Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the most popular gathering times for friends and family, but COVID-19 is causing havoc for the second year in a row. Many people have canceled or scaled back in-person gatherings due to the Omicron variant’s rapid spread around the world. However, if you want to have unlimited free video calls this Christmas and New Year, your options aren’t limited
How to Have Unlimited Free Video Calls this Christmas and New Year?
If you won’t be able to see some family or friends during the holidays, video calling is the best option. Some services limit you to 40 or 60 minutes of video calls, but there are plenty of options for having unlimited video calls over the holidays and beyond.
Without taking any more time here are your options to have unlimited free video calls this Christmas and New Year.
Google Duo
Google Duo is your best bet if you’re planning an extended call with three or more people. It can accommodate up to 32 people for as long as you want – all you have to do is sign in with a Google account.
It’s available on the website, as well as on iOS, Android, and any Google smart speaker with a screen.
Skype
Although most people have forgotten about Skype these days, it is still a great way to make group calls. Up to 50 people can sign up for an unlimited period of time, and it’s completely free. There are apps for Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, and Android.
FaceTime
This is the best option if everyone you’re calling has an Apple device. In 2018, Apple finally added group video call support to FaceTime, allowing up to 32 people to join a call.
The app comes pre-installed on any new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and you can even use your Apple Watch to join in with the audio.
In 2021, Apple added the ability for Android and Windows devices to join FaceTime calls via web links, but Apple users will still need to invite others. It also feels clumsy in comparison to the two services mentioned above, which are optimized for cross-platform use.
Zoom
Zoom is one of the most well-known services to set a limit, but it only applies to calls with three or more people. For up to 30 hours, one-on-one calls are completely free. Even for premium meetings, only the host is required to pay.
Google Meet
Google Meet, like Zoom, limits meetings with three or more participants to 60 minutes. You can go for up to 24 hours if it’s just you and one other person. Anyone with a Google account can start or join meetings, once again.
Google Meet is primarily a web-based service, but there are also apps for iOS and Android.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams has traditionally been geared toward business users, but Microsoft released a personal version in 2021. Similar time limits apply here: 60 minutes for calls with 3 to 300 participants, but 24 hours for 1:1 calls.
Everything can be found in the Microsoft Teams for Home app, which is available for Windows and Mac. You can use the same regular Teams app on iOS and Android. It’s also accessible via the internet.
Instant Messaging Applications
Video calling is available in many mobile apps, including WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and Snapchat. WhatsApp Web and a desktop Messenger app make it possible to use WhatsApp on a computer, but the experience isn’t optimal.
As you can see, video calling friends and family with no restrictions is simple and completely free. With 1:1 calls, you’ll be spoiled for choice, but there are also plenty of options if you have more than one participant.
The Bottom Line
Well, these were your options to have unlimited video calls for Christmas and New Year. We hope this guide helped you. If you liked this, don’t forget to check out our other explainers, best lists, and how-to guides. Furthermore, if you have any questions or suggestions, please use the comment section below to contact us.
