Top 10 UK Video Chat Apps to Meet New People [Best Reviews]

When putting together our list of the best video chat apps, we looked for those that offer all the features users need to communicate seamlessly with their friends, families, and business associates. The best video chat apps should be multiplatform, include text chats, support screen sharing, and offer landline support. We also noted which of these apps do and do not require subscriptions to unlock all of their features.

Choose the video chat app that’s right for you

Some video chat apps like Zoom are ideal for professionals and businesses, while apps like FaceTime are better for personal use. Since all of the apps on our list offer free versions, we recommend testing several apps to find the one that best suits your wants and needs.

It’s important that your video chat app works on a variety of platforms to ensure you’re able to stay in touch with friends and family members that use different devices across the UK. Every app on our list offers multiplatform support, meaning you can use them to make video calls on iOS, Android, desktop, and other devices.

1. Zoom

Zoom remains a powerhouse for UK users in 2026. For personal use, the free "Basic" plan is robust but comes with a strict 40-minute limit on all group meetings (2 or more participants). However, it allows for up to 100 participants and offers unlimited one-to-one meetings with a 30-hour limit.

For 2026, Zoom has integrated more AI-driven features like "Zoom AI Companion" to summarize meetings. Business plans in the UK now emphasize custom company branding and expanded cloud recording, making it the top choice for commercial enterprises.

2. Skype

Skype continues to be a reliable free option, even as Microsoft leans more heavily into Teams. In 2026, Skype's free version still includes unlimited instant messaging and HD video calls between users. To call UK landlines or mobile phones, you can use "Skype Out" subscriptions, which in 2026 start at approximately £2.40 per month for dedicated local minutes.

Its standout features for 2026 include improved live subtitles and end-to-end encrypted "Private Conversations," keeping your data secure on iOS, Android, and desktop.

3. Google Meet (formerly Google Duo)

The transition from Duo to Google Meet is complete, making this the native video chat choice for Android users in 2026. It is completely free and supports group calls for up to 100 participants (for 60 minutes on the free tier).

The 2026 update includes "On-the-Go" mode, which simplifies the interface and uses AI to reduce background noise while you're walking. It also features stackable filters and 360-degree virtual backgrounds that move with you.

4. Facebook Messenger

For those deeply embedded in the Meta ecosystem, Messenger is the easiest way to connect without needing a phone number. In 2026, the "Watch Together" feature remains a highlight, allowing you to stream Facebook Reels or movies with friends in real-time.

While completely free, users in 2026 should remain mindful of privacy settings, as Messenger integrates heavily with Meta’s advertising algorithms, though "Secret Conversations" (end-to-end encrypted) are available for one-on-one chats.

5. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is the most popular messaging and video chat app in the UK for 2026. It has significantly leveled up its group features, now supporting up to 32 participants in a single video call across all platforms.

In 2026, its new "Events" feature allows you to schedule group video calls in advance within a chat, directly competing with professional tools like Zoom for casual community meetings. It remains entirely free and fully end-to-end encrypted.

6. FaceTime

FaceTime is the gold standard for Apple users. In 2026, it supports up to 32 participants and allows Android or Windows users to join via a secure web link. Key 2026 features include Voice Isolation to block out UK wind or traffic noise and SharePlay for synchronized media consumption. The "Center Stage" feature also uses AI to keep you in the frame even if you move around the room.

7. Discord

Discord is the ultimate hub for communities and gamers. Its core video chat and "Go Live" streaming features remain free. For those wanting the best experience in 2026, Discord Nitro costs approximately £9.99 per month in the UK, offering 4K video streaming and 500MB file sharing. In early 2026, Discord also introduced "Nitro Squads," a cheaper family-style plan for groups of up to 6 people.

8. Marco Polo

Marco Polo is perfect for "asynchronous" video chatting—sending video messages that others can watch when they have time. The 2026 "Plus" subscription in the UK is priced at approximately £8.00 per month (or £65.00 annually), which unlocks HD video, custom emojis, and the ability to speed up playback for long messages.

9. Viber

Viber remains a privacy-first choice, popular for its "Secret Chats" and self-destructing messages. In 2026, it supports up to 20 participants in a video call. Its "Viber Out" service for calling UK landlines starts with calling plans from around £5.00 per month, often used by expats for cheap international reach.

10. Instagram

Instagram is the best choice for those who want video chat built into a social feed. In 2026, the app allows for private video calls with up to 8 people through Direct Messages. The Instagram Dating feature also uses video chat as a "safety check" before users meet in person, making it a versatile tool for social discovery.

Video Can Change How Singles Flirt Online

If you want to shake up your social life, random video chat apps can definitely spice things up in 2026. You can meet a random stranger, make new friends, or even find love and romance through sites and apps that set up a video chat room for you and a new person to talk in.

If you’re tired of the traditional dating apps, giving a random video chat app could be a niche change of pace – because you can actually talk to another person instead of texting!

Find the best video chat app and meet someone interesting!