7 Best Free Video Calling Apps for 2023
With more and more people working remotely, virtual meetings are becoming a thing of norm. Video calling is also a great way to keep in touch with loved ones that live far away.
It’s hard to know where to start with so many options available. Here are the best free video calling apps out there right now.
Skype
Skype is one of the most omnipresent video calling apps, both past and present. Actually, you don’t even need an app. Skype is universal. You can use on both Mac and PC as well as iOS and Android. This is one of the reasons it’s such a promising and popular video calling option.
You’re able to chat while on video calls, change your Skype background, and there is a group calling feature available. It might not be flashy but that’s part of the appeal; it’s incredibly user-friendly. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011.
Google Meet
Google has its own workplace that includes video calling and chat: Google Meet and Google Chat.
Google Meet is the video calling app that can be used by up to 100 participants. Its main goal is to make joining meetings effortless. You can use it right along side Google Chat, the messenger app. This allows you to share Sheets, Docs, and Slides to coworkers or business colleagues.
Google built Meet and Chat into Gmail, YouTube, and Google Voice. You can also download the iOS and Android version.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is a great way for both individuals and businesses to communicate. You don’t need to have a Facebook account to use it. Actually, it’s been a separate app from the main Facebook app for quite a few years now.
You’re able to make video or voice calls with an individual or a group from all over the world. There is even a video-calling feature called Messenger Rooms for groups up to 49.
Zoom
Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing software apps for workplaces and teams of any size. It’s the perfect way to have meetings with colleagues when you can’t meet in person. This is why more than half of Fortune 500 companies said to have used Zoom during 2019 and 2020.
One of Zoom’s coolest features is the Gallery view. This lets you see everybody on the screen, no matter how many participants there are.
Zoom allows you to host unlimited one-on-one meetings for free. You can also host video conferences of up to 40 minutes with up to 100 people for free. You can record your meetings, share your screen, and change your background.
WhatsApp isn’t all that popular in the US or Canada, but for the rest of the world it’s a pretty big deal. There are over two billion WhatsApp users across 180 different countries.
You can use WhatsApp to send private messages and calls to family and friends. All messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning that no one can see your chats including WhatsApp themselves.
WhatsApp supports both voice and video calling. You can make group calls with up to eight people. You don’t need to set up a user name or worry about logins but you will need a phone number to get started.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is great for connecting with teammates and colleagues. It lets you make video calls and chats so you can get work done and share ideas. It also lets you manage tasks, events, meetings, and calendars all in one place.
Teams lets you set up meetings in seconds and invite anyone by sharing a link or calendar invite. You can chat one-on-one or with your entire team. Businesses of all sizes are able to manage projects better because team members can collaborate from anywhere.
FaceTime
FaceTime video is most likely your go-to video calling app if you’re an Apple user. It’s so easy to flip back and forth between video and calls. You can make both individual and group calls. It is not shared by any other apps and is Apple-only, which is a huge disadvantage if you, your close friends, or coworkers don’t have an Apple device.
FaceTime is only available for Apple-to-Apple calls.
Wrapping Up
Video calling is a great way to communicate with people from across the world for work or pleasure, wherever you are. It’s not the same as face-to-face, but it’s the next best thing.
These video calling apps are all completely free. All you need is a reliable internet connection.