The best free apps for video calling

Video calling apps make it simple to communicate with people you can’t see in person. Whether you’re on a video call with friends, family, or even with your client or boss, the video calling quality and experience should be top-notch.

Although there are numerous app options for video calls, finding the right one based on your requirements can be difficult. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up the best free video calling apps available.

Zoom

Zoom has become one of the most well-known apps and has risen to the top of the list of online video calling apps. Before the pandemic, the company promoted Zoom primarily for corporate use, but it also offers a free basic version for people.

One of its best features is the Gallery view, which allows you to see everyone on the screen at the same time – even if there are tens of participants.

Zoom is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and as a browser extension.

Features of the free version

• Maximum number of participants: 100
• Time limit for One-on-one meetings: 30 hours.
• Time limit for Group meetings: 40 minutes.
• Screen sharing: Allowed.
• Record Meetings: Allowed

Google Meet

Google Meet is Google’s business-grade video communication app that works in tandem with Google Chat. As it is a part of the G Suite, it is extremely reliable and beneficial for business purposes.

The people who already have a Google account can sign in with just a couple of clicks. Meetings can be started from Gmail or Google Calendar, and you can video call, hold a conference, or simply text chat. It also includes a Tiled view, allowing you to view a group of participants in the same way that Zoom does.

Google Meet is accessible via Android, iOS, and the web.

Features of the free version

• Maximum number of participants: 100
• Time limit for One-on-one meetings: 24 hours.
• Time limit for Group meetings: 60 minutes.
• Screen sharing: Allowed.
• Record Meetings: Not allowed

Skype

Skype, which is owned by Microsoft, is still one of the most common ways to make a video call. Since its beta release in 2003, it has been the preferred platform for one-on-one communications. It is a multi-platform app that can be used on a wide range of devices. Furthermore, it supports screen sharing and private conversations.

Skype can be used on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Xbox One, and the Web.

Features of the free version

• Maximum number of participants: 100
• Time limit for One-on-one meetings: 24 hours.
• Time limit for Group meetings: 24 hours.
• Screen sharing: Allowed.
• Record Meetings: Allowed

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams was designed to compete with Slack, and it’s an especially smart idea if you’re part of the Office environment. Unlike Skype, Microsoft Teams has several professional capabilities that you could find handy while communicating with others.

While Teams is primarily intended for commercial usage, Microsoft has released a free personal version that allows anyone to chat, call, or hold video meetings – all you need is a Microsoft account to use it.

Microsoft Teams can be used on Windows, Android, iOS, and the Web.

Features of the free version

• Maximum number of participants: Usually 100; increased to 300 during the pandemic.
• Time limit for One-on-one meetings: Usually 60 minutes; increased to 24 hours during the pandemic.
• Time limit for Group meetings: Usually 60 minutes; increased to 24 hours during the pandemic.
• Screen sharing: Allowed.
• Record Meetings: Not Allowed