How to Make Unlimited Free Video Calls This Christmas
Large congregations return for the first Christmas in three years, but you may not be able to meet everyone in person.
Whether it’s a friend who lives abroad or family members on the other side of the country, video calls are a great way to stay connected during the holiday season.
There are many services to choose from, but many limit you to 40 or 60 minutes per call unless you’re willing to pay. However, there are several ways to get unlimited free calls – here are your options.
Google Duet
If you’re planning on having an extended call with 3 or more participants, Google Duo is your best bet. It supports up to 32 people for as long as you want – you just need to sign in with a Google account. It’s available directly on the website, as well as on iOS, Android, and through any Google smart speaker with a display.
Skype
Most people have forgotten about Skype these days, but it remains a great option for group calls. Up to 50 people can join for an unlimited time and registration is completely free. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
face time
If everyone you call is using an Apple device, this is the best option. Apple finally added support for FaceTime group video calls in 2018, and you can now have up to 32 participants on a call. The app comes preinstalled on any new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and you can even join with audio through your Apple Watch.
Apple
Apple added the ability for Android and Windows devices to join FaceTime calls via web links in 2021, but an Apple user will still need to send an invitation. It also feels clunky compared to the above two services, which are optimized for use on multiple platforms.
Google Meetings
Google Meet has a 60 minute limit, but only for meetings with 3 or more participants. If it’s just you and one other person, you can continue up to 24 hours. Again, anyone with a Google account can create or join meetings.
Google Meet primarily operates over the web, but iOS and Android apps are also available.
Microsoft Teams
Teams has traditionally focused on business users, but Microsoft launched a personal version in 2021. The limits here are similar to Google Meet – 60 minutes for calls from 3 to 300 participants, but 24 hours is free for 1:1 calls.
Eniron Koopman / Foundry
Everything is available in the Microsoft Teams Home app, available for Windows, macOS. On iOS and Android, you can use the same regular Teams app. It also works over the Internet.
Instant messaging apps
Apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and Snapchat have video calling feature in mobile apps. WhatsApp Web and the Messenger desktop app mean they also work on the desktop, but it’s not the most streamlined experience.
As you can see, you can call friends and family via video call without any restrictions and completely free of charge. You are spoiled for choice with 1:1 calls, but there are plenty of options if you have more participants.
What about Zoom?
Zoom may be the first video calling service you think of, but it’s not the best option for free calls.
Apple
The company now puts a 40-minute limit on all calls unless you sign up – this was added to previously excluded one-on-one meetings in May 2022.
There is a workaround to bypass Zoom’s 40-minute limit, but it’s not perfect.
Note, however, that only the host needs to subscribe to remove this restriction. Plans start at $14.99 / £11.99 per month or $149.90 / £119.99 per year.
Zoom is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
