10 Best Video Call Apps on Android

Video calls have become an essential tool for face-to-face communication over long distances. They allow us to interact with people in different locations as if we were right there with them. Many people use video calls to stay in touch with friends, family, or partners, as well as for job interviews and meetings.

The availability of video calls is incredibly helpful, enabling us to "meet" with others even when they're far away. Additionally, they are often seen as a more affordable option, especially when taking advantage of free WiFi networks.

In the past, video calls were limited to computers, but now they can also be made on smartphones and tablets. For those interested in giving it a try, here is a list of the best Android video call applications, according to Carisinyal.

1. Google Meet

If you're already using Google products to boost productivity, Google Meet is a convenient option for video calls.

Integrated with Gmail and Google Calendar, scheduling video calls is effortless. Notifications are sent directly to Gmail or via push notifications from Google Calendar, ensuring you never miss an appointment.

For personal use on your mobile device, Google Meet offers fun features, including various effects that can transform your face into unique characters or add creative virtual elements.

You can also take advantage of the Auto Framing feature, which ensures your face stays in focus throughout the video call.

And if you're in a dimly lit room or on a night call, remember to enable the Low Light setting. This feature automatically adjusts the lighting to keep your face clearly visible, even in low-light conditions.

What I like about Google Meet:

• A video calling app for Android devices that is easy to use.
• Offers various fun effects that make video calls more enjoyable.
• Has a Low Light setting that adjusts lighting when the room is dimly lit.
• The video quality is very good.

2. Zoom

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Zoom has become one of the most widely used video calling platforms in the world, and its popularity continues to grow. Zoom is highly convenient for various online meetings, even those with hundreds of participants.

However, when using Zoom on Android devices such as smartphones, some features are not as fully available as on tablet or desktop versions.

While the mobile version still allows you to share screens, record calls, use whiteboards, and provide reactions, you won’t have access to features like the Waiting Room or Breakout Rooms, key tools Zoom offers for managing meeting participants.

That said, you can still enhance your video call experience by utilizing third-party apps that make the interaction more engaging and fun. You can sing along to background music, play quizzes, and even do live streaming with other Zoom participants.

Additionally, the mobile version of Zoom comes with an AI companion that can help with various tasks, such as composing chat messages and generating ideas on a digital whiteboard during brainstorming sessions with colleagues.

What I like about Zoom:

• It integrates with many third-party apps, making video calls more interactive and less boring.
• It is end-to-end encrypted.
• Has an AI companion that can take notes and help generate ideas for brainstorming.

Things to consider about Zoom:

• For free use, the video call duration is limited to just 40 minutes.

3. WhatsApp Messenger

If we're talking about this app, you’ve probably used it frequently. WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the most popular messaging applications in the world today. It's no surprise that its features, including video calling, are continuously being updated.

WhatsApp simplifies the process by using phone numbers directly, so users don’t need to manually add contacts. Any WhatsApp accounts of friends already in your contacts are automatically saved. To add a new contact, all you need to do is enter the number, just like you would with any regular phone number.

One of my favorite WhatsApp video features is the PiP (Picture-in-Picture) mode. This feature lets users watch video calls in a mini view while using other apps, making it ideal for multitasking.

WhatsApp also offers a background replacement feature, along with various unique effects and filters, which add a fun element to video calls. Best of all, these features are completely free, ad-free, and don’t require a premium subscription. It's no wonder WhatsApp remains so popular today.

What I like about WhatsApp:

• The PiP (Picture-in-Picture) mode allows users to multitask while staying connected on a video call.
• Offers background replacement, effects, and filters that make video calls more engaging.
• Has a screen sharing feature.

Things to consider about WhatsApp:

• It is not suitable for large-scale online meetings, as it is more suited for personal use.

4. Messenger

Messenger, the messaging app that is part of Facebook, also serves as a video calling platform. It supports group video calls with up to 50 participants, although it may not be as efficient for business or educational purposes compared to other platforms.

Facebook Messenger is more suited for personal video calls, especially with its AR Effects and interactive filters that can be used during the call. You can choose from a variety of unique filters and effects to make the video call experience even more fun.

Additionally, Messenger offers a range of entertaining games, some of which can even be played with the other person during a video call. Sounds fun, right?

The games are also visually appealing, and while you're playing, the video call screen will minimize into PiP (Picture-in-Picture) mode, allowing you to still see the other person while enjoying the game.

However, because Messenger is part of Meta and Facebook's ecosystem, it is not available in all countries. In countries like China and Iran, where Facebook is blocked, Messenger cannot be used.

What I like about Facebook Messenger:

• Supports group video calls with up to 50 participants.
• Unique and entertaining AR effects and interactive filters.
• Offers many fun games that can be played with the person you're talking to during a video call.
• Connected to the Meta ecosystem, making it easy to use if the user has a Facebook or Instagram account.

Things to consider about Facebook Messenger:

• It is not accessible in some countries.

5. Skype

Skype is one of the most popular video call applications, with a large user base. Before Zoom gained widespread popularity, many people used Skype for both business and personal communication.

One of the interesting features of Skype is its real-time translator, which allows users to have live translations during conversations with people who speak different languages.

Additionally, Skype offers the convenience of calling mobile or landline numbers. This means you don’t need to rely on other apps for making local or long-distance voice calls.

However, the call-to-phone-number feature comes with a charge for each call, though the cost is generally quite affordable.

What I like about Skype:

• It has a real-time translator feature that is rarely found in similar apps.
• It can be used for voice calls.
• Supports account synchronization and is accessible on multiple platforms.

Things to consider about Skype:

• It does not use end-to-end encryption.

6. Discord

Discord is another great alternative for video calls, supporting calls with up to dozens of participants.

Discord has the ability for multiple users to share their screens simultaneously, which sets it apart from other applications that typically allow only one user to share a screen at a time. This feature is especially useful for meetings, presentations, or group gaming sessions.

Additionally, Discord offers a wide range of "activities" you can enjoy during video calls with colleagues, such as playing various video games or watching YouTube videos together.

Discord also includes a feature similar to PiP called Floating Window. This allows you to run games or other applications while keeping the video call visible in overlay mode, so you can multitask without missing out on the conversation.

What I like about Discord:

• Supports screen sharing by multiple users simultaneously.
• Offers many 'activities' that can be done during a video call.
• Has a Floating Window mode, which is very useful for multitasking.
• Provides many customizable settings for comfort during video calls.

Things to consider about Discord:

• The numerous settings can feel a bit complicated for some users.

7. Signal

When it comes to security and privacy, Signal stands out as the top application that prioritizes these aspects over all others. Signal offers automatic end-to-end encryption for all types of conversations, unlike some competitors that make encryption optional.

Moreover, Signal does not collect call metadata, such as details about who called whom or the duration of the call. The app also ensures there are no backdoors, hidden vulnerabilities that third parties, including governments or hackers, could exploit to access user data.

In short, your calls are entirely private, and no one, except you and the other party, can access them. Pretty impressive, right?

As for features, Signal’s video calls offer something unique. While it may not have as many additional features, it provides reactions in the form of floating emojis. These emojis appear during the video call and float on the call screen, visible on both your device and the other party’s.

What I like about Signal:

• Prioritizes privacy in every call service.
• Automatically uses end-to-end encryption.
• Has a reaction feature with floating emojis that appear on the call screen.
• Supports group video calls with up to dozens of people.

Things to consider about Signal:

• The features in video calls are still limited and quite basic.

8. Viber

Viber is a messaging app that might not be as well-known, but it's a reliable option for video calls. The video calling feature is simple and easy to use, without many complex settings. Viber has default configurations designed to ensure a smooth and comfortable video call experience.

One of the key advantages of Viber is that all video calls, text messages, and voice calls are end-to-end encrypted by default. This encryption applies to both individual and group video calls, so you can rest assured that your conversations remain private and secure.

During a video call, you can also add participants, with the ability to include up to dozens of people. Plus, you can send text messages while the video call is still ongoing.

Although Viber excels in video calls, its standout feature is its regular call service. The Viber Out feature allows users to make calls to regular phone numbers at affordable rates, much like Skype's calling service.

What I like about Viber:

• The app offers a simple and easy-to-use video calling feature.
• All calls and chats are end-to-end encrypted by default.
• The unique Viber Out feature allows users to make calls to regular phone numbers at affordable rates.

Things to consider about Viber:

• The mobile version has limited features; screen sharing, reactions, and other standard settings are not available in video calls.

9. Telegram

Who hasn't heard of Telegram? This messaging app is also a solid choice for video calls. What sets it apart is that when you make a private video call, Telegram displays a unique string of emojis on both your screen and that of your conversation partner.

If the emoji sequence on your screen matches the one on your partner’s screen, the call is encrypted. This special encryption, known as MTProto, is exclusive to Telegram. However, keep in mind that MTProto isn't always active in every conversation.

Telegram’s video calling service is straightforward, offering basic features such as mute/unmute, stop video, and flip camera.

Additionally, Telegram offers the PiP (Picture-in-Picture) feature, allowing users to shrink the video call display into a small window. This lets you continue using other apps or browse Telegram without ending the call.

What I like about Telegram:

• Personal video calls are well-encrypted.
• Telegram’s custom encryption protocol (MTProto) is very unique.
• The video call service is simple, making it easy for anyone to use.
• The PiP (Picture-in-Picture) feature supports multitasking.

Things to consider about Telegram:

• Not all video call services use MTProto.
• Its features are still limited compared to other apps.

10. JusTalk

Unlike most apps that require users to register with an email or phone number, JusTalk allows you to create an account with a unique ID. As long as you remember your ID and password, accessing the app is quick and easy.

The true uniqueness of JusTalk lies not just in its ease of access, but also in its interactive doodle feature. During video calls, you can draw or doodle on the screen, adding a fun and creative touch to your conversations.

This feature lets you choose the brush size, select colors for your drawings, or even add unique stickers, making the video call experience more enjoyable.

In addition to doodling, JusTalk offers several simple mini-games. While these are single-player games (meant to be played alone), they provide a fun distraction during long video calls. However, be careful not to let these features take away your focus from the conversation!

What I like about JusTalk:

• It doesn't require a phone number or email to create an account.
• It has an interactive doodle feature that makes the video call experience more engaging.
• It offers several games that can be played directly on the screen during a video call.

Things to consider about JusTalk:

• Ads still appear in the free version.
• Some features are only accessible with a premium subscription.

Video calls are a great way to connect with others, allowing you to feel closer to the person you're speaking with, even if you're miles apart.

The best Android video call applications recommended by Carisinyal can help you stay in touch with loved ones, whether they live in another city or even abroad.