Nick Dow's blog : Which video chat software is best for me?
Which video chat software is best for me?
All of Germany is encouraged to stay in their homes as much as possible; many people aren't even leaving the house for work and are working from home. Especially on holidays and long weekends, many people long for contact with friends and family – but would also be happy with a virtual meeting to protect their loved ones.
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There are actually a number of free video chat programs available. However, not every application is equally suitable for every purpose. Here's an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular video chat and conferencing programs.
WhatsApp: For quick conversations with almost anyone
What: Many people have probably only used WhatsApp (whatsapp.com) to chat or make video calls with individuals. But the app connects up to eight users simultaneously for a video call.
Advantages/Disadvantages: WhatsApp offers only a limited range of video chat features, and the maximum number of participants is insufficient for many groups. However, video calls have recently become available on the desktop version of WhatsApp ( instructions: How to launch WhatsApp in your browser ). Previously, this was only possible with the smartphone app. The most important advantage, however, is the app's widespread use.
Who's it for: Over two billion people worldwide use the app, and presumably most of their own friends and acquaintances do too. This makes it a great way to reach parents and grandparents who would find installing and using new software too complicated, but who already use WhatsApp.
Skype: The quasi-standard in video telephony
What: Skype (skype.com) is one of the oldest internet video calling services and has been part of Microsoft since 2011. The application is available for all major platforms, including iOS/Android and PC/Mac/Linux. It can be used in a browser, and you can even make video calls via TV using an Xbox and a USB webcam. Skype supports video calls with up to 50 participants.
Advantages/Disadvantages: Skype is also already quite widespread, though not as widely as WhatsApp. However, it can be used very well on a computer or tablet without a smartphone—especially since the software is already pre-installed on Windows 10 for private users. In principle, only the caller needs a Microsoft account; other users without an account can only participate via a link.
Who's it for: Skype offers all the essential features, is available for all major platforms, and even works with participants without their own account. This makes the software a recommendable all-rounder with only a few weaknesses. Only in terms of ease of use, other, less feature-rich services may be a bit more advanced.
Facebook Messenger: Convenient solution for Facebook users
What: Facebook Messenger has offered the option of video calling for some time now. This allows up to 50 participants to join a large conference. A few days ago, a desktop app for Windows and macOS was released.
Advantages/Disadvantages: The service is essentially free, but with Facebook, people are now aware that you're paying with your own data. It's easy to use, but the messenger doesn't offer many features. Anyone who already conducts most of their online communication via Facebook Messenger has a convenient solution for video chat.
For whom: The decision to use Facebook Messenger is likely primarily based on convenience: If you already have most of your contacts there, you don't need to set up anything new or invite anyone. However, there are some solutions that are generally more recommendable.
FaceTime: Very simple – but only for Apple users
What: FaceTime is Apple 's default video messaging service. It's installed on all iPhones, iPads, and Macs and is incredibly easy to use. However, it doesn't offer a whole lot of features.
Advantages/Disadvantages: The biggest advantage is clearly its ease of use: Since the program is pre-installed on iPhones, iPads, and Macs and doesn't offer a ton of options, even parents and grandparents can quickly learn how to use it. Furthermore, Apple users don't need to create an additional account. This advantage turns into a disadvantage for non-Apple users: Anyone without a corresponding device can't participate. This is particularly limiting for group video calls with up to 32 participants: If even one person in the group uses an Android device, FaceTime is no longer available.
Who's it for: FaceTime is only useful for group video calls if everyone has the appropriate Apple devices. If that's the case, the app can be particularly popular with less tech-savvy users. Anyone with a more tech-diverse circle of family, friends, or colleagues will have to look for another solution.
Google Duo: Solid video chat alternative
What : Google Duo is essentially the Android equivalent of FaceTime, with one important difference: It works on all platforms—including iPhones. Google Hangouts is also available. However, it has different features for personal and business users. There's also Google Meet, which until recently was called Hangouts Meets. But that's also more geared toward the business sector. For simplicity, we'll just look at Google Duo.
Zoom: The almost perfect solution for large groups
What: Zoom is the new superstar of video conferencing software. The program is especially popular with businesses because its video conferencing runs reliably even with large numbers of participants. It's actually free to use, but with limitations. The full features are available only to paying customers.
Pros/Cons: Zoom allows for truly large meetings, with up to 1,000 participants possible – but only in the paid version. However, the free basic version still allows for video chats with up to 100 participants simultaneously, with up to 25 of them being able to be displayed on one screen at a time.
Another limitation is that calls are interrupted after 40 minutes—however, all participants can dial back in and speak for another 40 minutes. Another practical feature: participants can be invited via email and a dial-in link; they don't need to create an account.
It should be noted, however, that the sudden rise in popularity also raised some privacy and security concerns about the software. Initial updates have improved the situation somewhat.
Who's it for: From daycare groups to bowling clubs to extended families, large groups in particular will find this particularly useful. Only the person setting up the video conference needs to be familiar with the software. The rest just needs to click a link; everything else is self-explanatory. However, if you only want to talk to a handful of people at once, other services are better suited.
Houseparty: The shared apartment party among video chats
What: Houseparty is a video chat app that actually works like a party: You meet up with acquaintances and maybe their friends and chat or play small party games. The focus here is clearly on fun.
Pros/Cons: Houseparty makes it relatively easy for its users to meet new people and spend time with other users without much advance planning. Anyone online can be "visited" by a contact at any time. This type of video chatroom is visible to all of the participants' contacts. This allows other contacts of the individual participants to join without a large invitation. The built-in games—such as Pictionary, a quiz, or "Who Am I?"—also add a lot of fun to the group. The app is available for Android and iOS, and there are also versions for macOS and the Chrome browser.
There are, however, some disadvantages. Conversations are limited to a maximum of eight participants, and everyone needs an account. Life on Air, the company behind Houseparty, also reserves the right to use all shared content. This sounds dramatic, but it's in line with the same regulations that apply to sites like Instagram.
Who's it for: Overall, Houseparty is more popular with a younger audience. However, this doesn't mean it's a barrier to entry for older users. However, the mandatory registration, the usage rights issue, and the limit of eight simultaneous users make it less of a first choice.
Jitsi Meet: Simple open-source alternative
What: Jitsi is an open source project for video conferencing systems like BBW Webcams Vibra Game. "Open source" means that the source code, i.e., the program's instructions, is openly accessible and can be co-developed by numerous volunteers. Accordingly, no one has to worry about hidden features, as you can always see what the software does. Jitsi Meet (meet.jit.si) is one of the subprojects and is very well suited for video chats and conferences.
Advantages/Disadvantages: Open-source programs are often not as polished as their commercial counterparts. However, that's not really the case in this case: Jitsi Meet is well-rounded and user-friendly—especially in app form. The app (available for Android and iOS) makes it easy for users to start a video chat. Participants are then invited via a link. It also allows you to easily join a conversation via your browser.
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