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WhatsApp and Telegram Alternatives for Video Calls: Best Services of 2025

Video communication has become an integral part of everyday life - for work, study, and personal conversations. WhatsApp and Telegram have long been popular messengers for video calls, but they're not always available or convenient. Blocking, participant limitations, connection quality issues - all of this forces users to seek alternatives.

This article covers the best video calling services that can replace WhatsApp and Telegram. You'll learn about their features, advantages, and characteristics, as well as how to ensure stable access to your favorite messengers with BessyVPN.

Why People Look for WhatsApp and Telegram Alternatives

Despite the popularity of WhatsApp and Telegram, these messengers have limitations:

WhatsApp:

• Group video calls limited to 8 participants (32 in extended mode)
• Requires phone number for registration
• Owned by Meta, raising privacy concerns
• Blocked in some countries and corporate networks

Telegram:

• Group video calls support up to 30 participants with video (1000 viewers)
• End-to-end encryption works only in "secret chats", not regular ones
• Video calls unavailable in web version
• May be blocked in office and educational networks

To solve these problems, users turn to specialized video conferencing platforms and alternative messengers.

Top 10 Video Calling Alternatives

1. Zoom - Professional Video Conferencing

Zoom is the market leader for business meetings and online education.

Key Features:

• Up to 1000 participants in webinars (paid plans)
• Up to 500 participants in regular meetings
• Breakout rooms for discussions
• Virtual backgrounds and background blur
• Cloud or local meeting recording
• Screen sharing with annotations
• Calendar and business tool integration

Advantages:

• Stable performance even with weak internet
• Wide functionality for business and education
• Apps for all platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux)

Disadvantages:

• Free version limits meetings to 40 minutes for 3+ participants
• Requires frequent updates
• History of security issues ("Zoombombing")

Best for: Companies, educators, webinar organizers

2. Microsoft Teams - Corporate Solution

Microsoft Teams combines video calls, chats, and collaborative document work.

Key Features:

• Up to 300 participants in standard meetings
• Integration with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, SharePoint)
• Collaborative document editing during calls
• Meeting recording with automatic transcription
• Channels for teams and projects
• Permission and access management system

Advantages:

• Ideal for companies using Microsoft ecosystem
• Built-in file sharing system
• Advanced corporate communication capabilities

Disadvantages:

• Complex interface for new users
• Requires Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality
• High computer resource consumption

Best for: Corporate users, development teams, business organizations

3. Google Meet - Simplicity and Reliability

Google Meet is a video conferencing service from Google, integrated with Gmail and Google Calendar.

Key Features:

• Up to 100 participants (up to 500 in paid Google Workspace version)
• Direct integration with Gmail and Google Calendar
• Automatic subtitles in multiple languages
• Meeting recording to Google Drive
• Screen sharing and collaboration in Google Docs
• Works in browser without app installation

Advantages:

• Simple and intuitive interface
• No software installation required - works in browser
• High video and audio quality
• Free version without time limits (up to 60 minutes for 3+ participants)

Disadvantages:

• Fewer features compared to Zoom
• Requires Google account

Best for: Google Workspace users, small and medium businesses, educational institutions

4. Skype - Classic Messenger

Skype is one of the oldest video calling services, acquired by Microsoft.

Key Features:

• Up to 100 participants in group video calls
• Calls to mobile and landline numbers (paid option)
• Messaging and file sharing
• Screen sharing
• Real-time subtitles
• SMS messages (for additional fee)

Advantages:

• Time-tested service
• Ability to call regular phones
• Works on all platforms

Disadvantages:

• Outdated interface
• Service will be discontinued in May 2025 - functions moving to Microsoft Teams
• Fewer features compared to modern alternatives

Best for: Personal communication, international phone calls

Note: Microsoft announced discontinuation of Skype support in May 2025, recommending transition to Microsoft Teams.

5. Signal - Privacy First

Signal is a messenger focused on security and privacy.

Key Features:

• End-to-end encryption for all calls and messages
• Group video calls up to 40 participants
• Self-destructing messages
• Doesn't collect user metadata
• Open source code
• Chrome browser extension support

Advantages:

• Maximum privacy - even Signal developers can't read your messages
• Endorsed by security experts (Edward Snowden, Elon Musk)
• Simple and clear interface
• Non-profit organization - no ads or data monetization

Disadvantages:

• Fewer features compared to WhatsApp and Telegram
• Requires phone number for registration
• Small user base

Best for: Privacy-conscious users, journalists, activists

6. Discord - For Gamers and Communities

Discord was originally created for gamers but has become a universal communication platform.

Key Features:

• Voice and video calls up to 50 participants
• Server creation with various channels
• Screen sharing with high quality (up to 60 FPS)
• Integration with games and streaming platforms
• Bots for automation and entertainment
• Low audio latency - critical for gaming

Advantages:

• Excellent voice quality
• Flexible role and permission system
• Convenient community and team organization
• High FPS streaming support

Disadvantages:

• Interface can be complex for beginners
• Limited video call functionality compared to Zoom
• Most features oriented toward gaming

Best for: Gamers, online communities, streamers, study groups

7. Viber - Popular in CIS

Viber is a messenger with strong positions in CIS countries.

Key Features:

• Video calls up to 20 participants
• Calls to mobile and landline numbers (Viber Out)
• Stickers, GIF animations, games
• Communities up to 1 billion participants
• End-to-end encryption for personal chats
• Phone number hiding from other users

Advantages:

• Popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus
• Calls to regular phones at low rates
• Rich sticker collection

Disadvantages:

• Fewer business features
• Interface cluttered with ads and offers
• Smaller user base compared to WhatsApp

Best for: Personal communication in CIS, international calls

8. Slack - For Teams and Projects

Slack is a corporate communication platform with video calling capabilities.

Key Features:

• Video calls up to 15 participants (more in paid version)
• Channel organization by projects and topics
• Integration with thousands of business apps
• Search through entire message history
• Task automation with bots
• File and document sharing

Advantages:

• Powerful team collaboration organization
• Wide integration capabilities
• Convenient search and information archiving

Disadvantages:

• Video calls not the main feature
• Paid subscription for full functionality
• Can be excessive for simple tasks

Best for: IT teams, remote workers, startups

9. FaceTime - For Apple Users

FaceTime is a built-in video calling service for Apple devices.

Key Features:

• Group video calls up to 32 participants
• Portrait mode for background blur
• SharePlay - collaborative movie and music viewing
• Apple ecosystem integration
• End-to-end encryption
• FaceTime Links - call links accessible from Android and Windows via browser

Advantages:

• High video and audio quality
• Full integration with iPhone, iPad, Mac
• Easy to use
• No separate installation required

Disadvantages:

• Available only for Apple users (partially for Android/Windows)
• Requires Apple ID
• Limited features compared to Zoom

Best for: Apple device owners, personal communication

10. Snapchat - For Youth Audience

Snapchat is a social network focused on visual communication.

Key Features:

• Video calls up to 16 participants
• AR filters and masks in real-time
• Disappearing messages and stories
• Snap Map for finding friends' locations
• Discover - content from media and brands
• Augmented reality lenses

Advantages:

• Unique AR effects
• Popular among youth
• Creative communication methods

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for business and professional meetings
• Video calls not the main feature
• High battery consumption

Best for: Teenagers and youth, informal communication

How to Choose a WhatsApp and Telegram Alternative

When choosing a video calling service, consider these criteria:

Number of Participants

For personal conversations, 2-10 participants are sufficient. For business and education - from 50 to 1000.

Security and Privacy

If privacy is important, choose services with end-to-end encryption: Signal, FaceTime. For corporate data - Microsoft Teams, Zoom with configured security policies.

Additional Features

Meeting recording, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, integrations with other services - these features can be critical for work.

Platforms and Availability

Make sure the service works on all your devices: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web version.

Cost

Many services offer free versions with limitations. Professional use may require a paid subscription.

Access to Blocked Messengers with BessyVPN

Even the best alternatives don't always work everywhere. WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers can be blocked:

• In some countries (China, UAE, Iran)
• In corporate and educational networks
• On public Wi-Fi
• Due to regional restrictions

BessyVPN (https://bessy.my) - the best VPN for bypassing messenger blocks.

BessyVPN Advantages for Video Calls:

Stable Connection BessyVPN servers operate on channels up to 10 Gbps, providing quality video communication without delays and interruptions.

Low Ping WireGuard protocol minimizes delays - critical for real-time video calls.

Bypass Any Blocks BessyVPN uses modern protocols (WireGuard, V2Ray, Outline) that effectively bypass DPI blocks and filters.

Unlimited Traffic No video call limitations - call as much as you want.

Privacy Protection AES-256 encryption protects your conversations from eavesdropping on public networks.

Works on All Devices One BessyVPN subscription protects smartphones, tablets, computers, Smart TVs - without quantity limits.

30+ Locations Worldwide Connect to servers in USA, Europe, Asia for access to regional services.

How to Use BessyVPN for Video Calls:

1. Register at https://bessy.my
2. Download the app for your device
3. Select the nearest server for minimum latency
4. Connect to VPN with one click
5. Launch WhatsApp, Telegram or any other messenger without restrictions

BessyVPN is not just a VPN, it's a guarantee of stable connection wherever you are.

Comparison Table of Alternatives

| Service | Max Participants | End-to-end Encryption | Platforms | Best For | |---------|------------------|----------------------|-----------|----------| | Zoom | 1000 (paid) | Optional | All | Business, webinars | | Microsoft Teams | 300 | Yes | All | Corporations | | Google Meet | 500 (paid) | Yes | All | Google Workspace | | Skype | 100 | Yes | All | Personal communication | | Signal | 40 | Yes | All | Privacy | | Discord | 50 | No | All | Gamers, communities | | Viber | 20 | Yes (personal) | All | CIS | | Slack | 15+ | No | All | IT teams | | FaceTime | 32 | Yes | Apple (partially others) | Apple users | | Snapchat | 16 | No | iOS, Android | Youth |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple messengers simultaneously? Yes, many users combine services: WhatsApp for personal communication, Zoom for work, Signal for private conversations.

Which messenger is the most secure? Signal is considered the gold standard of privacy thanks to full end-to-end encryption and open source code.

How to improve video call quality? Use stable internet connection (preferably wired), close unnecessary apps, connect to the nearest VPN server via BessyVPN to optimize routing.

Which service is best for large conferences? Zoom is the leader for conferences with hundreds of participants. For corporate use - Microsoft Teams with workflow integration.

Do these services work with VPN? Yes, all listed services work great with VPN. BessyVPN is optimized for video calls and doesn't reduce connection speed.

Conclusion

WhatsApp and Telegram are popular messengers, but not the only options for video calls. In 2025, the market offers many alternatives: from professional Zoom to private Signal, from corporate Microsoft Teams to youth-oriented Discord.

The choice depends on your needs: for business, Zoom and Microsoft Teams are suitable, for personal communication - Signal and Viber, for communities - Discord, for Apple users - FaceTime.

If messengers are blocked in your network or country, BessyVPN (https://bessy.my) - the best VPN for bypassing restrictions. High speed, stable connection, unlimited traffic and privacy protection make BessyVPN the ideal solution for video calls.

Choose the right service, combine their advantages and stay connected with BessyVPN - wherever you are.