Top 7 Hassle-Free Video Calling Apps To Use In 2021

The pandemic has led us to completely depend on online platforms for everything, including communications. With everyone staying indoors, the most efficient way to see a loved one or experience physical meetings with them is via the modern video calling apps of today. There are multiple Free video calling apps and chatting apps available in the market, which is why choosing one based on efficiency, ease of use, and simplicity matters. 

Hence to help make this easy for you, we have curated a list of such video calling apps and chatting tools that will convert your current communications, one step better. 

1. To engage with bigger groups

Skype

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Mac
• Windows
• Linux
• Web

Benefits:

• With Skype, you can connect with any number of individuals via one call
• Skype is easy to get started with, just sign in and start connecting 
• Apart from being a video calling app, skype also offers chatting app solutions making it easier to engage with a group of people
• Skype is one such video calling tool that any non-tech individual can easily use

Drawbacks:

• With the competition growing tougher with the new video calling owners entering the market, Skype’s current features aren’t enough to step up their game 
• At times when multiple individuals are connecting via video calls, there have been mishaps of poor video quality experiences faced by multiple users
• In case of bandwidth issues, the audio quality of Skype comes down
• Using Skype for desktops is not a preferred choice due to its weak presence

Read also: Top 11 B2B data providers for your business

USP:

Skype is a popular video calling and chatting app. Skype requires no introduction as the name has been in the market for a long time. Skype continues to be the preferred choice as it offers multiple efficient features such as call reactions, new emoticons, the ability to lock Skype calls for confidential matters, and so much more. 

Zoom

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Mac
• Windows

Benefits:

• Zoom is another easy-to-use build a video chat app. Just sign in and you can get started
• Zoom lets you have multiple control over the video chat such as muting participants, enabling screen sharing for certain participants, a chat option during calls and so much more
• When you have a zoom meeting, users can easily copy-paste the link in your zoom account and instantly join the call
• Zoom offers you three video chat options which are scheduling, joining, and hosting, all under one place with a single sign up

Drawbacks:

• It is mandatory for users, especially those who conduct long meetings to pay for more time. In the free zoom sessions, the time-restricted is only 40 minutes
• In case if a set of users using Zoom face a bad network, it affects the overall Zoom video chat performance
• To get started with Zoom at times takes time which can cause a delay in scheduled meetings
• To join any zoom link, a user must download the app which again caused a delay to join a meeting

USP:

After Skype, Zoom has become the next big video chat solution for multiple users and businesses. With its easy sign-up option, joining or hosting a meeting has become hassle-free since all engagements take place in one place. Zoom offers multiple types of video chat solutions such as zoom rooms, chat engagements, phone engagements, zoom events and webinars, and more.

2. To engage with close friends and family

FB Messenger

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Mac
• Windows

Benefits:

• Along with providing a video calling option, Fb messenger also offers chat options for its users
• Anyone who has a FB account and easily signs in with an FB messenger
• Chatting on FB messenger is more efficient as you have multiple choices to choose from such as change the chat theme, mute certain conversations, create groups instantly, and more
• With FB messenger video calls, instant screenshots, changes in backgrounds, effects, and lightings can also be conducted 

Drawbacks:

• To get started with FB Messenger, users must have a Facebook account
• When it comes to privacy issues, Facebook’s security has been doubtful
• Users need to download an additional app to use FB messenger hence, consuming more space

USP:

FB messenger is another convenient solution created by Facebook to make messaging one step easier. In this app, users can conduct multiple actions such as video calls, audio calls, sending voice notes, sending attachments and so much more. It is a complete app to engage with users in multiple ways. 

Whatsapp Messenger

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Mac
• Windows
• Web

Benefits:

• Whatsapp has moved away from just being a normal chat application. Today you can do so much with Whatsapp such as change your status privacy, mute group notifications, instantly connect another user in the same call, and more
• Whatsapp is free of cost and with every upgrade, users can continue using efficient features for free
• Whatsapp updates regularly and priorities on eliminating any bugs
• Whatsapp is a simple communication tool that can be used by anyone new to the technology applications

Drawbacks:

• When it comes to privacy issues, Whatsapp also falls under the doubtful category
• Whatsapp only works with an internet connection, not suitable for offline engagements
• If the network is bad, WhatsApp quality affects badly for video and audio communications
• In case you change your device, you need to reinstall WhatsApp from scratch and conduct long backup hours for all your media and messages

USP:

Whatsapp messenger is one of the easiest and most used engagement platforms. What started as a mere chat platform has now provided opportunities to conduct multiple video calls, ensure privacy checklists for statuses and chats, and more. If you’re looking for a simple and convenient engagement platform to engage with your non-tech close friends and family, Whatsapp is a better choice. 

Google Duo

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Web

Benefits:

• It is easy to get started
• You have the option to optimize your call settings such as low light mode, data saving mode, and more
• When it comes to engaging with messages, Google Duo provides you with the option to add captions for it for better understanding
• You can even choose the theme of your engagements accordingly

Drawbacks:

• Google Duo has a great dedicated call and messaging feature, but the features are very limited
• Google Duo isn’t a popular video calling app used hence it could disappear in a few years
• To engage with a user, they need to download Google Duo
• The features are limited when compared to other live video call apps in the market

USP:

Google Duo is another great video calling application. It is a dedicated call and messaging platform. The app provides great features such as creating groups with 32 participants and more. 

3. To engage fun moments with multiple individuals

Houseparty

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Web

Benefits:

• When creating a room to engage, Houseparty lets you lock the rooms so that unwanted strangers don’t hop in
• To verify your account, your phone number is required hence ensuring the right user is logging in
• There is an option to ghost unwanted users to ensure better security

Drawbacks:

• There have been issues that accounts have been hacked hence putting the app doubtful in terms of security
• If you don’t lock your rooms, there are chances of strangers joining in
• In case if a user is recording a chat, the other user will not be notified 

USP:

When it comes to having fun on a weekend, Houseparty is the tool to enjoy the experience virtually. You can add up to 8 users in one room and can also simultaneously move between multiple such rooms. From playing games to casually engaging in a conversation, Houseparty is an efficient and popular video calling application to consider especially in 2021.

Discord

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Mac
• Windows
• Linux
• Web

Benefits:

• It is easy to get started and install Discord on any popular platforms
• There is an option to enable private channels to share confidential information with limited users
• Provides low latency voice and video engagements
• Ability to screen share while conducting any sessions for example drawing and more

Drawbacks:

• Adding certain users to servers has become difficult
• Using Discord in Android is still found to be difficult and inconvenient for its users
• Discord’s UI has the potential to improve
• The search feature isn’t adding any value to certain users

USP:

Discord is another great video calling platform that lets you conduct multiple options such as screen sharing, easy collaborations, instant engagements, and more. The app is easy to use and provides great privacy features. 

Conclusion

You now have the complete list of the best video calling apps to use in 2021.

When it comes to choosing the right communication platform, you always need to invest in the one that is simple to use, easy for your friends and family to engage with, and delivers an exceptional communication experience.

Thus keeping this in mind, all the above video calling apps and chatting apps were selected.

However, if you prefer to create your personalized video or chatting apps, you can get started with the reliable communication APIs available in the market.