Families and friends across countries rely on video calling as their only way of communication. And if your communication isn’t efficient, it’s very likely that you’re going to feel stuck in the 1900s.
The video calling apps that we now use, most of them either come with attractive gimmicks (which don’t really serve that much of a purpose), or just have such video servers that make making international calls a nightmare.
And that’s why we have compared 15 video calling apps side by side. This guide will help you find out which video calling app you should be downloading right away, and what apps you should be getting rid of.
Let’s get started.
Comparison Table: Best Video Calling Apps
| App | Encryption | Platforms | Unique Edge / Best For |
| FaceCall | End-to-end | iOS, Android | No phone number required, lightweight, stable on weak connections |
| End-to-end (Meta owns metadata) | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop | Largest global network, nearly 3B users | |
| Signal | End-to-end | iOS, Android, Desktop | Open source, zero metadata, strong privacy |
| Telegram | Partial (E2E only in Secret Chats) | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop | 900M+ MAUs, huge group and channel support |
| Zoom | Optional end-to-end | All major platforms | Business-grade meetings, breakout rooms |
| Microsoft Teams | End-to-end | iOS, Android, Desktop, Web | Deep Microsoft 365 integration, replacing Skype |
| Google Meet | End-to-end | iOS, Android, Desktop, Web | Strong Google Workspace integration, AI features |
| FaceTime | End-to-end | iOS, macOS (browser support for Android/Windows) | Seamless Apple experience, high quality |
| Viber | End-to-end | iOS, Android, Desktop | Popular in Asia/Eastern Europe, Viber Out calling |
| Messenger | End-to-end | iOS, Android, Web | Built into Facebook ecosystem |
| Discord | Standard TLS (not default E2E) | iOS, Android, Desktop, Web | Community servers, gaming roots, screen share |
| WeChat protocol | iOS, Android | All-in-one super app, vital in China | |
| Threema | End-to-end | iOS, Android | Paid, Swiss privacy laws, no phone/email needed |
| LINE | End-to-end (Letter Sealing) | iOS, Android, Desktop | Popular in Asia, lifestyle features (stickers, payments) |
| Wire | End-to-end | iOS, Android, Desktop | Open source, EU GDPR hosting, guest access |
1. FaceCall
FaceCall is already well-renowned for delivering crisp, high-quality video calls.
Unlike older players in the space, FaceCall was built around secure video connections from day one. The app delivers stable calls even on weaker connections and does not rely on a phone number to register. This makes it suitable for international users who want flexibility and a higher level of privacy.
So, who is FaceCall ideally for?
Anyone with family and friends abroad who wants peace of mind and smooth calls, no matter their tech know-how or internet speed.
Features
- Adaptive video resolution to maintain stability on low bandwidth
- Lightweight application size for faster installation and updates
- End-to-end encryption for all calls, so what’s said stays private
- Group video chats with up to 20 people
- Built-in screen sharing for family tutorials or showing new recipes
Try FaceCall Now – The most secure communication app with Video Caller ID.
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp remains the most widely used messaging app in the world, with nearly 3 billion monthly active users as of 2025.
Video calling is built into its ecosystem, making it accessible to almost anyone with a smartphone. Its weakness is in privacy, since WhatsApp is owned by Meta and collects metadata even though the calls themselves are encrypted.
WhatsApp is ideal for users who prioritize accessibility and a large network over maximum privacy. It is especially useful for those whose contacts are already using the app.
Features
- End-to-end encryption for video and voice calls
- Supports up to 32 people in a group video call
- Cross-platform access on iOS, Android, web, and desktop
- Deep integration with text messaging, file sharing, and voice messages
- Handles billions of calls each month, making it one of the most actively used video calling tools globally
Also Read: Best WhatsApp Alternative
3. Signal
Signal has built its reputation on privacy.
The app is open-source and free from advertising or trackers. All calls are encrypted, and no metadata is stored.
While it is not as widely adopted as WhatsApp, it is favored by security-conscious users and experts.
The app is primarily built for users who want maximum privacy and transparency, and are willing to trade some mainstream features for a simpler interface.
Features
- End-to-end encryption for all calls and messages
- Group video calls with up to 40 participants
- Disappearing messages and file sharing are included in the platform
- No ads or monetization through data
- Around 70 million monthly active users as of 2025
Also Read: 10 Best Signal Alternatives (Compared)
4. Telegram
Telegram has over 900 million monthly active users as of 2025.
The app is known for its fast messaging and large group management features, but it also supports video calling.
Unlike Signal, its encryption is not enabled by default for all conversations. Still, it is popular with users who want flexibility and strong group communication options.
Telegram is perfect for large groups, communities, or individuals who want speed and capacity but are less focused on maximum privacy.
Also Read: Best Telegram Alternatives
Features
- One-on-one video calls with end-to-end encryption
- Group video calls with screen sharing support
- Cloud-based storage for media and files
- Over 900 million monthly active users as of 2025
- Works across iOS, Android, desktop, and web
5. Zoom
Zoom surged in popularity during the pandemic and remains a dominant player for professional video meetings.
Its infrastructure supports large meetings and webinars, though it is less convenient for casual personal use compared to FaceCall. The platform continues to be widely used for business.
Zoom is ideal for professionals and organizations that need to host structured meetings with many participants.
| Feature | FaceCall | Zoom |
| Encryption | Always enabled end-to-end encryption across all calls | End-to-end encryption is offered but not enabled by default |
| Performance & Reliability | Lightweight app optimized for low-bandwidth environments—calls stay stable even on weak connections | Designed for high-density business use—solid performance, but heavier on system resources |
| Unique Advantages | No phone number required, adaptive video quality, built-in screen sharing that just works, and video caller ID for better clarity | Offers advanced business tools like virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, transcription, and AI companions |
| Ideal Use Case | Secure, smooth, and simple international calls—perfect for connecting families and friends across borders | Large-scale business meetings, webinars, and professional collaborations |
Features
- HD video conferencing with up to 100 participants on the free plan
- Breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and recording options
- End-to-end encryption is available for meetings, but not on by default
- Reported over 300 million daily meeting participants in 2024
- Strong integrations with calendars and productivity tools
6. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is now the natural home for former Skype users.
It combines chat, video, file storage, and app integrations within Microsoft 365.
As of early 2023, Teams had roughly 280 million monthly active users.
Microsoft Teams is ideal for people shifting from Skype or already using Microsoft services. It’s also great for family groups migrating into a more modern and supported platform.
Features
- One-on-one and group video calls
- File collaboration, chat, and integrated calendar
- Supports large-scale meetings, webinars, and live events
- Migrates chats and contacts from Skype automatically for now
7. Google Meet
Google Meet has become a major contender in business and personal video calls. As of early 2025, it had over 300 million monthly active users, which is roughly double the user base of Microsoft Teams.
It claims about 29% of the global video conferencing market.
Google Meet is perfect for users who are embedded in the Google ecosystem. This especially includes the users of Workspace tools who want integrated video meetings with live captions, transcriptions, and AI features.
Features
- Up to 100 participants on free plan; paid tiers go up to 1,000.
- Up to 24-hour meeting length on paid plans.
- Live captions, real-time translations, and AI “NotebookLM” summaries.
- End-to-end encryption; strong security via Google infrastructure.
- Deep integration with Gmail, Calendar, and Drive.
8. FaceTime (Apple Only)
FaceTime offers seamless, high-quality video calling within the Apple ecosystem.
Over 1.4 billion Apple devices are active globally, making FaceTime instantly available to a huge base.
FaceTime naturally is perfect for Apple users looking for effortless setup, top-tier video quality, and zero friction. However, FaceTime’s features like joining calls on Windows browsers and from Android devices have allowed this app to expand to a variety of other markets and devices too.
Features
- HD video calling across iOS and macOS
- Group calls with up to 32 participants
- Easy to launch directly from contacts or messages
9. Viber
Viber is a popular app in parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
It offers messaging, voice, and video calling. As of 2025, Viber had around 260 million monthly active users.
Viber is perfect for people who have contacts in Viber-heavy regions and need an app with local appeal and free international calling options.
Features
- Video and voice calls with end-to-end encryption
- Stickers, public chats, and community groups
- Viber Out for calling phone numbers at low rates
10. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is embedded in the Facebook network, with video calling built into a widely used social platform rather than a standalone product.
This app is perfect for users who already connect with most of their contacts on Facebook and accept that privacy isn’t the top priority.
Features
- One-on-one and group video calls
- AR effects, reactions, and integrated chat features
- Desktop and mobile platforms supported
11. Discord
Discord expanded from the gaming niche into mainstream use for groups and communities.
It combines voice, video, chat, and screen sharing, all free.
Most communities and extended families that want open-group video and voice sessions with low friction and advanced features already use Discord.
As of 2025, Discord had around 200 million monthly active users.
Features
- Group video calls and screen sharing
- Voice channels alongside text chat
- Community moderation tools, bots, and integrations
12. WeChat
WeChat is ubiquitous in China, where it doubles as a super-app.
It supports messaging, video calls, payments, and services. It ranks among the top platforms globally in user count—over a billion users.
WeChat is mostly used by people with contacts inside mainland China who need an all-in-one app for calling, messaging, and more.
Features
- One-on-one and group video calls
- Mini-programs, payments, and integrations within chat
- State-level monitoring and privacy concerns outside China-focused users
13. Threema
Threema is a Switzerland-based, privacy-first app that’s built from the ground up to keep your conversations locked tight.
It launched in 2012, and though it’s a paid app, it doesn’t ask for your phone number or email.
Rather, there’s just a one-time purchase that lets you start a truly anonymous account with end-to-end encryption built in. Its servers don’t log your data, and security audits back up its claims.
Features
- End-to-end encrypted video and voice calls
- No phone number or email required—just an anonymous account setup
- Group messaging up to 256 people, full media sharing (including voice notes and files up to 50MB)
- Verified contact levels for ensuring you’re talking to the right person
- Strong Swiss data protection laws as the legal backbone
14. LINE
LINE is a Japanese app that combines messaging, voice, and video.
While its reach is strongest in Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, it still ranks as one of the most widely used video call tools in Asia.
Its popularity comes not only from calls but also from stickers, payments, and app integrations.
LINE is mostly used by users in Asia, where this app is a household name, and anyone who wants an app that doubles as both a chat and lifestyle platform.
Features
- End-to-end encrypted calls and chats (using Letter Sealing protocol)
- Group video calls with up to 200 participants
- Popular sticker and theme marketplace
- Social feed, games, and payment options
- Over 170 million monthly active users worldwide
15. Wire
Wire was built by former Skype engineers and has grown into one of the most respected secure collaboration tools.
It’s widely used by both individuals and businesses that need encrypted calls alongside secure file sharing.
Wire is perfect for families and teams that need a polished alternative to mainstream apps, with a focus on verified security and European data protection.
Features
- End-to-end encryption across all messages and calls
- Group video calls for up to 12 participants
- Guest room features for calling without creating an account
- Open-source client, independently audited
- Data hosted in Europe under strict GDPR standards
Choosing the Right Video Calling App
The best app depends on your priorities:
- For international families: FaceCall, WhatsApp, or Viber
- For privacy-first users: FaceCall, Signal, Threema, or Wire
- For business calls: Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams
- For large communities: Telegram or Discord
FaceCall remains the only option that balances international accessibility, privacy, and ease of use. It is the top choice for most people looking for a modern, secure alternative.
And if you’re also looking for a reliable app that protects your conversations and connects you with people anywhere in the world, FaceCall is the one worth downloading first.
