FaceTime has always been my favorite video-calling app for iDevices. However, the app has lost its charm due to the lack of new features. While many longtime rivals, like Skype and Viber, have several highly imposing features, Apple’s stock video calling app has yet to significantly improve. If you are also disappointed by it, check out our lineup of the best FaceTime alternatives for iPhone and iPad.
1. WhatsApp Messenger
The world’s most loved messaging app WhatsApp is second to none when it comes to providing top video calling experience. You can chat with your friends and family using WhatsApp Calling to stay in touch with them even if they living in another country. You won’t have to pay extra charges to send messages internationally.
The app lets you set temporary status which expires automatically after 24 hours. You can also delete the sent messages and rev up messaging by using vibrant GIFs. Even better, WhatsApp supports a number of international languages like Arabic, Bengali, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hindi and more so that you can communicate without any hurdles.
Price: Free
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2. Skype
Skype has always been the best in the business when it comes to voice and video calls. To me, it’s the finest video-calling app for groups. You can easily add your friends and start chatting. The app allows you to make free video and voice calls to ensure you stay connected with your loved ones. It offers low calling rates to mobiles and landlines worldwide with Skype.
Beyond calling, you can send photos, videos, voice messages, emoticons, emojis. It also lets you respond to any message from your contacts with reactions. What’s more, Skype allows you to send Highlights from your day. Use funny emoticons or send a private message about the highlights, which stay visible for 7 days to your followers.
Price: Free
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3. Google Duo
If I were to pick an app that can challenge the supremacy of Facebook Messenger and Skype, I would pick Google Duo. The prime reason why I rate this video-calling app from the search giant so highly is the top-notch video quality.
Its user-interface is pretty neat, and the features are easy-to-use. The one feature, which I have liked a lot in this app, is “Knock Knock.” It allows another person you are calling to see your live video when the phone is ringing.
Price: Free
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4. ZOOM Cloud Meetings
Very few video-conferencing apps are as feature-rich as ZOOM – across platforms. So, if you are after a FaceTime substitute to let you stay connected with your colleagues or collaborate with them, you should give it a shot.
What makes it so handy is the ability to invite up to 100 people for video-conferencing. Perfect for the times when you want to hold a long discussion with all of your buddies. Besides, it allows screen sharing as well so that you can guide your colleagues.
Another feature worth taking note of is Siri Shortcuts which lets you customize voice commands to kickstart or join a meeting with ease. Considering these notable features, you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative to it.
Price: Free
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5. Messenger
To me, Facebook Messenger is by far the best messaging app across all platforms. What puts it ahead of its counterparts is the availability of the plethora of features. Apart from letting you make audio, video calling, the app also allows you to send money, use Apple Music chatbot to instantly access and play the song while chatting with your friends.
Besides, you can send instant video and also play instant games. Group chats are fun and easy to use as you can message the whole group at once. Make the most of tons of different emojis to express your emotions just the way you want.
Price: Free
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6. imo
As far as popularity is concerned, imo can’t match with WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or even Viber. However, if you talk about functionality and the required features that are known to be the indispensable ingredients for communication, imo is designed to be up to the task on all fronts.
Talking about its video calling feature, I have found it quite decent. The video quality is adorable, and so is its easy-to-use interface. Additionally, it allows you to send messages, photos, and videos to ensure you have a fun-loving conversation.
Price: Free
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7. WeChat
WeChat is what I prefer when I want to chat with my friends and family for free! You can make high-quality free calls to anywhere in the world, without compromising on high video quality. With over 500 people to chat, share video, photos, and images, in a group, you can always find enough for social butterflies — an ample number of options for funny, animated stickers to express your feelings, while you chat.
You can find new friends with “Friend Radar,” “People Nearby” on the app. Supported by 20 different languages and can translate messages to any language. So let’s start chatting on WeChat.
Price: Free
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8. Viber Messenger
With over 900 million users, Viber is one of the most popular messaging apps. Packed in with all the features including video and audio calling to let you communicate with desired freedom. I have always enjoyed video calling with this app thanks to the HD sound quality.
You can also capture the moment with 30-second videos and send them to your friends. The app lets you create groups with up to 250 participants.
There is also an option to hide chats and access them later with a PIN. It protects all of your messages and calls with end-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy.
Price: Free
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9. Signal – Private Messenger
If privacy and security are your top priorities, Signal is the best FaceTime alternative that you should try. You can send and receive high-fidelity messages, make HD voice/video calls, and never worry about your data being collected or shared with third parties.
Signal boosts superior end-to-end encryption for ultimate security, and you can take advantage of a range of useful features. For instance, you can send timed messages that disappear after your chosen interval. It currently supports group video call with up to five people. For more about How to Use Signal App and Signal Messenger Tips and Tricks for iPhone.
Price: Free
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That’s all!
What’s your favorite?
So, pick out the app that’s perfectly timed to your needs and bring more fun to your video calling! Which one of these apps mentioned above won you over? Let us know that in the comments below.
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