Conversations with large teams, HD video calls, meetings, and online courses require special online video services. In this article, you will find a selection of free and convenient platforms with a handy and diverse set of features.

Duo

Calling is possible: from any device.

Support: Web version, iOS, Android.

This software from the Google developers is one of the most minimalistic applications for video calls. There are only two buttons: for video and audio calls. A funny feature of this service is called “Knock Knock” – when making a video call, the camera on the caller’s smartphone turns on immediately after the call and shows everything that is happening on the other side, even before the speaker answers the phone. Also, if the person you’re calling doesn’t pick up, you can leave a video message.

Disadvantage – the lack of group video calls.

Advantage – the excellent and undemanding network quality of video calls.

Life Hacks for Use:

To start using Duo, you just need to log in and connect your phone number to the app.

The program has a convenient phonebook synchronization – after installation, the Duo app will show you all your contacts with the installed Duo app.

Hangouts

Calling is possible: from any device.

Support: Web version, iOS, Android.

Another service from Google, but with a broader choice of options. The modern Hangouts interface makes it convenient and user-friendly. The duration of a free video conference is not limited and can involve up to 10 people simultaneously. You only need a Google account to make the call, and you can chat via Hangouts from your browser as well as Android or iOS apps.

Life Hacks for Use:

The advantage of the Hangouts service comes from its deep integration with Google services:

• conversations can be recorded and shared on Google+ or YouTube;
• video conference participants can collaborate on files from Google Drive and schedule appointments in the Google calendar;
• members can use the video editor and add simple effects during the conversation;
• with “Hangouts live streaming,” you can broadcast events to an unlimited number of viewers.

Zoom

Cost: Free of charge, paid plans.

Calling is possible: from any device.

Support: Web version, iOS, Android, and plugins.

Zoom is a celebrity in the world of video calling services. The app is easy to navigate, even for beginners, and is multi-functional at the same time. Up to 100 participants can join a free Zoom video call, and the session limit is 40 minutes.

The person who wants to start a video call needs to be registered, and all other participants are not required to have an account at Zoom. There are chat, screen sharing, and call recording functions. Paid plans start at $15 a month and allow you to communicate infinitely, adding up to 500 participants.

Life Hacks for Use:

• To hide the mess or family members walking behind you in the weird pajamas, you can use the “Virtual Background” feature. To do so, you need to sign in, visit the “settings” tab, and select “virtual background” from the menu. Try some Zoom backgrounds or add your images.
• Try the “Tweak My Appearance” option in the video settings menu. It applies a filter that smoothes out imperfections – your face will instantly become fresh and groomed.
• Use the virtual board, which allows you to take notes during conversations or online lessons.

Jitsi

Calling is possible: from any device.

Support: Web version, iOS, Android.

Jitsi is a free service for online meetings with large teams – an unlimited number of participants can join a video call; the chat has a screen sharing option and video conference recording. Starting a video call in Jitsi is easy if you’re using the service from your browser – you just need to enter the site, title the conversation, and share the link with your colleagues.

Life Hacks for Use:

• This service has good call quality, so even if you have a slow Internet connection, feel free to choose Jitsi software for video calls.
• The program focuses on security: all traffic is encrypted, and there’s no need to register to start a video conference.

MyOwnConference

Cost: Free, paid plans.

Calling is possible: from any device.

Support: Web version.

With this software, your online meeting can really become a conference room. Up to 2,000 people can participate in a single video conference, and by personal request – up to 5,000, but this feature is available in the paid plans. The free version of MyOwnConference allows up to 20 participants.

The second decisive advantage of the program is that the interface of the online room is available in 16 languages, which makes the service an excellent solution for large corporations and international video conferences. Moreover, it’s possible to share the screen, broadcast video, and conduct online tests. Thus, the program is perfect for webinars.

To start using the service, you don’t need to download anything, just sign up in the browser on your computer or mobile device.

Life Hacks for Use:

• Pay attention to the service’s flexible pricing plans – there’s an option to pay for either a single day or get a year subscription, and in each of the plans, you can choose the number of participants.
• Block offenders – a member who disturbs you can get a temporary warning or be blocked forever.
• Full HD and Ultra HD quality calls can be recorded. In addition, you can send video conference recordings to the participants for marketing and training purposes.