Key Takeaways
- Looking for a free app to make video calls?
- Google Meet is great for Google users who want to jump into meetings from Gmail or Google Calendar. There’s also Zoom for both individuals and businesses.
- For more options, check out our favorite free video-calling apps.
Now that the pandemic is over, many of us are still enjoying the flexibility of working from home and need reliable ways to stay connected. Video calling apps have become a staple for both work and personal communication, helping us keep in touch with colleagues and loved ones alike.
There’s a vast array of video calling apps out there, from Zoom to Google Meet, each with its own features. Whether you’re looking for something simple for a virtual hangout with friends or need more advanced tools for work meetings, there’s an app that fits the bill. Our guide sifts through the options and find the perfect free video calling app for your needs, whether for professional or personal use.
1 Google Meet
Best for Google users
Google Meet is a great tool for anyone already using Google’s apps, like Gmail and Google Calendar. It’s handy for organizations and schools that rely on Google’s suite, offering a streamlined way to set up and jump into meetings right from their everyday apps.
Being part of the Google ecosystem, Meet integrates smoothly, making it super convenient for teams or classrooms to stay connected. And it’s not just for professional or educational use; since it’s free, anyone with a Google account can use Meet for personal chats, family catch-ups, or any kind of gathering.
The Tiled layout feature is a bonus, giving you a clear view of everyone in the meeting, similar to other popular video conferencing tools. So, whether you’re in a work meeting, a class, or just hanging out with friends, Google Meet fits a variety of needs.
What are Google Meet and Chat and how do they work?
Google has its own workplace chat and video call offerings. But how do they work?
2 Zoom
Best for large workplace conferencing
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service that lets you meet with others via video or audio, with the added features of live chat and recording. It’s for both individuals and businesses, offering a free basic tier alongside premium options for larger organizations.
You can join a video conference through a Zoom Meeting or use Zoom Rooms, which are physical setups designed for companies. A popular feature is the Gallery view, where you can see all the participants at once, ideal for large group meetings.
Zoom is widely used, including by a majority of Fortune 500 companies, and it hit 300 million daily participants in 2021, underscoring its broad appeal and reliability for professional use.
What is Zoom and how does it work? Plus tips and tricks
If you work from home, you’ve probably heard about Zoom, one of the leading video conferencing software apps on the market.
3 Slack
Best for quick work chats
Slack is a dynamic communication platform primarily used in workplaces to streamline collaboration and interaction among team members. It organizes conversations into channels, making it easier for teams to share files, communicate, and integrate various third-party apps, all within a single space. While it’s geared towards professional environments, Slack also offers a free version that caters to everyday users or smaller teams who want to leverage its core features without the full investment of a paid subscription.
One of the key features of Slack is Huddles, which allows users to initiate casual voice or video chats, simulating the experience of quick, in-person discussions. This feature is perfect for impromptu conversations, offering a more relaxed way to connect and collaborate.
While individual users can enjoy one-on-one Huddles in the free version, group Huddles are only available with paid subscriptions.
What is Slack and how does it work? Plus plenty of Slack tips and tricks
Slack is a messaging app that almost every workplace group seems to be using, but you’re likely reading this now because you don’t know how to use it.
4 Skype
Best for Windows users
Microsoft’s Skype is a familiar face in the video call world, widely used because it’s available on just about every platform — PC, Mac, iOS, Android, and even via a web browser. Its broad accessibility means you’re more likely to find people who already have it. With Skype Meet Now, you can quickly start meetings without participants needing an account, and its group calling is pretty solid.
Skype isn’t just about casual chats; it syncs well with Office 365, making it a go-to for those already in the Microsoft ecosystem. For a more business-oriented experience, there’s Skype for Business, but Microsoft Teams is the real game-changer for workplace collaboration. Teams integrates chat, video calls, file sharing, and more, offering a comprehensive tool for teams to communicate and collaborate effectively.
How to Skype from your browser: Call friends, family or colleagues from anywhere with Skype for Web
Skype has been available in the browser for a few years – here’s how it works.
5 Microsoft Teams
Best for workplaces tied to 365
Microsoft
Microsoft Teams offers a free version that’s great for video calls, whether you’re catching up with friends or coordinating with colleagues. You can have one-on-one meetings with no time limit or group calls with up to 100 people for an hour. This free tier includes handy features like chat, file sharing, and task management, making it versatile for different needs. Plus, if you’re using Microsoft 365, Teams integrates smoothly with other Microsoft apps like Word and Excel, letting you collaborate on documents right from your meeting. This makes Teams a smart pick for anyone looking for an all-in-one communication and collaboration platform.
6 Messenger
Best for Facebook friends and family
Facebook’s Messenger app is a handy tool that works separately from the main Facebook platform. It’s great for anyone wanting to chat, as you don’t even need a Facebook account to use it. Plus, it’s getting an update soon to let you message Instagram users too.
Messenger makes it super easy to start video or voice chats, whether you’re talking to one person or a group. They’ve also added Messenger Rooms, a feature where you can have video calls with up to 50 people, kind of like what you’d do on Zoom or Skype.
While Messenger is perfect for casual chats with friends or catching up with family, it’s not the best choice for professional settings. For that, Facebook has Workplace, a separate service designed for business communication and teamwork. Unlike Messenger, Workplace isn’t free, and the cost depends on what features you need and how many people are using it.
How to video call on Facebook Messenger
Here’s everything you need to know about making video calls on Messenger.
7 WhatsApp
Best for small group calls with friends globally
WhatsApp, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), is a messaging giant, especially popular outside North America. With over two billion users globally, it’s a favorite for many. It started as a paid app but switched to being free, which helped it grow massively.
The app is user-friendly, making it easy to set up group chats or find old messages. You can also check when your messages are delivered and read, and it’s great for sharing photos and videos. When it comes to calls, starting a video or voice chat on WhatsApp is simple. You can call one person and then add others to the call, with the app now allowing up to 32 people in a group video call.
How to make or join a WhatsApp group video call
Facebook-owned WhatsApp announced last May that it would soon offer group calling with both voice and video support. That feature is now live.
8 FaceTime
Best for Apple users
FaceTime, Apple’s own video calling app, has gained widespread popularity among millions worldwide. It’s the preferred choice for video and voice calls among Apple device users. With its seamless integration across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, FaceTime makes switching between video and audio modes during calls incredibly easy, adding a personal touch to every conversation.
What sets FaceTime apart is its tight integration with the Apple ecosystem. For users deeply invested in Apple products, FaceTime becomes an essential tool for staying connected with friends and family. Whether you’re on the go with your iPhone or relaxing at home with your Mac, FaceTime delivers a reliable and consistent communication experience.
With the addition of group calls, FaceTime takes connectivity to the next level. It’s as simple as inviting friends or family members who also have Apple devices to join in, making group gatherings feel more intimate and convenient.
How to make a Group FaceTime video call
Making a group call on FaceTime is easy. Here’s how.
FAQ
Q: Are free video calling apps secure?
Security measures vary among different free video calling apps. While many apps implement encryption protocols to protect user data and conversations, it’s essential for users to research and choose reputable apps with strong security features. We trust all the apps on our list.
Q: Can I make international calls for free using these apps?
Yes, all the free video calling apps on our list offer international calling features at no extra cost. Users can connect with friends, family, or colleagues worldwide without incurring expensive international calling fees.
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