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Last updated: 22 October 2021
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Checked for accuracy by our qualified verifiers and subject experts. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

Our experts test and review the latest video chat apps from Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook, Apple and more to help you find the right choice for your next online get-together or meeting. Through our independent and rigorous testing, we provide information to show:

  • which app has the best video and sound quality
  • which apps are easiest to use
  • which apps use the least data
  • which services make it easy to cancel your account.

We also cover whether the apps are supported by Android, iOS, MacOS and Windows, note important features, and highlight any limitations such as the maximum number of simultaneous users and whether there's a cap on call duration. We test the free versions of these programs but also record features available in the paid versions where applicable.

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Though we provide information on security and privacy claims, we don't conduct security and privacy tests. These aspects aren't scored.

Our interactive comparison tool helps you easily compare the pros and cons of each app and our Recommended list lets you see at a glance which app gives you the right mix of performance and ease of use.

  • Need a new laptop for group video conferencing? Check out our laptop reviews.
  • Current smartphone not up to the task of video chat? Find a new one with our smartphone reviews.
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    • Matthew Steen
    By Denis Gallagher
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    Overall score

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    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

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    Ease of use score

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    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

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    Pricing model

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    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.

    Participant limit

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    The maximum number of people you can have in the chat.

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    Included in this review

    Members-only access
    • Recommended
    • Overall score
    • Performance score
    • Ease of use score
    • First use score
    • Cancel account score
    • Good points
    • Bad points
    • Pricing model
    • Data usage for 30 minutes in MB
    • Android
    • iOS
    • iPad OS
    • Windows
    • Mac OS
    • Linux
    • Web browser support
    • Supporting app
    • Speaker highlighting
    • Share screen
    • Virtual backgrounds
    • Fun filters
    • Games
    • Layout control
    • Share files
    • Transcripts
    • Record meetings
    • Host capabilities
    • Hand off to other device
    • Participant limit
    • Maximum on screen
    • End to end encryption
    • ID required
    • Minimum Android
    • Minimum iOS
    • Minimum Mac OS
    • Windows minimum
    • Hosting location
    • Privacy policy
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    Displaying all 10 products

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    Discord video chat app

    Discord video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
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    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

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    Performance score
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    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

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    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

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    Cancel account score
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    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

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    Pricing model Freemium
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    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
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    Facebook Messenger video chat app

    Facebook Messenger video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
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    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

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    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

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    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

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    Pricing model Free
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    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    3 (1 member review)
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    FaceTime video chat app

    FaceTime video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
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    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

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    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Pricing model Free
    Expand to view more details.
    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    Results for paid members only
    Join to unlock
    Back to filters Go to compare selected box

    Google Meet video chat app

    Google Meet video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
    Expand to view more details.

    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

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    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Pricing model Free
    Expand to view more details.
    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    5 (1 member review)
    Results for paid members only
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    Back to filters Go to compare selected box

    Microsoft Teams video chat app

    Microsoft Teams video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
    Expand to view more details.

    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Pricing model Freemium
    Expand to view more details.
    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    Results for paid members only
    Join to unlock
    Back to filters Go to compare selected box

    Signal video chat app

    Signal video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
    Expand to view more details.

    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Pricing model Free
    Expand to view more details.
    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    Results for paid members only
    Join to unlock
    Back to filters Go to compare selected box

    Skype video chat app

    Skype video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
    Expand to view more details.

    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Pricing model Freemium
    Expand to view more details.
    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    Results for paid members only
    Join to unlock
    Back to filters Go to compare selected box

    Slack video chat app

    Slack video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
    Expand to view more details.

    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Pricing model Freemium
    Expand to view more details.
    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    Results for paid members only
    Join to unlock
    Back to filters Go to compare selected box

    WhatsApp video chat app

    WhatsApp video chat app
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    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
    Expand to view more details.

    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Pricing model Freemium
    Expand to view more details.
    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    Results for paid members only
    Join to unlock
    Back to filters Go to compare selected box

    Zoom video chat app

    Zoom video chat app
    Compare
    ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
    Expand to view more details.

    This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Performance score
    Expand to view more details.
    The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Ease of use score
    Expand to view more details.
    Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Cancel account score
    Expand to view more details.
    How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

    Unlock this by becoming a member.

    Join now

    Already a member? Log in now

    Pricing model Freemium
    Expand to view more details.
    Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.
    Results for paid members only
    Join to unlock
    Back to filters Go to compare selected box

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