Looking for the best free Zoom alternate apps in Pakistan? Fret not! We have compiled a list of the best video conferencing applications that can be used for various kinds of gatherings, meetings, and virtual hangouts.
Owing to the global pandemic, the meaning of social gatherings, including workplace meetings and classroom sessions, has changed entirely. Instead of waking up every day and getting ready for school or office, most of us turn on our laptops and check the stability of our internet connections.
In order to smoothen this transition for you, we had previously shared a rundown of top ISPs in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. This blog, however, focuses on the best video conferencing applications in Pakistan besides Zoom.
List of Free Zoom Alternate Apps in Pakistan for Video Calls
Considering the nationwide ban on social gatherings, most businesses, work meetings, and educational setups have gone online. If you are looking for the best and free Zoom alternates in Pakistan that can be used for video chats, check out the list we’ve compiled below:
- BigBlueButton
- Discord
- Facebook Messenger
- FaceTime
- Microsoft Teams
- Skype
BigBlueButton
The first mention in our list of best video conferencing applications in Pakistan is BigBlueButton. As per the official website, BigBlueButton is a web conferencing software explicitly designed for distance or online learning. Since it supports online classrooms, the system is aligned with the needs of teachers, students, and academic arrangements.
Best Features
Some of the best features of BigBlueButton are:
- Enables you to shares video, audio, slide, and chat messages
- Built-in recording features and whiteboard tool
- Presenters can zoom, highlight, and draw on presentations
- Nifty options like polling to keep learners engaged
- Best for online learning
Price: Free
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Discord
Discord – the veteran for gamers – is a chat and video conferencing system that allows you to create multiple channels for various purposes. It is quite popular among fans of video games like Call of Duty and WWII and offers a few hours of uninterrupted group calls. It enables a player to host a streaming party for friends or spectators, while they play their favourite game.
Best Features of Discord Video Conference
Here are the best features of Discord:
- Supports online streaming and screen sharing
- Chat messages
- Multiple channels
- Uninterrupted video conference
Price: Free
Platforms: Desktop, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android
On a side note, if you are wondering how to set up a gaming room in Pakistan, check out our post where we have shared some creative ideas for setting up a gaming room in your home.
Facebook Messenger
Next on our list of best video conferencing apps in Pakistan is Facebook Messenger. It is an additional channel by Facebook that enables users to chat or call their Facebook friends or contacts without any charges or hassles. While it’s mainly used for virtual hangouts and social gatherings, it can be used for formal meetings as well. Not to mention, Facebook also boasts a kid-specific version known as Messenger Kids with parental control features, such as monitoring and blocking.
Unlike Zoom video conferences, you need to add participants individually, and they have to be Facebook users to accept the invitation. Although the application supports up to 50 participants during a single call, only six members can be seen on-screen at a time.
Best Features of Facebook Messenger
Wondering why you should opt for Facebook Messenger? Check out some of its best features in the list below:
- Kid-friendly version with parental control
- 50 members can attend a single meeting
- Available for various platforms
- Files and images can be shared
- Unlimited call duration
Price: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
FaceTime
Powered by Apple, FaceTime is a considerably old application that offers great image quality and top-notch experience. The group video feature in FaceTime was introduced in 2018, and it requires participants to have a valid Apple ID or phone number if they want to join a video call. Not to mention, prospective participants also need to have an Apple device to participate in the virtual conference.
Moreover, FaceTime allows a maximum of 32 participants in a single video conference while four participants can be seen on-screen. Just like the Zoom video conference, the images of talking participants get highlighted and enlarged. Considering all this, it wouldn’t be wrong in saying that FaceTime is among the best free video conferencing apps to use instead of zoom in Pakistan.
Best Features
These are the top features of FaceTime:
- Supports chat messages during a video conference
- Great image quality and completely easy to understand
- Needs valid Apple ID or phone number
Price: Free
Platforms: iOS
Microsoft Teams
Next mention on our list of free Zoom alternate apps is Microsoft Teams. As the name implies, it is specifically designed for business and workplace meetings. The application offers smart features, including background blur, noise suppression, and screen sharing.
Best Features of Microsoft Teams
Here’s why you should consider Microsoft Team for your next video conference:
- Best for large group meetings
- Up to 250 participants can be added in a single call
- File sharing and special business tools
Price: Free
Note: A paid version of Microsoft Teams enables users to conduct meetings for up to 300 people. You can use the free version for six months, and paid plans start at $5 per user/month.
Platforms: Windows, iOS, and Android
Skype
The next name on our list of free video conferencing apps is Skype. Owned and managed by Microsoft, Skype is a widely used video-conferencing application. Besides being available on Google Play and Apple App Store, this application can be downloaded via the web and used on Windows and Mac. It features both audio and video conferences with great privacy and easy-to-comprehend interference.
Although the number of participants in Skype calls depends on the device you’re using, you can add up to 50 people at most. As per the official website, the software lets you record, save, and share your conferences.
Best Features of Skype Call
Here are some exceptional features of Skype that will help you decide better:
- Live captions and subtitles
- Supports up to 50 participants
- Great privacy
- Video conferences can be recorded, saved, and shared
- Top-notch features and user-friendly options
- Unlimited time
- Screen-sharing
Price: Free
Platforms: Android, Desktop, Website, and iOS
WhatsApp – a subsidiary of Facebook – needs no introduction with more than a billion users worldwide. It has been the go-to platform for one-on-one conversations, audio, and video calls for as long as we remember. The group call feature of WhatsApp enables users to add up to four members in the meeting. Although it is something notably different from Zoom, it can take care of small gatherings and private group conferences.
Further, the mobile application uses end-to-end encryption to make group chats and video conferences private for users. So, if you are a fan of privacy and want to meet your friends virtually, this app is definitely the one for you.
Best Features of WhatsApp Video Conference
These are the best features of WhatsApp video conferencing:
- Privacy
- Suitable for small conferences
- Great for family and friends meetup
- Offers end-to-end encryption
- Available worldwide
- Text messages, audio call, and video calls
- Unlimited call duration
Price: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS, and Desktop
This brings us to the end of our post on the most reliable video conference applications in Pakistan. Tell us which one you are currently using at blog@zameen.com. Also, read our recent posts on how to boost your home WiFi in a few easy steps. We have also shared the list of best portals for online video streaming in Pakistan, so you can make the most of being at home.
On a side note, if you are wondering how to design a home office that supports both form and function, check out our post where we have calculated the cost of building a home-office in Pakistan.
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Disclaimer: This blog aims to help struggling students, teachers, and officials to figure out the best video conference applications in Pakistan. The information has been extracted from the official website of each app, and Zameen.com doesn’t take responsibility for users’ privacy. Users are advised to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of each app and decide what works best for them.