WhatsApp, Skype, Google Duo and other Zoom alternatives for video calling

• Video calling apps allow you to connect with your friends and family during the lockdown.
• Zoom has become very popular, but it has had its share of security issues.
• Here are some Zoom alternatives that you can use for video calling.

The nationwide lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic has prompted more people to use video calling apps to stay connected with their colleagues, friends and family, either for work or leisure.

There are several apps that you can use for video calling. Zoom is one of the apps that has become very popular over the past few months. However, the platform has had its fair share of security issues.

Several companies have even asked their employees to avoid using Zoom and the government even shared some tips that users need to follow while using Zoom to ensure security.

However, if you are looking for some alternatives for Zoom, you can choose from several options available.

Zoom alternatives for video calling

Skype

What makes Skype better than Zoom: No need to download the app.

Skype is a good option if you are looking to start a quick video call. Skype’s Meet Now feature allows users to start a video call without downloading or creating an account. To start a video call, go here and click on ‘Create a free meeting’.

While Zoom allows up to 100 users in a single video call, Skype supports only 50 users per call. However, the main benefit of using Skype is that the user need not download the app to start a video call. Both the platforms provide similar features for video calling.

Google Duo

What makes Google Duo better than Zoom: You can start a call using your phone number.

Google Duo is an audio and video calling platform from search giant Google. It allows users to communicate using their phone or web. It includes a ‘knock knock’ feature that provides a preview video preview of the caller before you accept the call.

Google Duo allows a maximum of 12 participants to join a video call, which is significantly less when compared to Zoom’s 100 users (49 on-screen). However, while Zoom has a limit of 40 minutes on video calls with more than 3 users, there is no such limit for Google Duo. Additionally, you can place a video call to someone on Google by using the mobile number and there is no need to share a link.

Discord

What makes Discord better than Zoom: Ease of use and ability to stream during calls.

Discord is a popular communication platform, which is especially popular among gamers. It allows users to message, place voice calls and even video calls. If you are playing a game with your friends, you can also stream your game using the app.

While Zoom has been designed keeping the needs of businesses in mind, Discord is aimed towards gamers. It is easy to communicate with your team while using Discord while playing games and you can also stream your game. However, if you just want to use the video calling feature, Zoom may be the better option.

Facebook Messenger

What makes Facebook Messenger better than Zoom: Ease of use and no duration limit.

Facebook Messenger is another popular app that can be used to communicate with friends and family. As most people already have a Facebook account, all you need to do is download the app or use the web platform. It allows up to 50 people to join the video call at once.

One of the main advantages of using Facebook Messenger is that most users may already have an account and even the app on their phone. Additionally, there is no limit on the duration for video calls.

WhatsApp

What makes WhatsApp better than Zoom: Existing app and ease of use.

Popular messaging app WhatsApp allows users to place voice calls and video calls as well. The Facebook-owned app recently doubled the limit for participants in video calls from 4 to 8. If you are looking to place a video call with limited users, WhatsApp is a good choice.

The main benefit of using WhatsApp over Zoom is that almost everyone already has the app and there’s no need to install anything separately. However, if you want to start a video call with more than 8 participants, it is better to go with Zoom.

See also:

Zoom and Google Hangouts banned by large companies and government organizations

How to ensure privacy and security while using Zoom

Top video calling services you can use without downloading or logging in