To achieve this, apple uses AES-256 encryption, which is pretty strong. This encryption is potentially unbreakable even if someone does manage to intercept the data. Although no issue has been reported yet, time will tell whether Apple implemented it correctly.
Signal
Signal offers a great alternative in terms of security. This open-source app has already a good share of followers due to their strong privacy and security features and availability on different devices.
What makes it a really attractive alternative is its open-source code. This means that the code is publicly available so there is always transparency and any issue can be easily found by its users. But often, apps that are this secure come with a downside. Lack of functionality.
It is a great and secure video chat app and could be considered more of a WhatsApp alternative, you can text, share files, make calls and video calls. However, there is no support for group chats.
Just like FaceTime, Signal makes use of end-to-end encryption to send and receive data, however, due to the lack of video conferencing support, this is more suitable for a one-to-one conversation.
Microsoft Teams
Another one from Microsoft. Microsoft Teams is a business-focused platform that offers video meetings for those using Office 365. According to Microsoft it “enforces team-wide and organization-wide two-factor authentication, single sign-on through Active Directory, and encryption of data in transit and at rest.”
Although its main focus is businesses, Teams are also available for free. Of course, paying for an Office 365 subscription will also bring you a lot of other benefits.
The free version allows up to 300 members, screen sharing, meeting notes, surveys and polls, whiteboard and share file up to 10GB per team. That is a lot to offer for a free plan, and business plans offer even more, including file-sharing of up to 1TB.
Cisco Webex
Cisco is a very well known name in the networking industry mainly due to its hardware.
Their video conferencing platform is pretty strong and reliable, but their pricing strategy might not make it suitable for some companies or individuals.
The platform itself is easy to use and can be used through a browser without you having to download and install the app. The free version offers meetings with up to 100 participants and no time limit. There’s also HD video, screen-sharing, and recording options.
The paid plans, however, are pricier than the other options in this list. Prices start at $13.50/host per month. Their business plan starts at $26.95/month and the Enterprise plan is priced upon request.
Cisco Webex paid plans to offer additional cloud storage and more advanced management features than the free plan. Although this is a great tool for small and medium businesses, their prices might not be suitable for everyone, especially if it is for personal use.
Which Video Chat App Is Right For You?
Although each app basically serves the same purpose there are some differences that set them apart. Each has its own benefits and its own limitations and making the right choice will greatly depend on your specific needs. For the casual user and even for some business users, free options are more than good enough.
