Being isolated — something many of us have become familiar with due to pandemic-driven social distancing — is tough. Hiding away by yourself, or even with a couple of close companions, can sap energy even from the most solitary among us.
That’s why so many people have turned to virtual and in-person digital gatherings. Online happy hours, book circles and trivia nights have surged in popularity.
A number of no-cost apps are helping us maintain contact throughout the pandemic. (Honestly, lucky that this happened in 2020 and not back in 1985.)
But which platforms are best for staying in touch with relatives and for other purposes? Here’s a breakdown.
7 Free Services for Keeping in Touch During COVID-19
Whether you want to mimic a weekend brunch, join a reading group, or expand your group binge-watching, here are some of the top free services to help you remain connected.
1. Zoom
This is the platform that’s been all over the news. Since lockdowns began in the spring, people have relied on Zoom for work meetings and social happy hours.
Zoom has several advantages. The free tier lets you host up to 100 participants and supports unlimited one-on-one meetings, with group sessions capped at 40 minutes. The interface is straightforward, and it works across devices, though it’s often used in the browser.
Still, Zoom can feel somewhat basic. It doesn’t offer a wealth of playful extras for personal gatherings. Even so, it’s a reliable place to start for almost any virtual group event.
Best for:Work meetings, webinars and everyday personal use.
Insider tip:You can mute or stop your video any time during a call if you need a break from being on camera. In the browser view, those controls sit in the lower-left corner.
2. FaceTime
If you use Apple devices, you’re probably already familiar with this video calling tool. While most associated with iPhones, it also runs on iPads and iPod Touch devices.
We like FaceTime for its tidy layout and simplicity. However, it’s best for one-on-one chats; squeezing the whole family around a phone is awkward. (And, of course, Android users can’t use it.)
Best for:One-on-one conversations between Apple device users.
Insider tip:If your device runs iOS 12.1.4 or newer, or iPadOS, you can take still photos from your FaceTime call by tapping the shutter button.
3. Duo
Android users have long been left out of the FaceTime party, which has been a sore spot for many.
Luckily, Google created its alternative: Duo. Unlike FaceTime, Duo supports cross-platform connections, so Android and Apple users can both use it. Though it does allow group calls up to 32 people, it’s still most comfortable for one-on-one chats.
Best for:One-on-one conversations between Android and Apple users.
Insider tip:Can’t meet live? Leave video messages with playful filters and effects — a nice step up from voicemail.
4. Facebook Messenger Video
During COVID-19, Facebook shifted for many from a casual time-waster to an essential communication lifeline — and its messenger includes video chat.
Facebook Messenger Rooms is especially handy for families separated by quarantine; you can apply face filters and play games during the call. It’s also available as a desktop app, making it easier to manage the 50-person invite limit.
Best for:People who already use Facebook frequently and rely on Messenger for most communication. You don’t need a Facebook account to join a room — the link suffices.
Insider tip:If you’d rather not be on camera, use Messenger’s voice message feature to send a recorded audio memo instead.
5. Teleparty
Remember shared movie nights — gathering on one couch with one bowl of popcorn?
While social distancing has put those evenings on hold for now, you can recreate them online with Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party). This free browser extension (Chrome only) synchronizes streaming playback on Netflix, Hulu, Disney and HBO sites for you and your friends, and includes a scrolling chat for live commentary.
Best for:Group movie nights and TV binge-watching sessions.
Insider tip:Make the experience livelier by sharing screenshots, emojis and GIFs while watching.
6. Houseparty
There’s a familiar pattern with social apps: what younger people embrace eventually spreads to older generations. That might explain why you’re just hearing about Houseparty, even though it’s been around since 2016.
Like Messenger Video or Duo, Houseparty provides video chat, but it more closely resembles classic instant messaging platforms like AIM or ICQ. Instead of arranging a meeting in advance, you might jump into Houseparty to see who’s online and go from there.
Houseparty also includes built-in games such as Heads Up! and trivia challenges.
Best for:Casual group hangs and virtual happy hours.
Insider tips:Houseparty uses gesture-based navigation similar to Snapchat, which can be unfamiliar for older users. Install it ahead of time and spend a few minutes exploring the interface before your first hangout.
7. WhatsApp
Long favored by international travelers and privacy-minded users, WhatsApp supports video calls on most platforms — Android users need version 4.0.3 or later.
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, meaning messages and calls are private: no third party, including WhatsApp itself, can read them.
It’s also widely used outside the U.S., having been one of the earliest apps to enable free global messaging.
Best for:People with contacts abroad or those who prioritize security.
Insider tip:WhatsApp includes text messaging and lets you disable read receipts if you prefer a low-pressure texting environment.
Alex Monroe’s work has appeared in various travel and lifestyle publications. Learn more atwww.jamiecattanach.com.
