Software Tech

Best Video Chat Apps For Android

Best video chat apps for Android

Published on October 3rd, 2023

In today’s digital age, video calling has become incredibly convenient and accessible. Whether you’re using a computer, mobile device, or tablet, the process is now effortless.

The popularity and widespread use of video calling have led to a multitude of options available to cater to your needs. Whether you’re connecting with friends, family, or even meeting new people, there is a wealth of choices at your disposal.

In this article, we will explore the finest video chat apps for Android to help you make the most of this modern communication tool.

Best Video Chat Apps For Android

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger App

Facebook Messenger is widely popular despite its need for improvement. It’s a practical choice due to its seamless integration with Facebook and the fact that most people are already using it.

While the video chat experience is fairly reliable, recent ads have received mixed reviews. Overall, it may not be flawless, but it stands out as one of the most convenient options among the video chat apps, and it’s free to use.

Discord

Discord is a highly popular group chat application that originally catered to the gaming community but has expanded to cover a wide range of interests.

It allows users to create their own servers, which serve as chat rooms, where they can engage in discussions on virtually any topic of their choice.

While Discord primarily emphasizes group chats, direct messages (DMs), and voice chats tailored for gamers, it also includes a video chat feature for those who require it.

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To utilize the video chat function on Discord, both parties involved must have Discord accounts. Once this requirement is met, our testing found that the video chat feature works smoothly and efficiently.

In essence, Discord offers a versatile platform for group communication and collaboration, with the added benefit of video chat capabilities when needed.

Google Duo

Google Duo serves as Google’s equivalent to FaceTime and is renowned for its simplicity. The process is straightforward: log in, verify your phone number, and you’re ready to initiate video calls.

It mimics the familiarity of a regular phone call when connecting with other Google Duo users. An interesting feature, “Knock Knock,” allows you to preview what someone is doing before answering their video call, adding a personal touch.

Google Duo is cross-platform, functioning seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices. There’s also talk of a forthcoming web version to support computer usage.

In terms of user-friendliness, it ranks high among video calling apps, offering a hassle-free experience. It’s worth noting that in-app purchases are available for extras like emotes and stickers, adding a touch of personalization to your chats.

JusTalk

JusTalk, while not as widely recognized, is a surprisingly capable video chat app. It offers users the flexibility to customize the app’s theme and even lets you doodle during video calls for added enjoyment.

It also includes group chat capabilities, and encryption for security, and works smoothly across different platforms.

Though it serves as a solid alternative to apps like Google Duo that primarily focus on video calls, it may not compete as strongly with all-in-one messaging platforms.

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The app is free to download and use, and its in-app purchases are primarily for cosmetic enhancements like themes and personalization options, which don’t impact its core functionality.

Kik

Kik is a well-known chat application that offers video chat functionality as one of its features, although its primary focus is on text-based communication.

Kik App

The app provides users with the ability to engage in one-on-one or group chats and supports various types of media sharing, including GIFs, videos, and images.

Additionally, Kik offers a range of extra features like stickers to enhance your conversations. One notable aspect of Kik is its popularity among mobile gamers, often used for coordinating activities in games such as Clash of Clans.

Unlike some other messaging apps, Kik does not rely on your phone number for registration; instead, it uses a standard username, similar to Skype, which can be more privacy-conscious for some users.

Kik has a colorful and playful interface, so individuals seeking a more formal or serious messaging platform may need to explore other options.

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Kik serves as a viable choice for both video and text chats, offering a diverse set of features for users to enjoy.

Signal Private Messenger

Signal Private Messenger stands out as one of the leading privacy-oriented chat applications.

It places a strong emphasis on security, offering end-to-end encryption for all types of communication, including messages, voice calls, and video chats, provided both users are on Signal.

While it does support group chats, Signal primarily caters to individual, personal conversations, distinguishing it from its competitor, Telegram, in this regard.

In our testing, Signal’s video calls performed admirably, and we have no reservations in recommending them. It provides a secure platform for encrypted conversations, making it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users.

Notably, the app is both free to use and open-source, further bolstering its reputation for privacy and transparency. If your primary requirement is group video chats, there may be more suitable options available.

Skype

Skype is a highly popular and versatile video chat application that is available on various platforms, making it an excellent cross-platform option.

While the Android version may have some room for improvement, it generally performs well for video calls.

Notably, Skype allows group video calls with up to 25 participants and offers additional features like free text chat, integration with Microsoft and Facebook accounts, and the ability to make calls to regular cell phones for a small fee.

Despite ongoing improvements needed, Skype has come a long way in recent years, and its exceptional cross-platform support remains a standout feature.

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Viber Messenger

Viber initially started as a voice-calling application but has since transformed into a comprehensive messaging platform. While it still allows you to make phone calls, this feature often involves a fee.

Viber Messenger App

Viber now offers a wide range of services, including text chatting and video calling, among others. A notable aspect of Viber is its end-to-end encryption, ensuring the security of voice, text, and video calls when both users are on Viber.

Additionally, the app offers intriguing features like hidden chats for added privacy. In terms of its performance, Viber is somewhat resource-intensive, resembling Facebook Messenger in this regard.

Nonetheless, it is generally a decent messaging app. While it may not be as popular in the United States, it boasts a significant international user base.

In-app purchases within Viber mainly consist of items like stickers and personalization options, allowing users to customize their experience.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp stands as one of the most renowned messaging applications globally, boasting an impressive user base of over one billion active users.

WhatsApp App

Originally launched as a text-based chat service, WhatsApp underwent significant development after being acquired by Facebook.

Over time, it has seamlessly incorporated features such as voice calling, video calling, and numerous other functionalities.
WhatsApp’s video calling feature operates smoothly and is generally reliable, offering users a hassle-free experience.

It’s worth noting that some users harbor reservations about the app’s privacy and security due to its affiliation with Facebook.

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If your primary objective is to find a dependable and stable messaging app that simply works, WhatsApp is a highly recommended choice to consider.

Carrier And OME Cideo Chatting

Several OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and carriers have taken initiative to offer built-in video calling features on their smartphones.

For instance, carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile have integrated video calling functionality into all phones they sell.

This means that users can easily initiate video calls with others on the same carrier network, directly from the phone’s dialer app, similar to making a regular phone call.

While these built-in video-calling solutions can be somewhat limited in terms of interoperability, they generally function efficiently when used within their designated network.

There is hope that such options will expand and become more flexible over time, allowing for broader cross-network compatibility.

Business-Level Video Chat Apps

Business-level video chat apps cater to the specific needs of organizations and professionals, distinguishing themselves from consumer-focused apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Duo.

These apps prioritize features such as robust file-sharing capabilities, attendance tracking, and comprehensive conferencing tools to facilitate efficient communication and collaboration among team members.

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Google Hangouts, while transitioning toward this genre, is gradually integrating features tailored to business needs. However, several other established options excel in this domain.

Zoom, known for its versatility and user-friendly interface, is a popular choice, offering various pricing plans to suit different business sizes and requirements.

Cisco Webex Meetings and GoToMeeting are also notable contenders, providing comprehensive solutions for video conferencing and collaboration.

While the pricing of these business-level video chat apps varies, they generally offer reliable performance and a suite of tools designed to enhance productivity and streamline communication within professional environments.

These apps have become essential tools for remote work, virtual meetings, and collaborative projects in today’s business landscape.

Image Source: Ben Collins