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Your iPhone’s video calling feels limited when friends use Android devices or you need features FaceTime simply doesn’t offer. Apps like FaceTime bridge this gap, delivering high-quality video communication across all platforms.
The mobile video calling landscape extends far beyond Apple’s ecosystem. Cross-platform calling solutions now match FaceTime’s reliability while adding features like screen sharing, group video calls, and enhanced privacy controls.
This guide examines 19 video calling apps that deliver professional-grade communication. You’ll discover which platforms excel at:
- International calling without carrier fees
- Group video conferencing for teams and families
- Enhanced security with end-to-end encryption
- Creative features like AR filters and interactive games
Whether you need business video calling tools, family-friendly interfaces, or lightweight apps for slow connections, these alternatives expand your communication options beyond the Apple ecosystem.
Apps Like FaceTime
Core Functionality: Cross-platform messaging app with integrated video and voice calling for personal and group communication.
How It’s Like FaceTime: WhatsApp delivers one-on-one and group video calls like FaceTime, with the same tap-to-call simplicity. Both apps prioritize ease of use for staying connected with family and friends.
Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Group video calls up to 32 people
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Voice messages
- File sharing
Unique Angle: Works across all operating systems and includes comprehensive messaging features beyond just video calling.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Users wanting secure video calls across different device types and operating systems.
WhatsApp bridges the gap between iPhone and Android users that FaceTime can’t cross. The encryption matches FaceTime’s security standards while adding flexibility for mixed-device families. Users switching from FaceTime appreciate the familiar video quality with broader device compatibility.
Google Duo
Core Functionality: Simple video calling app focused on high-quality one-to-one conversations with smart connection optimization.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Google Duo matches FaceTime’s focus on effortless video calling with automatic quality adjustment. Both apps emphasize simplicity and reliable connections.
Key Features:
- “Knock Knock” live preview
- Adaptive video quality
- Cross-platform calling
- Low-light enhancement
- Group calls up to 32 people
Unique Angle: Shows live video preview before answering calls, letting you see the caller’s face immediately.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Users wanting simple video calls with preview features and cross-platform support.
Google Duo offers FaceTime’s ease of use without the Apple ecosystem lock-in. The “Knock Knock” preview feature adds warmth to incoming calls that FaceTime lacks. Android users get a FaceTime-like experience while iPhone users gain the ability to call non-Apple devices.
Skype
Core Functionality: Comprehensive communication platform offering video calls, voice calls, messaging, and file sharing across all devices.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Skype provides the same core video calling experience as FaceTime with support for both personal and group conversations. Both apps connect people through high-quality video.
Key Features:
- HD video calling
- Screen sharing
- File transfer
- Call recording
- Live translation
- Group calls up to 100 people
Unique Angle: Includes professional features like screen sharing, call recording, and real-time translation for international calls.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Pricing Model: Free (with premium features available)
Ideal For: Business users and families needing advanced calling features and international communication.
Skype delivers FaceTime’s video quality while adding business-grade features like screen sharing and call recording. Long-distance families benefit from the translation features and ability to call landlines. Users transitioning from FaceTime gain professional capabilities without losing personal calling simplicity.
Signal
Core Functionality: Privacy-focused messaging and calling app with military-grade encryption for secure personal communication.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Signal offers the same secure video calling as FaceTime with comparable encryption standards. Both apps prioritize user privacy and simple calling interfaces.
Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Disappearing messages
- Group video calls
- Screen sharing
- Open-source code
- Voice-only calls
Unique Angle: Provides maximum privacy with open-source transparency and no data collection from a non-profit organization.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Privacy-conscious users, journalists, and activists needing guaranteed secure communication.
Signal matches FaceTime’s security while exceeding its privacy standards through open-source transparency. Users concerned about data collection find peace of mind with Signal’s non-profit model. The transition from FaceTime feels natural while gaining enhanced privacy features and cross-platform support.
Zoom
Core Functionality: Professional video conferencing platform designed for business meetings, webinars, and large group communications.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Zoom provides high-quality video calling like FaceTime but scales to accommodate much larger groups. Both apps focus on reliable video connections and user-friendly interfaces.
Key Features:
- HD video and audio
- Screen sharing and annotation
- Meeting recording
- Virtual backgrounds
- Breakout rooms
- Up to 1000 participants
Unique Angle: Built for professional and educational use with advanced meeting management and presentation tools.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Pricing Model: Freemium (free for 40-minute group calls)
Ideal For: Business professionals, educators, and anyone hosting large group meetings or presentations.
Zoom transforms FaceTime’s personal calling into a professional powerhouse. Remote workers appreciate the meeting controls and recording features that FaceTime lacks. Users switching from FaceTime for work calls gain enterprise-level reliability while maintaining the same video quality standards.
Facebook Messenger
Core Functionality: Social messaging platform with integrated video calling that connects through existing Facebook relationships and contacts.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Messenger delivers the same instant video calling experience as FaceTime through your existing social connections. Both apps make starting video calls effortless.
Key Features:
- Video calling and messaging
- Group video calls
- Messenger Rooms
- AR filters and effects
- Game integration
- Cross-platform support
Unique Angle: Leverages Facebook’s social graph to connect with friends and family already in your network.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Facebook users wanting video calls integrated with their social media experience.
Messenger brings FaceTime’s simplicity to Facebook’s massive user base. Social media users appreciate calling friends without exchanging phone numbers. The transition from FaceTime feels seamless while gaining access to a broader network of potential contacts through Facebook connections.
Snapchat
Core Functionality: Multimedia messaging app with video calling and AR filters designed for creative, ephemeral communication.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Snapchat offers real-time video calling like FaceTime but adds creative filters and effects. Both apps connect users through simple, intuitive video interfaces.
Key Features:
- Video calls with AR filters
- Disappearing messages
- Snap Map location sharing
- Group video chats
- Voice calls
- Creative lenses and effects
Unique Angle: Combines video calling with creative AR experiences and ephemeral messaging for younger audiences.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Younger users wanting creative video calling experiences with friends and social sharing.
Snapchat transforms FaceTime’s straightforward calling into a creative playground. Teenagers and young adults enjoy the AR filters that make calls more engaging than FaceTime’s basic interface. Users switching appreciate the same video quality while gaining access to fun creative tools and social features.
Viber
Core Functionality: International messaging and calling app with support for both internet-based and traditional phone calls worldwide.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Viber provides the same high-quality video calling as FaceTime with additional support for international calling. Both apps prioritize clear video and audio connections.
Key Features:
- HD video calling
- International calling to phone numbers
- Stickers and GIFs
- Group chats and calls
- End-to-end encryption
- Public chat channels
Unique Angle: Includes Viber Out feature for calling regular phone numbers internationally at low rates.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS
Pricing Model: Free (with paid international calling rates)
Ideal For: International users needing affordable calling to phone numbers and internet-based video calls.
Viber extends FaceTime’s capabilities to include traditional phone calling worldwide. International families save money on long-distance calls while maintaining FaceTime-quality video conversations. Users switching gain the flexibility to call both smartphones and landlines at competitive international rates.
Houseparty
Core Functionality: Social video calling app designed for spontaneous group hangouts with integrated games and activities.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Houseparty offers group video calling like FaceTime but focuses on casual, drop-in conversations. Both apps make connecting with friends effortless.
Key Features:
- Drop-in group video calls
- In-app games and activities
- Room notifications for friends
- Screen sharing
- Text chat during calls
- Cross-platform support
Unique Angle: Creates virtual “rooms” where friends can casually drop in and out of ongoing conversations.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, macOS
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Friend groups wanting casual, spontaneous video hangouts with interactive entertainment.
Houseparty recreates the casual nature of hanging out that FaceTime group calls often lack. College students and young adults appreciate the drop-in functionality that makes socializing feel more natural. Users switching from FaceTime gain a more relaxed group calling experience with built-in entertainment options.
LINE
Core Functionality: Comprehensive communication platform popular in Asia offering messaging, video calls, and integrated social features.
How It’s Like FaceTime: LINE provides high-quality video calling like FaceTime while adding extensive messaging and social features. Both apps focus on connecting friends and family.
Key Features:
- HD video and voice calls
- Rich sticker collections
- Timeline social feed
- Group chats and calls
- Voice messages
- Integrated payment system
Unique Angle: Combines communication with social networking, mobile payments, and extensive customization options.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Asian users and anyone wanting communication combined with social networking and mobile payments.
LINE offers FaceTime’s video quality while adding social media features and payment capabilities. Asian users particularly appreciate the cultural relevance and integrated services. Users switching from FaceTime gain a more comprehensive communication platform that handles multiple aspects of digital social life.
Marco Polo
Core Functionality: Video messaging app that combines the intimacy of video calls with the convenience of asynchronous communication.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Marco Polo uses video for personal communication like FaceTime but allows for non-real-time conversations. Both apps focus on face-to-face connection.
Key Features:
- Video messages (video walkie-talkie)
- No time limits on videos
- Voice-only option
- Group video chats
- Photo sharing
- Cross-platform support
Unique Angle: Enables asynchronous video conversations where users can watch and respond when convenient.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Busy families and friends wanting video communication without scheduling constraints.
Marco Polo solves FaceTime’s timing problem by making video conversations asynchronous. Busy parents and long-distance families appreciate sending video messages when convenient rather than coordinating live calls. Users switching from FaceTime maintain personal video connection while gaining schedule flexibility.
Jitsi Meet
Core Functionality: Open-source video conferencing platform offering secure, private group meetings without account requirements.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Jitsi Meet provides secure video calling like FaceTime with the same focus on privacy and ease of use. Both apps prioritize user security and simple interfaces.
Key Features:
- No account required
- End-to-end encryption
- Screen sharing
- Chat during calls
- Recording capability
- Self-hosted options
Unique Angle: Completely open-source with options for self-hosting and maximum privacy control.
Platform Availability: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Privacy-focused users, developers, and organizations wanting full control over their video calling infrastructure.
Jitsi Meet delivers FaceTime’s security with complete transparency through open-source code. Technical users appreciate the ability to host their own servers for maximum privacy control. Users switching from FaceTime gain the same security standards while supporting open-source software and avoiding corporate data collection.
Imo
Core Functionality: Lightweight video calling and messaging app optimized for low-bandwidth connections and older devices.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Imo offers video calling like FaceTime but works efficiently on slower internet connections. Both apps focus on connecting people through video.
Key Features:
- Low bandwidth optimization
- Group video calls
- Voice calls and messaging
- File sharing
- Stickers and GIFs
- Cross-platform support
Unique Angle: Specifically designed to work well on slow internet connections and budget smartphones.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Users in areas with limited internet connectivity or those using older devices.
Imo brings FaceTime-quality video calling to users with slower internet connections. People in rural areas or developing countries appreciate reliable video calls where other apps fail. Users switching from FaceTime gain the ability to maintain video conversations even with limited bandwidth or older hardware.
Core Functionality: Social media platform with integrated video calling through direct messages for private conversations within the visual social network.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Instagram offers video calling like FaceTime but integrates with social media sharing and discovery. Both apps connect users through high-quality video.
Key Features:
- Video calls in Direct Messages
- Integration with Stories and posts
- AR filters during calls
- Voice calls available
- Group video chats
- Social media context
Unique Angle: Combines video calling with social media content sharing and visual storytelling features.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Social media users wanting video calls integrated with photo and video sharing experiences.
Instagram transforms FaceTime’s personal calling into a social media experience. Visual content creators appreciate the seamless transition from viewing posts to video calling. Users switching from FaceTime gain access to a broader social network while maintaining personal video communication capabilities.
Core Functionality: All-in-one communication and lifestyle platform dominant in China, combining messaging, video calls, payments, and mini-programs.
How It’s Like FaceTime: WeChat provides video calling like FaceTime while offering comprehensive digital life management. Both apps connect people through reliable video communication.
Key Features:
- HD video and voice calls
- Moments social sharing
- Mobile payment system
- Mini-programs and services
- Group chats and calls
- Business integration
Unique Angle: Functions as a complete digital ecosystem combining communication with payments, services, and social networking.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Chinese users and anyone wanting comprehensive digital life management combined with video calling.
WeChat offers FaceTime’s video quality while providing an entire digital lifestyle platform. Chinese users particularly benefit from the integrated payment system and local services. Users switching from FaceTime gain access to a comprehensive digital ecosystem that handles communication, payments, and daily services in one app.
JioMeet
Core Functionality: Indian video conferencing platform designed for both personal and professional communication with focus on local network optimization.
How It’s Like FaceTime: JioMeet delivers video calling like FaceTime with additional features for larger group meetings. Both apps prioritize reliable video connections and user-friendly interfaces.
Key Features:
- HD video calling
- Up to 100 participants
- Screen sharing
- Meeting recording
- Waiting room feature
- Password protection
Unique Angle: Optimized for Indian network conditions with strong data security and local server infrastructure.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web, Windows
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Indian users and anyone needing reliable video conferencing with large group support.
JioMeet provides FaceTime’s video quality while adding professional meeting features. Indian users benefit from local server optimization and data sovereignty. Users switching from FaceTime gain the ability to host larger meetings while maintaining personal calling capabilities.
Tango
Core Functionality: Social video platform combining personal video calling with live streaming and entertainment features.
How It’s Like FaceTime: Tango offers personal video calling like FaceTime while adding social broadcasting capabilities. Both apps connect people through video communication.
Key Features:
- Video calls and messaging
- Live streaming to audiences
- Virtual gifts and monetization
- Social discovery feed
- Group video calls
- Games and entertainment
Unique Angle: Combines private video calling with public live streaming and social entertainment features.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android
Pricing Model: Free with in-app purchases
Ideal For: Users wanting video calling combined with social broadcasting and entertainment opportunities.
Tango extends FaceTime’s personal calling into social broadcasting territory. Content creators appreciate the ability to monetize live streams while maintaining private video calls. Users switching from FaceTime gain social discovery features and potential income opportunities while keeping personal communication capabilities.
JusTalk
Core Functionality: Family-focused video calling app with interactive features like games and doodles designed for engaging conversations.
How It’s Like FaceTime: JusTalk provides video calling like FaceTime while adding interactive entertainment during calls. Both apps focus on connecting family members through video.
Key Features:
- Video calls with doodles and games
- Parental controls and safety
- Cross-platform calling
- Voice messages
- Group video calls
- Kid-friendly interface
Unique Angle: Specifically designed for families with children, including safety features and interactive entertainment.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android
Pricing Model: Free
Ideal For: Families with children wanting safe, interactive video calling experiences.
JusTalk transforms FaceTime’s standard calling into an interactive family experience. Parents appreciate the safety controls and engaging features that keep children interested during long-distance calls. Users switching from FaceTime gain family-specific features while maintaining the same video quality and reliability.
FAQ on Apps Like FaceTime
Are there free video calling apps that work across different devices?
Yes. WhatsApp, Google Duo, Skype, and Signal offer free cross-platform video calling. These apps work seamlessly between iOS, Android, and desktop computers without requiring matching devices or operating systems.
Which video chat apps offer better group calling than FaceTime?
Zoom supports up to 1000 participants, while Google Meet handles 250 users. Skype accommodates 100 people in group video calls. FaceTime limits group calls to 32 participants maximum.
Do video calling alternatives provide end-to-end encryption?
Signal, WhatsApp, and FaceTime all use end-to-end encryption. Telegram offers encrypted calls but requires manual activation. Jitsi Meet provides encryption for self-hosted servers with open-source transparency.
Can I make international video calls without carrier charges?
All internet-based video calling apps bypass carrier fees for international communication. Viber, WhatsApp, Skype, and WeChat work globally over WiFi or mobile data connections without additional charges.
Which apps work best on slow internet connections?
Imo specifically optimizes for low bandwidth situations. WhatsApp and Telegram automatically adjust video quality based on connection speed. These apps maintain stable calls even on 2G networks.
Are there video calling apps designed specifically for families?
JusTalk includes parental controls and interactive games for children. Marco Polo offers asynchronous video messaging perfect for busy families. Houseparty creates casual drop-in rooms for family hangouts.
Do any video calling apps include screen sharing features?
Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Jitsi Meet all support screen sharing. Signal recently added this feature for secure presentations. FaceTime added screen sharing in recent iOS updates.
Which apps offer the best video quality for calls?
Google Duo and FaceTime lead in HD video quality optimization. Zoom provides excellent quality for group calls. Skype offers reliable HD calling with adaptive quality based on connection strength.
Can I record video calls with FaceTime alternatives?
Zoom includes built-in call recording features. Skype offers recording for personal and business accounts. Google Meet provides recording for workspace users. Always inform participants before recording any conversation.
Are there video calling apps that don’t require phone number verification?
Jitsi Meet requires no account creation or phone verification. Discord uses email registration without phone requirements. Zoom allows joining meetings as guests without account creation for basic participation.
Conclusion
The apps like FaceTime landscape offers compelling alternatives that expand your video communication beyond Apple’s ecosystem. From Signal’s military-grade encryption to Zoom’s enterprise-level conferencing capabilities, each platform addresses specific communication needs.
Cross-platform compatibility emerges as the primary advantage. WhatsApp and Google Duo eliminate device barriers, while Skype provides reliable international calling. Creative users gravitate toward Snapchat’s AR filters and Houseparty’s interactive games.
Your choice depends on priorities:
- Privacy-focused users: Signal or Jitsi Meet
- Business communication: Zoom or Microsoft Teams
- Family connections: Marco Polo or JusTalk
- Low-bandwidth areas: Imo or Telegram
Video calling apps continue evolving with enhanced features like live translation, virtual backgrounds, and improved HD video quality. The mobile connectivity revolution ensures seamless communication regardless of your device or location. Choose the platform that matches your specific needs and enjoy expanded digital communication possibilities.
If you liked this article about apps like FaceTime, you should check out this article about apps like Skype.
There are also similar articles discussing apps like Pure, apps like Clubhouse, apps like Quora, and apps like Messenger.
And let’s not forget about articles on apps like Truecaller, apps like Gmail, apps like Oovoo, and apps like Viber.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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