We've rounded up a list of the best video chat apps, whether you're on desktop, using an iPhone or Android handset, or gaming. Some of these apps are better suited for professional cases, like working remotely with colleagues, while others are better for simply chatting. In fact, depending on the smartphone you own, some of this software might already come preinstalled on your device.
The best video chat app overall — and one that is particularly popular now — is Zoom Meeting, which can be used on desktop and mobile alike. Zoom comes in free and paid tiers — the free option supports calls of up to 100 participants, though sessions with three or more individuals on the line are limited to 40 minutes — and can even run within a desktop browser window if you don't want to download the app to your machine. Zoom has also been designed with security in mind.
Skype is a good alternative to Zoom. It's a bit easier to use, but also works across various platforms and costs nothing at the outset. It even allows you to call landlines and cell numbers at reasonable rates, supports texting and can even conduct real-time translation.
Google Duo is an app that comes preinstalled on the vast majority of Android phones these days, and has essentially become Google's answer to Apple's FaceTime on iPhones. It's easy to use, just like FaceTime, and even offers a quick shortcut to calling Google Home devices built in.
Here's a closer look at all of the best video chat apps.
Best all-around video chat and conferencing app
Works with: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Web | Maximum free users: Time limit for 3 or moreOne of the best video chat apps lots of people are turning to these days is Zoom, and for good reason. Zoom is popular among professional teams, though it's also become more common for simple video chats because of its robust feature set and support across all platforms — both as a local and web app on desktops, and as a downloadable app on smartphones.
Zoom's feature set is extremely robust. Screen sharing, live annotations and AES 256-bit encryption all comes standard, whether you use the free version of the app or decide to pay. If you're simply video chatting with one other friend, the free app doesn't lock anything away from you. That changes, however, when you decide to invite three or more people into your meeting, at which point you have a 40-minute time limit. A $15 Pro tier lifts that restriction so you can have up to 100 people on the same call, while the Business tier raises that cap even higher for enterprise customers.
Best easy-to-use multiplatform video chat
Works with: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Web, Xbox | Maximum free users: 50
Skype's been a name on the list of best video chat apps for a very long time. Microsoft's offering has an impressive 50-person limit, and it costs you nothing. Like Zoom, Skype also has a browser client, and is available on practically every modern computing device and smartphone.It's also well-suited to connecting to people who don't have devices of their own, and perhaps are restricted to landlines or a basic cell phone. Because
Skype supports international calling and texting, it's a comprehensive solution for friends and family countries away.
But if you have specific needs, like screen sharing on mobile, or live transcription and translation, Skype covers those bases, too. The paid version of the app for businesses has been recast as Microsoft Teams, but you won't need to use it if you'd simply like to chat with friends.
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