Video Chat Services

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is a time for family, for gathering. Of course, sometimes not everyone can make it to Thanksgiving dinner. However, everyone can make it online these days. I have comprised a list of video chat services you can use if some family members couldn't make it this year.

Skype

Skype is the most popular app for voice and video calling. It is not so popular for mobile nowadays but is still very popular on computers. Skype has HD quality and argued to have good visual and sound quality. Skype is free within the network, but you can also make paid audio calls to landlines. Skype is currently owned by Microsoft.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is easy to access if you already have a Google Account. Also, you can access your contacts already stored in Gmail. Google Hangouts is quite easy to use, and it runs entirely in your web browser, so you don't need to download anything. Google Hangouts is also available as a mobile app for Android and iOS.

Viber

Viber is great if your computer runs on Windows 10. However, take note that Viber video calls only work on Windows 10. You can use text and voice communication on other devices, but not video chat. You can turn off video when you want, mute the call, or transfer it. Viber is currently owned by the Japanese company Rakuten.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger can be used within your web browser and lets you communicate with text or video. Facebook Messenger is easy to use, but you may be required to download a plugin to make it work. Of course, Messenger is also available as a mobile app.

Facetime

Facetime is simple to use and has very good audio and visual quality. However, Facetime only works on Apple operating systems, and only to other Facetime users. Facetime lets you search through your phone's contacts, and shows you which contacts are using Facetime. 

Discord

Discord is designed specifically for gamers, but you don't have to be a gamer to use discord. Discord has amazing voice and text communication, and even includes different channels to organize your server. Discord is my personal favorite of all the messaging services. Discord's video communication is a very recent update, and still in its infancy. Discord can be opened in your browser, and it can also be downloaded for some extra features. Discord Nitro also has additional features, but it requires a paid subscription.