As more people work from home or connect with their loved ones from afar, video calls have surged.

But which software should you use for video calls? Here are a few options to check out...

Best app for casual and mobile video calls: WhatsApp

If you want to do a video call during the day just to catch up with friends and family, WhatsApp is a great option to use from your mobile device.

WhatsApp will use the selfie/front-facing camera on your smartphone for video calls. You have the option to either make a video call to one contact or start a group video call.

Your video call quality depends on both your front-facing camera and Wi-Fi connection, so don’t expect vlog-style quality. However, it’s a great option for casual conversations.

You can download WhatsApp on the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.

Best app for work video calling: Microsoft Teams

If you want a video calling solution for calls with coworkers, Microsoft Teams is a great option. Much like Slack, Teams allows you to create a workspace where you can chat with colleagues at your company and create different channels for different departments or teams.

However, Teams also includes video calling functionality along with other useful features for remote working. For example, there’s also document collaboration, file sharing, and screen sharing.

The software is free, with paid options available for larger companies needing higher capacity for file storage and numbers of users. The software also comes in mobile and desktop versions for different operating systems, so you’re not constrained by your device.

You can download Microsoft Teams on the Microsoft Office website (desktop) or the Google Play and App Store (mobile)

Best desktop video calling software: Skype

If you want a desktop app primarily aimed at chat and call functionality, Skype is a classic and reliable option. The software isn’t as slick in terms of its appearance as Teams or some other video calling apps, but it has a number of useful features.

You are able to record calls, send animated emojis, share your screen, and start group calls with contacts.

Like Teams, it also has mobile and desktop versions. However, the desktop version for Skype is the one users will usually be better-acquainted with.

You can download it on the Skype website.

What about Zoom?

Zoom rose to stardom in 2020 as a popular option for remote video calls for work and education. However, as it surged, attention was brought to a variety of security and privacy issues on the platform. 

This has included “Zoom-bombing”, where uninvited people are able to join the video calls of other users and disrupt them. Meanwhile, thousands of video call recordings from Zoom were left unprotected on the internet where reporters were able to find them.

The platform has also had a third class-action lawsuit filed against it at the time of writing due to issues regarding security and privacy. Furthermore, various companies and government agencies have banned the use of Zoom due to these vulnerabilities.

Until these issues are sorted, it’s better to rely on a platform with a better track record on security and privacy.

Ultimately it's best to go with the video software that works best for your preference. And regardless of the platform, we can all sympathise with the events depicted in the video below:

 

Fibre to your home

Without a strong internet connection, video calls can become a chore (as evidence by the video above). Vodacom offers a variety of home internet solutions, including fibre-to-the-home and LTE plans. Click here to check if there is Vodacom fibre coverage in your area.. Visit the Vodacom LTE site as well to see our LTE internet products. 

Check out our step-by-step guide on installing fibre to your home.