Zoom has shot to fame during the pandemic, but there are alternatives out there – so what are the options if you want to talk to your team while sitting in front of your laptop in your pyjama bottoms?
FaceTime
Apple’s offering in the video talk market was acquired in 2011 and is pre-installed on most Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads and Macbooks. The advantage is that, in the Apple universe, there’s no further downloading to do and you can talk to another user simply by clicking the button on your device or through your contact list. The big disadvantage is it doesn’t work on non-Apple devices, notably Windows and Android. FaceTime can be used for conferencing but can only support up to 32 users at once – so probably best for spontaneous one-to-one calls with someone you know has an Apple phone.
apps.apple.com/gb/app/facetime/id1110145091
Google Hangouts
There are two versions of Google’s video app – Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat. The first is the paid-for enterprise-level version, supporting conferences for up to 250 people; the second is the free consumer-level one, supporting calls for up to 25. For both, you need a Google account to get started and an invite has to be sent. On the plus side, it has a modern feel and fun features such as emojis, stickers and GIFs. The appeal depends if you are a heavy Google user or not.
hangouts.google.com
Houseparty
Launched in 2016, Houseparty is the video tool the kids are increasingly using, nearing the top of the table in download rankings in several English-speaking countries. Described as a face-to-face social network, it’s primarily for socialising and chatting. And if you’re a contact of someone on a call, you can automatically join in. Lots of conversations revolve around a series of games you can play while chatting. It’s on Android and Apple but probably not one for a client meeting.
www.houseparty.com
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft’s rival to Slack, this comes free with Office 365 and features video meetings as one of its modules. It’s good for collaborating on documents and integrating with other Microsoft apps. And you can blur your background to avoid your toddler being seen wandering into shot. Other participants have to be invited to a meeting.
teamsdemo.office.com
Skype
Also Microsoft, Skype is the daddy of internet video-calling apps, first released in 2003. Critics say it’s been left behind, still largely desktop rather than mobile-based. Conferences can host up to 50 people and the free version gives you calls for up to four hours, but the recording function is erratic and the interface is described by Wired as ‘clunky’. You also need to set up a Skype account to use it.
www.skype.com
Webex
Another early player, Webex started in 1995 and was later bought by Cisco. It has a range of video-conferencing applications, but you’re unlikely to see your teenage kids using it. There’s a freemium version that can host conferences for up to 100.
www.webex.com
Zoom
And so to Zoom. Launched in 2011, its meteoric rise has been attributed to its ease of use, widespread compatibility, and the fact that you can invite anyone to a call without registration. Features include one-on-one meetings, group video conferences, screen sharing, plugins, browser extensions and the ability to record and transcribe meetings. You can even select a virtual background as your backdrop. On the minus side, it’s got a lot of flak for alleged security weaknesses.
zoom.us