It would seem that choosing such a program is not a problem. But when it comes to adding a dozen new interlocutors to the conference, sharing the screen, recording a conversation or streaming on YouTube, it becomes clear that this or that function is missing. How not to miscalculate when installing a program for video calls from a computer, read our article.
Questions:
How do I make calls over the Internet for free?
How do I send messages over the Internet?
How do I sign up for Skype for the first time?
Other Internet Communication Questions
According to the results of our research by a wide margin two applications are in the lead. Hangouts has the most versatile functionality, but in terms of connection quality and usability - which is probably the most important - it is somewhat inferior to Skype.
In addition, the prevalence of programs must be taken into account. So, despite all its advancement, Hangouts has not yet been able to become the most used application for video calls. In our opinion, main reason to that - orientation to the web-interface and, as a result, inconvenient management. In this regard, Skype clearly wins.
According to the authors, for a full-fledged video communication at a distance using Skype, a PC with dual core processor and Internet connections no slower than 512 kbps. We also add that the developers from Microsoft decided to integrate Skype app in Windows 10. And if you're happy with that, you won't have to look for alternatives.
Google Hangouts replaced Google talk. Windows users can use the web version of the application, available as an extension for common ones, or simply log into their GMail account at Google browser Chrome.
If you have a Google account, this software is easier to use. You can start a call directly from Gmail, or Google plus... In Hangouts, you can create a group video conference for ten interlocutors, share the screen, chat, take notes without minimizing the communication window. Plus, Hangouts lets you stream live broadcast directly to YouTube. In general, there are so many functions that at first you even get a little confused.
Personally, our impression was also spoiled by the fact that to establish a connection with the application on mobile platform with a user running Hangouts in a browser is very problematic. Simply because a person may have another tab open and they won't notice your call.
ooVoo - popular free program for video calls from a computer. Compared to Skype, there are no fundamental differences in the level of communication. At the same time, this client program provides a free group video chat in which up to 12 users can participate.
As for voice calls, in this mode a maximum of three people can communicate for free (you can connect up to six people, but for a certain fee). Function Video call Recording allows you to record a telephone or video conversation for free.
ooVoo is also actively spreading to tablets and smartphones. The ability to switch between interlocutors is also provided. The only drawback of the application is its "untwisted". Frankly speaking, when testing, we personally liked the quality of the "picture" in ooVoo.
The program has become incredibly popular over the past few years. Millions of fans of comfortable online communication managed to download Viber to their computer, although most of the 450 million audience of the application are mobile users. The desktop version is often installed for video calls to acquaintances and friends who find themselves with a tablet or smartphone somewhere in nature or abroad.
Unfortunately, you won't be able to create a video conference in Viber. But with one-on-one video communication, you will not notice "braking". Provided, of course, that the Internet connection speed is good.
This messenger with video call support has gained great popularity in Asia and the United States. And more recently, European users have begun to actively install it. And there is a reasonable explanation for this.
The application attracts with a minimalist interface and some options typical for social networks. So, you can view your friends' feeds, comment on photos and rate statuses. In addition, the program developers have implemented file exchange different formats... You can do this during a video session, as well as exchange messages.
Once launched, you can import contacts from your mobile device and call anyone who also has LINE installed. It is noteworthy that the video call is available for recording, but there is a limit of no more than ten seconds.
V latest version ICQ developers have made a number of improvements in the quality of voice and video calls. New engine on which it works popular messenger, will allow you to communicate in full screen mode, while during video calls will be provided VGA resolution 640x480. And here group video conferencing in ICQ are not available.
To make a voice call, just one click. But we will be able to talk for free only with a user who also has an ICQ client installed. To make a call to a landline or mobile phone, you need to deposit money into a virtual account. Usually, regular calls on ICQ occur without delays and interruptions.
Tango was developed primarily for mobile devices as a program for making calls from a tablet, so that their owners can call each other for free by connecting to the Internet. The company thought about PC users only after the release of versions for Android and iOS.
Syncing contacts from your phone to your computer is easy - you just need to enter a phone number or email address. All Tango for PC requires is a Windows operating system and a network connection of at least 4 Mbps. Well, of course, a webcam and a headset (or speakers). It is good news that you do not need to create an account and log in to run Tango.
This software will take root well on most modern smartphones and communicators with front cameras. But on a PC, you may be somewhat upset by the image quality during video calls.
How to improve the quality of communication?
During video calls, you can observe "freezing" and "braking". The reason for this is often not the speed of the Internet connection, but the processes running on the computer. Therefore, before making a video call, we recommend that you close all unnecessary applications... The same applies to browser tabs.
It also does not hurt to clean the computer from the "clogging" the system components. This can be done using optimizers such as or. To ensure safety and high performance We advise you to install a computer - an anti-virus complex equipped with tools to optimize the system.
If you find interesting features in two or three programs, you can download them together. But be sure to keep in mind that similar applications exert a significant load on computer resources, therefore, it is recommended to use them simultaneously only in exceptional cases.
Separately, we denote that it was not included in the selection. proprietary utility for communication in a popular social network - Facebook Messenger... The service is very popular among users of mobile devices, however, its desktop version at the time of the review is presented only as an application in Windows store 10, not a separate program for all varieties operating system... Moreover, even given client far from ideal. Therefore, we do not include Facebook Messenger in our rating yet.
Cross-platform programs for communication over the Internet
At the beginning of the collection, consider universal solutions for communication. These programs are used not only for communication between two computers, but also for exchanging messages, transferring files and even watching a news feed, however, the desktop versions of some services do not allow establishing a voice and video session. All applications in this category are free (with the exception of some paid additional content like stickers), they have clients for Android and iOS devices. Utilities open to third party developers and allow you to connect electronic assistants - bots. To run them, you need to enter the name of the bot in the address book.
The address book and the history of group chats in such utilities are stored on the server by default. Some messengers like WhatsApp even store photos in the cloud. The advantage of this solution is that the data is automatically "pulled" to the new device after authorization. A logical disadvantage is security, in this case it will come in handy active function end-to-end encryption (zero data access).
Long time popular program for video communication was software company of the same name Skype Limited.
it free app allows you to carry out voice and video communication, and exchange messages between users via the Internet.
Free software for communication on the Internet
If you're looking for a complete alternative to Skype, then Discord might be the perfect fit. Compared to Skype, the Discord software is pretty young.
The motto of the developers is: "We will never charge a fee for the core features of Discord."
You will find almost everything on Discord - chats, calls, video calls, and group conferences - all fast and easy to use. The design is simple and modern, the most inexperienced users will understand.
Most The best way using Discord on your PC, through the official software, or on your smartphone through the Discord app for iOS and Android.
Supports 27 languages, including Russian
100% free communication
IP and DDoS protection
Browser support
Mobile app
Friend list
Investment in the game
Minimum CPU usage
Custom hotkeys
Smart Push Notifications
Multiple channels
Modern text chat
Individual volume control
Direct messaging
Automatic failure
ICQ and Yahoo Messenger have not yet completely lost their influence on the "front" of free managers. These services (ICQ and Yahoo Messenger) were once the most popular alternatives to Skype.
The functions are almost the same as those of Skype. Easy to chat with friends, share photos, do phone calls and make video calls. You can call for a fee to the fixed or mobile network.
You can integrate your Facebook profile to the messenger.
The only downside to these programs is the very annoying ads that are present in the manager.
Both of these programs have access to the browser, so you can use the messenger on someone else's computer without installing it.
ICQ and Yahoo Messenger are complete alternatives to Skype that are just as good as famous service... The only disadvantage is advertising.
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Facetime - perfect solution for video calls to Apple devices.
Facetime messenger is already preinstalled on everyone mobile devices Apple iOS 5+. On Mac OS X this will be true starting from version 10.6.4. Unfortunately the service cannot be used under Windows.
For example, if you open Facetime app on your iPhone, you can call your contacts who have an Apple ID. You will be connected via front camera devices, and at the same time you can see your partner on the display and talk to him.
The service, unfortunately, is intended only for video telephony. You cannot communicate or exchange information.
For Apple users, Facetime- an ideal solution in terms of video telephony, the application is already installed on your device and does not require additional entrance or registration.
if you have Account Google, you can invite all your contacts Google mail or Google Plus on Hangout.
Hangout is group chats where you can invite as many people as you like, or just individuals... In them, you can also start a group video chat on request.
The service runs in a browser via a small, fast-install plugin. Hangouts lets you exchange messages and photos with users.
Tox: a competing messenger for Skype
A few months after it was revealed that the NSA has direct access to Skype servers and in theory reads every conversation, came out new messenger... Tox should be considered safe alternative to Skype... Messages, phone calls and video chats are encrypted and thus protected from eavesdropping. The data to be transferred is not sent through the server or cached there, but is transferred directly through the Peer-to-Peer connection with the chat partner.
Tox has all the basic functions of a messenger. Tox is available for Windows, Mac OS, Linux and as an Android app. While other famous messengers require payment for features, Tox is completely free and comes ad-free - forever.
Competitor for Skype
Facebook offers a similar service to Google. If you and your friends are active on these sites, Facebook Messenger can be a good alternative. WITH right side in the chat panel, you can select any contact that is currently online. If you click on the small camera icon, you will need to install the small browser tool the first time you use it. After that, you can have a video meeting with the selected contact.
For quick access to your Facebook friends, this messenger is the right solution.
The video function is already available on smartphones as well. Just download Facebook Messenger for iOS or Android.
The most functional are mobile options ooVoo - however, on all platforms the program is available only with an English menu - a Russian version is not provided. The service is available for all popular platforms, the application can be installed on Windows 7, 8-10, MacOS, iOS, Android.
OoVoo featuresVideo communication
Create video conferencing with up to eight participants
Call recording
Storage of all audio and video calls
Data exchange
Transferring files of different formats
Without payment
Once downloaded, all functions are available for free
Cross-platform
The program is suitable for Windows 7-10, MacOS, Android, iOS, there is a web browser version
Advantages: you can record video messages directly into the program and send them to your contacts. One more useful tool which many users love: ooVoo lets you record video calls and save them on your computer.
Miranda IM is an open client source code, multi-protocol exchange instant messaging designed for very easy use system resources extremely fast and customizable. Its powerful plug-in architecture makes Miranda IM one of the most flexible clients on the planet.
If you cannot choose a messenger and you have several accounts, you can link them all in one program. Through Miranda, you can import your contacts from ICQ, MSN, Facebook, Yahoo, AIM, IRC and Jabber.
LINE is a very popular app, especially in Asia, with over 600 million users. All in stock standard functions messaging apps, there is a timeline similar to Facebook where you can post messages and your friends can comment on your posts.
Calls to landlines and free video or voice calls available in Line. There's also a very huge sticker store filled with symbols loved in Asia.
Group chat allows you to invite up to 200 participants, there is support for encrypted chats.
Continuing the list " Top Apps for messaging for Android and iOS "
Whatsapp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world and it's free. You can chat and share things like your location, photos, documents and contacts.
One of the things appealing to this app, apart from its immense popularity, is the addition of end-to-end encryption for privacy and security. It also supports GIF and Snapchat editing features.
This is a very popular application that will automatically add your contacts. It allows you to send text messages, stickers and emoticons, make videos and voice calls and, of course, share your favorite photos.
Also available Viber Out is a feature that allows you to make international and domestic calls at low rates. Calls from Viber to Viber are always free.
Google Allo is a smart messaging app that helps you talk more and do more. Express yourself better with stickers, scribbles and HUGE emotions and text. Allo also brings you Google Assistant.
Allo - newest app for chat from Google. The main attraction is new function Google Assistant.
Allo lets iOS users enjoy Google assistant... It offers typical features like sharing photos, emojis and stickers, but main feature is the Assistant. Can you talk to google assistant and it works similarly to Siri or Cortana.
WeChat is the most popular application in China with over 700 million users.
He offers regular applications for messaging such as sharing photos, videos, and voice calls. But with WeChat, you also get features like Friend Radar, People Near, and Shake to help you find nearby friends.
This application is available for Android Wear and Apple Watch.
Signal
Signal from Open Whisper System is one of the most recommended apps when it comes to encryption and security of chats.
This app has military encryption for all your messages and voice calls.
It supports texts, voice calls, group messages and sending multimedia attachments. Edward Snowden famously recommended this app, which makes it the best choice for people looking for safety first.
