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When it comes to programs for making a video call, most people automatically turn to Skype as the go-to solution. Launched in 2003, Skype is now the world’s foremost online video conference application. Whether you’re on a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, it’s possible to contact other Skype users just about anywhere. All you need to set up a video call is a device with a camera and microphone, the free Skype software and an internet connection. But there is a great number of other free applications that fall under IP telephony (internet protocol telephony; also known as Voice over IP or VoIP).

As with Skype, these programs can be used in order to communicate with other users via a video transmission. In addition, the majority of these Skype alternatives can be used free of charge, and some even boast more features and data protection measures than the market leader itself. But which of these applications are really worthwhile? In the coming articles, we present an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of Skype and 13 alternative video calling programs. Is much more than just a free video calling program.

In addition to being able to contact other users via a video call, the application also boasts an impressive range of other functions. For example, with the conference function, it’s possible for up to 25 Skype users to take part in a group chat at the same time. Another central Skype feature is its instant messaging service, which can be used to exchange messages, files and much more. One major advantage of this function is that the messages can be edited or deleted after they’ve been sent. Furthermore, thanks to desktop sharing (also known as screen sharing), it’s possible to mirror the display so that Skype users can view another screen remotely. By transferring the contents of their screen, users can easily share images, documents, presentations and much more. There are also clients (i.e.

Programs that communicate with the application’s server) for different operating systems, (macOS, Windows, Linux) and mobile platforms (iOS, Android, Windows Mobile/Phone, Blackberry, etc.). Additionally, Skype offers its ‘Skype for Web’ function, which allows users to make a Skype call as a directly via the browser. All of these functions can be used free of charge.

It is necessary for all parties to have a Skype account in order to utilize these different functions, however it’s still possible to use Skype to contact people who don’t have an account, as Skype is connected to landline and mobile networks all around the world. In order to use this service, Skype users must buy credit in advance for calls and texts, but at a comparatively low price. In addition to these services, Skype also offers the Microsoft Teams application, a fee-based version of the program, which is specially geared towards companies. Skype for Business offers useful additional features, including the integration of Microsoft Office 365 and stronger security measures.

Meanwhile, the free version of Skype has been widely criticized for its low level of security; despite the many advantages mentioned above, this controversial issue is generally considered to be the program’s Achilles’ heel. This can be seen in the following list of pros and cons. Pros Cons Available across many different platforms (clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile/Phone, Blackberry and more). With ‘Skype for Web’, the application can also be used from a browser as a web app. Users can’t know for certain who (besides those involved in the conversation) has access to the contents of their call or messages. For example, the whistleblower, Edward Snowden, revealed that the US-based secret service, NSA, can obtain direct access to any Skype conversation via Microsoft. Versatile functions: with the chat function, users can send text messages, as well as edit and delete them later.

It’s also possible to use this instant messenger to send files (images, documents, etc.) and exchange contact information. Additionally, it’s possible to invite other Skype users to view the display on a screen via screen-sharing. Weak privacy policies: critics often raise concern about the reduced security of the free version of Skype. In line with Skype’s privacy policy, the conversations are always encrypted with the AES-256 method (and text messages partly using the TLS protocol), nevertheless, according to the privacy guidelines of Skype the content of communications can be made available to certain authorities.

It’s possible to set up video conferences with up to 25 participants. When it comes to data protection, many video chat applications are just as controversial as Skype. However, there is also a number of providers who are increasingly focused on improving their privacy measures. While some services are specialized in data protection, others have come under fire by critics and increased public pressure, forcing them to create more user-friendly privacy policies and implement better encryption technologies.

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Outside of the highly divisive data protection debate, however, there are many good Skype alternatives, which pride themselves on their useful and creative functions. Read on to discover the strengths and weaknesses of 13 different video call applications, all of which can be used for free. Can do almost everything that Skype can do; in addition to video and IP telephony, people can also chat to other ooVoo users and share files as well as make calls to mobile and landline networks (for a fee). It’s also possible to set up video calls between up to 12 accounts.

The use of ‘superclear’ technology ensures that the provider can offer picture and sound of an excellent quality. Furthermore, the service offers certain additional features that can’t be found on Skype, such as the option of receiving video calls via the application. With the desktop version, it’s also possible to watch YouTube videos together. The service is available for Windows (both for mobile as well as desktop systems), macOS, Android, and iOS. All in all, ooVoo can be considered a very good alternative to Skype in terms of the features on offer; most of the functions are very similar to Skype’s, and ooVoo even offers a couple of additional features. When it comes to ooVoo’s data security, however, the application is massively disappointing.

The communications are in no way encrypted, which the manufacturer’s website justifies by claiming the video quality would suffer. OoVoo also falls short in comparison to Skype with its maximum of 12 participants in a video conference; what’s more, unlike Skype, it has no desktop sharing option. Yet another shortcoming is the fact that it’s considerably less popular than Skype. This means, unlike Skype, it’s highly likely that users will need to invite or convince people to use ooVoo in order to contact them with the app. Launched in 1996, was originally just an instant messenger service. While it enjoyed widespread popularity as an instant messenger in the 90s, the number of users has dwindled as more competitors began to spring up.

This is doubtless one catalyst for ICQ expanding its range of services; the application’s versatile functions now also include video calls, although so far, it is only possible to set these up between two user profiles. However, a special feature was recently introduced for video chats: since 2016, ICQ for Windows, Android, and iOS has used end-to-end encryption. Otherwise, ICQ has a number of similarities to Skype: for example, the application can be used to make calls to landlines and mobile networks for a fee, and of course, text messages can also be sent via its instant messaging service. All in all, the application’s range of functions is impressive.

But whether ICQ can re-establish itself as a major player in the area of IP telephony remains to be seen. Although the program was once one of the marketing leaders in instant messaging, times have changed, and the biggest obstacle now preventing ICQ from regaining its position in the top spot is the comparative popularity of competing programs.

The open source software, is geared towards users who are particularly concerned about the privacy of their communications. All calls (both with and without video) are encrypted. The chat function also allows users to activate encryption of the contents of their conversations. There is no official limit to the number of participants in one video conference – this primarily depends on the capabilities of the computer and the speed of the internet connection. Another unique feature of Jitsi is that users don’t need to sign up for an account in order to use the service; one can simply use the browser variant, Jitsi Meet. With this application, users just open up a conversation with a click of a mouse and add other people to the conversation by sending them a link.

Jitsi can also be used via clients for the operating systems Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, there are no clients for mobile operating systems, although it is possible to use the browser version of Jitsi with a smartphone or tablet. After the infamous hacking scandal of 2013, an anonymous developer began work on the program,. As the logo suggests, the service is strongly concerned with protecting the privacy of users’ conversations. All communications made through the application are protected through end-to-end encryption. The purpose of this is to ensure that nobody has unauthorized access to the contents of a conversation.

Even the IP address itself is only visible to the other participant in the conversation. In addition, the data transmission takes place via peer-to-peer technology, rather than over a central server. This means that the data is exchanged directly between the computers that are taking part in the conversation. Thanks to this technology, external users are prevented from being able to access the conversations and exchanged data. The software’s main selling point is its privacy policy; it prides itself on being the counterpart to classic video telephony applications and instant messengers, which do not guarantee security, and rather collect user data.

It should also be noted that this program was not developed for commercial gain. As well as the normal functions (i.e.

Video and voice calls, instant messaging, file sharing) Tox offers a desktop sharing option and is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Users can exchange contact data with a special Tox ID. Video calls can currently only be set up between two users – but since the software is still being developed, this may not be the case for much longer. Tox is still in beta testing, meaning that the application still experiences errors, which the manufacturers acknowledge on the Tox website.

However, if you’re looking for absolute security in your video calls, VoIP, and instant messaging, these errors shouldn’t deter you from using the program. All in all, Tox offers exceptionally strong and useful security features – one could not expect more extensive security measures. Service is yet another program that closely resembles Skype in its central functions (i.e. Chat function with file sharing und browser access to the web app version). However, video calls can once again only be set up between two profiles. Aside from this, Yahoo Messenger is another highly recommended alternative to Skype, where users can also benefit from integrating their Yahoo e-mail account.

It’s also possible to delete sent messages in the chat function – a feature that can otherwise only be found on Skype. Yahoo Messenger is a sophisticated video call and instant messaging application, with clients for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS readily available. But yet again, Yahoo suffers widespread criticism in relation to its privacy policy, and the messenger cannot be considered secure. Many of ’s features also closely resemble Skype’s.

The program’s functions range from VoIP (with or without video) as well as instant messaging and the ability to transfer files, and as with Skype, it’s possible to use Viber to make calls to mobiles and landlines for a fee. Again, video conferences can only be set up between two user accounts. Clients are also available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and Blackberry, amongst others. However, Viber drew a great deal of negative attention across the world in recent years due to its collection of an unusually large volume of user data, which in itself was in violation of many countries’ data protection laws.

Viber even recorded information about individuals who aren’t signed up with the service. Since 2016, however, Viber has offered end-to-end encryption for all its services (apart from landline and mobile calls). This encryption is in place to guarantee the security of the communications and their contents. By and large, Viber can be considered a powerful application, but, like so many other good Skype alternatives, it has a comparatively small user base and has raised concerns worldwide regarding its privacy policy.

Despite being the most popular social media platform in the world, many of its users don’t realize that it’s possible to make video calls to other Facebook users with the popular chat service. Users with Facebook accounts can do this using both the desktop version of Facebook as well as the messenger app for Android and iOS. The app allows users to set up VoIP calls with up to 50 different profiles, although video telephony is only possible between two Facebook accounts.

However, this is not such a disadvantage when considering Facebook’s popularity. In fact, this is greatly beneficial; it’s highly likely that you are already connected to your friends and acquaintances via Facebook, meaning internet (video) calls can easily be set up in an instant.

The greatest disadvantage, on the other hand, is the fact that the communication is not yet encrypted by default (although this is allegedly in the pipeline). Another downside of this service is Facebook’s poor reputation for data security. Launched in 2016, the app takes a similarly minimalist approach to FaceTime; this app is also reduced to its core function: video calls between two users. However, there are some differences between FaceTime and Google Duo: unlike Apple’s application, Google offers the unique ‘knock knock’ function, which allows users a preview of their contact’s live video feed before answering any incoming calls.

Another plus is that Google Duo is not only available for Android devices, but also for iOS. Furthermore, users of mobile Apple devices don’t need to add a Google account for the app – simply providing a phone number is sufficient. The app is generally seen as an attempt by Google to break into the instant messaging market as a competitor for WhatsApp. As well as an app for Android and iOS devices, Google Hangouts is also available as a web application, which can be accessed via a browser. All of these different versions can be used to chat with other Hangouts users and share files, as well as set up video conferences with up to 10 participants. Since 2015, Hangouts has also offered the option of inviting non-registered users to a video call; they can then take part in the conversation via their browser.

But after the 2016 launch of Google’s new service, Google Duo and Google Allo (another instant messenger) there are signs that Google Hangouts will step further into the background as the two new applications step up to replace it. Regarding this matter, Google has given notice that its Hangouts service is now primarily geared towards corporate customers. This free instant messenger from Japan offers a range of functions that are similarly available on other applications such as WhatsApp. As well as the classic instant messaging function already familiar to us, also allows video calls between two users. But Line can do far more than that: as with Facebook, Line can be used to create a timeline and share photos, videos, and much more with other Line users, thus building a small social network with your contacts. Messages and files can be saved in a separate folder using the ‘Keep’ function.

In addition, you can also purchase gaming apps, stickers and new designs. In the past, Line faced heavy criticism for its lack of data security, but the application now appears to have learnt from its mistakes; the application can now offer its users end-to-end encryption across all forms of communication. Pros Cons End-to-end encryption Video calls currently only possible between two devices Available across a range of platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Firefox OS) Relatively small user base in English-speaking countries. This means you may well need to convince friends and acquaintances to install Line before you can contact them using the application Many functions that exceed conventional messenger features in terms of quality (i.e. Timeline and adding location for messages and files). Is available for practically all common operating systems – of all the most widely used operating systems, only Linux is not supported. The application’s range of functions is as wide and complex as that of Line: as well as conventional characteristics like the chat function, as well as IP telephony with or without video transmission (for up to 9 participants).

It’s also possible to share files via a kind of timeline for posting updates. Users can access even more features via in-app purchases.

Here, you can not only acquire small video games and digital stickers for the WeChat messenger, but also use various services from online shopping to booking taxis or doctors’ appointments. WeChat’s unusually large spectrum of functions is mainly down to the fact that the program was developed by a Chinese company; in China, the internet is far more closely monitored by the government than in the US and Europe (with access to many services like Facebook blocked). WeChat is therefore the go-to social media platform for people in China to communicate. The application, however, is subject to Chinese data protection laws, which are extremely sparse. WeChat’s privacy policy states that the WeChat providers have access rights to an extremely large amount of the data on the user’s device.

Not even the communication made on the app is secure; only the message history is encrypted. Furthermore, there is absolutely no information available to the public about the servers on which the data is stored.

The server location does determine however, how high the data security is that is legally required. It therefore only remains to be said that, of all the services presented here, WeChat is the most opaque, and probably also has the weakest data security. The instant messenger, can only be installed on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, but makes up for this with the possibility to use the application in the browser. Wire also offers typical messenger functions; this comprises a chat feature, which includes file sharing as well as voice calls (with up to five user accounts) and video calls (between two accounts). Additionally, it’s possible to use Wire to share content from YouTube, Vimeo, Soundcloud, and Spotify with other Wire users. The company behind Wire and the software development of the application are located in Switzerland and in Germany. As can easily be seen, the application is greatly concerned with protecting the privacy of all content exchanged between users; all data transferred within the application is backed up with end-to-end encryption.

Yet another guarantee for the security is the fact that, according to the provider, all Wire data is stored on servers in the EU, even if this is not explained further. In general, data protection regulations in the EU protect the user data much better than in other parts of the world. This consequently makes Wire one of the safest instant messenger servers on the market. Supported platforms Video calls possible? (With how many user accounts)?

Apps For Mac

Instant messaging possible? Is file sharing possible? As this table shows, there are only a few applications that can be used to set up a video conference with more than two devices. Of all the Skype alternatives we’ve reviewed, only Jitsi, ooVoo, Google Hangouts, and WeChat offer this function. Other than this, most of the services provide a very similar range of functions to Skype. For example, almost all the programs have an instant messaging feature (with the exception of Google Duo and FaceTime), and users can also send files using many of the alternative applications.

It’s important to note that despite many of these services suffering criticism in the past for their weak data security, there are still very few applications where privacy is guaranteed. However, three of these services offer exemplary privacy policies when it comes to securing conversations, user data, video, audio, and text content; these are Jitsi, Tox, and Wire. Incidentally, users should be aware that using any of these video telephony applications with a mobile device to make calls without a wireless connection can significantly and quickly incur large volumes of data usage. In general, using a local network is highly recommended for video calls. By using a strong internet connection, you can usually get the best quality image for your video calls.