Video calls are now a firm fixture in most citizenry ’s lives , as we spend more of our time in at dwelling trying to keep in tinge with category and colleagues . So , it ’s beneficial to know that there are sight of pick available when it comes to the apps that provide this service . In this clause we liken two of the most democratic options for Apple user , FaceTime and Zoom , to see what they each have to offer and whether you should think about switching .
How much do they cost?
FaceTime is totally free , while Zoom offers a detached tier up with some limitations such as a 40 - minute clock time limit on call . If you want to move up to the paid tier then you’re able to talk as long as you want , as well as transcription calls and other benefits for £ 11.99/$14.99 per month .
Here ’s a breakdown of the different tier on Zoom .
What devices can I use to make a call on FaceTime or Zoom?
FaceTime is only available on Apple devices : iPhones , iPads , Macs and late iPod touch models . While this is okay if your friends use these too , you ’ll speedily run into trouble when wanting to talk with those who prefer Android or Windows .
Zoom , on the other bridge player , is platform - agnostic , with free clients uncommitted for macOS , Windows , iOS , iPadOS and Android . There ’s also a plug - in extension available for Chrome that makes the avail passably much available on everything .
FaceTime comes preinstalled on iOS , iPadOS and macOS machine , while you could find the various Zoom clients in the relevant app depot or on theZoom download page .
What features do Zoom and FaceTime offer?
FaceTime
FaceTime is designed with simplicity in mind . you could make video or audio calls over Wi - Fi or cellular datum just by pull up the name of someone in your tangency ( so long as they utilise an Apple gimmick ) .
The app allows a utmost of 32 mass on any one call ( here’show to make chemical group FaceTime margin call ) , and you’re able to mechanically include everyone on a Messages thread simply by opening the conversation , tapping on the visibility icon at the top and then selectingFaceTime .
The interface has little in the mode of alternative and there ’s no in - build Old World chat as you ’re have in mind to apply Messages . iPadOS and Mac exploiter can either apply rent blind fashion or have the two apps open side - by - side so that New World chat is uncommitted , but the iPhone experience require switching between FaceTime and Messages if you require to exchange texts during the call .
Another missing feature is the ability to deal your sieve with other mass on the mathematical group call , although Apple does include the power for those with Face ID - equipped iPhones and iPads to use Memoji and Animoji as their onscreen avatars … which might not be the right approach for a board meeting but can be fun with the kidskin . If all participant are using iOS 12.14 or after , or iPadOS , then you could also capture Live Photos of the call .
For a more in - profoundness face at the mode the app works , readHow to use FaceTime on iPhone & iPadandHow to utilise FaceTime on Mac .
Zoom
As Zoom is aspire more at the professional market , albeit with a fully feature free tier , there are more capability here than on FaceTime .
Calls can include up to 100 people and the master of ceremonies has the power to share their filmdom or grant others license to do so . patently , this is very utile if you want to apportion the latest version of a design , outgrowth or other feature upon which the team may be work , but also comes in handy if you require to provide technical accompaniment for a family member by taking them step by measure through a solution .
Calls can be recorded to MP4 or MP4A files , plus there is the comprehension of both private and public messaging within the app . One fun characteristic is the Virtual Background that can be used to either replace your sombre spare room with a beach view or simply hide the fact that you have n’t had time to tidy up before the call .
boniface are able to dull other participants , which can be very useful when chair a meeting , and there are multiple scene alternative that permit you to see the current speaker or everyone on the call .
Should I use FaceTime or Zoom?
As with most dubiousness regarding engineering science , it really depends on what you want to do with the product . If it ’s a case of keeping in touch with your family or friends , and all of them own Apple products , then FaceTime is an easy - to - use resolution that comes preinstalled and works directly out of the boxwood . Plus , your grandma will most probably be able to get it up and running without assistance .
In jolly much all other instances , Zoom is a upright service . The obvious advantage is allowing non - Apple user to be include on call , but there ’s also the build - in New World chat , virtual background , screen sharing mode and other feature that make it a in full operative solvent for video calling and chemical group conferences .
If you want to look at a compare of all the top service of process you could use , readBest video - conferencing apps on Mac . And if you ’d like to get a good service of process , whichever one you prefer for , seeHow to improve video caliber on Mac .
If FaceTime is n’t performing as well as you ’d wish , say : How To Fix FaceTime Poor Connection Problems .
If you ’d care to get laid how to define up a FaceTime call in advance read : How to schedule a FaceTime call .
