Check out our guide to the top 10 video chat apps to download right now, most of which are completely free.
Of all the activities human beings partake in, communication is one that we tend to take for granted. Yet, as we prepare for 2022, many of us remain without ready access to chat functionality.
Fortunately, the tech titans of the world have conjured up an incredible array of chat apps, replete with video conferencing abilities, video chat functionality, pre-recorded video messages, multi-messaging options, encryption technology, attachment capabilities, and so much more.
Demand for video chat software has exploded out of control, what with the paradigm shift to virtual workplaces, virtual education, virtual medical care, virtual hangouts, et al.
With travel, comes communication with friends, loved ones, and colleagues near and far. Gone are the days of costly telephone calls and smoke signals for communicating with one another.
Nowadays, our interconnected world is peppered with billions upon billions of IoT devices, the most notable of which are Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
Chat Apps You Can Use Anywhere in the World
If ever you find yourself away from home, whether at work, play, or on vacation, it’s as easy as ever to communicate via video chat apps and software. Of course, it's important to choose wisely, since not every chat app is created equal. The top-tier chat apps are all cut from the same cloth.
You can look online for a complete listing of the features, functions, and possibilities that exist with the world's premier video chat software options.
View our list of the top 10 video chat apps to download below.
1. Zoom
Zoom is an American communications technology company headquartered in San Jose, California. Zoom has really taken off during the Covid-19 pandemic with lockdowns forcing millions of people to either stay home, or work from home.
Zoom is very popular with businesses, you can schedule meetings, conferences, or social appointments with scores of people simultaneously. Gone are the days where you are limited to just 1 or 2 participants to a video conference meeting.
2. Facetime
Apple’s Facetime video-chat is one of the most popular video chat apps in the world available for iOS and MacOS. FaceTime offers you the chance to have quick connecting video calls using either Wi-Fi or your network connection.
All calls are encrypted for privacy and video conference options are available. The only drawback is you are limited to only chatting to other Apple users. With WhatsApp, you can add all your contacts from your telephone – wherever they are in the world.
3. WhatsApp
With WhatsApp, you can video chat with multiple people, share files, videos, music, text, photos, etc. There is even a feature known as disappearing messages – that's plenty exciting!
Now you can invite your friends and family to join you on this marvelous chat application, and not pay anything for your communications. All you need is an internet connection.
4. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is a messaging app and platform developed by Facebook. Originally developed as Facebook Chat in 2008, the company revamped its messaging service in 2010, and subsequently
5. Skype
Skype remains a power player in the industry, albeit to a lesser degree. It has terrific brand recognition, but decreasing market reach. Skype remains a top-notch video conferencing option, but it has lost ground to the likes of Zoom and FaceTime in recent years.
For work and professionals, Skype is one of the most popular apps to us due to being able to screen share, translations and the ability to have 50 users on calls. It is also works on numerous platforms like Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
6. Google Duo
Google Duo is the latest chat app from Google that's popular to make video calls between Android and iPhone users. Whereas Facetime only allows Apple users to call, Google Duo can be used on both platforms.
Benefits include quick calls (your camera open when the app opens), up to 12 users per chat and a "Knock Knock" feature where you can get a preview of who is calling before accepting. Google Hangouts for professional calls is also very popular.
7. Snapchat
Snapchat is a very popular video chat app with teenagers and youngsters, offering a fun way to share the moment with friends and family. You can record and upload a Snap in seconds!
8. Viber
Viber was launched in 2013 that has had over 10 million downloads. Viber is available on multiple devices and gives you free international video and voice calling app. Viber has great privacy features including the ability to Hide messages that you don’t want other people to see.
9. Discord
If you love video gaming then Discord is the video chat app to use. Discord is popular due to being able to use it when playing games with other gamers who can join shared group chats and upload your gaming activities.
10. Marco Polo
Marco Polo is one of the lesser known video apps on our list and was created in 2014 by Joya Communications. Benefits of using Marco Polo include ease of use, end to end encryption and no third party ads.
There are plenty more video chat apps available to you at home or on your travels, some not included in our top 10 include: Microsoft Teams, Hangouts, Tango, YeeCall, ICQ, Zola, LINE, ooVoo, Camfrog, Glide, JusTalk, IMO and KakaoTalk.
You can pick & choose based on personal preferences, geographic location, or the variety of popular options used among your friends. The last thing you want is a chat app that drops calls, fails to load, or prevents you from communicating for any number of reasons. It's worth doing a little research to ensure that you pick the best chat app for your needs, based on safety, security, reliability, and compatibility with your system.
Now you can comfortably bid au revoir to friends and family as you take to your travels and wild adventures. Remember, everyone else is literally a video chat call away!
Do you have a favourite video chat app? Let us know in the comments section below.
