As 3G and 4G technology makes way for faster 5G in 2021, you would find it much easier to use video calls in smartphones. A decade ago, even the best video chat apps were lagged, with constantly dropping frames and poor audio.
But efficient usage of compression algorithms combined with high-speed internet connectivity has completely transformed video calling apps. We are now a few clicks away from making high definition face-to-face conversation anywhere anytime.
Since there is a vast variety of video conference apps in the market, we have shortlisted the top 24 best video chat apps of 2021 that you should try.
| Discord | Signal | Google Duo | |
| Tango | YeeCall | ICQ | Viber |
| Snapchat | Skype | Zalo | |
| ooVoo | Glide | JusTalk | MicrosoftTeams |
| Camfrog | Messenger | IMO | Line |
| KakaoTalk | Hangouts | Marcopolo | Zoom |
1. Discord
Discord is popular for its in-game chat functionalities. It is one of the best video & audio chat apps for gamers. The app enables easy daily communication and even set up group chats and screen share your activities.
There are regular updates to the app, with the latest update coming in December 2020, and despite few bugs, reviews are very positive from long-term users.
The gaming communication facility helps you to watch your friend’s stream their games and speak like you all are in the same room.
App Features
- Easy voice channels without calls.
- Custom emojis & avatars.
- Pin your favorite images and other content.
- Private channel creation.
Ratings : 4.5/5
Installs : 100,000,000+
2. Signal Private Messenger
The name itself implies the purpose of the app. Signal enables users to have highly safe private messages. Extra protection is followed by a PIN generation that is known to you and only you. You can engage in crystal clear voice and video calls in an end-to-end encrypted app platform.
Signal lets users have uninterrupted group video calls and even permanently delete messages and clean message history. The app contains edit tools for your outgoing images & even add text on the images.
App Features
- Custom alerts on existing contacts.
- Enhanced audio and video Quality.
- Active on slow networks
- Easy to use interface.
- End-to-end encrypted
Ratings : 4.5/5
Installs : 10,000,000+
3. Google Duo
Google Duo has been among the best video chat apps since 2018. The app is quite simple to use — Log in, verify your number, and make quick video calls just like standard phone calls. The simplicity of the app’s interface brings the video calling feature to the forefront.
You can get on a group video call with up to 32 people. This video chat app also has the “Family Mode” which has few interesting features like ability to doodle while on video call, add fun masks and effects, etc.
App Features
- Cross-platform functionality lets you make calls across Android and iOS devices.
- Check the person who’s calling you before you decide to answer it or not.
- Faster and reliable video calls regardless of Wi-Fi or mobile connection.
- Extremely simple interface makes it easier to make video calls.
Rating : 4.5/5
Installs : 1,000,000,000+
4. Instagram
You probably use this frequently to share video and pictures from your daily lives with added captions, edits, filters, emojis, and tweak settings to entertain your followers.
In 2018, the app introduced video calling feature in Instagram Direct allowing users to video call individuals or small groups of up to 4 people.
In mid 2020, Instagram rolled out messenger rooms, allowing you to join on a video call with up to 50 people. It’s free, doesn’t put a time limit and is easy to use.
The Instagram app is primarily focused on visual content, and you can find plenty of high quality entertainment on this social media app.
As typical with social media, you can follow your favourite accounts, which could be friends and family, or celebrities and see what they are up to.
App Features
- Instagram Messenger Rooms – Video Chat with up to 50 people with no time limit.
- Allows multi-tasking while video calling
- Has the option of messaging, posting, reading news feeds etc and much more
Rating : 4.4/5
Installs : 1,000,000,000+
5. Tango
With over 400 million user base, Tango is one of the popular video chat apps of this generation. This app offers the great quality video calling facility.
This app is more focused on video streaming and social features. But the video calling facility is quite good, with the ability to create video chat rooms. You can chat publicly and privately to anyone of your preference.
App Features
- Accessible on both iOS and Android devices.
- Easily switch between voice and video calls while being on call.
- Add friends, subscribe to sources, keep a timeline, and receive newsfeed.
- Follow your favourite live video broadcasters and engage with fellow creative people.
Rating : 4.4/5
Installs : 100,000,000+
Read Also : How to Create a Video Chat App Like Zoom
6. YeeCall
YeeCall app provides free video and voice calls to all of its users around the globe. The app introduced something called the unblocked video & voice call which allow users to freely use video chat without worrying about being blocked.
It is especially useful for users who live in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, India, Pakistan and more.
App Features
- Provides high quality voice and video calls
- Performs stable connection and data encryption
- Enables free and unlimited texting with funny GIFs and stickers.
- Allows group talks which makes all the friends stay connected.
- Encrypted video calls
Rating : 4.4/5
Installs : 10,000,000+
7. ICQ
Have fun using this free video chat app. It unifies almost all functions that make a communication fun and moreover easier for the user.
There are some smart features such as converting voice messages to text, video call masks sending videos and images without compression. They make the app experience that much better.
App Features
- High-quality video and audio calls are available
- Calls are securely encrypted
- Voice messages have speech-to-text feature
- Animated 3D masks are available for video calling
- Live chat synchronization is available with unlimited members or channels
Rating : 4.4/5
Installs : 50,000,000+
8. Viber
Launched in 2010, Viber is another preferred and popular video chat apps that has over 11 million downloads. Filled with cool features and attractive functionalities, Viber is a cross-platform application and can be installed on various devices.
Viber introduced group video chat for up to 20 people (They are set to increase the limit in near future) in early 2020. Whether you are a chef running a cooking class or a Yoga teacher helping students master various poses, Viber is a good option.
App Features
- Free international video and voice calling app.
- Add eye-catching and funny emojis and cool stickers to your texts.
- Hide the messages from the messaging screen that you don’t want others to see and access them later.
- The automatic encryption secures your messages, video and voice calls, texts, etc.
Rating : 4.4/5
Installs : 500,000,000+
9. WhatsApp
After proving its worth as the best messaging app, WhatsApp came with another feature: Video calling. It is a cross-platform app that has millions and millions of users who make a tonne of video calls on a daily basis across the globe on Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
Whatsapp introduced plenty of new features by end of 2020 including payment facility, dark mode, disappearing messages and also increased group video chat capacity from 4 members to 8 members.
App Features
- Video call or voice call, it is completely free.
- Share documents, images, videos, and much more with its multimedia feature.
- Download WhatsApp on your computer and start receiving messages.
- Can easily set custom wallpapers, notification ringtones, etc.
Rating : 4.3/5
Installs : 5,000,000,000+
10. Snapchat
For most teenagers, this is the most preferred chat app and in a study, it was shown that Snapchat has overcome Facebook and Instagram due to its popularity among teenagers.
There are plenty of filters, emojis, lenses, etc that are fun and cool. Snap Map, Discover, Stories and few other features are also there to keep you entertained.
App Features
- Short video clips can be shared
- Snapchat stories which are news feeds can be made up of photos or videos
- Ad support content is available from famous publishers or brands
- Has the feature to send GIFs shot
- Turn your friend and yourself to an augmented reality filter with 3D friendmojis
- You can start visual parties with Snapchat
- Best in expressing yourself, to learn about the world and have fun with friends and family
Rating : 4.3/5
Installs : 1,000,000,000+
11. Skype
Skype is one of those that absolutely need no introduction. With super new features, design, and a tonne of users, Skype is the app to stay connected with people around the globe.
Skype works on a wide range of devices and is one of the most reliable video chat apps. Just recently, Skype introduced Together Mode, which was an original feature in Microsoft Teams’.
The mode rethinks how video chats are displayed on screen. It puts you side by side with other members giving an appearance of being at the same place together.
App Features
- Send photos, text, videos, voice messages, and many more.
- Call any device, Skype, mobile, or landline.
- Keep your family and friends updated with the Highlights from your day.
- Enjoy low calling rates to landlines and cell phones across the globe.
Rating : 4.3/5
Installs : 1,000,000,000+
12. Zalo
Zalo is Vietnam’s favourite messaging app. It has a rich set of amazing audio and video call features.
Apart from its core functionalities, the app also has certain unique features like transportation bookings, public transport information, doctor appointment bookings, consumer loan services, etc.
This Vietnamese app is also used by government agencies, companies and celebrities from Vietnam. So you get updates from these accounts regularly.
There is one drawback though. The app is geographically limited. Even though it has an English translation, there is a lot of scope for improvement.
App Features
- High speed for notifications
- Fun and cheerful stickers and emoticons available
- Find friends who are nearby
- No much effort required to send group messages
- Zalo Pay, Zalo Shop,
- Transportation booking
- Doctor Booking
- Consumer loan services
Rating : 4.3/5
Installs : 100,000,000+
13. ooVoo
Started off as a chat app, ooVoo became popular among teens within no time. It lets users have a group call with up to 8 people at one time.
Their powerful, in-app messaging services let you share images, text, video messages, and much more. Also, ooVoo is a cross-platform app, so regardless of the device you use, it can be installed on any phone, tablet, and PC.
Their latest chains feature lets you link your videos together, like youtube playlists, and boasts few social abilities such as sharing and discovering other video chains, collaborating with other creators, etc
App Features
- Create amazing content for the ooVoo community by linking their videos together to create interesting stories to share with their friends and contacts across the globe.
- Checkout others’ stories in your network that your friends have uploaded.
- A cutting-edge technology was used to develop ooVoo which makes it superior to standard messaging applications.
Rating : 4.3/5
Installs : 50,000,000+
Download : Android
14. Glide
Glide claims they are the fastest live video messenger app on the planet. People can enjoy sharing their life moments in real-time with friends they wish to.
The app has cool filters making videos more awesome and loveable. An easy to use design makes the app more and more convenient for users.
App Features
- Enjoy the app in smartwatches.
- Live Video streaming
- Easy texting and clear video calls
- Intuitive interface.
Ratings : 4.3/5
Installs : 10,000,000+
15. JusTalk
It’s a free high-quality voice, video, and group chat app which is simple, reliable, fun to use and moreover secure for users. This app which can be used in both Android and iOS is perfect for family and friends. It allows up to 16 people on a single video call.
App Features
- Make one-to-one or group calls with HD quality video and highly clear voice
- Best feature is that even at dark times you get a clear vision for seeing for video calling
- While video calling, you can share an endless number of stickers, doodles, and photos in real-time
- Even the user can challenge friends video call in this app
- If your friends or family doesn’t have this app, then you can make use of Boomerang Web call which lets users create a web link and then make calls
- Other features include- lively messaging, end-to-end encryption etc.
Rating : 4.3/5
Installs : 10,000,000+
Read Also : 24 Best Social Media Apps 2021
16. Microsoft Teams
One Microsoft Teams is hands down one of the best tools for kids in their online learning process. You can easily add as many members as you want into a video call & have trouble-free chats. The app is a perfect hub for teamwork assuring collaboration & coordination between every member.
It brings the content collaboration power offered by Microsoft 365 applications, making the app an extremely powerful tool for teams.
You can have occasional chats, group chats, or a dedicated team communication with your colleagues. Users also can switch between the work and personal accounts for convenience.
App Features
- Convenient cloud storage & access.
- Manage group dashboards& various tasks.
- Transfer calls between desktop and mobile
- File editing & sharing on the go.
- Timely custom notifications.
- Enterprise-level security
- Call-merge, low-data mode
Ratings : 4.2/5
Installs : 50,000,000+
17. Camfrog
This is kind of a cross-platform community with thousands of users available in various chat rooms. Be it on any device- Android, iPhone or Mac, if you are a member of the Camfrog community then you could chat with anyone available.
It is one of the best video chat apps that allows you to connect with strangers globally and make friends or to flirt. It is a great video chat option if you are a social butterfly.
App Features
- Video conferencing is quite simple using this app
- Group calling is available with other Camfrog users
- Easy to find in new users and you can also set up new chat rooms
- Video and audio communication is available in devices like Windows XP, Mac OS X, and Android
- It also has a paid version – Camfrog Pro
- Rewards program
- Virtual gift store
Rating : 4.2/5
Installs : 10,000,000+
18. Facebook Messenger
As famous as Facebook, this video calling app is trusted by people around the globe. Facebook Messenger is available for free for both iOS and Android users through any web browser logged into your Facebook account.
Backed by facebook, this video chat app is quite rich in quality features. The latest feature would be the Vanish Mode which is available in select countries.
App Features
- Using either names or phone numbers, you can easily find your friends.
- Works across devices and operating systems. Connect with people internationally within no time.
- Add fun art and effects to your pictures and videos and share them instantly with your connections.
- Vanish Mode
- Custom Reactions
- Watch videos, shows and movies together with friends
- Dark Mode
Rating : 4.2/5
Installs : 1,000,000,000+
19. IMO
It is a simple video calling app for Android users that lets users make free video and voice calls over both Wi-Fi and mobile internet, and accessible to both iOS and Android users. You can make video calls with up to 20 members in a single call.
App Features
- Provides complete end-to-end encryption to all messages and video and voice calls.
- Cross-platform video calling application.
- Make group calls, send images, stickers, etc.
- Consumes less data for both video and voice calls.
Rating : 4.2/5
Installs : 500,000,000+
20. LINE
This app has in turn reshaped the way of communication around the globe. It’s not only a messaging app but also allows users to do audio calls, video calls. There is a fun feature called Face Play you can enjoy in different modes with your friends.
App Features
- Chat with over 200 friends simultaneously on a group chat
- Lets voice and video calls anywhere, anytime
- Browse hundreds of stickers including world-famous celebrities to make your chats more fun
Rating : 4.1/5
Installs : 500,000,000+
21. KakaoTalk
This is fast, fun and a multi-faceted messaging app to communicate with your friends and family, which is used by more than 150 million users worldwide.
App Features
- Speedy and reliable in whatever network
- Supports iOS, Android, Windows OS, Mac OS
- Free chats, audio and video calls available to communicate worldwide
- Express emotions through the wide range of emoticons and you can also more stickers from the store
- Chat is available between unlimited friends
- Another exciting feature is that this app has voice filters for fun free calls with the sounds of Talking Tom, Ben’s voice etc
Rating : 4.1/5
Installs : 100,000,000+
22. Hangouts
Backed up by Google, Hangouts is an excellent video calling app if you are brand specific. Hangouts let you connect with up to 9 people at once.
There is no need to sign up for a new account if you already have one. Not just Android-powered smartphones and tablets, Hangouts can be installed on iOS devices as well.
App Features
- Include all your contacts with group chats for up to 150 people.
- It can turn any group conversation into a video call up to 10 people.
- App works on Android and iOS devices, and syncs chats across all your devices.
- Easily connect their Google voice account for phone calls, SMSs, and voicemail integration.
Rating : 4.0/5
Installs : 1,000,000,000+
23. Marco Polo
Marco polo allows you to hang out with your friends virtually. The app is perfect to share short videos with friends or groups. It has additional doodle features adding fun to your video chat.
One of the app’s major highlights is that it is ad-free. This video chat app delivers your messages tone, context and certainty according to the app creators. The facility of cloud storage gives more room to save limitless content.
App Features
- End to end encryption
- No third party ads
- Marcopolo premium has extra features
- Easy to use interface.
- Unlimited chats and groups
- Voice effects, Camera effects
- Marco Polo Plus has extra features
Ratings : 3.9/5
Installs : 10,000,000+
24. ZOOM Cloud Meetings
Award-winning video conferencing app launched in 2013. It became the most downloaded android apps on the internet, thanks to the new work from home office culture during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
You can have up to 100 participants in one meeting at a time. The addon versions allow up to 500.
App Features
- Direct screen sharing from your device
- Send group text, images, and audios
- Contact availability status
- Easy invitations and participation
- Safe driving mode
Ratings: 3.6/5
Installs: 500,000,000+
Read Also: 24 Best Online Dating Apps 2021
Final Thoughts
With social distancing becoming the norm due to the global pandemic, video chat apps are fast becoming part of daily life. These apps are now essential to stay in touch with friends and family from around the globe.
As the competition between app makers intensifies, you are eventually benefitted with innovative features and functionalities. So, in case you aren’t already using a chat app, this is the right time to jump on to the bandwagon and if you do, do try out multiple video chat apps as most of them have a free version. You never know which would be the best fit for you.