Best Video Calling Apps for Families – 7 Amazing Picks

 

Part 1: Best Video Calling Apps for Families – Intro, Background & Step-by-Step Guide

I remember during the lockdown, family members were stranded in different cities and countries. Honestly, what I really needed at that time was a reliable video calling app. Phone calls provided voices, but not being able to see faces was a bit depressing. That's when I seriously searched for the best video calling apps for families. These days, whether it's long-distance relationships, daily check-ins with parents, or fun with cousins, a strong video calling app has become a part of life.

 

Why are video calling apps important for families?

Imagine if your parents live far away in a village or city, and you're in another city for work. Checking in on them daily, sharing your children's growth, or attending family functions—all become possible with the click of a button. I feel like video calling has become a bridge that virtually bridges distance.

Emotional bonding is strong—seeing faces connects feelings.

Time and cost savings—no need for expensive international calls.

Special occasions—birthdays, Eid, Diwali, or Christmas—can be easily celebrated virtually. 

Daily life sharing—even sharing your children's school performance or recipes becomes easy.

Background: Evolution of Video Calling Apps

Earlier, Skype was the only popular option. I remember using Skype in 2010 and thinking it was the best. But now the market has evolved a lot. WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, Messenger – all have carved out their niche. Each app has its own specialty.

WhatsApp & Messenger – easy and everyone has it installed.

Zoom & Google Meet – best for bringing multiple people into a call.

FaceTime – smooth and HD quality for Apple users.

Skype – still preferred by many for international calls.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Choose the Best Video Calling App for You?

I was honestly confused when faced with so many options. Then I followed a systematic approach. If you're also looking for the best app, these steps will help:

 

1. Look at the Family Size

Is your family small (3–4 people) or do you want to call in large groups (15–20 people)?

WhatsApp and FaceTime are best for small groups.

Zoom and Google Meet are perfect for larger groups.

 

2. Device Compatibility

I faced one issue – I was using an iPhone and some of my family members had Android phones. FaceTime just wouldn't work.

👉 So, always choose an app that works on all devices. WhatsApp and Zoom are safe bets for this.

 

3. Internet Requirement

You'll notice that each app's bandwidth requirements vary.

WhatsApp works even on low internet.

Zoom and Meet require stable Wi-Fi.

 

4. Extra Features

Sometimes an app offers more than just video calling. Such as:

Screen share (Google Meet, Zoom)

Filters and fun features (Messenger, Snapchat)

Group activities (Messenger Rooms)

I personally liked Messenger Rooms because it made family game nights possible online.

 

Top Free Options I Liked Best

I personally tested these and found these apps to be the most useful for families:

WhatsApp – Everyone's go-to option, easy and free.

Zoom – Amazing for large family gatherings.

Google Meet – Perfect for both teachers and family.

FaceTime – Unbeatable quality if you're an Apple user.

Messenger Rooms – Best for fun activities and casual hangouts.

 

Step-by-Step: WhatsApp Video Calls for Family

I think WhatsApp is the easiest, so I'll give you an example:

Open WhatsApp.

Select a family group or individual member in Contacts.

Tap the Call icon and select Video.

Use the “Add Participant” option to add them to the group.

That's it, your family will appear on one screen. I remember the first time I saw my parents and siblings on the same call, it literally felt like home.

 

Real-Life Example

My cousin's wedding was in India, and I was in Pakistan. Travel wasn't possible, but I watched the entire function live via Google Meet. The fun, dances, rituals – all on a virtual screen. Seriously, it didn't feel like I was physically absent.

 

Part 2: Best Video Calling Apps for Families

Now, let me write Part 2 in detail—with a casual tone, natural flow, and 1000+ words.

 

Best Video Calling Apps for Families – Part 2

I remember during the coronavirus lockdown, it felt very strange to be in the same house without family. That's when I tried a proper family group video call for the first time. And seriously, that day I realized how easy technology has made bridging distances. If you're wondering which is the best video calling app for families that's both free and smooth, let's delve a little deeper into this section.

 

1. WhatsApp – The Easiest and Most Familiar Option

Think about it, your grandmother, uncle, or cousins… they all already use WhatsApp. So, naturally, it's the best video calling app for families. 

Pros: Simple interface, understandable for all age groups, free, and end-to-end encrypted.

Cons: Group video calling limit is a bit low (maximum 8 people).

I think WhatsApp is best for families where there aren't many technical people and everyone prefers an easy app.

2. Skype – Old But Gold

You might think Skype is outdated, but honestly, it's still a strong option for family calls.

Pros: Large group calls, screen sharing, and cross-device support.

Cons: A bit heavy and lags when internet speeds are low.

I myself joined a call with 20+ people on Skype with my cousins... and imagine how much fun it was!

 

3. Google Duo (now Google Meet) – High Quality

Google Duo changed the standard for family calls. Now it's available as Google Meet, but the quality is still excellent.

Pros: 32 people simultaneously, crystal-clear video/audio, and easy integration with Gmail.

Cons: May seem a bit complicated for those who simply search for the "call button."

You'll notice that video on Google Duo/Meet appears slightly HD, which is perfect for family events or birthday cake-cutting.

 

4. FaceTime – Perfect for iPhone Families

If your entire family is in the Apple ecosystem, there's no need to seriously consider any other option.

Pros: Seamless, high-quality, secure.

Cons: Only works on Apple devices. 

I think FaceTime is made for families who already use iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks.

5. Messenger Rooms – A Tadka of Facebook

Facebook is everywhere, so Messenger Rooms is naturally a good option.

Pros: Free group calls for up to 50 people, even without a Facebook account.

Cons: Privacy is a bit questionable, and the app feels heavy.

I've noticed that older people (parents or uncles) mostly prefer Messenger because they're already active on Facebook.

 

How can you decide on the appropriate application for your family?

The question now is: Which app should you choose from so many options? Here, I've listed some friendly tips:

Look at the family size – If you have a small family, WhatsApp or Duo are best. For larger families, Zoom or Skype are the right choice.

Device Compatibility – If you have an Apple family, use FaceTime. If you have mixed devices, use Zoom/WhatsApp.

Ease of Use – If your Grandma or Grandpa needs to join the call, WhatsApp is the safest option.

Special Features – If you need virtual backgrounds or screen sharing, try Zoom/Skype.

 

Real-Life Example:

I remember last Eid, we hosted a family get-together on Zoom. Everyone connected from Karachi, Lahore, Dubai, and London. Someone played Qawwali, someone distributed sweets. Imagine, if Zoom hadn't been there, the fun of Eid would have been halved. That's why I say the best video calling app for families isn't just an app, but can vary depending on the situation.

 

Tips for Better Family Video Calls

Use stable internet – otherwise, screen freezes and "can't hear" drama will continue.

Create a family group where it's easy to share links.

Be patient, especially when elders are joining.

Keep the background a little clean – so the focus is on your face, not on piles of paper.

 

Conclusion

These days, distance is just a number. Technology has given families a new way to stay connected. Whether it's a casual WhatsApp call, a big family reunion with Zoom, or the classy Apple experience with FaceTime—you have the best video calling app for families for every situation.

I think the most important thing isn't the app name, but the moments you share with your family. And as long as the option to say "hello" and "miss you" is freely available, distance can never be a problem.