When the pandemic W struck in 2020, the world got a fast lesson in video-calling apps. If you didn't know how to use one before, you certainly did after and, for many of us, the world of work was changed forever.
These days, video-calling apps are still with us - for many people, they're an absolutely essential part of day-to-day life. But they're not just for work, and are ideal for catching up with friends and family in your downtime. Whether you need to discuss your tasks with colleagues or just want to hang out with mates for casual group chats or organising get-togethers, you can bet there's an app tailored to what you need.
With so many options, which one should you pick as your videoconferencing app of choice? That's what this group test is all about. We've put together six of the best video-calling apps, from the casual Discord to the work-focused Teams, with plenty more spanning the spectrum in between. By the end, you'll know exactly which one fits your needs. So, let's dive in and sort the video wheat from the virtual chaff.
How we tested
> Using Continuity Camera with an iPhone 12 Pro for consistency, we set up each of the video-calling apps on our Mac and called friends and family members to assess each app's capabilities. Aside from video and audio quality, we tested the apps' extra features, including call recording, noise cancellation, screen sharing, and more. We also investigated their mobile companion apps, although the focus remained primarily on the Mac versions.
Things to consider...
1 Call time limit
While some apps like Discord and FaceTime let your calls go on indefinitely, other apps impose limits and ask you to pay for more time.
2 What's the purpose?
Esta historia es de la edición October 2023 de MacFormat UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 2023 de MacFormat UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Death Stranding Director's Cut
An outstanding horror tale
Hidden Kingdoms
Panic relief for the nervous traveller
QDOS SnapStand 3-in-1
Charge three devices in one plug socket
Record sounds on Mac
Record different sound sources with QuickTime Player and Audio Hijack
One more thing Apple Watch
Graham Barlow has stopped wearing his Apple Watch, but will sleep apnoea detection make him change his mind?
Halide Mark II (2.15)
The ideal app for photographers looking for more manual control
reMarkable 2, Marker Plus & Type Folio
A tablet that gives a note-paper experience
Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro
Get your iPhone to follow your every move!
AirPods 4 with ANC
A new design and Active Noise Cancellation make these a must-have
iPhone 16 Pro
Bigger and better in almost every way - and with power to spare