When it comes to connecting with family, one thing’s for certain – these days, there are a whole lot of ways to do it. But which is best for your family? With options best suited for professional needs as well as personal enjoyment, there is something from everyone.
Best video call apps for professionals
While the apps featured below have free options available and can be used for personal needs, these apps feature settings and options that will give you edge professionally.
Microsoft Teams
With Microsoft having discontinued Skype to invest its attention and resources in Microsoft Teams, it is an easy transition from Skype. Microsoft Teams will allow you to sign in with your existing Skype credentials, making the transition easier. There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize. Like Skype, it includes video calls and messaging. The benefit of signing up for Microsoft Teams is that your Skype contacts and message history will be automatically migrated to Microsoft Teams.
Credit: Microsoft Teams
The company states on its website that “Your Skype data will be available until January 2026 for you to export or delete. If you log in to Microsoft Teams Free by then, your Skype call and chat history will be available to you. If you take no action, your Skype data will be deleted in January 2026.”
Team’s home plan starts at $0 whereas the Team’s business plan starts at $4/month (paid annually). With the free basic Team’s home plan, you get:
- Group calling for up to 60 minutes and 100 participants
- Unlimited chat with friends and family
- Collaborative planning with tasks and polling
- 5 GB of cloud storage
- Data encryption for meetings, chats, calls, and files
Available on desktop, iOS, and Android.
Zoom
Zoom has become a regular fixture in the modern professional world. With a user-friendly interface and rich features, Zoom has been the top choice for video calls. Already popular with the Work from Home (WFH) crowd, it is easy to use for both professional and personal use.
Credit: Zoom
Watch the latest episode of The CyberGuy Report.
Missed this event? Sign up via the registration form and see our live recording.
See Kurt’s latest Amazon picks for useful gadgets, smart home upgrades and everyday tech worth grabbing while the deals last.
Zoom’s basic plan starts at $0, $13.33 for their Pro level, and $18.32 for their Business level. For Zoom’s free basic plan, you get:
- Simplified video call and messaging for 40 minutes per call for up to 100 participants
- Local storage only; no cloud storage
- Zoom mail and calendar in the Zoom app
- Calendar client so you can schedule & join meetings on the Zoom app
- 5 clips: create, edit, and share videos
- Automated Meetings Captions
Available on Mac desktop app, iOS, and Android. You are also about to log in and use zoom via your web browser by accessing the Zoom website.
Google Meet
If you already use Google services such as Gmail and Google Calendar, Google Meet can be a seamless alternative to Skype.Google Meet is a free video conferencing service that integrates Gmail and Google Calendar. With free plans available, you can include up to 100 participants on a video call.
Credit: Google
Google Meet has a basic plan that starts at $0. The Google Meet premium plan starts at $0 for the first month then $9.99/month thereafter with the option to cancel at any time. The Google Meet basic plans, include:
- 1 hour calls with up to 100 participants
- 15 GB of Storage for Google Photos, Drive & Gmail
Available on desktop, iOS, and Android.
Best video call apps for personal use
While the apps featured above have free options that are geared towards more professional use, the apps below are particularly popular for personal use.
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that has been around since 2009. It offers free voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption giving your communication an added layer of protection. It also allows you to message with other users. Additionally, because it is used worldwide, it makes WhatsApp a great international communication tool.
Credit: WhatsApp
The WhatsApp Business with more features for an additional cost. The pricing, however, depends on your specific business and needs, which can be inquired about here. The free version of WhatsApp boasts a variety of features unique to WhatsApp, including:
- Video notes: Instead of sending a text or voice message you can send a video to whoever else uses WhatsApp
- Ability to protect your IP address when making calls
- App lock features making it possible to password protect your messages and using the App if others have access to your device
Available on web browser, desktop for Mac, desktop for Microsoft, iOS, and Android.
Signal
For those with concern for privacy, Signal is a great alternative to Skype. It features end-to-end encryption on messages and video calls, which keep your communications secure. Signal is an open source service that allows users instant messaging as well as voice and video calls.
Credit: Signal
Unlike the other options listed above, Signal’s unique features include:
- Completely free without any additional subscriptions or higher priced plans (donations are welcomed)
- Run by a nonprofit and not affiliated with any tech, nor will be in the future due to its nonprofit status
- State of the art encryption is open source so Signal nor anyone else can access messages or calls
- Uses phone’s data or WiFi so it will not incur separate SMS or MMS fees
Available on desktop for Mac, desktop for Microsoft, iOS, and Android. To use Signal’s desktop app, Signal must first be installed on your phone.
Discord
While well known among gamers, Discord has become a versatile communication tool. With free voice channels, screen sharing, low-latency audio (better audio quality), it has begun to stand out as a good group call option. Unlike the other services listed, Discord allows you to set up ‘servers,’ which are invite-only channels where you can interact with friends and family. You can also simply initiate video calls through their direct messaging feature.
Credit: Discord
Discord is free to use with two subscription options, Nitro Basic or Nitro, which allows you additional features such as the ability to send bigger file size or stream at higher quality. The pricing for these subscriptions are dependent on the user location. Some of the unique features that Discord offers, include:
- Ability to not only share screen, but share streams from YouTube, movies, or games you’re actually playing
- Though Discord limits file sharing sizes to 10 MB for free users, it stores said files indefinitely
Available on web browser, desktop for Mac, desktop for Microsoft, iOS, and Android.
Related Links:
- How to stay connected no matter where you travel in the world
- Why that google meet error might be a sneaky hacker trick
- Apple’s vision pro brings a burst of bizarre to zoom calls
Kurt’s key takeaways
While apps such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom feature familiar video conferencing features many people got accustomed to during WFH shifts, apps such as WhatsApp and Discord offer a laidback, fun environment and features that feel more intimate. Though it may feel easiest to switch to Microsoft Teams from Skype, there are a variety of features to consider. From ease of use, security, availability on multiple platforms (mobile and desktop), there are boundless options that will make keeping in touch with your loved ones across the world more enjoyable.
What features are standing out to you as a dealbreaker for your next video call app? Where do you take most of your video calls: on your phone or desktop? Do advanced options such as video messages excite you or feel too complicated? Let us know in the comments below.
FOR MORE OF MY TIPS, SUBSCRIBE TO MY FREE CYBERGUY REPORT NEWSLETTER HERE