Internet communication is important nowadays. Hence, the proliferation of voice and video chat apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, and even FaceTime. Speaking of FaceTime, Apple has rolled out updates on their proprietary chat app making it more suitable for online company conferences. However, not all of us are using Apple devices, which begs the question what are the best FaceTime alternatives today?
But you may also be asking, isn’t FaceTime now on Android phones? Yes, it is. But this still proposes some challenges, scopes, and limitations to some members of the conference call. This is why we have curated a list of best FaceTime alternatives that every member of the conference call can get and hop on to.
Related: Finally, You Can Now FaceTime on Android! Here’s How
Inside This Article
Why Get a FaceTime Alternative?
Apple’s move to make FaceTime available for Android through FaceTime Link is, generally, a welcome one. Not only was Apple making FaceTime accessible on a personal level, but it was also making FaceTime a competitor against business-centric videotelephony platforms like Skype, Google Meet, and others.
However, FaceTime Link proposes limitations to users who are not using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. For one, Android users can’t initiate the FaceTime group call—this is a privilege reserved for Apple device users. With this, Apple is making it clear that the majority of FaceTime’s features are reserved for Apple devices only.
Other limitations include:
- FaceTime Link does not have standard chat features
- Android or Windows devices aren’t able to share their screens using FaceTime Link
This is why many companies still use FaceTime alternatives to carry out conference videotelephone calls.
What FaceTime Alternatives to Use?
It will take time before FaceTime on Android becomes as impressive as how it is on iOS. In the meantime, it’s worth it to explore other app options that are capable of audio and video calls. In fact, there are many alternatives that provide similar features with great call quality.
Here are our top 13 FaceTime alternatives for Android, Apple, and Windows devices.
1. Facebook Messenger
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but Facebook Messenger is a wonderful alternative. The only requirement is to have a Facebook account and have the app downloaded. The app is not the same as Facebook; it is standalone. And it lets you start a chat, audio call, or even a video call using a simple and beautiful interface with lots of functionality. You’re even given the option to use it as your primary SMS app.
What’s good about this alternative is that almost everyone is on Facebook. That means you can basically call anyone with a Facebook account — even when they’re not on the app itself. For example, you could call them while you’re on Android and they’re on Windows. It’s very flexible.
When it comes to calls, Facebook Messenger is a formidable alternative. Call quality is great, depending on your WiFi connection. Video calls have added features like filters, backgrounds, and screen-sharing. Group calls are also available, although each session is limited to 50 people.
Facebook Messenger is a one-stop shop for all your communication needs, and that includes messaging. Its messaging platform is very versatile, incorporating reactions to messages, in-message polls, schedules, and more.
The only downside to Messenger is that the app can be invasive; its notifications can be irritating. You can manage notifications to a certain extent via the app’s settings or your phone’s settings. Other than the said drawback, it’s a great alternative to FaceTime. It’s free on iOS, Android, and desktop.
2. Google Meet
Remember FaceTime Links? Google Meet shares a similar approach by sharing links members of the conference can click to join the video chat. However, Google Meet has several edges over FaceTime. For one, Google Meet has a dedicated app for Android and Apple platforms, making it a universally capable video conference app. Moreover, Google Meet has a standard chat feature where people who do not have a microphone/headset to send their thoughts in.
You can use Google Meet anytime, anywhere within a range of working and strong Wi-Fi/internet connection. You can invite up to 100 participants and can go up to 60 minutes of conference time at no cost.
3. Microsoft Teams
Putting FaceTime under the video conference category as a nod to FaceTime Link, MS Teams makes for another competition. In comparison to FaceTime Links, MS Teams is very robust and offers the tools and features members of the video conference need like standard chat features, screen share, and more.
However, MS Teams is not 100% free, considering you need an account to hold a larger number of participants in one session. Nonetheless, it still is one fo the best FaceTime alternatives inside the conference room.
4. Google Duo
FaceTime on Android might still have flaws, but there are so many good alternatives that it’s not even a problem. One such alternative to FaceTime is Google Duo, Google’s video call-focused app.
If you’re looking for a simple solution, the Duo app should be a great option. It offers video calls over WiFi with a maximum of 32 participants. Cellular calls are also available if you’re running on data. The app also has nifty features like Knock Knock, which lets you see who’s calling, and the ability to leave video messages.
What’s great about Google Duo is that it’s simple and gets the job done. It’s focused on only video calls and does so splendidly. Calls are of high quality and you don’t even need an account to use the app. Just connect it via your phone number and video call any of your contacts. However, they do have to be using Google Duo, too. However, that might not be a problem since Google apps are oftentimes automatically installed on Android devices.
Additionally, Google doesn’t limit the app to Android devices only. The Duo app is free and available on both iOS and Android.
5. JusTalk
If you’re looking for an all-in-one messaging and calling app, you’ve come to the right place. JusTalk not only covers one-on-one and group voice and video calls but instant messaging as well. Send texts, photos, GIFs, your location, or even doodles via the app.
There are many alternatives to FaceTime on Android, and JusTalk does a great job of being one. Apart from all the features we mentioned, the app can also connect to your contacts or Facebook friends list. This is powerful since you can connect with almost anyone you would want to contact, whether they’re on Facebook or not. You’re also given the ability to block contacts from calling if you prefer not to be bothered by certain people.
Additionally, JusTalk is great for emergencies that need international calls, although the said calls will cost a fee. The app also has in-app purchases for customizations, such as themes, if you’re interested. Otherwise, the app is totally free to use on both iOS and Android.
6. Line
Another great alternative to Facetime on Android is Line. While it’s mostly popular in Asian countries (specifically Japan and South Korea), it’s also quite widespread in the US. It offers many of the features other alternatives have such as in-app voice and video calling, chatting, and group texting. You can also have group video calls with a maximum of 500 participants. However, only four contacts’ videos will be displayed at a time with the ability to rearrange them.
When it comes to chatting, Line offers all the features you’ve come to expect of modern chat apps. You can share texts, create polls, use filters, send stickers, and more. Additionally, it has features other apps don’t have, such as social media and e-payment functions. The social media feature allows you to connect to various social networking accounts, allowing you to post, comment, and follow prominent figures.
The app also supports international calls (although this is a paid feature). Otherwise, it’s a great, free-to-use, multi-platform app alternative to FaceTime on Android.
7. Signal Private Messenger
Some messaging apps can’t always be trusted. Given how widespread news is about Facebook and Google’s privacy breaches, it’s no wonder people don’t always trust these companies’ services. If you’re concerned about privacy and safety, Signal Private Messenger is a great substitute for FaceTime on Android and one of the best secret messaging apps to try.
Signal features end-to-end encryption on both chats and voice or video calls allowing you to safely connect with others. It also has self-destructing messages for things you want to send that you don’t want to remain in any database. Additionally, the app is managed by a non-profit organization so you’re guaranteed there won’t be any tracking technologies or ads.
As a chat app, it’s also very capable. It lets you send texts, files, pictures, audio, and video messages as you please. The app is a one-stop shop for almost all of your communication needs without worrying about privacy or security. It’s great at what it does and is free to use on iOS and Android.
8. Skype
FaceTime has been around for a long time, and many apps have followed in its footsteps. However, it’s not the one that pioneered the way for video calling. Remember Skype? That app that was, at one point, the most well-known for video chat? It’s still around, and it is a great contender against FaceTime on Android.
Skype is very popular, so it is no surprise if it has been used by many of your contacts. Moreover, it’s supported on an array of platforms, not just iOS and Android. It works on Mac, Windows, some Linux devices, BlackBerry and Windows phones, browsers, and even on some smart TVs and consoles.
Apart from voice and video calls, Skype allows texting, file sharing, screen sharing, and more. Group calls allow 100 people to participate. Additionally, you’re also allowed to call landline or mobile numbers and even international numbers if you need to. However, these services will be paid, and fees are based on usage or via subscription. Otherwise, Skype is free to use on all platforms.
9. Snapchat
When you think of FaceTime on Android, you might not automatically have Snapchat in mind. Nonetheless, you probably know what Snapchat is thanks to its fun filters that have gone trending online. While that’s still its charm, Snapchat can be used beyond that. It is a real alternative to FaceTime on Android.
Snapchat has evolved from being a youth-oriented platform for viral trends into a full-blown tool anyone can use to reach out to others. It keeps on improving, communication features-wise. For example, the app added self-destructing messages and photos for chats.
With Snapchat, you aren’t limited to chats and texts. You can also do voice and video messages, share photos, files, and videos, send GIFs, stickers, and more. Of course, how could it be an alternative to FaceTime on Android if it doesn’t have audio or video calls? It has those indeed, supporting video calls for up to 15 participants.
10. Tango
Tango is one of the versatile alternatives to FaceTime on Android. While it does have the features you might expect from apps in the communication category — texts, media sharing, voice, and video calls — it offers more. It’s geared towards live broadcasts and live streams. Livestreamers can broadcast just about anything and engage with their fans through the app.
This alternative is as capable as FaceTime on Android. Best of all, there’s no payment for chatting or calling even international numbers and landlines. However, Tango does have in-app purchases for stickers, games, filters, and other things.
Tango also has social media features since it’s a broadcasting app. You can use public chats, follow users, watch live streams, and have a personalized profile. The app is free to use and download on both iOS and Android.
11. Viber
If you want a reliable alternative to FaceTime on Android, Viber is one of the best. It’s got all the right features you would want in a video calling app. You have chats, voice and video calls, media sharing, and even games. Groups on the app also have a big limit of up to 250 users.
Viber is one of those apps that you only need to connect to your contact number to work. Your contacts who have Viber will instantly be notified that you’re on the platform. Call and text almost anyone who has Viber, too!
Viber is also versatile in terms of its multi-platform support. It’s available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. The app is free to use, too. However, there are in-app purchases for stickers that are normally free on other apps. There’s also payment for calls to landline and mobile numbers, so keep those in mind.
12. WhatsApp
Another widely used alternative to FaceTime on Android is Facebook’s WhatsApp. With over one billion monthly users, many of your contacts might already be using it. That’s great, considering that it’s kind of difficult to make people use certain platforms just to contact them.
WhatsApp is one of the most essential mobile apps, being reliable when it comes to messages and calls. It can handle instant messaging, voice and video calls, audio or video messages, and file sharing (even media files). Group video calls are also available with a limit of eight people. It’s also an easy-to-use app since all you need is to connect your number to call fellow WhatsApp users registered in your contacts list.
Part of what contributes to WhatsApp’s wide reach is its multi-platform availability. It’s available on Android, iOS, Nokia, Windows, and BlackBerry phones, and on the web. The web version is only good for chatting (no calls), though. WhatsApp is completely free to use, so it’s certainly worth a try.
13. Discord
Discord is a widely-used group messaging app catered to gamers and hobbyists. More than that, you can use Discord to do video calls with your friends and much more. You have the choice to either go live on your server or create a group DM. There, you can set up a video call with every member. It even has screen-share options so that you can watch movies or play games with your friends.
As the app operates on a client-server, you can ensure that messages or calls will be private and secure. Many gamers have raved about the app’s video quality, claiming it parallels Steam. The app is also intuitive and sleek, giving off a clean finish. Compared to popular apps like Zoom or Skype, Discord gives off a much-relaxed air. With Discord, you can simply hang back and chill out with your friends.
Final Word
FaceTime might be a wonderful app but it’s not the only one out there. Whether it’s Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, or any other option, there’s always a way to stay connected. Some apps might need accounts and others just need mobile numbers. In either case, staying connected has never been easier. Audio and video calls have become widespread, so there’s no wonder there’s always a good alternative for FaceTime on Android.
