The Best Video Chat Apps to Help You Stay in Contact

In the course of recent decades, smartphones have reformed the way we speak with each other, rendering cord-tethered landlines a a thing of the past. 

These days, individuals around the globe quickly communicate and bridge the separation by means of voice calls, text, and email with the straightforward touch of a button. Advantageously enables users to see each other utilizing a webcam while talking as though they were confronting each other in a same room. 

Numerous tech companies have even gone so far as to incorporate their own particular exclusive chat clients in their products.Though, like any popular service, there also exists an array of third-party offerings available on both iOS and Android.

Here are our favorite video-chat apps for your streaming.

1. Facebook Messenger

The reason that Facebook Messenger is perhaps the best choice on this list is the fact that you probably already have it, and most of your friends do too. Not only that, but it’s also pretty easy to use. Simply open up the app, press on the person you want to call, and tap the camera button in the top-right corner. The app will then connect you with your friend, and you’ll be able to chat the same way you would in any other video chat app.

Facebook Messenger is available on iOS, Android, and also via any web browser logged into your Facebook account. No matter where you are, or which device you are using, you can always call your family and friends using Messenger. You can use live effects to have some fun with your family and friends, and Messenger also lets you keep track of chats with others, while keeping your video chat as a small floating window within Messenger. There are plenty of other things you can do with Facebook Messenger.

2. Google Duo

On December 2016, Google began to replace Hangouts with Duo as a part of the suite of pre-installed core apps for new Android devices. Google wants Duo to become the default video calling app on Android devices, which is great news for iPhone users who can also download Duo on the App Store, and contact their family and friends who use Android.

It doesn’t get any simpler than Google Duo. You open the app, and it immediately turns on your camera. Once you have your contacts populated, it will be as simple as just tapping on their contact name, what Google is touting as ‘one-tap calling’. It will also smoothly transition from Wi-Fi to your cellular data connection to make sure you can connect from anywhere.

Duo has a feature called Knock Knock that turns on the caller’s camera as a preview of who’s calling. The app will let callers know the video is visible to the other person. You can only do this with people who are already in your contacts, and if you decide that this isn’t something you like, you can disable it in settings. It creates fun opportunities and surprises — such as teasing a birthday cake before wishing someone a happy birthday.

3. Imo

Message and video call your friends and family for free, no matter what device they are on!

Imo is a simple video calling and chatting app. It boasts compatibility for 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE networks. That makes it good for those stuck on worse connections. It's also compatible with both iOS and Android. Otherwise, there isn't much to this one. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Aside from text chatting and video calling, this app doesn't have any bloat holding you back from a simple experience. It's free to download and use. The only thing you'll need to deal with is some advertising.

4. WhatsApp 

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps ever. It's one of only a few that can boast over one billion active users. It started out as a text chat service before Facebook bought them a while ago. Since then, the app has integrated voice calling, video calling, and tons of other features. The video calling works quite well and you shouldn't have any problems using it. Not everyone trusts the app since it's run by Facebook. However, if you're just looking for something that works and is stable, this is a good app to try.

5.SKYPE

Skype is one of the most popular video chat apps for any platform. It has native apps on most platforms, including PC, which makes it one of the best cross-platform options out there. The Android app certainly isn't perfect, but it can usually get the job done. You can do group video calls with up to 25 people. The app also features a free text chat, Microsoft and Facebook account integration, and you can even call regular cell phones for a nominal fee. The app still needs work, but the service itself is about as good as it gets.

6. Tango 

Tango is one of the oldest video chat apps on Android. It made splashes years ago as one of the first apps that could video chat, even on bad connections. It has since evolved into a full social platform. You can text chat and video call your friends and family. Additionally, you can discover new people with similar things in common. It also supports group chats, in-video stuff to have fun with, and other stuff. It's completely free to use. The in-app purchases are just for personalization options.

7. Viber 

Viber began life as a voice calling app. You used to be able to call people on the service along with regular phone calls. It has since evolved into a full-fledged messaging service. You can still make phone calls like you could before (for a fee). You can also text chat, video call, and more. It also features encryption on voice, text, and video calls. There are even hidden chats, games, and some other stuff. As you can imagine, it's a little bit bloated. The good news is that Viber-to-Viber text, voice, and video calls are completely free.

8. JusTalk

JusTalk is another one of the lesser-known video chat apps. However, it's actually pretty decent. You'll be able to theme your app as you please. Additionally, you can do things like doodle while in a video call to add a bit of fun to the proceedings. It also features group chats, encryption, and cross-platform support. The app is free to download and use. The in-app purchases are for things like themes and other personalization perks.

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