While in-person interactions remain superior to virtual interactions, that’s not always possible. Most users prefer video calling apps on their best Android phones to keep in touch with distant relatives and friends. It is also a convenient solution for managing and communicating with team members from multiple regions around the world.
While the internet is full of free video calling apps, we have selected the best options among them.
1.Google Meet
Like most Google apps, the company has seamlessly integrated Google Meet into Gmail, Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Calendar. Your next Meet call is just a click away if you frequently use Google’s productivity suite. You only need a Google ID to host or join Meet calls.
The free version allows up to 100 participants, 24-hour individual meetings, and a 60-minute time limit. The feature list includes screen sharing, a whiteboard with multiple annotation tools, Google Meet companion mode for smooth hybrid meetings, auto frame, and picture-in-picture mode in Google Chrome. There are plenty of Google Meet tips and tricks you can try out to get the most out of the experience.
To record meetings, make group video calls longer than 60 minutes, and use other add-ons, you need to upgrade to one of the Google Workspace plans.
Platform Availability: Android, iOS and Web
Price: Free. Google Workspace plans start at $10 per month.
2. Zoom
Zoom has received a huge boost in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, the company focused primarily on business users. Now, Zoom has become a household name for hosting video conferences. Unlike Google Meet, Zoom offers apps for Windows and Mac.
The free version of Zoom is limited in several ways. While the maximum number of participants is generously set at 100, individual and group meetings are limited to a 40-minute time limit. The free version offers screen sharing, meeting recording, chat, whiteboard, and more.
Platform Availability: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and Web
Price: Free. Plans start at $150 per year or $15 per month per user.
3. Microsoft Teams
Unlike Google Meet and Zoom, Microsoft Teams is a team communication software with a video call feature. Since Microsoft bundled Teams with a Microsoft 365 subscription, it has quickly become the go-to option for businesses and large organizations. The company also offers a free version of Teams for consumers who face certain obstacles.
Microsoft limits up to 100 participants, 30 hours for individual meetings and 60 minutes for group meetings in the free version of Teams. It offers screen sharing, whiteboarding, chat, and neat integration with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneDrive. Video recording is only available in paid plans.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Web
Price: Free. Plans start at $7 per month or $70 per year.
4. WhatsApp
So far we have discussed free video calling apps mainly for desktop users. Let’s look at some mobile-friendly alternatives for consumers. WhatsApp, the world’s largest instant messaging app, recently beefed up its video calling offerings. Video and voice call options are available on the desktop, and you can invite up to eight members to a group call.
WhatsApp is not intended to replace a professional video conferencing tool. It is limited to consumers who wish to catch up with their friends and relatives. However, it lacks benefits such as screen sharing, video recording and whiteboard. There is no time limit for WhatsApp video calls.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Web.
Price: Free
5. Telegram
Telegram is WhatsApp on steroids. The company announced the Group Video Calls 2.0 update, allowing up to 1,000 participants to join a video call. Out of 1,000 users, only 30 participants can stream video from the screen or camera. Other users remain in audio-only mode. It is useful during conferences, events, concerts and webinars.
Telegram has nailed the video calling experience with useful add-ons. You can share your mobile or desktop screen and use noise cancellation to keep everyone’s sound crisp and clear. Tablet and desktop users can take advantage of the side panel to see a split-screen view of the video grid and participants.
Telegram automatically pins anyone who starts desktop screen sharing. This is useful for smooth coordination between small teams during a video call. Besides a long list of features, Telegram is highly secure and there are many tips for using Telegram safely.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Internet
Price: Free
6. By which
Whereby has a feature-rich free version with up to 100 participants in a single meeting room. The software locks the room by default and allows hosts to choose who enters the room. Like Zoom and Google Meet, you can create a room link and share it with team members to start a video meeting in seconds. The free version offers unlimited individual meetings and up to 45 minutes for group meetings.
Whereby smartly integrates with Miro, Google Drive, Trello, YouTube, Outlook, and Slack for seamless collaboration during group video calls. You can personalize your room with a custom URL, custom look and feel, use virtual whiteboards from Miro, create chat groups, and make your calls fun with live emoji reactions.
Platform Availability: Internet, iOS and Android
Price: Free. Where Pro is $7 per month.
7. Zoho
Zoho is a Microsoft 365 rival with several business apps such as email, calendar, notepad, and meetings. The free version of Zoho Meeting allows up to 100 participants, with a 60-minute limit for individual meetings and group video calls. You can also host webinars with the free version (up to 100 recipients). Zoho Meeting includes virtual backgrounds, whiteboard, in-session chat, meeting notes, and screen sharing.
Zoho Meeting also offers a host of moderator controls, such as the ability to lock meetings, switch presenters, mute and remove participants. Zoho boasts rich third-party integration with popular email, project management, and team communication apps.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android and Web
Price: Free. Plans start at $3 per month.
Your next video is just a click away
Selecting a video call app depends on your device, your use case, and the features you want to use during an active call. Mobile users can use WhatsApp or Telegram, while desktop users who need more participants to hold a call can turn to Google Meet, Zoom or Teams. If you prefer to take calls from your phone, you can always use some of the best video chat apps for Android.
