Not very long ago, making cross-border calls meant doing mental math about minutes and the charges that would accumulate every minute of the call.
Today, that’s not necessary.
In many regions, international carriers still bill $0.05 to $1.00 per minute, depending on the route.
But that’s inconvenient.
Our list of the best live video calling apps is here to solve this problem for you.
Quick Summary
- International carriers still charge $0.05–$1.00 per minute for cross-border calls, depending on destination (FCC, ITU).
- 70% of international communication now happens through internet-based apps instead of traditional carriers (ITU).
- There are 4 billion smartphone users worldwide, with Android holding ~70% of the market share (Statista).
- FaceCall: Supports group calls with up to 20 participants, fully encrypted by default.
- WhatsApp: Nearly 3 billion monthly active users as of 2025; group video calls capped at 32 participants.
- Signal: Around 70 million monthly active users in 2025; group video calls support up to 40 people.
- Telegram: Over 900 million monthly active users globally in 2025; widely used for communities and large groups.
- Zoom: Hosts about 300 million daily meeting participants (2024); free plan allows 100 participants per call with a 40-minute limit.
Introduction
The shift to live video apps erased that barrier. Instead of routing calls through telecom infrastructure, these apps ride on Wi-Fi and mobile data.
As a result, seven out of ten international conversations now happen over internet-based platforms (ITU). And because smartphones have gone mainstream, nearly 4 billion people own one, with Android holding about 70% of the global market share, live video calling is available in every pocket.
The “live” part matters most.
Seeing someone’s face in real time isn’t just communication, it’s presence. It’s what makes a birthday video call across time zones feel like you’re in the same room. It’s what allows remote workers to collaborate with colleagues they’ve never met physically.
Here’s the list of some of the best live calling apps you can try right away.
Head-to-Head Live Performance Comparison
Here’s how the five apps stack up side by side:
| App | Max Group Size | Encryption | Platforms | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| FaceCall | 20 | End-to-end (default) | Android, iOS | Private by default, works on weak networks, no phone number needed | Smaller user base, capped at 20 | Families & travelers |
| 32 | End-to-end (Meta retains metadata) | Android, iOS, Web, Desktop | Global reach, easy onboarding, widely adopted | Metadata collection, group cap 32 | Everyday users | |
| Signal | 40 | End-to-end | Android, iOS, Desktop | Highest privacy, open source, no ads | Smaller adoption, fewer features | Privacy seekers |
| Telegram | Unlimited streams | Partial (E2E one-on-one only) | Android, iOS, Web, Desktop | Great for groups, unlimited cloud storage | Group calls not fully private, cluttered UI | Communities & diaspora |
| Zoom | 100 free (1,000 paid) | Optional E2E (not default) | Android, iOS, Desktop, Web | Huge group calls, advanced tools, reliable | 40-min cap, heavy app | Families, organizations, classrooms |
1. FaceCallÂ
Platform: Android, iOS
Best For: Families and travelers who want smooth, secure calls anywhere
FaceCall was designed for the problems that most international users still face: unstable internet, privacy concerns, and complicated setup.
Unlike apps that require a phone number to register, FaceCall works independently of SIM cards. That makes it especially useful for travelers or people who switch networks often.
On the performance side, the app is lightweight and adapts video resolution on the fly. That means even if you’re calling from a rural area with patchy coverage, the call holds steady instead of freezing.
Security isn’t optional either. Every call is end-to-end encrypted by default.
FaceCall doesn’t try to be a social network. It’s a focused tool built to make international video calling simple, reliable, and private.
Features
- End-to-end encryption is applied to all calls
- First-of-its-kind communication app with a dedicated, AI-powered, video caller IDÂ
- Adaptive video quality that maintains stability on weak networks
- No phone number required to create an account
- Group video calls with up to 20 participants
- Screen sharing for quick demonstrations or family moments
Pros
- Works well on low-bandwidth connections
- Private by design. No phone number or metadata
- Lightweight app that runs smoothly on budget Android devices
Cons
- Group size capped at 20, smaller than apps like Zoom or LINE
- Not as widely adopted yet, so you may need to invite contacts
2. WhatsApp
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Desktop
Best For: People who want to connect with the widest possible network
WhatsApp is the world’s most widely used messaging app, with nearly 3 billion monthly active users.
For many people, it’s the first app they install when setting up a phone. Its biggest strength is ubiquity. If you’re making an international call, chances are your contact already has WhatsApp installed.
Video calls are free, cross-platform, and encrypted. You can jump between devices, send files, and transition from text to video in a single tap. For international communication, the sheer scale of WhatsApp’s user base makes it a practical choice.
There are trade-offs, though.
While the calls themselves are encrypted, parent company Meta collects metadata, which means privacy-minded users may hesitate – which is why WhatsApp alternatives like FaceCall have gained popularity over the years.
Group calls are also capped at 32 participants, which is more than enough for families but less ideal for larger gatherings.
Features
- End-to-end encrypted video and voice calls
- Supports group video calls with up to 32 people
- Cross-platform access across Android, iOS, desktop, and web
- Integrated messaging, file sharing, and voice notes
- Billions of calls are made globally every month
Pros
- Massive global adoption – your contacts almost certainly use it
- Free, encrypted, and easy to launch from chats
- Supports group calls beyond just one-on-one
Cons
- Metadata collected by Meta, not ideal for privacy purists
- Group size is smaller than dedicated conferencing apps
3. Signal
Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop
Best For: Users who want secure international calls without compromise
Signal is built on the idea that communication should be private by default. Unlike commercial platforms that monetize data, Signal is run by a non-profit and sustained through donations.
That model allows the app to remain free while avoiding the trade-off of advertising or tracking.
All calls and messages are protected by end-to-end encryption.
More importantly, Signal does not log metadata about who you called or when. For people living in countries with heavy surveillance, or for journalists and professionals handling sensitive conversations, that makes it a trusted option for cross-border communication.
Its interface is straightforward. In fact, it may be too simple for users who want stickers, flashy add-ons, or lifestyle integrations.
But that’s intentional. Signal focuses entirely on privacy and stability, not entertainment. And that’s perhaps also why Signal alternatives like FaceCall are gaining popularity.
Features
- End-to-end encryption for all calls and messages
- Group video calls with up to 40 participants
- Disappearing messages and secure file sharing
- Open-source code audited by independent experts
- Free to use with no ads or trackers
Pros
- Unmatched privacy and transparency
- No ads, no commercial incentives, no trackers
- Trusted by journalists, activists, and security experts worldwide
Cons
- Smaller user base (~70 million monthly users vs billions on WhatsApp)
- Lacks extras like themes, stickers, or built-in cloud storage
4. Telegram
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Desktop
Best For: Communities, groups, and people who need scalability across borders
Telegram has grown rapidly in recent years, now serving more than 900 million monthly active users worldwide.
While it started as a messaging platform, it has evolved into a global hub for communities, diaspora groups, and social movements.
For international video calling, Telegram supports one-on-one encrypted calls and group video chats with screen sharing.
Where it shines is scale. Group sizes can be massive, and because media is stored in the cloud, users can share large files and videos without worrying about storage limits on their devices.
That makes it especially popular among student groups, international clubs, and cross-border communities.
One-on-one calls on Telegram are end-to-end encrypted, but group calls are not. For most users, that’s not a dealbreaker, but those who rank privacy above everything else might prefer Signal or FaceCall.
Features
- One-on-one video calls with end-to-end encryption
- Group video calls with screen sharing
- Unlimited cloud storage for files and media
- Works seamlessly across Android, iOS, web, and desktop
- Popular among large international communities and diaspora groups
Pros
- Huge user base and rapid global adoption
- Excellent for groups, communities, and file sharing
- Reliable cloud-based infrastructure
Cons
- Group calls are not end-to-end encrypted
- Can feel cluttered compared to apps with simpler interfaces
Also Read: Telegram vs WhatsApp vs FaceCall
5. Zoom
Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop, Web
Best For: Families, organizations, or classrooms that need structured group calls
When the pandemic hit, Zoom went from niche enterprise software to household name almost overnight.
By 2024, it was hosting around 300 million daily meeting participants, a number that illustrates its sheer scale and reliability.
For international calls, Zoom’s biggest strength is group size. Even on the free plan, it supports up to 100 participants.
The trade-off is time limits. Free group meetings end after 40 minutes, which can feel restrictive for longer conversations. But that reset is manageable for families catching up or groups that don’t mind rejoining.
The platform also comes loaded with features usually found in business tools: breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, screen sharing, and optional encryption.
While heavier on data and device resources than lighter apps, Zoom remains the go-to option for anyone who needs to gather a large number of people in a single live video call across borders.
Features
- HD video calls with up to 100 participants on the free plan
- 40-minute time limit for group meetings (unlimited for one-on-one)
- Breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and recording tools
- Optional end-to-end encryption (must be enabled manually)
- Strong adoption in both professional and personal contexts
Pros
- Best free option for very large groups
- Robust feature set even without a paid plan
- Cross-platform with solid infrastructure
Cons
- 40-minute group time cap
- Heavier app compared to lighter mobile-first platforms
- Encryption is not enabled by default
When to Pick What
The best live video calling app depends less on raw features and more on context. Here’s how to decide:
- If privacy is your top priority → Choose Signal or FaceCall. Both prioritize security, but FaceCall also removes the need for a phone number.
- If you want guaranteed reach → WhatsApp wins. With nearly 3 billion active users, it’s the most likely app your contacts already use.
- If you want balanced simplicity → FaceCall offers stability, privacy, and an interface designed for everyday international communication.
Each of the five apps reviewed here excels in its own lane: WhatsApp for reach, Signal for security, Telegram for scalability, Zoom for groups, and FaceCall for balance.
The choice depends on what matters most to you.
But one thing is clear: Currently, free live video calling isn’t just an alternative to expensive international calls. It’s the default way the world stays connected.
And FaceCall is at the forefront of it.
