During the Coronavirus pandemic, the vast majority of people had to get used to working and/or studying at home on their computers. Practically everyone had a video calling app to hold work meetings, take classes or chat with friends.
After the pandemic, however, not everything went back to the way it was before. Many workplaces went completely online while others went hybrid. This kept the demand for video conferencing apps for teams high, for example. Today we're going to bring you the 7 best video calling apps so you never have to wonder which one is the best again.
Google Meet
Google Meet is one of the best video calling apps available today, largely due to its seamless integration with other Google services like Gmail and Google Calendar. It allows meetings with up to 100 participants on the free plan and offers features like real-time captions, noise cancellation, and easy scheduling.
It’s an excellent option for personal use, especially since it’s the most feature-rich free video calling app. Paid plans expand capabilities to up to 250 participants and offer features like recording. Despite its ease of use, its dependence on the Google ecosystem can be a challenge for those using other platforms. Google Meet works well in browsers and mobile apps.
Zoom
Zoom is one of the best video calling apps, and its popularity is not far behind Google Meet. The platform became popular during the pandemic and was mainly used for corporate meetings. Zoom offers free calls for up to 100 participants, with a duration limited to 40 minutes. It is widely praised for its audio and video quality, as well as advanced features such as recording, breakout rooms, and screen sharing.
Paid plans allow meetings with up to 1,000 people and unlimited duration, making it ideal for large events. However, the limit on the free plan may be a drawback for users with longer meetings. Available on both desktop and mobile devices, this video calling app is a versatile solution for remote work and learning.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is another good option if you're looking for a video calling app focused on the corporate world. In addition to video calls with up to 300 participants on the free plan, it includes continuous chat, file sharing, and integration with the Microsoft Teams suite. Microsoft 365. It is ideal for teams that need constant collaboration.
Its advanced features, such as digital whiteboard and meeting recording, are available in paid plans. The initial interface may seem complex, especially for new users, but it offers powerful tools for team and project management. It is available on mobile devices and desktops, just download the app, log in with your Microsoft account and use it.
Skype
Skype is the oldest video calling app on the market, offering solid quality and reliability. It allows up to 50 participants per call with no time limit and is available on multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile. Skype also has features like screen sharing, call recording, and live captions.
It’s a popular option for small meetings or casual conversations, but its interface isn’t as modern as the other apps above. Despite this, it’s free for calls between Skype users, and purchasing credit allows calls to landlines and mobile phones. Its simplicity still appeals to many users.
If you’ve come to this list looking for the best video calling apps to talk to your friends and family, this is the perfect choice for you. The app allows up to 32 simultaneous participants in your video calls, making it ideal for casual conversations between friends and family. Its user-friendly interface and global popularity make it easy to use for people of all ages.
However, WhatsApp lacks advanced features like screen recording and sharing, which are common in professional-oriented apps. Completely free, it is available for Android, iOS and the web. Because it is widely known and trusted, WhatsApp remains the preferred choice for quick and affordable video calls.
WebEx
WebEx is a great option for your business if you’re looking for a more robust video calling app with a variety of advanced features. It supports up to 100 participants on the free plan, with features like screen sharing, built-in chat, and recording.
Paid plans increase capacity to thousands of participants, including advanced analytics tools and integration with CRM systems. While powerful, WebEx can be difficult for first-time users due to its detailed interface. It is widely used in corporate and educational sectors and is available on multiple platforms, including mobile devices and browsers.
Discord
To finish off the list, we'll go with the public's favorite video calling app, Discord. It allows up to 10 participants per video call, with the advantage of sharing screens simultaneously. Its features include text, audio, and video channels, as well as integrations with bots for automation.
Completely free, it offers a user-friendly experience, but it’s not ideal for large events or advanced corporate use. It’s an excellent choice for online communities and small groups, with apps for desktop, mobile, and web. Premium subscriptions (Discord Nitro) add exclusive features like better broadcast quality.
Conclusion
But what about you, did you like our list? Which video calling app are you most interested in? Leave your opinion in the comments field! Want to find out more about apps and technology? How about reading our most recent post about best apps to turn a photo into a 3D drawing. If you want to know more about video calling apps, we have left a video below for you to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are video calling apps safe for personal and professional use?
The video calling apps on our list are not only the most popular in the world, but they also belong to large, well-established companies, which is usually a sign that they are safe. They also do not record your conversations and, for the most part, use encryption. For these two reasons, among others, video calling apps are considered a safe tool.
What is the easiest video calling app to use for beginners?
Definitely the easiest video calling app to use for beginners is Whatsapp, as practically everyone uses this app daily and is familiar with its interface.
