6 Best Video Chatting Apps

The future is here! You can chat face to face with friends and family anywhere in the world on your phone and tablet - for free. But which video-chat apps are the best?  Here's a list of 6 best Video Chatting applications and their features for you.

1. GOOGLE DUO

Platform: Android & iOS

Google's free new app strips away the hassle of video messaging. You don't even need an account -lust a phone number, and the number of a family member or friend with Duo installed. With those in place, simply launch the app and tap your contacts profile picture to call them. The call recipient sees a live video preview of you before they answer. You can disable the feature (called Knock Knock) if you prefer All calls are encrypted for extra security and the video and audio quality are outstanding, provided your Wi-Fi is stable. 

2. FACEBOOK MESSENGER

Platform:  Android, iOS & Windows Mobile

Messenger is already on the phones of most people who use Facebook, and It's supported by all major mobile platforms - so chances are you can call them right now. Just tap their face, then tap the video camera icon in the top-right corner. You can even write a message or send a photo (or even a GIF) to the other person while you're chatting. There's also a voice-only option if you'd rather not show (and see) your face up close. 

3. FACETIME

Platform: iOS 

FaceTime ranks close to Duo for call quality and ease of use, and because it doesn't try to be a dozen apps in one,it uses less battery and data than Facebook Messenger. It has a couple of features Duo lacks, too: you can make voice-only calls and put people on hold. The only problem is Apple has a habit of forgetting that other types of phone exist and FaceTime is yet another app that's exclusive to its products. It's a miracle that 'Phones can call non-Apple phones at all.  

4. WHATSAPP MESSENGER

Platform:  Android, iOS & Windows Mobile

The app that made phone texting redundant, by letting you send messages using your Internet connection, now includes voice calling - but not video chat. It's on the way, though, and is being tested by WhatsApp beta users. Meanwhile in the stable release version, you can record a video message using the app's built-in camera and then send it only when you're happy with it.  

5. SKYPE

Platform:  Android, iOS & Windows Mobile

Microsoft's trailblazing video tool is now a teenager - mature compared with its rivals. Unfortunately, like many teenagers, it hasn't gained much wisdom over the passing years. Its login process Is a hassle, it fails to notify you about calls if you're using another app, and call quality on Android phones can be incredibly poor. So,Stick to the PC version, if at all.  

6. OoVoo

Platform:  Android, iOS & Windows Mobile

Like Skype, OoVoo lets you phone landlines for a small fee. And like the other apps here, it lets you call other OoVoo users free via the Internet. But who uses OoVoo? It's got more features than Duo, including the mind-boggling notion of group video chat, and it uses less data and battery than Facebook Messenger or Skype.