Go face-to-face with these video-calling apps
Whether you're working from home, catching up with friends near and far, or just saying hi to your main squeeze, video calling can bring you closer together. Here are a few apps that get it right.
ZOOM Cloud Meetings
Zoom Workplace
zoom.com
In-app purchases
4.1star
4.48M reviews
1B+
Downloads
Everyone
info
- 1Work from anywhere with an all-in-one app for videoconferencing, calls, chat, and whiteboard collaboration
- 2Multitask with picture-in-picture and split-screen features, hands-free control, and Android Auto support
- 3Join or move meetings between devices with a single click while accessing functions for file sharing and more
Beloved for remote meetings and social gatherings alike, Zoom caters to large groups with features like screen sharing, real-time whiteboard annotating, and the ability to talk with up to 99 people at once. Off the clock, set up a Personal Meeting Room to unwind with friends and family.
From the early days of video calling, Skype’s been a global favorite for its easy-to-use calling and messaging features. Hop on video calls with up to 100 people, share your screen, and record important calls. Friends without the app can use a link to join calls from a web browser, no account needed.
Marco Polo
Marco Polo - Video Messenger
Joya Communications
In-app purchases
4.6star
308K reviews
10M+
Downloads
Everyone
info
- 1Sending messages to friends feels more fun — and personal — with this “video walkie talkie”
- 2Messages can be as long as you want; delete after listening or keep them forever
- 3Voice filters make any message hilarious — choose from macho man, helium, or robot effect
Prefer to stay in the loop without chatting face-to-face? Keep in touch with friends and family by sending them short video messages (aka "Polos"). Trade messages one-on-one or create groups to communicate with your pals. Get playful with doodles and hilarious voice filters (macho man, helium, and robot) as you record.
Snapchat
Snap Inc
Contains adsIn-app purchases
4.1star
38.3M reviews
1B+
Downloads
Teen
info
- 1Snapchat’s all about spontaneity and silliness, and its video caller is perfect for both
- 2An ever-changing selection of filters (or “Lenses”) runs the gamut from doe eyes to facial hair to full-body sloth
- 3Chats show up on your video call screen, and — true to Snapchat’s ephemeral nature — disappear once read
Snapchat is all about big, colorful silliness and spontaneous self-expression. Try on filters and play with other augmented reality features during live video chats. Go ahead – be a cat, a unicorn, or an alien. And if you can’t chat live, you can always sit back and catch up on your friends' stories.
WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp LLC
In-app purchases
4.4star
211M reviews
10B+
Downloads
Everyone
info
- 1Communicate with friends and family in 180+ countries via private messages or voice and video calls
- 2Enjoy secure, encrypted connections while chatting and sharing photos, documents, and other files
- 3View your contacts, connect with just a phone number, record a message, or talk with up to 8 people at a time
WhatsApp takes video calling out of the office with a user-friendly design that focuses on more intimate groups (8 people or fewer) while offering end-to-end encryption. Skip pricey international calls and connect with loved ones around the globe using your own phone number and an internet connection.
Make high-quality video calls (even in low light) with a touch of fun. Talk with up to 32 people at once across devices, and take pics of the group you can instantly send to everyone on the call. Share doodles and stickers during calls, and transform yourself with virtual masks. Plus, leave personalized video messages when you can’t connect.
