Skype vs Nextcloud Talk: Which Is the Better Video Chat Tool

Skype vs Nextcloud Talk: Which Communication Tool is Better in 2025?

Skype has been around for over two decades and is still used by individuals and businesses for video calling and chat. But in 2025, it’s no longer the best option available. Rising concerns over data privacy, vendor lock-in, and flexibility have pushed users to look for alternatives.

One of the most powerful competitors is Nextcloud Talk, an open-source, privacy-first communication platform that’s growing in popularity — especially in Europe and the enterprise space.

In this detailed comparison of Skype vs Nextcloud Talk, we’ll break down features, performance, usability, and security so you can decide which tool is the right fit for you in 2025.

Quick Feature Comparison Table

1. Privacy and Security

Skype

• Uses Microsoft-owned infrastructure
• Chat logs and metadata stored on Microsoft servers
• Only some private conversations are encrypted
• Group conversations and calls are not fully end-to-end encrypted
• Backed by a US company, subject to surveillance laws (e.g., CLOUD Act)

Nextcloud Talk

• Built with data sovereignty in mind
• Self-host or use a GDPR-compliant European host
• Full end-to-end encryption for one-on-one and group calls
• Open-source with transparent code
• No third-party tracking or surveillance risk

Winner: ✅ Nextcloud Talk — hands down the better choice for security and privacy.

2. Features and Collaboration

Skype

• Video chat, screen sharing, file transfers, and chat
• Easy to use and familiar
• Lacks modern team collaboration tools:
  • ❌ No task management
  • ❌ No document collaboration
  • ❌ No dashboards or project tools

Nextcloud Talk

• Part of Nextcloud Hub — includes files, calendars, task boards (Deck), and office tools
• Group video calls, screen sharing, chat
• Persistent team chat channels
• Built-in WebRTC support, no plugins needed
• Seamless integration with Collabora Online for document editing

Winner: ✅ Nextcloud Talk — more than just video chat, it’s a full productivity suite.

3. Usability and Accessibility

Skype

• Clean, user-friendly interface
• Works across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and web
• No setup required, works out-of-the-box
• Best for individuals or small chats
• Familiar but limited for team collaboration

Nextcloud Talk

• Slightly more technical to self-host
• Many providers offer managed hosting (zero setup)
• Clean, modern, and customizable UI
• Available on:
  • 🌐 Web browser
  • 💻 Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • 📱 Mobile (iOS & Android)

Winner:

• ✅ Skype — easiest for beginners.
• ✅ Nextcloud Talk — best for flexibility and advanced users.

4. Cost Comparison

Skype

• Free for Skype-to-Skype calls
• Paid for international phone calls & SMS
• Business version merged into Microsoft Teams (paid subscription)

Nextcloud Talk

• 100% free and open-source
• Self-hosting costs = server only
• Managed hosting = subscription based on users (often cheaper than SaaS tools)

Winner: ✅ Nextcloud Talk — better long-term value for teams and privacy-conscious users.

Use Case Breakdown

Conclusion: Is Nextcloud Talk Better than Skype?

Yes — for most professional and privacy-conscious users, Nextcloud Talk is better than Skype in 2025.

• Skype is simple, familiar, and great for casual conversations. But it falls short on privacy, collaboration, and compliance.
• Nextcloud Talk:
  • ✅ Gives you data control
  • ✅ Offers end-to-end encryption
  • ✅ Integrates with files, calendars, tasks, and docs
  • ✅ Perfect for teams, schools, and compliant businesses

If you’re serious about communication — whether for business, education, or privacy — Nextcloud Talk is the smarter Skype alternative.