Android alternatives to FaceTime: While FaceTime wasn't the first video calling app, it is certainly the most popular and widely used. However, Apple does not create a version for Android, and the only way for Android users to join a FaceTime call is if an iPhone user invites them to an ongoing call.
FaceTime was first introduced by Apple with the iPhone 4 in 2010, providing high-quality video/audio calling experiences between iPhone/iPad users. The most appealing aspect of FaceTime is its direct integration into the phone's calling app, eliminating the need for an additional app or complicated options.
For iPhone users, simply open the phone app, search for contacts, and click on the specific contact you want to video chat with. You can easily find the FaceTime button, or you can open the FaceTime app and add the contact to your FaceTime list.
FaceTime and Android
With FaceTime's immense popularity, Android users might wonder if there's a FaceTime for Android. The truth is that when FaceTime was first launched, Apple promised to open-source FaceTime and make it available on other platforms, but we are still waiting.
So the answer is no. You cannot use FaceTime on Android.
However, as we all know, the best thing about Android is its open environment. Even though FaceTime isn't available on Android, we can still find many alternatives to FaceTime for Android, some of which offer more options and flexibility than FaceTime.
In this article, I've gathered the best FaceTime alternatives for Android. Check out these recommended apps and choose what suits you best.
FaceTime Alternatives for Android
1. Messenger
Messenger is Facebook's messaging app, allowing you to video chat with your friends on Facebook. It also offers voice calls (free when connected to Wi-Fi), text chatting, multimedia messaging, and group chats, with group calls limited to 50 participants.
What We Like
- Almost everyone has Facebook.
- Available on web and mobile platforms.
- Offers text and video chatting.
What We Don't Like
- Notifications can become annoying.
- Cost of Facebook Messenger: Free.
- Platforms: Android, iOS, and web.
2. Imo
Imo offers an impressive array of features for a video calling app, supporting video calls and free voice calls over cellular data and Wi-Fi. It can be used for text chatting between individuals and groups (up to 100,000 members!), and sharing photos and videos. One of the great features of Imo is that its chats and calls are private and secure because they are encrypted.
What We Like
- Group and individual calls.
- Multiple chatting methods.
- Encryption for added security.
- Free international calls.
What We Don't Like
- Not as popular as other options.
- Cost of Imo: Free.
- Platforms: Android and iOS.
3. Line
Line offers video and voice calls, text chatting, and group messaging, and it stands out from similar apps by including social networking features. Use Line to connect with your social media accounts, post statuses, comment on friends' statuses, and follow celebrities and brands. It charges for international calls (check the rates), while other providers on this list offer these services for free.
Cost of Line: Free app. Charges apply for outgoing international calls.
Platforms: Android, Asha, Chrome OS, Firefox OS, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Windows Phone.
Skype
Who doesn't know Skype? Launched in 2003, long before FaceTime, Skype has undergone many changes over the years. It became widely used by Android users when Microsoft adopted it as the default messaging system for Windows phones instead of Windows Live Messenger.
Skype offers voice and video calls, text chatting, screen sharing, file sharing, and much more. Microsoft has made it as easy to use as possible with its new simple interface. Unlike FaceTime, Skype is available on most popular devices, including iPhones, Android phones, iPads, tablets, PCs, Macs, and even some TVs. The app is free, but calls to landlines and mobile phones, as well as international calls, are charged either on a pay-as-you-go basis or through a subscription.
What We Like
- Popular and well-known.
- Wide range of device support.
- Supports group calls for up to 50 people.
What We Don't Like
- Some calls are not free and can be expensive.
- Cost of Skype: Free app. Pay for calls to landlines, mobile numbers, and international numbers.
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows, and Windows Phone. It can also be used in a web browser.
4. Tango
Tango is one of the oldest video calling apps for Android, and after continuous improvements, its good design makes it very enjoyable for users.
Tango now offers what you would expect: high-definition video and voice calls, text messaging, and group chatting. Just download Tango to enjoy high-definition viewing.
Additionally, it also provides some social features, including public chat rooms and a discovery feature to help you make new friends with similar interests.
What We Like
- Free connection.
- Text and video chatting.
What We Don't Like
- Social media features feel out of place.
- Cost of Tango Messenger: Free app, with in-app purchases.
- Platforms: Android and iOS.
5. Viber
Viber initially emerged as a text and voice messaging app, quickly adding more features. Essentially, it provides high-definition video and voice calling, text chatting with individuals and groups of up to 250 people, and sharing photos and videos. It also includes in-app games, and in-app purchases for stickers enhance your communications. Calls to landlines and mobile phones are charged; Viber to Viber calls are free.
Using your phone number as your unique ID, Viber syncs with your mobile contact list, automatically recognizing whether your contacts have Viber or not, making it very easy to connect with people.
What We Like
- Free video, voice, and text to Viber.
- Supports large groups.
What We Don't Like
- In-app purchases.
- Cost of Viber: Free app, but charges apply for calls to landlines and mobile phones.
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows.
6. WhatsApp
WhatsApp became widely known when Facebook acquired it for $19 billion in 2014, and since then, its monthly user base has grown to over a billion users. The WhatsApp
