We recommend video conferencing apps that score at least 80% overall.

This overall score is made up of performance (audio and video) score (50%), ease of use score (40%), first use score (5%), and cancelling account score (5%).

The triallists used each of the apps in a video chat and provided feedback on audio and video quality, ease of use and general comments. The results for audio and video determine the performance score. Triallists used a mixture of desktop and mobile devices.

Our tester looks at the various aspects that help make a video chat hassle free, including the ability to easily mute yourself, mute others in the video chat, use the app while working on something else and change the video layout grid.

How good the experience is when using this app for the first time. Are you left confused and stressed or can you instantly click on the video chat and start enjoying your meeting straight away?

How easy it is to wipe the app off your computer and out of your life when you're finished with it. Some apps keep bugging you with notifications begging you to come back.

The amount of data consumed for a 30-minute video chat session. Our tester was unable to measure the data consumed on WhatsApp.

Free and freemium (paying for more features) are typically the available models of popular software. We test the free versions.

The maximum number of people you can have in the chat.

While some apps allow many people to join, all have a limit as to how many you can show on the screen at one time. Most will rotate between participants and automatically bring them up when they're speaking.

While we indicate which apps have stronger protection with end to end encryption, this feature may become available for each app in future updates. 

The ID sign-in may be the same as another app you use, such as Facebook, Apple or Google.

Indicates where the site is hosted which could affect performance and security. 

This link will take you to the company privacy policy for using the app.

Whether the app can be used on Android devices.

Whether the app can be used on Apple devices.

Programs with a tick provide a version optimised for the iPad, rather than a direct port of the iPhone app.

Whether there is desktop software for the app (rather than just accessing the service via a website).

Whether there is desktop software for the app (rather than just accessing the service via a website).

Whether there is desktop software for the app (rather than just accessing the service via a website).

This is handy if the video chat app doesn't have a dedicated desktop version or if you can't/don't want to install it (e.g. if you're using a public computer).

Some conferencing apps can integrate with other programs to offer more features.

Some apps provide a highlight bar or frame to let you know who's speaking, which can be handy when several people are in a group video chat.

This is useful for presentations or when sorting out tech issues.

The option to set a still or moving image as your background. Most apps provide a selection of presets and the option to upload your own.

This feature lets you overlay your face and surroundings with fun or silly features such as sunglasses and puppy ears. Pick your audience when using these.

Some apps have a simple static video tile layout while others allow you to move the screens around.

The ability to share files among participants.

A copy of the meeting can be downloaded as text.

Some apps can let the host to record the meeting without it being obvious to the other participants.

Some apps allow the host to control the mute button on participants as well as remove people from the session.

This feature lets you move from one device to another (e.g. laptop to smartphone) without leaving the chat.