FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom? The Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Video Call App for Your Family
If you're ready to start video calling family but aren't sure which app to use, you're not alone — it's one of the most common questions we hear. The truth is, there's no single "best" app; the right one depends on what devices your family uses and what kind of call you want to make. This guide breaks it down simply, so you can pick with confidence.
Free Calls for Seniors
7/10/20262 min read
FaceTime — best for Apple families
If you and the people you call most often all have iPhones or iPads, FaceTime is hard to beat. It comes built into your device already, so there's nothing to download or set up. You simply open your Phone or Contacts app, find the person, and tap the video camera icon. FaceTime also supports group calls with up to 32 people, which makes it ideal for a whole-family catch-up.
The one limitation: FaceTime works best when everyone has an Apple device. If some family members use Android phones, they can still join a FaceTime call through a web link you send them, though it works a little less smoothly than calling from an iPhone.
WhatsApp — best for mixed households
If your family uses a mix of iPhones and Android phones, WhatsApp is usually the easiest common ground. It works identically on every type of phone, so nobody has to learn a different version. It's also completely free to use over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and most families already have it installed for messaging, so there's nothing new to set up — just a different button to tap.
Zoom — best for bigger, planned gatherings
Zoom comes into its own for larger or more organised occasions — a family quiz night, a birthday with lots of relatives dialling in, or a call where someone wants to share photos on screen. It works well on laptops and tablets as well as phones, and everyone joins using a single link, regardless of what device or type of phone they have.
One thing to know: on a free Zoom account, group calls with three or more people are limited to 40 minutes before you're asked to start a new call. For a quick catch-up this is rarely an issue, but worth knowing ahead of a longer planned event.
A simple feature worth knowing about: captions
All three apps can display live captions on screen as the other person speaks. This is useful for anyone who finds it hard to catch every word, whether due to hearing, background noise, or a patchy connection. It's usually switched on with a tap or two in the call settings — well worth trying if you've ever found yourself asking someone to repeat what they said.
So which should you choose?
Our advice is simple: don't choose based on features — choose based on what your closest family already uses. The best video calling app is the one that gets used, not the one with the most options. If everyone's on iPhones, start with FaceTime. If it's a mix of phones, WhatsApp is the easiest shared ground. And if you're planning something bigger, Zoom is worth setting up specially for the occasion.
For step-by-step guides to setting up and using FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet — all written in plain English — visit freecallsforseniors.co.uk.
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