For family or small circle: WhatsApp
Almost everyone has WhatsApp on their smartphone anyway, so it's perfect for a quick video call!
Advantages: Almost everyone has the app, and video calls can be initiated directly from it. Even mom and dad and grandmas and grandpas who have WhatsApp can do this.
Disadvantages: A maximum of four people can be in the video chat at once, so WhatsApp is only sufficient for a small group. It's also difficult without a smartphone: While there's an app for PC and Mac that allows you to chat via WhatsApp, voice or video calls aren't possible.
Easy to use: Skype
Skype has been around since 2003 and is extremely well-known. Since 2011, Skype has been part of Microsoft and is still being developed further.
Advantages: Up to 50 people can participate in a video chat! And if they're not available online, you can also call them via mobile or landline. However, fees may apply. Skype is also quite easy to use and works well on a computer, too. So, perhaps it's the app of choice for your grandparents who don't have a smartphone? You can invite them by simply sending a link. Also you cn to use Online Webcams VibraGame.
Cons: Skype uses a lot of battery. But: At home, there's always a charger and power cable. Skype is also not entirely without controversy when it comes to security – although conversations are encrypted, security vulnerabilities have been discovered from time to time in the past.
For that party feeling with friends: Houseparty
"Houseparty" has been on the market for a few years now, but never really caught on. Until now! Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the app is currently experiencing a comeback.
Advantages: You can video chat with up to eight people at once, which is already a bit of a party. The chats are also open to everyone on your friends list. If you're chatting with a friend, everyone else can join in at any time—just like walking through the door at a party. For more of a party atmosphere, there are also various games! For example, "Who am I?"—it works just like in real life, but with a virtual Post-It on your forehead.
Cons: The app uses a lot of data and battery. However, at home with Wi-Fi and a charging cable, this is less of an issue. The data protection issue is worse. While the app is free, we have to pay with our data. Like with Facebook and other social media platforms, it's stored and analyzed for advertising purposes.
To play with many others: Zoom
The app Zoom is also currently popular. It's actually geared toward businesses, meaning it's designed for virtual meetings. But it's also great for private meetings with friends!
Advantages: Up to 100 people can participate! There are also many extras. For example, you can share your screen and open an app on it, which then displays a game or shows photos from your last vacation. There's also an integrated whiteboard for drawing—so you can play Hangman or Pictionary! You don't need a subscription to participate; you can simply be invited via a link.
Disadvantage: One person has to be the organizer who invites the others, and they have to create an account. A chat can then only last 40 minutes, after which the moderator's subscription becomes chargeable. Furthermore, there are some data protection concerns here, and there's already been a lot of criticism.
For the Apple crew: FaceTime
If everyone in your circle of friends has an iPhone, FaceTime is probably the fastest option. The app is already pre-installed. You just need to activate it once in the settings.
Advantages: Very easy, because every one of your contacts who also has an Apple device gets a video chat icon right away. Since iOS 12, you can chat with up to 32 people at once (depending on the device)!
Disadvantages: Anyone who doesn't have an Apple device is out.
Of course, there are even more options for video chats: Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger Call, Jitsi... tons of apps offer the ability to see your family and friends while chatting remotely. Which ones do you use?
