Video call apps are more necessary than ever. The coronavirus pandemic increased downloads worldwide because they offer a face-to-face communication experience and are an effective tool for remote work.
There are many options to choose from, from WhatsApp, the best known, to Zoom, whose use multiplied in 2020. Beyond popularity, what is the best video call app? And another important question: which ones are available for use in Cuba?
The decision depends on what you need. A family conversation is not the same as a work meeting. That is why we present two top-five lists: one for personal conversations and another for a work setting.
Top 5 video calls with friends and family#
- WhatsApp : It has the largest number of active users and is very easy to use. Recommended for staying in touch with family and friends. On mobile devices, it allows up to eight users at the same time. Its desktop version supports video calls between only two people. (Available for Cuba)
- FaceTime: It appears as the most economical app, and up to 32 people can join each conversation. It supports personalized avatars and includes live photos to capture moments during the video call. It works only on Apple devices. It is the most data-saving option for iOS. (Available for Cuba)
- Messenger: You can create conference rooms and invite up to 50 people through WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook itself, thanks to the feature known as Rooms. Conversations can be personalized with camera filters, ambient lighting, or 360-degree backgrounds. It is the most data-saving option for Android. (Available for Cuba)
- Telegram : It has picture-in-picture mode, which lets you browse chats or do other tasks without losing visual contact. In mid-2021, Telegram added screen sharing and camera activation in group voice chats, allowing up to 30 people to participate in a video call and videoconferences with up to 1,000 viewers. The option is available for phones, tablets, and computers.
- Imo : Very well known among Cubans, it stands out for being simple to install and use. It is cross-platform and also supports group conversations. It is practical for low-speed connections. (Available for Cuba)
Top 5 work video calls#
- Zoom: One of the most downloaded apps since the start of 2020. It is useful for classes, conferences, and online meetings because it allows images, links, documents, and presentations to be shared during the call. In its free version, it supports 100 users at once for 40 minutes. (Restricted for Cuba)
- Skype: Supports up to 50 users and is cross-platform. It includes options to add background effects, record video calls, enable live captions, and send files up to 300 MB. (Restricted for Cuba)
- Teams: Microsoft’s platform for collaborative work connects up to 10 participants in a call, includes 2 GB of personal file storage per user, and connects with Office apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. (Available for Cuba)
- Meet: This Google app includes event scheduling, screen sharing, real-time captions, adaptive layouts, and noise reduction. Up to 100 people can participate. (Restricted for Cuba)
- Hangouts: Another Google app with excellent image quality. It is cross-platform, allows conversation recording, and in its free version can include up to 10 users at once. (Restricted for Cuba)
If none of these 10 convinces you, review these others: Houseparty, Line, Jitsi, Blue Jeans, Webex, JustTalk.
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