Best Video Chat Apps for Your Next Virtual Hangout

Free cross-platform programs for you to easily connect with co-workers, family, and friends. 

The picks below are from programs I love, apps with rave reviews, or new, innovative features we think you’ll enjoy. All of the featured video calling apps are cross-platform and free to use, but some have pay options for more features.

Best for Work: Skype

For professional calls, Skype reigns supreme. In addition to video chats  with a max 50 users, Skype also accommodates screen sharing and  real time translation in their chat feature. It's also easy to sign up if   you have a Microsoft account already.

 Works with: Windows and macOS (desktop), Android and iOS (mobile)
 Max users: 50

Overall Best video App: Zoom

Popular for work conferences, school classes, and all virtual get togethers alike, Zoom is the best overall choice for a video chat app. It works great on both desktop and mobile devices with options to view just the person speaking or the whole group. Hosts can also organize webinars where they're the only one with video and audio. It's free to use, but there's a 40 minute time limit for three or more users unless you opt for one of their pricing plans.

Works with: Windows and macOS (desktop), Android and iOS (mobile)

Max users: 100 until paid subscription

 Best for iPhone Users: Facetime

iPhone users are likely familiar with Facetime, which is the built-in video chat app on Apple devices. It works on iPhones, iPads, and MacOS desktops. It's easy to make calls from group texts or the middle of a voice call. Note that Facetime calls won't work with Android users.

Works with: MacOS (desktop) and iOS (mobile)

Max users: 32

Best for International: WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app across the globe. You can also make voice and video calls for up to four users. The calls are on the phone's data plan or via WiFi, so voice calls do not eat up your phone minutes. Since it has such a far reach, it's the best choice to stay in touch with international loved ones.

Works with: Windows and macOS (desktop), Android and iOS (mobile)
Max users: 4

Best for Android: Google Duo

Google Duo is the newest app from Google that's perfect for video calls between Android and iPhone users. Unlike Facetime, Google Duo is ideal to use when you have friends without iPhones. The app has an innovative feature called "Knock Knock" where you can get a preview of who is on the other end of the line before accepting the call. We also love Google Hangouts for work calls.

Works with: Windows and macOS (desktop), Android and iOS (mobile)
Max users: 12

Best for Families: Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a separate application that lets you easily chat and video call with your Facebook friends. Video calls have a limit of 50 users, which is more than most social networks with video chat capabilities. Since your whole extended family likely already has a Facebook account, it's easy to get them on board – even if they're not totally tech-savvy.

Works with: Windows and macOS (desktop), Android and iOS (mobile)
Max users: 50

Best in App Games: Houseparty

Unlike most video chat apps, Houseparty allows you to join the "house" and then others in your contact list can jump in and out. This lets you to reconnect with people you may not think to video chat. Houseparty also has great games included, such as heads up, trivia, and finish the song lyric.

Works with: Windows and macOS (desktop), Android and iOS (mobile)
Max users: 8

Best for Teenagers: Snapchat

Teens love Snapchat for its social features that let you share videos and pictures with a 24 hour time limit. When chatting, users can switch to video calls with a max of 16 users. Snapchat has great filters built-in for fun ways to change your appearance.

Works with: Android and iOS (mobile)

Max users: 16 with video, 32 voice only

Best for Gamers: Discord

Discord is a popular app for people to chat while playing video games, but many don't know it actually allow video calls with up to 25 users. Discord has easy features, such as the ability to alter other users' audio levels mid-call and you can create multiple channels for different groups, all while playing games.

Works with: Windows and macOS (desktop)
Max users: 25

Best for Busy People: Marco Polo

Marco Polo calls themselves the "video walkie talkie," as it lets you send short videos to your friends. Unlike Snapchat, Marco Polo actually saves the videos in a chat, so you can return to them in the future. It's a great way to connect with loved ones when you can't pick a specific time to video chat.

Works with: Android and iOS (mobile)
Max users: 200

Best Social Network: Instagram

Instagram is a popular social media app to see pictures from your favorite celebrities and friends. In addition to the main feed, it has a chat feature that allows you to easily switch to video. You can also go live on video calls with your friends too.

Works with: Android and iOS (mobile)
Max users: 6

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