FaceTime, the proprietary audio and video calling service from Apple is exclusive for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It is not yet available on any other operating system. Still, people on the green team are eager to use FaceTime on Android. As of now, the only practical solution is to rely on FaceTime alternative apps for Android.
Why Use FaceTime?
- FaceTime audio & video calls are completely free and end to end encrypted
- The video quality is top-notch and the integration with Siri is also excellent
- It supports group call with up to 32 people
Can you use FaceTime on Android?
The straightforward answer is No. It is not just possible yet! If you search for FaceTime on Google Play Store, you see multiple imposter apps. They are all fake and may also contain malware. At best, they may be another video calling apps that have copied the name and try to make money on FaceTime’s popularity. I strongly advise that you stay away from such apps.
Instead of hoping to make a FaceTime call from your Android, it is better to use legit FaceTime-like Apps on your Android already available on play store. Take a look at some of the best and secure audio and video calling apps available on Android, iOS, and other platforms.
FaceTime Alternative Android Apps
1. Google Duo
There is no doubt that Google makes some of the finest apps and services. Duo is no exception, as it has been built with everybody in mind. A person with little technical knowledge or a person with a slow internet can also enjoy audio and video calls using it.
From Android 10, Google Duo is provided by default. The setup process is smooth, and you can use it on Android, iPhone, iPad, and also web. Most of the time, video quality is excellent, and there is no lag. As of now, you can group call with up to 8 people.
2. Skype
Owned by Microsoft, Skype has been around since 2003. It is still one of the best trustworthy audio and video calling services that works on almost all platforms. It is available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, HoloLens, Xbox One, web, and even Windows Phone!
Skype is perfect for business use (has a separate app) as well as personal use. It lets you video call with up to 50 people at the same time. It is quick to sign up and gets you going in moments.
3. Viber
I first used Viber in the year 2013. Currently, it has around a billion registered users and serves as a great app for rich messaging and calls. You can use it on multiple platforms like Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows PC, Mac, or even Linux.
Viber also lets you make cheap calls to landlines with Viber Out. Self-destructing secret chats, group call with five people, and end-to-end encryption, make it a good FaceTime alternative.
4. Facebook Messenger
If you are reading this post, chances are you have heard of Facebook and its Messenger app. Now it has been spun from core Facebook, and you can even use it without an FB account!
The app is updated almost every other week and is polished continuously to eliminate bugs as well as bring new features. Messenger lets 50 people join a call, but at a single time, you can see up to 6 people.
5. WhatsApp
Similar to Messenger, WhatsApp is also owned by Facebook. It is one of the most popular messaging apps of all time, with over 1.6 billion users. WhatsApp is clean and simple to use as there are no ads or distractions. The interface is candid and pleasing.
You can enjoy rich messaging with stickers, voice note, or share files. It also lets you group call with up to four people. In many parts of the world, it is omnipresent and one of the perfect FaceTime alternatives.
Other FaceTime Alternatives for Android
Why You Can’t Get FaceTime for Android?
Business, user retention, and exclusivity are the reasons! As said in the top para, many people keep using iOS just because of FaceTime and iMessage. It is a glue that has kept users in the Apple ecosystem.
Once Apple lets FaceTime on the Play Store, a considerable user base may shift to Android. Now, you may argue that Apple Music is already available on Android. But the business strategy for this service is different. Apple Music has a subscription cost but FaceTime is free.
Also, in the music streaming sector, Apple had to make its way. So being rigid would not have helped. But FaceTime has been there in the Apple ecosystem since 2010 when there was less competition. And somehow, platform exclusivity has worked for them.
So, despite all the buzz and hopes, I do not think FaceTime and iMessage will leave the Apple barricade anytime soon.
Until then, I hope you enjoy talking to your kids, family, and loved ones using one of the cross-platform apps mentioned in this post.
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What are your thoughts regarding FaceTime on Android? Please share with us in comments down below.
