Skype-to-Phone replacement and Localphone plus their softphone app on my PC was in the lead  until I ran into trouble installing their softphone app. I too read the TrustPilot grumps about customer support so I was surprised and delighted when they followed up an instant automated response to my report with really helpful emails from real people with contact details so I could address them directly.  After checking the version and update details of my installed Windows 10, Alan, told me that a recent Windows update had rendered the softphone inoperable and although they had their developers working on it, it wouldn't be a quick fix.  Finally, at about midnight UK time, Rikki Agustin, the sales manager sent me a useful set of third party softphone installation screenshots.  Very helpful.  (I can't spare the time to check, but I suspect the Trust Pilot critical service reviews were all fairly old so don't overlook Localphone)

Did you check out Viber? 

 

It's very similar to Skype. 

[xylophone]

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Did you check out Viber? 

 

It's very similar to Skype. 

Looked at it but have to download an app onto my mobile and also have the Scan capability on the phone, so it becomes a no-no for me, thanks anyway.

[KhunHeineken]

21 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Looked at it but have to download an app onto my mobile and also have the Scan capability on the phone, so it becomes a no-no for me, thanks anyway.

What's the problem with putting an app on your phone and scanning a QR code on your PC screen, if you want to use it on a PC? 

[xylophone]

27 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

What's the problem with putting an app on your phone and scanning a QR code on your PC screen, if you want to use it on a PC? 

I did look for the app in the app store but couldn't find it and I don't have WiFi on my old series 5 iPhone.....will have another look/try tomorrow, thanks.

[scubascuba3]

8 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Did you check out Viber? 

 

It's very similar to Skype. 

I'm trying install Viber but keeps failing to recognise call and activate. Seems a common problem, I won't waste any more time, review from Play Store

[scubascuba3]

I just installed Talk360 app, simple process, smooth, unlike other apps, reviews good also

[Greenside]

Was checking Talk360 and Viber on Trust Pilot and Complaintsboard and neither inspire confidence - I'm still considering Voiper softphone for Windows and Localphone as the voip provider.

Wish there was someone here who has a setup like this working, as almost all the Skype wanabies seem to be poorly managed with dreadful user interfaces.

 

[topt]

16 hours ago, SMIAI said:

Why only Windows? is there not a Smartphone available to make the calls via Application?

Not sure I understand your question. What exactly are you looking for that hasn't been mentioned in one of the various Skype threads currently or recently running?

 

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, Greenside said:

Was checking Talk360 and Viber on Trust Pilot and Complaintsboard and neither inspire confidence - I'm still considering Voiper softphone for Windows and Localphone as the voip provider.

Wish there was someone here who has a setup like this working, as almost all the Skype wanabies seem to be poorly managed with dreadful user interfaces.

 

Installed Talk360 today, bought credit, painless. Slick compared to the others I tried

[KhunHeineken]

7 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I'm trying install Viber but keeps failing to recognise call and activate. Seems a common problem, I won't waste any more time, review from Play Store

Strange. 

 

I installed it some time ago without a problem.  As for high call charges, they have great unlimited plans.  Why would they go to so much trouble to delete the account?  Just uninstall it. Not sure what country, or device they are on, or their financial capacity, but I see they are promoting other products.  Could be a fake review. 

 

I accept what you say.  Another member had a similar issue. 

 

Here's some Viber stats. 

 

https://usesignhouse.com/blog/viber-stats/

 

"The number of Viber users worldwide was estimated to be 1.3 billion in 2022."

 

Viber must be doing something right.

[KhunHeineken]

6 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I just installed Talk360 app, simple process, smooth, unlike other apps, reviews good also

I checked out Talk360 rates.  One of the most expensive rates of all the Skype alternatives put forward over all these Skype threads. 

 

To UK:

 

Mobile 6p and Landline 4p per minute. 

 

To Australia:

 

Mobile 12c and Landline 6c per minute. (AUD) 

 

They don't offer an unlimited calls / minutes subscription. 

[KhunHeineken]

2 hours ago, Greenside said:

Was checking Talk360 and Viber on Trust Pilot and Complaintsboard and neither inspire confidence - I'm still considering Voiper softphone for Windows and Localphone as the voip provider.

Wish there was someone here who has a setup like this working, as almost all the Skype wanabies seem to be poorly managed with dreadful user interfaces.

 

If ease of setup is what you are after, have a look at this product.  It doesn't get any easier, and they have good rates. 

 

https://www.voipbuster.com/dashboard

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Could be a fake review. 

Doubt it as I had the same issue, he probably got angry with all the hassle so wanted to make a point

[SMIAI]

The earlier question was for @Greenside , as to why only a Windows 10 device is being considered.

In addition.. are they referring to Zoiper, rather than Voiper? https://www.zoiper.com/en/voip-softphone/download/current

 

I would imagine that Localphone are suggesting Zoiper, configured with their details.

 

[SMIAI]

https://www.voipbuster.com/dashboard 

recommended here by a certain member, charges up to £0.11 per minute to U.K. landlines and £0.153 to U.K. mobiles. He claims they have "good rates" whilst criticising TALK360 for charging £0.04 and £0.06 respectively. 🙂 

 

United Kingdom (Landline)	£ 0.008	£ 0.008
United Kingdom [non-EU-callerid] (Landline)	£ 0.110	£ 0.110
United Kingdom [Main] (Mobile)	£ 0.153	£ 0.153
United Kingdom [Main][non-EU-callerid] (Mobile)	£ 0.153	£ 0.153
United Kingdom [Others] (Mobile)	£ 0.297	£ 0.297
United Kingdom [Others][non-EU-callerid] (Mobile)	£ 0.297	£ 0.297
United Kingdom [084 Rate] (Landline)	£ 0.085	£ 0.085
United Kingdom [087 Rate] (Landline)	£ 0.170	£ 0.170
United Kingdom [Personal] (Landline)	£ 0.255

[Greenside]

1 hour ago, SMIAI said:

The earlier question was for @Greenside , as to why only a Windows 10 device is being considered.

In addition.. are they referring to Zoiper, rather than Voiper? https://www.zoiper.com/en/voip-softphone/download/current

 

I would imagine that Localphone are suggesting Zoiper, configured with their details.

 

Quite right.  Localphone told me that Zoiper, 3CX and MicroSip were popular choices for their customers after their softphone app was rendered unusable by a recent windows update.  I am really only interested in a solution that allows me to call from my desktop as the hardware is decently setup for video and audio calls.  Also, the kind of calls I need to make  to UK landlines don't lend themselves to using a mobile - mine at least has patchy reception around our house and I often want to take notes or access files on the computer.  Losing Skype is proving a real expat headache 😞

[scubascuba3]

5 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

I checked out Talk360 rates.  One of the most expensive rates of all the Skype alternatives put forward over all these Skype threads. 

 

To UK:

 

Mobile 6p and Landline 4p per minute. 

 

To Australia:

 

Mobile 12c and Landline 6c per minute. (AUD) 

 

They don't offer an unlimited calls / minutes subscription. 

Talk360 seems cheaper than Yolla and actually works compared to other apps I tried

[KhunHeineken]

8 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Talk360 seems cheaper than Yolla and actually works compared to other apps I tried

Am I missing something?

 

Is the below link the company / product you are talking about? 

 

https://www.talk360.com

 

If so, there is no "THB" in their drop down currency payment list.  Where does your screenshot come from?

 

Below is what I get when selecting GBP on the Talk360 website. 

 

From www.xe.com  - 6p is 2.63THB and 4p is 1.75THB.

 

 

Who will you call today?

Click below to find the rate for the country you will call

5 results are available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.

Mobile

£ 0,06 / min

Landline

£ 0,04 / min

[SMIAI]

Perhaps you should get on with using the recommended Softphone software together with Localphone @Greenside What is stopping you? It's not a large investment and they are considerably cheaper than the others mentioned here.

Smartphone works for me, you can use WiFi is your mobile connection is patchy.