someone talking on a video call

10 Best Video Chat Apps for iOS & Android

Technology is so helpful for staying in touch with friends and family, and if your loved ones live far away from you, your only option to communicate may be through a screen. If that’s the case, we’ve created a list of the best free video chat apps you can download for iOS and Android. 

Zoom

Apple

Android

Free and paid licenses available 

Zoom is an extremely popular app for both work and social gatherings. It allows users to call face-to-face, as well as utilise the chat section for messaging. With corporate and free home licenses available, this app is versatile for any party of people. 

  • Maximum participants on one call: 100 
  • Time limit: 40 minutes (excluding one-to-ones, which are unlimited)
  • Presentation features like screen sharing, recording, and ‘raise hand’ icon to avoid interruptions 

 

FaceTime

Free to use

FaceTime is a video-calling application that’s only available on iOS devices, like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You can only connect to other Apple devices as well. To activate it, simply find the green camera icon on your Apple product, and call someone from your contacts list. 

  • Maximum participants on one call: 32 (on Group FaceTime)
  • Time limit: None
  • You can still use your phone as normal whilst on a FaceTime call, including sending messages, opening apps, and taking photos 

 

Google Meet

Apple

Android

Free and paid licenses

Perfect for large company meetings and big family get-togethers, Google Meet is another common video chatting application that also has a side-bar for typing messages. Both the host of the meeting and all the users need to have a Gmail account, which will also sync the meeting time up in Google Calendars. 

  • Maximum participants: 100 
  • Time limit: 24 hours
  • Presentation features like screen sharing, ‘raise hand’, and background changes

 

Skype

Apple

Android

Free

The go-to platform for more than a decade, Skype is one of the first video chat apps available for iOS and Android devices. Predominantly used by companies, it’s also a great choice for friends wishing to catch up, as you don’t necessarily have to sign up for the service to use it. 

  • Maximum participants: 50
  • Time limit: Four hours (excluding one-to-ones, which are unlimited)
  • Presentations features like screen sharing and recording 

 

Microsoft Teams

Apple

Android

Free and paid versions 

Initially a business-focused competitor to popular messaging channel, Slack, Microsoft Teams has two different packages: a free version for chatting, and a paid version for large meetings and conferences. 

  • Maximum participants: 300 (many will need to switch their video off for bandwidth purposes)
  • Time limit: 24 hours
  • Presentation features like screen sharing, and ‘raise hand’ 

 

Facebook Messenger 

Facebook Messenger: Apple / Android

Free to download and use

Popular messaging app Facebook features a video call option, allowing users to see each other rather than type. Facebook is definitely tailored more towards social chats instead of company meetings.

  • Maximum participants: 50
  • Time limit: None

 

WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp Messenger: Apple / Android

Free to download and use

Like Facebook, WhatsApp also gives you the option to video call instead of type. Whilst it’s widely used by friends and family to stay in touch, many businesses do like to use one of the chat options to create a channel and converse inside and outside work hours. 

  • Maximum participants: Eight
  • Time limit: None

 

Google Duo

Apple

Android

Free

Another Google extension (like Google Meet), Google Duo was initially designed as a mobile-only consumer app for one-to-one conversations. It has since expanded to become accessible on the web. Like Meet, all participants need a Google account.

  • Maximum participants: 32
  • Time limit: None 

 

Netflix Party

Free to use 

A web-based application, Netflix Party is a slightly alternative way to watch Netflix shows with a group of friends or family who live apart. To get started, one person needs to set up the party by installing the Netflix Party Chrome Extension and sending a link for others to join. Once everyone is in the chat, the whole party can watch a film or series together and message in the chat box. 

  • Maximum participants: 50
  • Time limit: None

 

Discord (for gamers)

Apple

Android

Free to download and use

Originally a text-and-talk service, Discord is a live-streaming app that can also be used as a video chatting app. Users can create their own channels for people to join and chat about relevant topics, as well as live stream themselves for watchers to comment. 

  • Maximum participants: 10
  • Time limit: Five hours

 

Discover more

You may also be interested in reading:


No commitment, no limits
No commitment, no limits

With no commitment you have the freedom to flex your usage whenever you need to.

Powered by Vodafone
Powered by Vodafone

Powered by Vodafone with up to 99% UK population coverage.

Cap your spend
Cap your spend

Put a limit on how much you spend every month so you don't need to worry about getting a big bill.

Never had any problems using data or phone calls. Great price for month to month contract. Purchased another Sim for my son as it’s half the price of our Virgin Media contract.

M H

Consistently helpful customer services team, good network coverage, no contract commitments, excellent value for money.

T B

I love ASDA mobile for me it's great and I love having my phone on the ASDA mobile network also good bundles without any contract commitments

R G

Great price for what I need. Always had great customer service when I've rang up.

E T

Asda Stores Limited (registered address: Great Wilson Street, Leeds, LS11 5AD) trading as Asda Money, acts as a credit broker not a lender, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Asda Stores Limited only offers finance from a restricted range of finance providers. Finance provided by PayPal Credit. Terms and conditions apply. Credit subject to status, UK residents only. ASDA Stores Limited acts as a broker and offers finance from a restricted range of finance providers. PayPal Credit is a trading name of PayPal (Europe) S.à r.l. et Cie, S.C.A. 22-24 Boulevard Royal L-2449 Luxembourg.