12 Best Video Calling Apps for PC [2025]

If you need to record a video call, try Movavi Screen Recorder:

  • Make high-quality recordings of video calls

  • Schedule your recording sessions

  • Record your webcam in HD

Edited by
Ben Jacklin
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Here we describe the best video calling apps for PCs, giving you the essential information on each program. Check out our table of top 12 video calling software to quickly navigate to the app of your interest. We’ve also included information about a screen recorder in case you want to record your call.

Comparison table of the best video calling apps for a PC

Program

OS

Main advantages

Download

Windows, macOS

Records HD video chats, tutorials, and screen captures; SuperSpeed export

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Unlimited free video call app, breakout rooms, screen sharing, browser option

Special pick: Movavi Screen Recorder

Why I picked it: it just clicks: smooth, sharp, and doesn’t mess around when I need to grab video fast.

OS: Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS

Movavi Screen Recorder captures anything on your screen. Be it video chats, online video, tutorials, even that weird Flash animation your friend sent – you can challenge Movavi with anything and be sure that it will satisfy your expectations.

You can record in up to 60 FPS, pick a ready-made mode, or tinker with the settings yourself. It grabs sound from multiple devices at once, highlights your cursor, tracks keyboard input, and lets you add click sounds. Screenshots? You can snap ’em, tweak ’em, and save. And the SuperSpeed mode? Boom, and your video is ready in seconds. Export to YouTube or Google Drive straight from the app - what a courtesy!

I use it on both Windows 10 and Mac whenever I need to record client calls or online gaming sessions with friends. Scheduling a recording is clutch: it grabs the session without me babysitting the app. Real-time cursor highlighting made a tutorial I recorded look professional without extra editing. It’s fast, precise, and never crashes mid-call, which is a lifesaver during multi-hour Zoom meetings. Honestly, for free download testing, it’s already impressive.

Features

  • Capture on-screen activity, complete with keystrokes and mouse actions
  • Record your screen and webcam in HD and 4K
  • Draw shapes and notes on video to guide viewer’s attention to the elements
  • Grab the screen along with webcam and audio stream during an important video call

RATINGS

Pros:

  • Records video chats, screencasts, and online video in HD

  • Multi-device audio capture for crisp sound

  • Draw shapes and notes on videos

Cons:

  • Free trial leaves a watermark on recordings

disclaimer_person

Our goal is to provide you with only verified information. To ensure this, Movavi Content Team does the following:

  • The team tests all the products mentioned in this article.

  • When testing, we compare the key characteristics of the products, which include selecting capture area, schedule recording, showing keystrokes and mouse, and other significant features.

Best video calling app for your computer

Why I picked it: when it comes to staying connected, Zoom just gets the job done, and on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, or iOS machines.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Best for: family reunions, work-related meetings

Maximum free users: 100

There are many reasons why people use Zoom: to run team meetings, catch up with family, or host a webinar, the list is long. By offering an extensive set of tools, Zoom helps you with all this and more. It’s an all-in-one video call app for PC and Mac, and it also has versions for Linux, Android. it gives you screen sharing, breakout rooms, recording, and a whiteboard for quick sketches.

You can run unlimited free video call app sessions, tap into Team Chat, or manage conferencing from your browser. When video calling, you can invite up to 100 people to Zoom - the app accommodates such a load effectively.

Zoom works smoothly on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac, and even grabs webcam input cleanly while capturing system audio. New updates improve AI-powered transcription and background noise reduction, keeping calls sharp and professional.

I use Zoom almost daily, hopping between online video calling with colleagues and video chat app sessions with friends. The breakout rooms have been a lifesaver during big team calls, and recording webinars to review later is seamless. Switching between Windows 10 and Mac is effortless. And the browser option saves me when installing software isn’t convenient. It runs without glitches, rarely drops calls, and handles multi-participant meetings like I expect.

Main features:

  • Unlimited one-to-one meetings
  • Group messaging
  • Video and audio conferencing
  • Screen sharing

RATINGS

4.6/5

Pros:

  • Reliable video calling and conferencing across platforms

  • AI-powered tools like auto-transcriptions and noise suppression

  • Breakout rooms and whiteboard for dynamic collaboration

Cons:

  • The free plan limits group meetings to 40 minutes

  • Some advanced integrations require a paid subscription

Why I picked it: FaceTime is like having your living room and boardroom rolled into one sleek, polished app. Instant connections, no nonsense.

Compatibility: macOS, iOS

Best for: family hangouts, small team check-ins, friendly catch-ups

Maximum free users: 32

FaceTime is a free video calling service for Mac and iOS. Its motto is that anyone with a browser can join a video call via a FaceTime link. The software supports video chat app sessions with up to 32 participants. It also offers Picture-in-Picture and gives you spatial audio that spreads voices around the screen for a natural feel.

You can switch between front and back cameras, add reactions and video effects, or share your screen to guide friends or colleagues. Mic Modes isolate your voice, filter background noise, or leave all ambient sounds in. Features like SharePlay let you watch videos or listen to music together while chatting. With it, online video calling becomes more dynamic than ever!

I usually fire up FaceTime for casual hangouts and remote team check-ins on my Mac and iPhone. The Center Stage feature keeps me and my kid in frame during calls, even when we move around. I tested screen sharing to walk a friend through a tricky document setup and it worked fine. Switching a call from my iPhone to my Mac using Handoff was seamless, headset and all. Grid view makes it easy to track who’s talking in larger group calls. The combination of live captions and spatial audio made a recent family reunion call surprisingly immersive.

RATINGS

Pros:

  • Supports up to 32 participants for Group FaceTime calls

  • Browser-based access for friends without Apple devices

  • Live captions, spatial audio, and advanced Mic Modes improve clarity

  • SharePlay and screen sharing for collaboration and entertainment

Cons:

  • Only fully supported on Apple devices (Mac, iOS)

  • Limited to participants using a FaceTime link if on non-Apple devices

Why I picked it: when Skype said goodbye, Teams stepped up, never leaving us without a digital handshake.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

Best for: cross-platform video calls

Maximum free users: 50

Microsoft Teams isn't just another video chat app… It's a full-on collaboration suite. Your computer can be Windows 10, Windows 11, or a Mac. No matter. The software lets you host group video calls for up to 100 participants, each lasting up to 60 minutes. Need more time? Upgrade to enjoy meetings up to 30 hours long. Plus, it offers 5 GB of cloud storage per user, file sharing, task management, and polling, all wrapped in a secure, encrypted, and lovely-looking package.

I recently used Teams to coordinate a virtual team-building event. Scheduling was a no-brainer. The integration with Microsoft Whiteboard allowed us to brainstorm ideas in real-time - admirable. We also utilized live captions to ensure everyone was on the same page. The ability to switch between devices speedily cannot help but delight. Skype can rest in peace - a decent substitute is here.

RATINGS

Pros:

  • Supports up to 100 participants per meeting (free version)

  • Offers 5 GB of cloud storage per user

  • Integrated with Microsoft 365 apps for seamless collaboration

  • Provides live captions in over 40 languages

  • Allows screen sharing and background customization

  • Offers task management and polling features

Cons:

  • Free version limits group meetings to 60 minutes

  • May require a learning curve for new users

  • Some advanced features are only available in paid plans

Why I picked it: because when I need one of the most trusted free video calling apps, WhatsApp steps in and connects me seamlessly.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome

Maximum free users: 50

Lots of reasons exist why people use systems like WhatsApp: to host a quick group chat, preview shared media, swap documents, or simply check in face-to-face. It's a free, cross-platform solution for messaging, voice, and video calls over the internet -the very thing for international communication. With an extensive set of tools, WhatsApp helps you stay in touch and do business with others.

It supports group video and voice calls, lets you share images, videos, and documents, and works across iOS, Android, and desktop (Windows 10 onwards, Mac) platforms. You’ll find that the video call app for a PC requires the desktop version rather than the browser version, because browser-based calls aren’t fully supported.

I relied on WhatsApp recently to coordinate a surprise virtual party across three time zones. We connected via webcam on my Windows 11 laptop, one friend dialed in on Mac, another on Android. We shared a slideshow, streamed video clips, and the free download of the desktop version made it simple. The call held up through laughter, file sharing, and screen shifts. No breaks, just pure connection. The interface felt familiar and light; despite toggling between different devices, we stayed in sync.

Main features:

  • Group video and voice calls
  • All communication encrypted

RATINGS

Pros:

  • End-to-end encryption covering video/voice and media sharing

  • Works across mobile and desktop, making it a true free video calling app

  • File and media sharing is integrated; images, docs, videos all flow easily

Cons:

Why I picked it: when Hangouts bowed out, Chat didn’t just fill the shoes, it built a whole new stage for team talk.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome

Best for: team collaboration, project management, workplace communication

Maximum free users: varies by Workspace plan (up to 500 participants in a space)

Once a humble sidekick, Google Chat now runs the show for Workspace users who live and breathe collaboration. It’s one of those video calling apps that quietly redefines office chatter, packing AI muscle and intuitive design into a clean browser-based setup. You can spin up a quick chat, drop into a “huddle,” or jump on a video call app for PC or laptop with zero friction.

The integration across Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Meet feels natural, as if the whole Google universe finally learned to speak in one voice. Add Gemini to the mix, and you’ve got automatic translations, smart summaries, and AI-powered searches that pull up exactly what you meant, not just what you typed.

I leaned on Google Chat during a product launch sprint. Picture this: five teams scattered across three time zones, juggling assets, approvals, and last-minute bug reports. I pinned tasks in threads, dropped voice clips for context, and used smart chips to tag docs and people. When the client pinged us mid-meeting, I just switched from chat to Meet in a blink, no app shuffle, no awkward delays. The whole thing felt like a newsroom in the cloud, running on caffeine and clean code.

RATINGS

Pros:

Cons:

Editor’s choice

Why I picked it: Chanty doesn’t try to be loud; it just quietly gets things done. That’s its charm.

Compatibility: macOS, iOS, Android

Best for: Team meetings

Maximum free users: 10

At its core, Chanty is built for teams that want clarity without chaos. You get group and private chats, voice notes, task management, and an unlimited searchable history that makes catching up effortless. It’s one of those rare video chat apps where everything, from file sharing to screen sharing, feels logical, not bolted on.

You can spin up a quick call or assign a task mid-conversation without breaking your flow. It works fine on Mac, iOS, and Android. Also, it integrates with a good number of third-party tools like marketing CRMs or project trackers. Lightweight, fast, and surprisingly capable for an app that won’t burn a hole in your budget - that is Chanty.

I tested this much-talked-about video calling app for PC while managing a small cross-functional project. We were five people, spread across different time zones, juggling design drafts, briefs, and feedback loops. The built-in task board kept everyone accountable, and the unlimited free video call app feature made it easy to hop into quick syncs.

File transfers were snappy, even larger PDFs zipped across instantly. It didn’t take long before the team started using it as a mini project hub. The lack of a Windows 10 or 11 desktop version was a slight inconvenience, but the browser version picked up the slack just fine.

Main features:

  • Public and private conversations
  • Built-in task management
  • Voice messages

RATINGS

4.5/5

Pros:

  • Neat, lovely interface with zero clutter

  • Unlimited calls, voice messages, and searchable history

  • Built-in task management keeps projects on track

Cons:

Why I picked it: when everyone else talks about “hybrid work,” GoTo Meeting just quietly makes it happen.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Best for: business meetings, client presentations, remote collaboration

Maximum free users: up to 250 (depending on plan)

GoTo Meeting isn’t here to dazzle you with gimmicks, it’s here to work. It’s one of those rare video calling apps that feels built for grown-ups running real meetings. You can jump into an online video calling session straight from your browser, no downloads, no wasted seconds.

The HD video quality is razor-sharp. The audio is pristine. And the background noise suppression does a stellar job of muting chaos. It’s designed for serious conferencing across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac, offering enterprise-level encryption and uptime that’s practically bulletproof. Screen sharing, annotation tools, transcriptions, and one-click invites will appeal to teams that live and breathe online collaboration.

In my experience, I used GoTo Meeting during a week-long pitch sprint with a remote client in Tokyo. The time zone overlap was brutal, but GoTo held up pretty well. I switched between laptop and mobile during calls, and the handoff was instant: no dropped connections, no awkward restarts. The in-session chat and quick screen markup saved us from endless back-and-forth emails. The best part? Joining from the browser meant no panicked “Where’s the link?” moments for the client’s side. Everything felt stable, professional, and just easy.

GoTo Meeting won’t charm you with glitter. It just shows up, runs perfectly, and gets out of your way. Exactly what you want from a serious video call app for PC or laptop.

RATINGS

4.2/5

Pros:

  • Reliable video and crystal-clear VoIP audio, even on spotty networks

  • No software installation required; perfect for quick, professional online conferencing

  • Tight security with encryption and meeting locks

  • Integrates easily with calendars and collaboration tools

Cons:

Why I picked it: pt bundles messaging, video, and phone into one slick package without making me pinball between a dozen apps. I really got hooked.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Best for: short business video calls

Maximum free users: 100

This video calling app for PC and Mac doesn’t just organize meetings online in your browser. It keeps everything connected. Free users can host video calls for up to 100 participants. The 24-hour duration means you’re never cut off mid-conference. Thanks to built-in messaging, teams can chat before, during, and after calls.

Screen sharing, markup tools, and cloud-based phone service are baked in – you get a full-service conferencing setup. It runs across Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, iOS, and Android. So hopping between devices doesn’t break your workflow. Auto-attendant, call management, and integration with other apps keep business running without interruptions while RingCentral handles the tech-heavy lifting.

I tested RingCentral for a project kickoff with three remote departments. Setting up the meeting was dead simple, and switching from my laptop to my phone mid-call didn’t skip a beat. Screen sharing let me run through a presentation while colleagues annotated live. Messaging kept side conversations in check. And the cloud-based phone meant I could call in for follow-ups without shuffling numbers. Everything felt tight, reliable, and instantly accessible, like the app knew what my team needed before we did.

Main features:

  • Fully featured PBX administration service
  • Best for businesses and enterprises
  • 100% cloud service

RATINGS

Pros:

  • Unified messaging, video, and phone service in one app

  • Free video calls up to 100 people, 24-hour duration

  • Cross-platform: Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, iOS, Android

  • Integrated tools like screen sharing, chat, and markup for real-time collaboration

Cons:

9. LINE

Why I picked it: LINE makes international calls feel local: crystal clear, emoji-filled, and zero stress.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web

Best for: high-quality video feed; sharing videos and voice messages

Maximum free users: 4

This free video calling app for PC can reside on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android systems. You can run voice and video calls with up to four people in high-quality feeds, send audio, video, and images instantly, and get creative with over 10,000 stickers and emoticons. LINE even layers in social features like a timeline and optional news updates. So you’re not just chatting; you’re plugged into a living network. Registration is quick via phone number or email. Thanks to cross-device logins, you can jump from your phone to your laptop without skipping a beat.

I’ve been using LINE to coordinate weekend trips with friends across three countries. Setting up a call on my Windows 10 laptop took less than a minute. Switching to my iPad mid-chat was effortless. The stickers and live reactions kept the conversation lively while sharing short videos and audio clips. Even minor frustrations (like adding new friends with QR codes) turned into quick, playful interactions rather than barriers. It’s simple enough that my parents can jump in, but robust enough to keep me organized with multiple chat threads.

RATINGS

Pros:

  • Unlimited free video and voice calls between LINE users

  • High-quality video feed and echo reduction for clear calls

  • Creative stickers and emoticons that keep chats fun

  • Cross-platform: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web

Cons:

  • Calls to people outside LINE aren’t free

  • Cannot accommodate many people in one call, so not totally a conferencing app

  • Not a stellar reputation online

10. Viber

Why I picked it: Viber drew me in because it lets me hop on video calls with friends around the globe without touching my wallet, and actually enjoy the ride.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, web

Best for: use on both PC and phone

Maximum free users: 20

Viber is a cult video calling app for iOS/Android smartphones. Today, it also has dedicated versions for PCs like Mac, Linux, Windows, with perfect sync with the main mobile app. Switching between devices never breaks a sweat! Free HD video calls, crisp audio, and group chats for up to 100 people keep conversations flowing.

There’s also a massive sticker library, doodle tools, and multimedia sharing, so you can toss in photos, short clips, and even your location. For international calls outside Viber, you can top up credit with Viber Out, which shows exactly what you’ll spend before you dial.

I’ve been using Viber to coordinate weekend gaming sessions and group catch-ups across three continents. Jumping from my Windows 11 laptop to my iPhone mid-chat is smooth, and sending quick voice clips or reaction stickers keeps everyone engaged (even when schedules clash).

The HD video quality holds up as long as we stick to Wi-Fi. The app’s cross-platform flexibility has meant zero dropped connections or lost messages. It feels like the software knows the back-and-forth dance of modern group chats without slowing me down.

RATINGS

Pros:

  • Free video calls with up to 20 people, HD quality on a good connection

  • Syncs mobile and desktop apps seamlessly

  • Huge sticker library and fun doodle options

  • Works across all major platforms: Windows 10/11, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android

Cons:

  • Calls to landlines or non-Viber users aren’t free

  • Video quality drops on poor connections

11. WeChat

Why I picked it: when leaping between meetings, friend catch-ups, and family calls, I need a video call app for PC that actually keeps pace without throwing me offline. WeChat slides right into that groove.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Best for: video calls, chatting, and transferring files

Maximum free users: 10

WeChat is a little tool for free video calling. On Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, it lets you jump into video calls or chats, swap files on the fly, and even share life’s highlights on Moments.

You can loop in up to nine people on a video call, post photos, track your real-time location, or blast a sticker to capture exactly how ridiculous your day was. The app packs everything from high-quality voice and video calling to integrated payment features, third-party mini programs, and a global sticker gallery that’s actually fun to scroll through.

I often split my workday between a MacBook and a Windows laptop. With WeChat, I can hop on a group video call with my teammates, toss a presentation over to a colleague, and still catch my nephew’s goofy Moments clips in between.

Even when I’m in transit, the mobile app keeps me in the loop, and the free download number service makes connecting with new contacts painless. Honestly, it’s become my go-to for multi-device video chatting without constantly hopping apps.

Main features:

  • Lots of integrated third-party services
  • Easy media sharing
  • Integration with the WeChat Pay system

RATINGS

Pros:

  • Crisp, reliable video and audio, even on a shaky connection

  • Tons of creative options: stickers, custom emojis, and interactive features like Drift Bottles and Look Around

  • Easy file sharing between desktop and mobile

Cons:

  • Mobile and desktop versions don’t sync perfectly, so notifications sometimes lag

  • Free group calls max out at nine participants; larger conferences need workarounds

12. Wire

Why I picked it: it’s a tool that keeps work stuff and personal chaos from colliding, without turning your brain into mush.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Best for: switching seamlessly between the work and private profiles

Maximum free users: 10

Wire is a well-known, open-source system for online collaboration. It handles encrypted calls, chats, and file sharing. You can shoot off video or voice messages, hop into high-quality calls, or toss files back and forth in a canter.

Switching between work and private profiles is instant, so you can stay focused without losing track of either world. It works across Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and browsers.

You get guest rooms for one-off collaborations, self-deleting messages for sensitive info, and constant bitrate for smooth video streams. Basically, it’s a video call app for laptop or desktop that won’t let your data wander.

I run a small consulting outfit while flipping side projects in video production. Wire lets me ping clients in a secure group chat, share raw clips, and then flip to my personal profile to coordinate weekend plans with friends, all without logging out.

I can grab a colleague on a quick video conference mid-shoot and walk through edits in real time, then switch back to private mode to make personal calls or share updates with family. On my laptop at home, it’s my command center. On the road, the browser version keeps me looped in without hassle.

Main features:

  • Free voice and video messages
  • Encrypted video and audio calls
  • Easy media sharing

RATINGS

Pros:

  • Stays smooth even on iffy Wi-Fi

  • Keeps work and personal communications neatly separated

  • End-to-end encryption across devices

  • Syncs across up to 8 devices

Cons:

  • Video conferences capped at four participants

  • Some advanced collaboration features feel overkill for solo freelancers

The next time you need video calling software for PC, feel free to work with any app from our list. Rest assured, you’ll be getting a smooth video conferencing experience. Suffice it to say that this list of the best video calling software is far from exhaustive. There are many great free group video chat apps that are not on this list. You can also check out the article by Adam Enfroy discussing what is the best video calling app for PC. If you are looking for an app that can help you keep a record of your video conversations, Screen Recorder by Movavi is an option you should explore. The app possesses both screen recording and video editing capabilities. Indeed, it’s one of the best screen recording apps you’ll find for your Windows PC or Mac OS.

How to record a video call with Movavi Screen Recorder

Before you start your video call, install and launch Movavi Screen Recorder. Then follow these steps:

  1. Adjust the recording settings according to your needs. When the video meeting begins, click Start Recording and select the area you want to capture.

  2. Make sure the Webcam, Microphone, and System Audio options are enabled.

  3. To start recording, click the REC button. Click Stop to finish the process.

  4. Edit the video if necessary.

  5. Save the result in any chosen format.

  6. Share the video with friends or colleagues.

What to look for in a video chat app for PC

Each program we describe in this article is worth trying, but how does one choose the perfect video calling app for PC? We hope the criteria below will help you make the right choice.

  • Maximum free users: Whether you’re planning a small family gather-together or an important business meeting, it’s vital to know how many users can be accommodated in one room for free.

  • Compatibility: Some of the programs mentioned in this article are available on both desktop and mobile platforms. If you’re planning to video chat on both devices, choose the appropriate program and app.

  • Functionality: Some reunions can involve specific activities, and some can go smoothly without special preparations. If you’re looking for video calling apps for laptops that provide advanced work-related features, it’s best to figure it out beforehand.

Summary

If you need to make a video call, there are limitless options available for any platform, and every program has its own pros, cons, and features. We hope this article has helped you choose the best video call app for your needs.

Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.

Movavi Screen Recorder

Frequently asked questions

How do I record a video call?

Most modern collaboration software, like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, has built-in recording. You just hit Record and go. If your app doesn’t, a separate screen recorder, like Movavi Screen Recorder, works fine. Just make sure to check audio settings and get everyone’s consent.

Is it possible to record a WhatsApp video call?

Not directly. WhatsApp doesn’t have a native recording feature. On Android, some screen recorders capture video (though audio may be limited). iOS can record video, too. But again, system audio may not always come through. Always ask before recording.

What is the best video chat app for Windows?

Depends on your needs. Microsoft Teams is solid for work. Zoom handles big meetings well. Google Meet is simple and browser-friendly. Viber and WhatsApp are good for casual calls. Pick what fits your workflow, not just popularity.

What is replacing Zoom?

Zoom is still around, but Teams and Google Meet are taking over in business settings. Teams is strong if you’re already in Microsoft 365; Meet works faultlessly with Gmail and Workspace. Personal calls? WhatsApp and FaceTime cover that niche.

What is the most popular video call platform?

Zoom leads in the market, but Microsoft Teams software is catching up fast. For casual chats, WhatsApp and FaceTime are widely used. It really depends on who you’re calling and what features you need: screen sharing, AI tools, or just a quick face-to-face.

Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

An easy way to record from your screen in HD. Make video footage of any application, record online streaming video, webinars, even Skype calls, and save clips in all popular formats.

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