Skype is probably the most popular video-chatting software out there. It’s so popular that it’s become its own verb. Now people use “video-chatting” and “Skyping” interchangeably whether they’re using Skype specifically or not.
Here’s a fun fact:
Skype’s originally proposed name was “Sky Peer-to-Peer” which then became what we know today as Skype.
Despite the popularity of this application some people are actively searching for alternatives that are easy to use. Maybe you’re one of them.
Sometimes the hassle of downloading and installing an application just isn’t’ your cup of tea. In other cases you may be in a situation where you don’t have access to Skype or you’re not able to download it for the time being. Or you could just have a computer that doesn’t handle Skype well.
Whatever your reasons we won’t judge you. In fact, we’re helping you with this list of Skype Alternatives that you can use in your browser –free and easy.
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1. Vline – Free Simple Video Chat
Vline is a browser operated online video chat application that lets you hold a video chat session for free.
You don’t have to register or even login by any method. You literally just click go and that’s all there is to it.
Once you’ve started your video chat room, just share the link with whoever it is you’d like to join you. Did we mention it’s free?
Features:
◙ vLine link is coming to iOS and Android! ◙ Connects you to anyone in the world using one link ◙ Nothing to download or plug-in ◙ Works in both Chrome and Firefox ◙ Work on the latest Chrome browser on Android ◙ All your media communication is encrypted using DTLS/SRTP ◙ Connect with a maximum of 4 people ◙ Use the same link again and again
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2. Boost Cam – Disposable two-way video conferencing
Boostcam offers a free disposable way to video chat with anyone. It operates in your browser and requires no fancy plugins.
Also included is the ability to text chat and go full screen while you video chat. Unlike Vline above, You must have flash installed to use this service
Features:
◙ Connects you to anyone using one link ◙ No sign-up for you, or the person you talk to ◙ Instant two-Way Video Chat ◙ Chats are disposable and anonymous ◙ No software or plugins to install ◙ Chat room launched under temporary URL
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3. Friend Cameo – Easy Video Chat Rooms
Friend Cameo is another Skype alternative that lets you video or text chat in your browser. You must have Adobe flash to use this tool. It lets you talk face-to-face with friends, family and colleagues.
Invite friends to join FriendCameo and you can chat with them for as long as you like, wherever they are, for free.
Features:
◙ Text, video, and audio chat ◙ No sign-up for you, or the person you talk to ◙ Login to invite friends from Facebook to chat ◙ Take Photos while chatting ◙ Lots of fun webcam effects ◙ No software or plugins to install ◙ Chat room launched under temporary URL ◙ Share up to twelve broadcasts at once
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4. Yakity – Multiple video chat with your friends and family
A simple flash based chat application, Yakity lets you host a webcam chat session without having to download anything. Just click the “start chatting” button, invite up to 3 other friends and you’re good to go. Can’t get much easier than that!
Features:
◙ Text, video, and audio chat ◙ Invite Twitter followers to a conversation ◙ Invite your friends to chat by sharing the URL
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5. Meetings.io – Your own Meeting Room
Meetings.io is our favorite on this list. It has so many features I doubt I’ll be able to list them all. You can create your own room with the click of a button and personalize it’s name. You can even embed a button on your website that will lead people to your own private meeting room -the same one every time.
Features:
◙ Share your computer screen ◙ Hangout with up to 5 people at a time ◙ Invite your friends via URL, Email, Facebook or Twitter ◙ Text, video, and audio chat ◙ Re-use your room as many times as you want ◙ Add a meeting room button to your website ◙ Embed a room on your website ◙ Takes note within the meeting room -they’ll email them to you later! ◙ Play videos from YouTube, Vimeo and Dailymotion
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6. Videolink2.me – Video Conferencing
Every time you visit this page a chat room is instantly created for you. If you’re looking for something very quick and very simple this is your best bet.
Features:
◙ Import contacts from Facebook ◙ Reserve a URL/room for your own private use, which you can password protect. ◙ Send link to other participants to join ◙ Share your computer screen ◙ Available in 5 Languages [symple_divider style=”solid” margin_top=”20px” margin_bottom=”20px”]
7. Talky.io -Truly Simple Video Chat
Talky.io is an anonymous, peer-to-peer video chat tool that works in both chrome and firefox. It lets you share screens, have group video chats and even play with an adorable little rocket that you can crash all over the place.
Features:
◙ Group video chat ◙ Screen Sharing ◙ Send link to other participants to join ◙ Locked Rooms ◙ No Plugins or Signup ◙ Works in Chrome or Firefox
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8. AV by AOL – Let’s Video Chat!
AOL states “Fun, easy video chat with up to four people — no account required!” Seems simple enough.
Features:
◙ Group video chat with up to 3 other people. ◙ Invite participants via AIM or Facebook ◙ Send link to other participants to join ◙ Capable of Text Chat only
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9. We Conspire – browser-based voice chat.
We Conspire is free online browser based voice chat. Not video chat. Still, lots of people use Skype for voice chat -so this is a viable option. Click the button on the home page to create a room and invite others via a link.
Features:
◙ Anonymous ◙ Browser based ◙ Send link to other participants to join