The world transformed after the pandemic. It impacted every single aspect of our lives, especially how we communicate and stay connected both professionally and personally.
- 78% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 prefer using video calls over audio calls.
- 32% of individuals use video calls for personal and social reasons.
Video calling is a part of our daily lives, having several key benefits. It reduces travel costs related to work significantly, it adds efficiency to group collaborations, it allows students to review video recordings of missed lectures, and make calls to loved ones living continents apart.
What makes all of this simpler is the availability of free video chat apps. With zero money spent, it allows you to attend work meetings on the go or connect with friends virtually.
With so many options out there, I decided to compare the top 5 video chat apps and here’s what I discovered.
Our List Of The Best Free Video Chat Apps
1. FaceCall
Platform: Android and iOS
Cross-platform compatibility: Yes
In the world of WhatsApp and Telegram, FaceCall has emerged as the underdog, offering high-quality video chat experiences to users across the globe – all for free.
This video calling app is safer than its rivals, offering advanced features, such as Video Caller ID and built-in avatar and video templates.
This free video chat application improves your communication by letting you create customized AI-generated introductions. This way, whenever someone from your contact list calls, you know who is calling you, giving you room to prepare mentally and enjoy a secure video chat.
FaceCall is not only free but also ideal for random video calling, as it offers end-to-end encryption to all those who sign up.
You can make calls to anyone with a single tap, even on a lower bandwidth. The way it is designed, FaceCall allows you to experience high-definition video calls even on reduced internet bandwidth, making it an ideal video calling app for travelers and residents living in remote areas.
Top Features
- Especially designed for smartphones, FaceCall is a cross-platform compatible app, letting you make calls from Android to iOS and vice versa
- You don’t require a registered mobile number to create an account on FaceCall – only a Wi-Fi connection is necessary
- Not only is it ideal for a one-on-one video calling experience, but it also allows you to make video calls to up to 20 participants
- It has built-in AI-powered features, like Video Caller ID, Auto-language translations
- This app also provides screen sharing and video recording features, making it more versatile
Pros
- FaceCall is highly secure, prioritizing user data by following all ethical practices, like ensuring end-to-end encryption and protecting user data
- Because FaceCall is specifically designed for a smartphone, enabling its users a liberating on-the-go video calling experience, it is available on both the PlayStore and the App Store
Cons
- The only downside to this brilliant and free video chat is that it only allows you to make calls to 20 people, making it less desirable for larger group video chats
2. IMO
Platform: Android, iOS, Windows
Cross-platform compatibility: Yes
IMO is a free video chat application that is not available in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. But despite such blockages, it continues to be one of the best free video chats available today. It provides a high-definition video and voice calling experience to its users, both groups and individuals.
It allows you to experience high-quality video even on low data or poor network bandwidths. This means, no more grainy video or audio lags – core ingredients for a disrupted video chatting experience.
While it is most preferred for one-on-one video calls, it also allows you to make video calls to small groups of 6 to 8 participants. The number of participants allowed depends on the app version you’re using or the platform from which you are joining the call.
IMO is high on security, offering its users end-to-end encryption. It also offers security features, like Screen Shield, Time Machine, and Disappearing Messages. It allows IMO users peace of mind whenever they make video calls.
Top Features
- It is cross-platform compatible. Whether you are an iOS user or an Android user, IMO is free for you and easy to make calls from. It is also compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
- IMO prioritizes security, offering 2-step verification and spam blocking features.
- Its built-in features, like Disappearing Messages, allow users to automatically remove or disappear messages from the chats after a set time
Pros
- IMO has built-in message translation features that make your communication more efficient and fluent, ideal when you’re talking to someone speaking another language
- It works great even on slower network connections, running smoothly on low data, and even occupying less storage on your device
- IMO has a unique feature called VoiceClub, which allows you to create an audio room where you can host events
Cons
- The only problem with IMO is that it doesn’t come with built-in features like call and video recording
3. Discord
Platform: Android, iOS, Windows
Cross-platform compatibility: Yes
Discord is a popular app known for livestreaming, but it is also great for video chats. It offers a free video chatting experience to users, at least the basic features, like text messaging, audio, and video calls. If you opt for its paid subscription, you can get upgraded features, like Nitro and the option to upload larger files.
It shines as a video chat app that lets its users share both screen and camera simultaneously, making it a great experience for online gaming. You not only get to see what’s happening in the game, but also the expressions of other players.
Discord can be used for personal, one-on-one chats; it is ideal for group video calling sessions. You can include 10 participants at a time and enjoy multiple grid viewing options.
Top Features
- It is cross-platform compatible, but ideal for laptop or PC devices if you are using it for gaming in addition to video chats
- Discord comes with built-in features, like screen sharing and video recording
- It is user-friendly, so you don’t have to be a genius to understand how it works
- You can directly start an individual call with a friend or join video calls through Launch Community Hangout
- If you choose Grid view, you can see all the participants engaged in the video call, and if you choose the Focus view, you’ll see the “presenter” or the person who’s currently speaking
Pros
It has built-in features like Thought Bubbles that allow users to use thumbs-up, peace, and other emoji signs
It is integrated with other applications and games on YouTube
It offers end-to-end encryption
Cons
- Screen freezing is commonly experienced by users connected through a poor internet connection
4. Zoho Meetings
Platform: Android, iOS, Windows, Desktop
Cross-platform compatibility: Yes
Zoho Meetings is an underrated video chat application that has both free and paid versions. Zoho Meetings free allows up to 100 participants in a video call, which is actually a great number. But if you want to host a seminar, you can opt for its paid version, capping participants at 250.
This video chat has various functionalities. You can use it to make regular audio calls, send instant messages, share, record screens, or even participate in breakout rooms that are ideal for smaller groups and a more immersive experience.
Zoho Meetings is highly flexible and allows users to join from any device, making it ideal for both on-the-go conversations and proper sit-down and focused group sessions.
It is extremely particular about the privacy of users, providing TLS 1.2 encryption, which secures user data during video and audio calls. It also has two-factor authentication that gives you that extra sense of security. Also, you can lock meetings as soon as they begin, which helps you avoid intruders or latecomers.
Top Features
- Built-in security features, like two-factor authentication and locking meetings
- It has several collaborative tools, like breakout rooms, screen sharing, real-time whiteboard, polls, Q&A sessions, and file sharing options
- High-definition video calls and clear audio
Pros
- This is a cross-platform compatible video chat application that lets you join a meeting from anywhere and any device
- You can record video chats and then watch them later, ideal for students and corporate workers who want quick recaps of important information
- It offers AI-powered transcriptions
Cons
- Users often experience audio lag and poor video resolution
5. WhatsApp
Platform: Android, iOS, Windows, desktop, web browsers
Cross-platform compatibility: Yes
WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the best free video calling apps available right now. It offers high-resolution video and audio options along with instant messaging. You can adjust its resolution and get a clearer picture if connected to a lower internet connection or low mobile data.
It has various built-in features that contribute to a high-quality video chatting experience, like low-light mode, speaker spotlight, beautifying filters, virtual background, screen sharing, and pinch-in zoom.
It is cross-platform compatible, so whether you are using your smartphone or joining from a web browser, you won’t face any limitations. In fact, you can schedule calls for later and share links so that all participants can join at the set time.
You can switch from audio to video calls during the calling session and add more participants as you go. Whether you want to make one-on-one calls or have a group calling experience, WhatsApp has got you covered.
Top Features
- WhatsApp is built with features that allow its users full control. They can add and mute participants on ongoing calls, switch from audio to video at any time, and enjoy unlimited call time.
- It allows up to 32 participants in one video group call
Pros
- It is completely free and only requires a registered mobile number for creating an account
- Its video and audio calls are end-to-end encrypted
- It has several filters that can help users enhance their appearance on video
Cons
- While it does provide encryption to video and audio calls, it is known for sharing user data with Meta
Conclusion
The one commonality amongst all the top five free video chatting apps is convenience. They add efficiency to your workflow, make a student’s life less miserable, and let you connect with anyone with a single tap and without risking your security.
While all the free video chatting apps that I compared had something unique to offer, FaceCall stood out the most to me, and here’s why:
- It isn’t playing games when it comes to your security. With features that prioritize your privacy, this app lets you talk to anyone online with ease and complete peace of mind.
- It doesn’t rely on local SIM cards, making it ideal when traveling abroad.
- And finally, not only does it allow users to make free one-on-one video calls, but it also lets you host group calling sessions without spending a dime!
Download FaceCall now.
