Phenquestions
While Zoom is the popular app right now, the service is under question about its privacy, and if you are looking for an alternative to Zoom, then here is our list. There is one thing you should know. If a video calling app has not been proven to have a privacy issue, it doesn't mean the problem is not there. So make your choice wisely.
Zoom Alternatives
Be aware that these are alternatives, and they may or may not have all the features available in Zoom.
- Microsoft Teams
- Skype Meet Now
- Signal
- Google Hangouts
- WhatsApp Video Call
- FaceTime.
Let us take a look at them.
Best Video calling and Web conferencing tools
In this list, while Signal is the most secure app to make a video call, it is the most limited when it comes to features. On the other hand, Microsft Teams offers comprehensive features and security, along with video calling.
1] Microsoft Teams
If you are looking for a reliable alternative to Zoom, Microsoft Teams is what you should be looking at. As I said, it's only for those who are serious. Microsoft offers this as part of its Office 365 but has recently opened it for Famil members as well. The catch is that it is free for one whole year from the day you signup.
- Built-in audio and video calling for individuals, groups, and full team meetups.
- Free for up to 300 people
- Unlimited chat messages and search.
- 10 GB of team file storage plus an additional 2 GB per person for personal storage
To make a video call, you need to select the channel and team, and then click on the Meet Now video button to start video calling.
2] Skype and Skype Meet
Skype Meet an excellent alternative to zoom, which offers almost all the functions Zoom has to offers. You can make group video calls integrated with group chats, create a meeting, and choose who can join in. Along with this is the Skype Meet Now feature, which was recently launched. It allows everyone to join a meeting Skype without installing the app or signing in using a Microsoft account. Using Skype Meet is easy. Only the host is required to have a Skype app. He can generate the Meet Now video conferencing link, which can be shared with everyone personally.
3] Signal
One of the most secure messaging apps, Signal, is popular among the community, which genuinely cares about privacy and security. It is similar to Telegram and WhatsApp, but a lot secure. Signal offers a video calling feature which is secure using its open-source Signal Protocol. However, there is no group video call and is best used for one to one video calling.
To make a video call, open the contact, and then tap on the video icon to start the call. You can choose to disable audio and video, and only enable it later. The only drawback of this app is that there is no group video calling available.
4] Google Hangouts/Meet
While it is not very popular, but Google Hangouts/Meet is a good alternative like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime. When it comes to encryption, it doesn't offer end-to-end encryption, its great for videos call for up to 250 people in one go. And if you only plan to stream, then you can stream to thousands of people in one go.
5] WhatsApp Video Call
If you are looking for a casual video call for up to four people, then WhatsApp is a great choice. To place a group video call, you need to start one participant, and then tap the “Add Participant” button on the top right corner, and then invite the contact from the list. (maximum of four). If Whatsapp is accessible in your group or country, then you should use it.
6] FaceTime
If you own an iPhone, you already know about it. Apple offers this to all its devices and is among the secure apps to video. You can add multiple people, up to 32 people, to video chat, and offers end to end encryption. The best way to start a group Facetime call is to ask everyone to join a group chat, and then tap on the group of contacts you're talking to at the top of the screen, then hit the FaceTime icon. It will add everyone in the group chat to the video call. The same feature is also available on macOS, so it doesn't have to be your phone all the time.
If you are looking for causal video calling with your friends, it is best to use apps like FaceTime and WhatsApp. If you need only to hold meetings with a small group, Skype is the way to go, and lastly, if you need to manage big groups with chat, then Microsoft Teams works best for that scenario.
What are your recommendations?
