Best Apps for Group Video Calls to India (2025 Comparison)
Compare WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet & more. Find the best free app for family video calls.
📖 19 min read · Updated October 26, 2025
Want to video chat with your whole family in India at once? You're not alone. Group video calls have become the main way expats stay connected with family back home, especially during festivals and celebrations.
I've tested all the popular video calling apps with my own family in India - some with 5 people, others with 15+. In this guide, I'll show you which apps work best for different situations, which ones are completely free, and which features actually matter for Indian families.
The good news? You have several excellent free options. Let me help you find the perfect one for your family.
🔑 Quick Navigation
- Quick Comparison: 7 Best Apps
- WhatsApp (Best Overall - Up to 32 people)
- Zoom (Best for Large Groups - 100 people free)
- Google Meet (Best for Google Users - 100 people)
- FaceTime (Best for Apple Users - Up to 32)
- Skype (Up to 50 people)
- Facebook Messenger (Up to 50 people)
- Which App Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Comparison: 7 Best Group Video Call Apps
Here's how the top apps stack up for group video calls to India. All of these are free to use with some limitations on the free tier.
| App | Max Participants (Free) | Time Limit | Video Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 people | Unlimited | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most families | |
| Zoom | 100 people | 40 minutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Large gatherings |
| Google Meet | 100 people | 60 minutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Google users |
| FaceTime | 32 people | Unlimited | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Apple families |
| Skype | 50 people | Unlimited | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tech-savvy users |
| Facebook Messenger | 50 people | Unlimited | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Facebook users |
| Microsoft Teams | 100 people | 60 minutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Work/business |
💡 Quick Recommendation
For most Indian families, WhatsApp is the best choice. It's free, unlimited, supports 32 people, and nearly everyone in India already has it installed. The video quality is excellent and it works great even on slower internet connections.
WhatsApp: Best Overall for Indian Families
WhatsApp Group Video Calls
Best OverallCost: Completely free
Max participants: 32 people
Time limit: Unlimited
Best for: 95% of families calling India
Why WhatsApp is #1: WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in India with over 500 million users. Almost everyone already has it, the video quality is excellent, and there's no time limit on calls. Plus, it's incredibly simple to use - if your family can send messages, they can join video calls.
💡 Why WhatsApp Wins for India
WhatsApp works better than competitors on slower Indian internet connections. It automatically adjusts video quality based on connection speed, so calls stay smooth even when someone has poor internet. Plus, everyone already knows how to use it.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited call time
- Supports up to 32 people (plenty for most families)
- Everyone in India already has it
- Excellent video quality
- Works great on slower connections
- Simple to use - no accounts needed
- Screen sharing included
- Works on phones, tablets, and computers
Cons
- Limited to 32 people (vs 100 for Zoom)
- Blocked in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia (needs VPN)
- No fun filters or backgrounds
- Can't schedule calls in advance
How to Start a WhatsApp Group Video Call:
- Open WhatsApp and go to your family group chat
- Tap the video camera icon at the top
- Select who you want to add to the call (up to 31 others)
- Tap the video camera icon again to start
- Everyone gets a notification to join
Data usage: Uses about 3-4 MB per minute for video calls. A 1-hour group call uses roughly 180-240 MB of data.
⚠️ WhatsApp Blocked in Some Countries
If you're calling from UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia, WhatsApp is blocked. You'll need a VPN like NordVPN ($3.39/month) to access WhatsApp in these countries.
Our verdict: WhatsApp is the clear winner for most families. It's free, unlimited, easy to use, and everyone already has it. Unless you need more than 32 people on the call, there's no reason to look elsewhere.
Zoom: Best for Large Family Gatherings
Zoom
Best for 50+ PeopleCost: Free (with 40-minute limit) or $14.99/month for unlimited
Max participants: 100 people on free plan
Time limit: 40 minutes for free, unlimited for paid
Best for: Large extended family gatherings, weddings, celebrations
Why Zoom for big groups: Zoom became hugely popular during COVID and now supports up to 100 people on free video calls. The catch? Free calls are limited to 40 minutes. But for big family events like virtual wedding celebrations or Diwali gatherings, Zoom is unbeatable.
Pros
- Up to 100 participants free (vs 32 for WhatsApp)
- Excellent video and audio quality
- Fun virtual backgrounds and filters
- Can schedule calls in advance
- Screen sharing works perfectly
- Recording feature included
- Gallery view shows everyone at once
- Works on all devices
Cons
- 40-minute time limit on free calls
- Requires app download
- Not as popular in India as WhatsApp
- Setup can confuse older relatives
- Uses more data than WhatsApp
How to Start a Zoom Group Call:
- Download Zoom app or visit zoom.us
- Click "New Meeting" to start instantly
- Click "Invite" and copy the link
- Share the link with family on WhatsApp
- Everyone clicks the link to join
💡 Bypass the 40-Minute Limit
Zoom's 40-minute limit only applies to calls with 3+ people. If you call ends, just start a new one immediately with the same link. Most families just reconnect every 40 minutes during long celebrations.
Data usage: Uses about 4-6 MB per minute. A 1-hour call uses roughly 240-360 MB.
Our verdict: Perfect for large family gatherings over 32 people. The 40-minute limit is annoying but manageable. If you need calls with 50-100 people, Zoom is your best bet.
Google Meet: Best for Google Users
Google Meet
Great AlternativeCost: Free with Google account
Max participants: 100 people
Time limit: 60 minutes for free (was unlimited during COVID)
Best for: Families already using Gmail/Google
Why Google Meet: If your family uses Gmail, Google Meet is incredibly convenient. You can join directly from your browser without downloading anything. It supports 100 people and has a 60-minute time limit (better than Zoom's 40 minutes).
Pros
- Works directly in web browser
- Up to 100 people free
- 60-minute time limit (better than Zoom)
- Simple to join with Google account
- Good video quality
- Built into Gmail
- Live captions available
Cons
- Requires Google account
- 60-minute limit on free calls
- Less popular in India than WhatsApp
- Some older relatives struggle with setup
- Fewer fun features than Zoom
How to Start a Google Meet Call:
- Go to meet.google.com
- Click "New meeting" then "Start an instant meeting"
- Click "Copy joining info" to get the link
- Share the link with family
- Everyone clicks link to join (needs Google account)
Data usage: Uses about 3-4 MB per minute, similar to WhatsApp.
Our verdict: Great if your family already uses Gmail. The 60-minute limit is better than Zoom's 40 minutes, and the browser-based approach means no app download needed. But WhatsApp is still easier for most Indian families.
FaceTime: Best for Apple Families
FaceTime
Best for AppleCost: Completely free
Max participants: 32 people
Time limit: Unlimited
Best for: Families where everyone uses iPhone/iPad/Mac
Why FaceTime: If your entire family uses Apple devices, FaceTime is incredibly simple. It's built into every iPhone and iPad, no app download needed. The video quality is outstanding - often better than WhatsApp. The catch? Only works on Apple devices.
Pros
- Completely free, unlimited time
- Exceptional video quality (best in class)
- Built into every iPhone/iPad
- Supports up to 32 people
- Zero setup - just tap and call
- Works seamlessly across Apple devices
- Very reliable connection
Cons
- Apple devices ONLY (no Android or Windows)
- If anyone has Android, they can't join
- Less popular in India (iPhones expensive)
- No web browser version
How to Start a FaceTime Group Call:
- Open FaceTime app on iPhone/iPad
- Tap the "+" button at top
- Add contacts you want to call (up to 31 people)
- Tap the video button to start
- Everyone gets a notification to join
⚠️ Apple Devices Only
FaceTime only works on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. If anyone in your family uses Android phones, they won't be able to join. For mixed device families, stick with WhatsApp.
Data usage: Uses about 3-4 MB per minute for group calls.
Our verdict: If everyone in your family uses Apple devices, FaceTime is perfect. The quality is outstanding and it's incredibly easy. But since most people in India use Android phones, WhatsApp is more practical for most families.
Skype: Older but Still Works
Skype
Free OptionCost: Free for video calls
Max participants: 50 people
Time limit: Unlimited
Best for: Tech-savvy families who already use Skype
Why Skype: Skype has been around for over 20 years and still works well for group video calls. It supports up to 50 people with unlimited time. However, it's less popular than WhatsApp and the interface feels outdated compared to newer apps.
Pros
- Up to 50 participants
- Unlimited call time
- Completely free for video
- Call recording built-in
- Screen sharing works well
- Works on all devices
Cons
- Not popular in India anymore
- Requires app download and account
- Interface feels old-fashioned
- Video quality not as good as competitors
- Setup confusing for older relatives
Our verdict: Skype works fine but feels outdated. Unless your family already uses Skype regularly, there's no reason to choose it over WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet. Learn more about using Skype for India calls.
Facebook Messenger: For Facebook Families
Facebook Messenger
Free OptionCost: Free
Max participants: 50 people
Time limit: Unlimited
Best for: Families who actively use Facebook
Why Messenger: If your family already uses Facebook, Messenger video calls are convenient. It supports up to 50 people with unlimited time. However, many younger Indians have moved away from Facebook to Instagram and WhatsApp.
Pros
- Up to 50 participants
- Unlimited call time
- Completely free
- Fun filters and effects
- Works on all devices
- Easy if family uses Facebook
Cons
- Requires Facebook account
- Facebook less popular with younger Indians
- Privacy concerns
- Video quality inconsistent
- Can be glitchy
Our verdict: Only use Messenger if your family already uses Facebook regularly. WhatsApp (which Facebook also owns) is more popular in India and works better.
Data Usage Comparison: How Much Each App Uses
One common concern for video calls to India is data usage, especially if your family has limited mobile data. Here's how much data each app uses:
| App | Data per Minute | Data for 1-hour Call | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 MB | 180-240 MB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Most efficient) | |
| FaceTime | 3-4 MB | 180-240 MB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Most efficient) |
| Google Meet | 3-4 MB | 180-240 MB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Most efficient) |
| Zoom | 4-6 MB | 240-360 MB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate) |
| Skype | 4-5 MB | 240-300 MB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate) |
| Facebook Messenger | 5-7 MB | 300-420 MB | ⭐⭐⭐ (Heavy) |
💡 Save Data on Video Calls
To reduce data usage: (1) Use WiFi whenever possible, (2) Turn off your own video if you don't need it, (3) Close other apps and browser tabs, (4) Use audio-only mode when video isn't necessary. If you're traveling to India and need data for calls, an Airalo eSIM costs just $4.50 and includes plenty of data.
Video Quality Comparison: Which Looks Best?
Based on my testing with family in India on various internet speeds:
Best video quality (tie):
- FaceTime - Crystal clear, rarely pixelated
- Zoom - Excellent quality, very reliable
- Google Meet - Consistently good quality
- WhatsApp - Excellent and adapts well to poor connections
Good quality:
- Skype - Decent but occasionally pixelated
- Facebook Messenger - Inconsistent, sometimes great, sometimes poor
Key factor: The biggest impact on video quality is your internet speed, not the app. WhatsApp does the best job of maintaining quality on slower connections by automatically adjusting resolution.
Which Group Video Call App Should You Choose?
Here's my recommendation based on your specific situation:
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Your family is 8-32 people? → Use WhatsApp (free, unlimited, everyone has it)
You need 50-100 people on the call? → Use Zoom (100 people, but 40-min limit)
Everyone uses iPhones? → Use FaceTime (best quality, unlimited)
Your family uses Gmail? → Use Google Meet (60-minute limit)
Calling from UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia? → Get NordVPN ($3.39/month) to unblock WhatsApp
Traveling to India and need mobile data? → Get Airalo eSIM ($4.50) for video calls
Comparison by Family Size
Small families (2-8 people):
- Best: WhatsApp (free, unlimited, simple)
- Alternative: FaceTime (if all use Apple)
Medium families (8-32 people):
- Best: WhatsApp (handles 32 people well)
- Alternative: FaceTime (if all use Apple)
Large families (32-100 people):
- Best: Zoom (100 people, 40-min limit manageable)
- Alternative: Google Meet (60-min limit better than Zoom)
Very large gatherings (100+ people):
- Only option: Zoom or Google Meet with paid plan
- Consider doing smaller separate calls instead
Comparison by Technical Skills
Non-tech-savvy family:
- Best: WhatsApp (they already use it for messages)
- Alternative: FaceTime (if they have iPhones)
Tech-comfortable family:
- Best: Any app works, choose based on features needed
⚠️ Important for UAE, China, Saudi Arabia Residents
WhatsApp, FaceTime, and some other apps are blocked in UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia. If you're calling from these countries, you need a VPN to access them. Learn more about calling India from UAE with a VPN.
Pro Tips for Better Group Video Calls
1. Use WiFi When Possible
Video calls use 180-400 MB per hour. Always connect to WiFi to avoid using up mobile data. If your family in India has limited data, remind them to use WiFi too.
2. Test Before Big Family Events
Don't try a new app for the first time during Diwali or a birthday. Do a test call with a few family members a day or two before the big event.
3. Have a Backup Plan
Keep WhatsApp as your backup. If Zoom hits the 40-minute limit or Google Meet has issues, everyone can quickly switch to a WhatsApp call.
4. Mute When Not Speaking
With 10+ people, background noise gets chaotic. Remind everyone to mute their microphone when not talking.
5. Pick One Person as Host
Have one tech-savvy person manage the call - they start it, send the link, help troubleshoot, and keep things organized.
6. Send Link Early
Share the Zoom or Google Meet link 15-30 minutes before the call. This gives people time to download the app if needed and test their connection.
7. Use Good Lighting
Face a window or lamp. Good lighting makes a huge difference in video quality - more than your camera quality does.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free app for group video calls to India?
WhatsApp is the best free app for group video calls to India. It supports up to 32 people with unlimited call time, completely free. The video quality is excellent and almost everyone in India already has WhatsApp installed. It works great even on slower internet connections.
How many people can join a WhatsApp video call?
WhatsApp supports up to 32 people on a group video call. This is enough for most family calls. The calls are completely free with unlimited time. If you need more than 32 people, use Zoom which supports 100 people on free calls.
Which video call app has the best quality for India?
FaceTime has the best video quality but only works on Apple devices. For mixed device families, WhatsApp offers the best combination of quality and reliability. WhatsApp is especially good because it automatically adjusts quality based on internet speed, which helps when someone in India has a slower connection.
Is Zoom or WhatsApp better for family video calls?
WhatsApp is better for most families because it has unlimited call time and everyone already uses it. Zoom is only better if you need more than 32 people on the call. Zoom supports 100 people but limits free calls to 40 minutes, while WhatsApp supports 32 people with unlimited time.
How much data does a group video call use?
Group video calls use 180-400 MB per hour depending on the app. WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Meet are most efficient at 180-240 MB per hour. Zoom uses 240-360 MB per hour. Always use WiFi when possible to avoid using mobile data. A 1-hour family video call on mobile data could cost $5-10 in data charges.
Can I do a group video call from UAE to India?
WhatsApp and FaceTime are blocked in UAE, but you can use a VPN to access them. NordVPN costs $3.39 per month and unblocks WhatsApp so you can make free video calls to India. Alternatively, Zoom and Google Meet work in UAE without a VPN.
What is better than Zoom for family calls?
WhatsApp is better than Zoom for most family calls because it has no time limit and everyone already has it. WhatsApp supports up to 32 people with unlimited time, while Zoom limits free calls to 40 minutes. Only use Zoom if you need more than 32 people on the call.
Final Thoughts
For 95% of families calling India, WhatsApp is the perfect choice. It's free, unlimited, supports 32 people, and everyone already knows how to use it. The video quality is excellent and it works well even when someone has slower internet.
If you need more than 32 people, Zoom is your best option with 100 participant support. Yes, the 40-minute limit is annoying, but you can just restart the call when time runs out.
For Apple-only families, FaceTime offers the best video quality available. And if you're in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia where WhatsApp is blocked, grab NordVPN for $3.39/month to unblock it.
If you're traveling to India and need mobile data for video calls, get an Airalo eSIM for just $4.50. It includes enough data for hours of family video calls.
The most important thing? Pick one app and stick with it. Having everyone on the same platform makes scheduling calls much easier than trying to juggle multiple apps.
