Covid-19 has made everyone switch to the digital world and online meet-ups. Further, it has made people comfortable being online and connecting with people there.
During this time, WhatsApp became one of the most used applications for communicating via text, voice, or video call.
Many relied on WhatsApp video calling features to see their families and friends. Even many workplaces took WhatsApp video calls to meet for work discussions.
WhatsApp was good until its new privacy policy. The policy discussed data collection from devices and sharing within Facebook's products and apps.
The announcement of a new privacy policy has made people search for WhatsApp video calling alternatives in 2023.
Video calling apps have become the modern-day necessity for communication. Many such applications are popular among people.
If you want to know about the top 10 WhatsApp video calling alternatives, continue reading this article.
Why Look For WhatsApp Video Calling Alternative?
In many parts of the world, WhatsApp is practically universal. It is a vital tool for commercial and private communication.
Many people rely on it because of its well-known brand and widespread use. In particular, you can't only rely on iMessage or Google Messages for cross-platform communication.
However, recent events have begun emphasizing WhatsApp's connection to its parent corporation Facebook.
The same Facebook that is virtually always in the headlines for a significant dispute. With concerns that message contents may be available, the issue over WhatsApp's privacy policy led many to believe that WhatsApp will begin sharing more information with Facebook.
WhatsApp refuted these allegations, stating that end-to-end encryption made communications safe and unreadable.
Moreover, the privacy policy only allowed Facebook to access information about how you engage with companies on the network. But it drove home how closely related the two businesses are in reality.
Like the last worldwide Facebook outage, which affected all Facebook-owned services, including WhatsApp, the social media giant's servers went down globally.
Anyone who relied on WhatsApp (or Facebook) for communication was cut off during the several-hour outage.
These kinds of events can tempt you to stop using WhatsApp permanently. Or, at the absolute least, plan a backup plan in case the app ever stops working again.
Top 10 WhatsApp Video Calling Alternatives in 2024
Here are some of the top WhatsApp video calling alternatives in 2024, no particular order:
Telegram
Since some time ago, Telegram Messenger has maintained its position as the top WhatsApp rival. The greatest WhatsApp substitute is still the open-source chatting program.
Along with the standard messaging capabilities that both WhatsApp and Telegram offer.
The latter adds extras like super groups with up to 100,000 members, public channels, usernames, the capacity to transfer files up to 1.5 GB, a passcode lock, self-destructing messages, and end-to-end encryption in secret chat, among other things.
You can send messages that are encrypted using Telegram's secret model. The MTProto encryption service is utilized by the "secret talks" option.
It indicates that it won't store your private communication online. Both the Android and iOS operating systems, as well as web browsers, support Telegram.
FaceTime
Apple customers widely use FaceTime video; the number of users is unknown, but switching between voice and video is simple.
The fact that it is an Apple-only software, though, is a drawback that none of the other applications on our list have. Nonetheless, it is accessible on both iOS and macOS.
In addition to making individual conversations, you can make group FaceTime calls quickly if everyone you're speaking with has an Apple device.
Facebook Messenger
Messenger, which has existed independently from the main Facebook app for some time, has been simplified by Facebook.
Many people and organizations use Messenger for communication, which is possible even if you don't have a Facebook account. Messenger will soon support Instagram messaging.
It's simple to video or audio chat with a person or a group. Want to use it for video calling but don't know how?
Messenger recently unveiled Messenger Rooms, a feature that allows users to join group video conversations with up to 50 people.
Slack
Best for one-on-one calling and ongoing workplace discussion. Slack differs from the competitors in that it is a more open platform.
It functions as a hub for communication that uses external applications to function. Amazon's Chime meeting service just boosted Slack's voice and video calling.
Slack is designed for team collaboration and is a terrific method to exchange files (it also integrates with Google Drive or Dropbox).
Only one-to-one calls may be made using the free version; group calls require a premium, pricy membership. Additionally, it just had a revamp to make it simpler to use.
Slack's ability to search whole conversations for specific phrases simply locates what has been discussed.
The program works well on iOS and Android devices, making tagging friends simple by auto-completing their names.
Signal
For those who value their privacy and security more, Signal is one of the most apparent options.
Elon Musk and Edward Snowden, among others, have endorsed the messaging service, with the latter attributing his continued survival to its security-conscious attitude (opens in new tab).
Signal not only allows audio, video, and group calling but also enables text messaging. Suppose you'd prefer to send messages from a desktop computer instead.
In that case, you may use a Chrome browser plugin and set messages to self-destruct. Here is our guide on using Signal.
You will receive WhatsApp's security without Facebook's participation since WhatsApp uses the same open-source end-to-end encryption mechanism as Signal.
Even your technophobic uncle might use the Signal app's user-friendly design because of its user-friendly layout and frequent security checks of its software.
Moxie Marlinspike, a cryptography specialist, and Brian Acton, the co-founder of WhatsApp who notably quit Facebook in 2017, are the leaders of the non-profit organization that owns and runs Signal.
Threema
Threema is a privacy-focused app with the possibility of using the app entirely anonymously. Contrary to many other applications; you do not need to connect it to your phone number or email address if you don't want others to be able to locate you.
Of course, you may also send encrypted text, audio, image, and video messages. To get input from all of your friends more quickly, you can also set up polls, distribute files, and organize group chats.
Additionally, it features a built-in encrypted browser. Like WhatsApp, all data is saved on your phone rather than on a public server.
Although Threema is located in Switzerland and renowned for its stringent privacy rules, it hasn't taken off outside.
It could be challenging to persuade others to relocate with you due to your lack of brand awareness and the $3 price tag.
Skype
Millions of people use Skype every day for both personal and professional purposes. It is a complete communications tool.
According to Microsoft, it can do a wide range of tasks and excels at video and audio conferences between several devices, including the Xbox gaming console.
Since it employs trusted encryption methods, Skype is a secure communication tool.
However, Skype has recently begun to provide the standard end-to-end encryption for text and audio conversations via a private discussion function.
Google Duo
An alternative to WhatsApp that makes calling across devices simple.
Unlike Apple's FaceTime, Google Duo allows for one-to-one video and phone chats and functions on iOS and Android devices. Google Meet and Chat is Google's work calling option.
However, it is essentially a consumer service rather than a corporate software.
Such as WhatsApp. Duo uses your phone number, enables end-to-end encryption, and allows you to call individuals in your contacts directory.
It includes valuable features like Knock Knock, which lets you watch a live video of the person calling you before you answer.
Snapchat
Snapchat is the software to download if you want to enjoy video calling with your friends and families. However, Snapchat is officially a social networking app rather than merely a messaging app.
People find it more and more like a messaging app because of specific unique capabilities that no other messaging app can provide.
For instance, send messages that would expire after a specific time. Additionally, it alerts me when someone screenshots one of my conversations with them.
Finally, it has the largest selection of face masks and filters.
Group chats, voice calls, group voice calls, gifs, and other messaging tools are available.
As one of the most cutting-edge messaging platforms available, Snapchat is another reason to adore it.
Snapchat frequently steals the functionalities that users of WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger typically enjoy.
WeChat is praised as the all-in-one replacement for the majority of communication applications. It's like making a single program that combines text, Skype, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
With WeChat, you can send images and videos to other users directly or publish them to their profiles, just like on Facebook.
Users may discover others nearby to communicate locally using a function called Shake. WeChat also supports emoticon sharing, voice, group, and video chat. And you can download all of it for free.
Discord
Gamers' chat rooms were the original focus of Discord. It now offers a range of servers where you may connect with folks who share your interests.
However, there is a DM feature for sending private messages on this mobile and desktop chatting platform.
Additionally, you will receive HD screen sharing and streaming, greater file uploads, and better emoji if you purchase Discord Nitro for $9.99 monthly.
You can exchange files with the people in your contact list using Discord. However, the free version has an 8MB upload restriction.
You can choose to share your screen when starting a video or voice chat with Discord.
The app's ability to interface with Spotify, YouTube, Reddit, Xbox Live, Twitch, Steam, Battle.net, Facebook, Twitter, and GitHub is an additional perk. Discord can handle the majority of your communications requirements.
Conclusion
With the whopping number of people working from home, a good and secure video calling application is the best solution.
Although WhatsApp is best in all fields as a messaging platform, people are scared about their breach of privacy. But not to worry, as you have many alternatives application for video calling even without WhatsApp.
All the applications can work both for personal and professional uses. It also works perfectly for Android and iOS users.
Don't want to upgrade WhatsApp anymore? Then switch up to your favorite app from the list.
