30% of companies started using video calling tools for the first time during the pandemic. At the time, it was thought to be a temporary change; it is now the most mainstream method of communication.
- A person attends 5.4 video calls in a week in 2025.
- 11 million video calls are held in the US alone.
- Zoom, a leading video calling app, has 300 million active users daily.
The role of video calling apps isn’t restricted to your professional life. In 2020, 47.6% Americans used FaceTime to stay connected with friends and family. The count has definitely increased since then.
Today, our dependency on social media and video calling apps is undeniable, so it makes sense to be curious to learn about the best 1v1 chat alternatives.
Let’s look at the top 5!
The 5 Best 1v1 Chat Alternatives
1. FaceCall
Platform: Android, iOS
Privacy: End-to-end encryption
MITM attacks, data breaches, and a lack of encryption are some of the common security concerns experienced by video calling app users today. Even top group video calling apps, like Zoom, have been exposed to lacking high-end security features.
With so much criticism making rounds, a video calling app like FaceCall has emerged. Not only does it offer you the most basic end-to-end encryption as its default setting, but this app has also introduced enhanced security features like Video Caller ID that give you the chance to see who is calling you.
Anyone who creates an account on FaceCall can record a short video introducing themselves. So even if you receive a call from an anonymous number, you can see who it is and then decide for yourself whether you wish to pick up and talk or decline.
FaceCall has other AI-powered features, too.
For example, it allows you to connect with people speaking different languages. How? It gives you auto-translations, helping you break the language barrier with ease. It’s almost like watching a foreign movie with captions; the only difference is that it’s a two-way communication. This way, you can connect with new people online and make friends worldwide.
Top Features
- Intentionally designed for smartphones – perfect for one-on-one interactions as you go!
- Built-in security features, like threat detection and facial recognition
- While it’s perfect for individual interactions, it also allows video calls, letting you talk to 20 people at a time
Pros
- It doesn’t depend on a local SIM, making it perfect for individuals who travel a lot
- It connects quickly and provides a steady video calling experience to individuals using lower bandwidth networks
2. Azar
Platform: iOS, Android, laptops, tablets
Privacy: Encrypted in transit
In the world of Bumble and Tinder, Azar is the one video calling app that allows you to match and make platonic friends online. Having a huge regional hold in Asia, it is gradually making its way into the American and European markets.
Currently, it has 9.5 million active users, giving you a larger audience to connect with. Match with people with similar interests by personalizing your profile. Personalized profiles help give strangers an opening – an easy way to start a conversation.
Unlike other 1:1 video calling apps, this one prioritizes the security of its users. Pre-screening, inappropriate content detection, user reporting, and blocking are some of the security features that protect your video calls and interactions.
Top Features
- Discover and match with people all over the world
- Set up your profile, adding filters, location, pictures, and gender information
- While it is a free video calling app, users can only access advanced features and an ad-free video calling experience through a paid subscription
- Enjoy real-time audio-to-subtitle translations, bridging the gap between languages and countries
Pros
- It doesn’t limit your virtual social clan; instead, it helps you remove geographical barriers and meet new people with similar interests and values
Cons
- Azar users often experience call drops and black screens due to a lower internet connection
3. LiveMe
Platform: iOS, Android, and desktop
Privacy: Not encrypted
LiveMe is a 1:1 live broadcasting and video calling app ideal for content users. In 2021, it reported having 100 million active users, allowing them to showcase their talents through performances and participating in live gaming sessions.
LiveMe has a global audience. You can use its fun and interactive features, like filters and stickers, to connect with them for free. While the app itself is easily accessible and free to use, you have to buy certain add-on features that make the experience even better.
Top Features
- It comes with built-in features, like animated effects and stickers, to improve your look on videos during broadcasts
- To benefit from add-on features, such as virtual gifts and monetization broadcasts, you have to subscribe to its premium plans
- It offers moderation tools that add security to its user experience
Pros
- It is a unique app for content creators and virtual gamers, and that too, for free
Cons
- LiveMe users often complain about facing technical difficulties, like frozen screens, glitches, and app crashes
- Its customer support is often not responsive, making it highly frustrating at times
4. Chatroulette
Platform: iOS, Android, PC
Privacy: No end-to-end encryption
Chatroulette is a random video calling app that helps you connect with strangers across the globe.
What makes this one-on-one live video chat unique is that users can start a new chat without signing up and creating an account.
While this makes it incredibly unsafe and lists it amongst controversial video calling apps, it does offer face verification, user authentication, and blocking features to maintain some level of privacy.
You can end a chat and immediately start a video call with someone else, without having any time limitations.
You don’t need to hop on a video call with a stranger right from the start. You can take your time and ease out by simply starting a text-based conversation.
Chatroulette offers a window shopping experience to its users – the only difference is that instead of bags and shoes, you’re skipping and choosing amongst people to talk to online.
Top Features
- You can maintain anonymity online to a certain extent, as sharing personal information isn’t required by the app
- Increase security by adding face verification features
- It has a simple and easy-to-use interface
- You can immediately report and block users exhibiting offensive or inappropriate behavior
Pros
- This app restricts minors from using it
- It is cross-platform compatible
Cons
- While it does offer a basic level of protection, the app lacks end-to-end encryption
5. HOLLA
Platform: Android, Chrome
Privacy: end-to-end encryption
Holla is a one-on-one video calling app with 30 million users across 190 countries. With one tap, you can connect with strangers across the world, initiating conversations and befriending people through requests, just how you do on social media apps.
It is free to use and doesn’t require you to create an account. You can hop on this app and start video chats with strangers whenever you want.
Whether you’re connecting with someone from Italy or India, the app offers auto-translations to bridge the communication gap.
You can improve your video chatting experience by using location and gender filters, although you might have to use virtual coins to access some options.
While the privacy offered by this app is questionable, it does offer real-time moderation tools and other security features that create some kind of a safety net.
Top Features
- It comes with built-in features, like beautifying filters to improve your appearance during video chats
- You can send friend requests and connect with people based on your interests, since it shows you algorithm-based matches
- It has a two-player (2P) Mode, which allows you to add friends to your video calls
Pros
- Enjoy HD quality live video chats
- It offers end-to-end encryption
Cons
- HOLLA was removed from the Apple Store due to inappropriate content
What Makes Facecall Better
- Enhanced security features: Video Caller ID, end-to-end encryption
- Group videos: Up to 20 participants
- No dependency on local SIM card: Only Wi-Fi connection is required
- Reliable connection on a lower bandwidth: Easily accessible in remote places
Conclusion
The video calling culture has not limited itself to business communication.
Whether you wish to host virtual houseparties, listen to music with friends online, or simply have a heart-to-heart with your family living in another country, video calling apps have become an irreplaceable part of our lives. They are also used for dating and making online friends.
While there are many 1v1 chat alternatives that fail to guard your privacy, FaceCall protects user data through end-to-end encryption and other security measures.
Download FaceCall now.
