There are lots of video chat apps available on Android. Each app has its pros and cons, but some stand out as the best for their ease of use and available functionalities. With lots of options to choose from, you probably wonder, what is the best video chat app on Android?
Here are the eight best apps for making video calls on your Android smartphone.
1. WhatsApp Messenger
Meta-owned WhatsApp Messenger is by far one of the best video chat apps for Android for various reasons. One, WhatsApp is very popular with over 2 billion users. The instant messaging app has raked over five billion downloads on the Google Play Store alone.
So if you want to video call a friend with a smartphone, they probably have WhatsApp.
It’s easy to use. Just tap the Calls tab, select the New call button, then tap the Video Call button on a contact you wish to video call. Alternatively, you can open a WhatsApp chat with a contact and tap the Video Call button at the top.
Group video calls are available, although they only support a maximum of eight people. Here’s everything you need to know about WhatsApp video calling.
Download: WhatsApp Messenger (Free)
2. Facebook Messenger
Messenger is yet another app from Meta that does more than allow you to chat with friends. You can also call video call your friends and family via Facebook Messenger. The app is also popular, just like WhatsApp, but what makes it easier to recommend is the number of users thanks to its close link with Facebook.
While that makes it easy to find your friends, Facebook Messenger has its downsides. One of which is the availability of ads for an instant messaging platform. Besides that, though, it’s a great app for video calling on Android.
To make a call on Facebook Messenger, either search for a contact using the search bar at the top or simply select an existing chat thread to open. Once you’re in the chat thread, tap the Video Call icon at the top right.
Download: Messenger (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Google Duo
Google Duo is a simple app that allows you to make calls on Android. Unlike other apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, which try to do a little of everything, Google Duo primarily focuses on audio and video calling. It works across Android and iOS and packs lots of features.
If you love making group video calls, Google Duo supports up to 32 people. It has a low light mode, a feature that improves your visibility in low light or poor lighting conditions, and a Family Mode, which hides in-call controls to prevent kids from accidentally ending or muting an ongoing call. Google Duo’s Family Mode has a number of special effects, too.
To video call using Google Duo, launch the app and tap New call, select a contact you want to call, then tap the Call button on the next page.
Download: Google Duo (Free)
4. Discord
Although the gaming community mainly uses Discord, its applications go beyond one specific niche. It is primarily centered around shared interests where like-minded folks can hang out, exchange ideas, and more. Discord has a good customer base as well and includes a video calling functionality built-in.
You can call a friend via Discord by going to their profile and tapping the Video Call button in the top right. Remember, before you can video call someone on Discord, they must be your friend. Otherwise, Discord will show you a Send Friend Request pop-up first.
Check our article on Discord tips and tricks to get the most out of the platform.
Download: Discord (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Signal Private Messenger
Signal Private Messenger from the non-profit Signal Foundation is another excellent app for video calling on Android. Signal offers high-quality video calls like other apps on the list, which makes it easy to recommend. It has mainly garnered its reputation due to its security, thanks to the open-source Signal Protocol.
You can liken Signal to WhatsApp since you mainly have to have someone saved in your contact list to be able to talk with them. It also includes other must-have features like group chats and voice calls.
Video calling on Signal is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is select a contact and tap the Video Call icon in the top right. You may be asked to grant the app necessary permissions. Once done, tap Start Call.
Download: Signal Private Messenger (Free)
7. Viber
Besides enabling you to make video calls, you can also Viber to text and voice call your contacts. Viber supports group calls like other apps on this list, and the maximum number of participants is 20 people, which is solid relative to most apps on the list. It also offers a whole host of other features, including group chats and self-destructing messages.
To video call on Android using Viber, open the app, select Calls, and find a contact you wish to chat with. Next, tap the Video Call icon adjacent to the contact. Alternatively, you can open a chat thread and tap the Video Call icon in the top right.
Download: Viber (Free, in-app purchases available)
8. Skype
Skype is one of the oldest platforms for making video calls across multiple platforms, including Android. Skype is simple to use, and it boasts a variety of features, including all the essentials needed for any modern messaging platform. It also supports voice calling, which is handy when you’re feeling camera-shy or haven’t fixed that messy room yet.
You can make group video calls with up to 25 people and even host meetings. The app also allows you to call regular numbers locally and internationally at a fee.
You can video call a contact on Skype in just a few steps. First, go to the Calls tab and select a contact, then tap the Video Call icon adjacent to the contact to get going.
Download: Skype (Free, in-app purchases available)
Make Video Calls on Android for Free
You can make video calls on Android for free using any of the apps listed above. Although there are many apps with video call support on Android, what makes an app great is not just what it offers. You also have to consider the number of users available.
As you may have already experienced, it’s not easy to get your friends or family to switch apps for the sake of communication. Luckily most of the apps mentioned are free, and you won’t have to convince your friends to install them as they probably already use them daily.
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