8 Best FaceTime Alternatives for Android

Best Facetime alternatives for Android

Today’s age cannot work without video calling, and you can reach your colleagues, clients, friends, and loved ones anywhere in the country or even outside through this amazing technology. One of the most difficult tasks when moving from iOS to Android is finding a good replacement for the ubiquitous Facetime. What makes it tough is that FaceTime is a solid video chatting application and everyone on iOS uses the service. Android users have the option to join FaceTime calls via a link and the call is joined via a browser. But the experience is not the same. There are a ton of video chatting apps on Android but only a few of them can compete with FaceTime in the video chat space.

But before we begin, why do we actually need FaceTime alternatives for video calling?

Many have mentioned that using FaceTime, they have experienced little to no lag time in their video calls. Calls have a high-quality stream without buffering or lagging. Audio quality is also reported to be superior and instances of choppiness or voice cutting out is next to none as long as you have a stable connection. However, the biggest problem brought about by FaceTime is its exclusivity to iPhone and other iOS devices. The person you are trying to video call may also not be able to respond if they don’t have FaceTime. This can be a trouble because there are many people who do not use an iPhone device or refuse to use one for a number of reasons.

Also see: Best video calling apps for Android

Facetime Alternatives for Android

Here are some alternatives to FaceTime that you can try out to make one-on-one and group video calling in an easy way.

1. Messenger

Messenger: Best Facebook Alternative for Android

Do I even need to talk about this application and its tremendous features?  Facebook Messenger is one of the most widely used applications when it comes to instant messaging as it has one of the largest numbers of subscribers in the world. One of the things they have launched with Facebook is the ability to make video calls. Video calling is easy and can be used on a laptop with a webcam or any iOS or Android phone with a front-facing camera. Simply click the video call icon on the messenger and you can start away. You can even do group video calls on Facebook Messenger, making it an amazing messaging and calling application that can work independently of your Facebook application.

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2. WhatsApp

WhatsApp: Facetime for Android

Whatsapp is another alternative to FaceTime that is available on mobile devices for both Android and iOS. This service is free and readily available for download on almost all mobile devices. There are more than 1 billion people using this application in over 180 countries, so you know it’s quite reliable when It comes to messaging friends and family online. WhatsApp allows for voice and video calls and you can even do a conference. You can easily share videos and photos on WhatsApp. There is also a document-sharing function, so you can view and share files as well even when on a call.

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3. Signal

Signal

Signal is an excellent FaceTime alternative for those who care for their privacy. The app lets you have text conversations, voice calls, video calls, and group chats. All your conversations are end-to-end encrypted. Call quality is also excellent. Signal Messenger is free, open-source, and secure. The only reason to recommend this browser is privacy. It also boasts to deliver messages fast even on slow networks.

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4. Google Duo

Google Duo

This is essentially Facetime on Android. It’s a simple live video chat service that will never let you down. It ties in with your phone number, and then you are good to go. One thing to keep in mind is that whoever you are calling should be using Duo as well. This application is cross-platform, making it one of the best FaceTime alternatives so far. It is free and works extremely well.

The most notable feature of the Duo is the Knock Knock feature which shows the preview of the caller even before you pick up the call. So, you know the actual condition of the caller and can avoid picking up the call if you are not comfortable. This could be good to avoid your drunk friend calling you at midnight.

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5. Instagram

Instagram video calls

Instagram is a popular social media platform that also has a DM and calling feature. Users can make audio and video calls. Users can initiate video calls directly from their direct message (DM) conversations with friends or within group chats. Users can choose to have one-on-one video calls or group video calls, making it suitable for both personal and professional use. Group video calls can accommodate up to 32 participants. The app also employs end-to-end encryption for video calls that ensures privacy and security. Instagram offers cross-platform video calling that also ensures that you can connect with friends and colleagues regardless of the device they use.

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6. Skype

Skype

One of the oldest instant messaging services is Skype. Aside from video calls, Skype also allows for quick instant messages and is the most widely available application as of today.  It is now downloadable on both Android and iOS devices, making its reach significantly wide. Skype video calls allow for full-screen conferences and you are able to share your screen live with the others at your conference, allowing for greater cooperation and interactivity with the participants online.

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7. Google Hangouts

Hangouts

In this day and age, who does not have a Google account? Whether it’s for email, a cloud drive service, a calendar, or whatever other reason, almost everyone has a Google account. And with a Google account, you can also sign up for Google Hangouts. It comes with HD video calls and can host up to 25 people at a time. There is also a built-in screen sharing, so you can share projects and online presentations or conduct Internet training online. As one of the best FaceTime alternatives, Google Hangouts is a messaging service available for use on Windows, Android, and even iOS devices. 

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8. Viber

Viber

This app is easy to install and connects through your mobile number as your User ID. You can even connect multiple devices to your main phone, so you can access messages on different devices. You can do voice calls and video calls on Viber as well as instant messaging. It allows for group chats so you can keep in touch and track messages even when you’re not on a call. Other features include video, photo, and document sharing. You can also send out short voice messages aside from engaging people on a call or chatting with them.

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Final Words

FaceTime is not available for Android as it is an iOS-only service. So, you need alternatives. Android users can join FaceTime calls using the link but calls will be on the browser. So, the experience is not the same. If you are just switching from iOS to Android, here is the list of best FaceTime alternatives for Android. You can choose any of these. WhatsApp and Messenger are quite popular. So, you have most of your friends using these services. Use WhatsApp or Messenger for video calling your friends and you won’t miss FaceTime again.

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