Best video calling apps for iPhone and iPad in 2023 

With staying-at-home becoming rampant, the need for video-calling apps has skyrocketed. Video chatting apps on iPhones can do it all: online meetings at odd hours, virtual date nights with your long-distance lover, or emotional calls with your family living away from you. These apps for video conferencing let you mark your presence at places you cannot be in person.

The growing popularity of these apps has pushed developers to come up with more advanced versions of the existing video-calling platforms for iPhones. So, how to find which app is best for you? To help you, we have curated this list of the best video calling apps for iPhone and iPad. In addition, the list features the pros and cons of some of the most efficient free video conferencing apps so you can pick your favorite easily. 

1. FaceTime
2. Google Meet
3. WhatsApp
4. Zoom Meeting
5. Facebook Messenger
6. Microsoft Teams
7. Discord
8. BOTIM
9. JusTalk
10. Viber messenger
11. Slack

1. FaceTime – Editor’s Choice

With FaceTime, Apple ventured into the world of video conferencing, making it more accessible, convenient, and instant. The feature comes pre-installed on all Apple products, making it your first choice for making video calls on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Also, you can invite others on a FaceTime call using a shareable web link. Interestingly, you can feel free to connect to 32 people in one go on FaceTime.  

Apart from the ease of use, FaceTime comes packed with several fun features, including screen sharing, multiple video modes, etc. For example, the SharePlay feature lets you watch videos while listening to your favorite music simultaneously. In addition, shared controls, synced playback, and smart volume ensure that your conversations are not disturbed because of the song or video playing alongside.   

The Voice Isolation feature lets you block outside noises, while the Wide Spectrum function lets you bring all the sounds in your call. Also, FaceTime calls get integrated into your recent calls list in the Phone app.

If you want the focus on you during the call, you can use the Portrait mode to blur the background. In addition, you can add effects to your videos with animojis, memojis, and stickers. Further, you can use the Handoff feature if you want to switch your calls from your iPhone to your iPad or Mac. So, why not reap the best results of FaceTime by using it like a pro on your iPhone?  

Price: Free
Download

2. Google Meet – Interactive video calling from Google

Google Meet is an upgraded version of Google Duo. The platform lets you connect, interact, collaborate, and share in one place. With Google Meet, you can make instant video calls or schedule a meeting in advance. Also, you can connect with a group as big as 100 people by sharing an invitation to the meeting. And yes, the app is fully compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. 

With Google Meet, you can enjoy seamless access to high-quality audio and video calls from anywhere and anytime. Noise cancellation, screen sharing, and low-light mode will likely enhance your video calling experience. Also, Google speech-to-text technology transcribes your content with real-time captions, so you get all the details. Finally, you can use interactive filters, effects, AR masks, and backgrounds to add a personalized touch to your video calls.   

The knock-knock feature gives you a live video preview, so you know who is calling even before answering. Further, if someone is not responding to your Google Meet call, you can leave a video message for them with a callback request. Feel free to capture or record moments you want to share with other participants on the app. Moreover, you can do live chats, polls, Q&A rounds, etc., with Meet.  

Google never disappoints with its security standards; it is no different with Google Meet. Here, your video interactions are encrypted in transit to ensure that there are no loose ends in data privacy. Start meetings using Gmail or integrate the schedule with Google Calendar and get reminders of any schedule change quickly.  

Price: Free
Download

3. WhatsApp – Secure, fast, and handy

Owned by Meta, WhatsApp shines as the most popular video chat app globally – all thanks to its easy-to-use interface that lets you chat, video call, or share information for free. Despite a slow start, WhatsApp took a quick lead by offering best-in-class features. One of the reasons for this success is the quality of WhatsApp video calls which is relatively superior even on low network connectivity.   

Do you know that WhatsApp allows 50 people to connect on video calls simultaneously? This happened with the app’s integration with Facebook Messenger’s new Rooms offering. Additionally, I recommend going through our guide on WhatsApp tips and tricks to have a better experience.

With WhatsApp, you can join a video call using your iPhone contact number. Easy, right? Moreover, like its text messaging, WhatsApp secures your video calls through end-to-end encryption. This ensures that none of your conversations get accessed by third-party intruders.  

In addition, WhatsApp today allows you to start and receive video calls on its desktop version. So, attend meetings, video call your gang, or participate in seminars for free. 

Price: Free
Download

4. Zoom Meeting – Perfect for large group video calls 

Zoom Meeting is one of the best free video conferencing apps for holding a video call involving many people. This cloud-based service lets you connect with others virtually through video-only-audio-only, or both while simultaneously interacting on live chats. The gallery view feature of the app brings everybody onto the screen, irrespective of the number of participants. In addition, screen sharing, end-to-end encryption, and an interactive interface make Zoom a perfect video conferencing app.   

The app allows you to initiate chats with internal or outside contacts without a glitch. You can schedule a video meeting or join one with a single click using Zoom. Moreover, sharing and adding live annotations to content is quite convenient on this app. You can use the virtual whiteboards to brainstorm ideas and then share them in the chat with others.   

Enjoy multitasking with Zoom using the iPhone’s Picture and Picture View or Split View on iPad. Further, you can customize Siri shortcuts for a more hands-free experience when using Zoom Meeting.

While there is no restriction on a one-on-one chat session, a 40-minute time limit for free users exists when more than three people participate in a meeting. You must switch to the Premium version or Business tier to hold meetings with 100 or more people simultaneously.   

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $15.99)
Download

5. Facebook Messenger – Call, chat, and share

While many people consider Facebook Messenger a social media platform, the scope of the app goes way beyond that. It allows you to do high-quality audio calls, video calls, text messaging, photo sharing, and more. You can also instantly connect with your friends and family by initiating video calls where you can invite up to 50 people to join the call.   

If you want to save those embarrassing moments of your friends, Facebook Messenger lets you do so. The app allows you to take screenshots during the call and saves them to your iPhone’s camera roll. You can pick interactive video filters from the bundle of options available on the app and make your video calls even more intriguing.

Additionally, you can watch videos, TV shows, and movies with your friends on Messenger Chat and Rooms. Also, connect in group calls via a link with people who don’t use the app. Make your video chats on Messenger interesting by using trending GIFs, emoticons, and stickers.

Also, you can easily send files, photos, and videos while video conferencing with your employees or friends. The app lets you switch to dark mode so you can give some rest to your eyes when chatting for a long stretch.  

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
Download

6. Microsoft Teams – Video-calling app for professionals 

Microsoft Teams has a separate fan base among business entities and professionals. The app’s intuitive interface, supported by plenty of user-friendly features, makes it a robust option in our list featuring the best video conferencing apps for iPhone and iPad. So whether you are collaborating with your team members for an important project or just catching up with a long-distance friend, Microsoft Teams has got you covered.

This app is a complete package where you can chat, make voice or video calls, share content, edit files while interacting, share a task, and schedule a meeting. For instance, you can use cloud storage to access shared files and data during video calls instantly. Further, you can organize your work by grouping conversations based on their topic, project type, or channels. The facility will save you time and relieve you from stressful searching in the content pool.   

Set up video meetings within seconds and invite others by sharing the link or calendar invite. The app relies on AI technology to offer professional-grade services to you. This technology lets you share your screen, use whiteboards for brainstorming and discussions, or break out in virtual rooms.  

You can add up to 100 people in a video call using the app’s free version. Woah! Even if you bring the farthest family member into the loop, that is a big number. Additionally, Teams let you keep your communities safe by allowing you to remove problematic members from the chat group or call.

Price: Free
Download 

7. Discord – A must-have for gamers

In general, people consider Discord as a chatting app for gamers. But the app has more to it. You can use Discord for video conferencing too. Yes, you read that right! Discord leverages a seamless gateway for online gaming for multiple users. Wave hello over videos, send group/private messages, share stories during voice calls, or watch others stream their games- Discord lets you do it all.   

You can stream one participant’s screen content with others instantly without a glitch using the in-app Go Live streaming facility. Here, you can share displays with a maximum of 50 people simultaneously. Discord became my best partner for e-gaming with friends during the COVID-19 lockdown. The streaming quality of the free tier goes up to the maximum limit of 720p at 30fps. However, by spending $10 monthly, you can switch to the Nitro version to get a streaming quality of 1080p at 60fps.  

On Discord, servers are categorized into topic-based channels. You can instantly share, collaborate, hold meetings, or interact with others. Hop on to a voice channel to let your friends see you are available for chit-chat without making a call. Take snaps during the video call and turn them into emojis before sharing them with friends.

Easy sharing lets you flex your meme knowledge with others. Group your friends based on different interests using custom moderation features and permission tools for easily bringing them together on video calls.  

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $2.99)
Download

8. BOTIM – The multi-purpose video calling app

BOTIM is another crucial video-calling app that has garnered global attention for its easy UI and juicy features. The app allows you to make private or group audio and video calls secured by end-to-end encryption from one corner of the world to another for FREE. You can indulge in an exciting chit-chat session with up to 500 people and hold group video calls with a maximum of 21 people simultaneously on this amazing app.   

You can consider this as a prerequisite for video conferencing apps, right? So, what makes BOTIM stand out from the lot? Well, it is the fact that apart from calls, BOTIM facilitates online bill payments, money transfers, e-gaming, and other day-to-day support activities.

Additionally, you can ditch bank queues and embrace instant money transfers to your contacts with BOTIM. You can send or receive money after completing the digital KYC formalities. Also, you can pay your mobile bills or do instant recharges at any time. Convenient, right? 

The platform lets you share your precious moments captured in images, videos, voice messages, and documents with others. In addition, you may compete with your friends in online games like YouDraw, YouLudo, etc. You can also start live audio chats while playing. Interestingly, there’s an in-app step counter that lets you adopt a healthier life. 

 

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
Download

9. JusTalk – Good quality video-calling

JustTalk is a must-try video chat with strangers app packed with plenty of valuable features. The app offers a simple-to-use, reliable, secure, and fun way to enjoy face-to-face interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. With the JustTalk app, you can make HD audio and video calls, record them, play games, doodle, and share photos to add a personal touch to your video calls.  

The app lets you send and receive images, videos, locations, stickers, and GIFs, with one person or with a group of a maximum of 200 people. In addition, you can share the highlights of your day, video calls, or chats with friends and family on JusTalk Moments. Using the Smart Night Vision feature, you can add light to the background for video calls in the dark.   

There is no bar on the number of groups you create on the app; however, a single group can only have up to 50 members. Also, the chats and calls on the app use end-to-end encryption. JustTalk app works well on different operating systems and devices like iPhones and iPad. Further, the app’s premium version offers advanced features like 720p HD quality, ads-free, unique ringtones, themes, etc.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
Download

10. Viber messenger – Vibe with creativity

Viber Messenger is a fun messaging and video-calling app that bridges the gap between billions of people across the globe. The app lets you make unlimited, superior-quality audio and video calls with a group as big as 50 people without hassle. Moreover, the risk of data theft or call tapping is negligible because the app relies on end-to-end encryption for user safety.   

If you like sharing your life updates through SMS texts, Viber Messenger can be your perfect partner. The app lets you start a group chat with a maximum of 250 members simultaneously. So can use Viber Messenger to flood the inbox of your family and friends with life updates, GIFs, video messages, files, fun memes, jokes, and everything you like.  

Switch to Viber Out’s pocket-friendly international calling on landline or mobile. Further, for a more personalized experience, you can join different communities of interest like sports, news, travel, entertainment, etc., and engage with them.  

You can go creative on Viber by playing with its fun and beautifying lenses. Add a zing to your content with over 55,000 stickers and GIFs available on the app. In addition, you can use polls and quizzes or leave mentions and reactions on chats. Disappearing messages with a set timer ranging from 10 seconds, 1 minute, or 1 day is also an interesting feature of Viber. 

 

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
Download

11. Slack – Best for team communication 

Are you looking for an efficient video calling app for smooth communication in your team? If yes, Slack is the app you might want to try. Whether you can be a small business or a big brand, Slack ensures that the communication flow in your ecosystem is top-notch. The platform brings together people and tools that can help you manage your day-to-day business operations effortlessly. Enjoy real-time messaging and video calls with this best conference meeting app.  

Initiate easy communication with your team members and organize them into multiple categories like topics, projects, etc. Groups can use the clips feature to create audio, videos, and screen recordings and share them with others. It also helps to share updates and ideas with more precision.   

Moreover, you can share screens, chat, and edit or unsend sent messages on the app. Slack supports over 2,400 applications so that you can manage everyday tasks easily. With Slack, you don’t have to worry about video quality because the app also works in low network conditions. The security of all the chats and calls relies on encryption.   

Price: Free
Download

Wrapping up! 

People rely on video conferencing apps for personal and professional needs. Most business entities use the video conferencing apps listed here. So, why not use them on your iPhone and boost your connectivity?

Pick the app that best suits your requirements from this list featuring the best video calling apps for iPhone. Also, do add your favorite names not listed in this list in the comments section here.  

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