-I’m tired of Zoom’s obnoxious yelling about its AI features and general bloatedness.
-I’m trying to reduce how much I use Google/Microsoft stuff, which includes Google Meet and Teams.
-I don’t think I’ve heard about anyone using Skype since approximately 2010, and it’s owned by Microsoft now anyway.
-Fuck Meta and all its products.
-I like Facetime the best of everything I’ve used, but that only works if an Apple user starts the call, and I don’t love Apple as a company anymore either.
I’m guessing there are some nice non-bloated apps out there that aren’t run by giant tech corporations. So what’s your favorite app for video calls?
I heard Fluxer is good if you want something simpler with some sacrifices
Stoat
Signal.
Also, Skype has been completed killed off by Microsoft.
Edit: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/skype/skype-is-retiring-in-may-2025-what-you-need-to-know
I didn’t realize Skype was compl killed off. $8.5 billion dollar acquisition thrown away.
It’s not thrown away. It’s to kill competition so businesses “choose” Teams
Does signal do like team meetings anyone can join with a link?
Apparently yes: https://support.signal.org/hc/en-us/articles/7860719423002-How-to-create-and-share-call-links
But I’ve never tried it for that.
I use it for text voice and video with friends though.
I only use it to face chat with my family. Group video calls work fairly well. The app is very barebone. Do not expect fancy, or even convenience features.
Signal? Element (Matrix)?
Signal. Or Proton Meet for meetings.
Jitsi meet, fluxer
Matrix. Many apps available, Element is quite simple yet charming.
I’m running a Matrix for family and friends. It mostly works, but people complain about notifications and stuff. Videos open slowly.
Thinking of running my own, how much storage does your matrix server fill up?
As much as people use it for sharing photos and videos. I think I’m at around 150GB, and haven’t needed yet to set any retention policies.
Perhaps try also Snikket / Prosody / XMPP?
I’ve used signal for video calling quite a few times and while video quality can be randomly poor it works just fine
Session It’s like Signal, but EU made and more private. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but it’s getting there.
proton meet.
Jami?
