Skype vs FaceTime: Which Video Calling App Is Better on iPhone
The use of video call services is at its peak. While the vast majority of people are at home, connecting with their friends, extended family and colleagues through video calls seems to be everyone’s option of choice. Millions of people rely on video calling apps like FaceTime, Skype, Google Duo, Zoom, etc. However, many iPhone and iPad users already have FaceTime and are wondering if Skype is a better alternative.
These video calling apps are not limited to a 1: 1 conversation. They offer more features, such as group video calling, screen sharing, cross-platform availability, virtual backgrounds, etc.
There are services like Zoom and Google Meet for professional use. But what about iOS, iPadOS, and macOS users who are looking for a simple app with enough features to meet their needs? Two options come to mind: FaceTime and Skype.
In this article, we will compare the two apps based on various factors including user interface, features, ease of use, video calling capabilities, customization, cross-platform availability, etc. Since FaceTime is limited only to iPhone and iPad users, we will consider these people in this comparison for everyone’s reason. Let’s start.
Multiplatform availability
When it comes to availability, Skype wins out over FaceTime. Microsoft makes Skype available on iOS, Android, Windows 10, Mac, Linux, Web, and Microsoft Outlook Web.
Apple FaceTime is only available on iPhone, Mac and iPad. So far, there are no workarounds or ways to access it on other platforms. Not even the web.
Video calls and group features
Apple has added support for group calls for FaceTime. The service supports up to 31 people for group conversations. During your call, you can mute the sound and even use the built-in effects to add a personal touch.
Effects include Apple sticker packs as well as installed apps. I expect Apple to add more functions to video calls such as virtual background, screen sharing and call recording.
Skype ticks almost all of the boxes for video calls. The service was previously a complex solution because it required the user to create the Microsoft account to use the application. The company recently introduced the Meet Now feature where you can create a digital meeting and share the invitation link with others.
Participants can paste the invitation link into the browser and join the conversation. Skype also supports blurred background, which hides the messy room during video calls. As for group calls, the application supports up to 50 people on the move. So, if you plan to have more than 31 participants in the group call, drop FaceTime in favor of Skype.
Microsoft is exploiting the capabilities of AI to add more functions. Skype has a built-in translator that translates more than ten languages during video calls and around fifty languages during chat. Skype also supports the screen, sharing which is handy for explaining things to a group of people.
Skype supports the polling function. You can create a poll and ask the group to share their opinion. Sure, it’s not as powerful as dedicated survey apps, but it does the job for the majority. The app integrates with the Microsoft OneDrive service, which lets you share files and documents from the cloud platform.
The FaceTime application works very well and the application is intuitive. No matter how much I tried to take advantage of Skype, it seemed puffy and not as smooth as FaceTime on iPhone.
Pricing
FaceTime is completely free to use. Skype is also free. You only have to pay for Skype when you call Skype landline or non-Skype using Skype credits.
Make video calls on the go
As you can see in the comparison above, FaceTime is suitable for Apple users and if your friends and family have an iPhone, I see no reason to quit FaceTime. Skype is multiplatform and loaded with features suitable for consumers and professionals.
Then:
Did you know that you can record Skype calls on Windows 10? Read the post below to find out how.
Last updated April 14, 2020