SociAtlas

Skype vs Marco Polo

Detailed comparison between Skype and Marco Polo. Find out which application is better suited for your social needs.

Skype: App Details

Microsoft retired the consumer Skype service on May 5, 2025 and moved users toward Microsoft Teams Free.

Platforms
Windows, Android, macOS, Web, iOS
Pricing details
Skype (Retired) is retired and has no current first-party purchase plan. Do not pay a third party for access to the discontinued service or an unofficial replacement.

Pros

  • Historically made internet voice and video calling mainstream
  • Existing users were offered a path to Microsoft Teams Free
  • The brand still has useful historical and comparison value

Cons

  • Consumer Skype was retired on May 5, 2025
  • Old app-store listings can refer to different Skype for Business products
  • Users now need Teams Free or another active alternative

Safety Features

  • End-to-end encryption option
  • Block and report
  • Private conversations

Marco Polo: App Details

A video walkie-talkie app that lets you send face-to-face video messages that friends can watch and reply to whenever they have time.

Platforms
Android, iOS
Pricing details
Marco Polo - Video Messenger offers a usable free tier and optional paid subscriptions or one-time purchases. Prices, limits, included features, trials, and renewal terms vary by market and platform; confirm the official checkout before paying.

Pros

  • Completely eliminates the stress of scheduling live video calls across time zones
  • Maintains the intimate, face-to-face connection that text messaging lacks
  • Does not sell user data for targeted advertising
  • Excellent for group video chats that don't need to happen live

Cons

  • The premium subscription (Plus) is quite expensive for basic quality-of-life features like 2x speed
  • Video files can take up a lot of storage and consume heavy mobile data
  • Not ideal for urgent or immediate communication

Safety Features

  • Private by default
  • No public profiles
  • Block feature
Feature
Skype
Marco Polo
Core Features
File Sharing
Group Chats
Messaging
Screen Sharing
In-App Video Chat
Voice Chat
Voice Messages
Platforms
Android
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
macOS (Mac)
Web Browser
Windows (PC)
Details
Pricing
Freemium
Freemium
Minimum Service Age
13+
13+
Rating
N/A
4.6/5

Which one is better?

Choose Skype if...

  • Historically made internet voice and video calling mainstream
  • Existing users were offered a path to Microsoft Teams Free
  • The brand still has useful historical and comparison value
Read Skype review

Choose Marco Polo if...

  • Completely eliminates the stress of scheduling live video calls across time zones
  • Maintains the intimate, face-to-face connection that text messaging lacks
  • Does not sell user data for targeted advertising
  • Excellent for group video chats that don't need to happen live
Read Marco Polo review