December 17, 2025

What Are the Best Video Calling Tools for Older People?

Nick Everything Else events, reviews 6 Comments

Christmas will soon be here. But with flu and other respiratory infections at high levels – and the Covid pandemic still a fairly recent memory – many older people will be understandably cautious about how much face-to-face socialising they do at this time of year.

In addition, we’re still feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Many pensioners are cash-strapped, and rising energy costs make winter harder than ever. Add in bad weather, NHS and rail strikes, busy roads and crowded trains, and reduced face-to-face socialising becomes a real possibility, especially for older adults. Loneliness at Christmas can lead to anxiety, depression and other health issues.

While video calling isn’t a complete solution, it can be a lifeline for keeping in touch with distant friends, family, children and grandchildren – especially if travel or health concerns make meeting in person difficult.

So here’s an updated guide to the best video calling tools for older people in 2025, including what you need and the pros and cons of each option.

How to Get Started

To make video calls, you’ll need:

• A device with a camera and microphone – like a smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook or desktop with webcam.

• A reliable internet connection – ideally wi-fi at home (video calls can use a lot of mobile data).

• A video calling app – more on this below.

All modern smartphones (iPhones and Androids) have good-quality cameras. Tablets and laptops usually have larger screens which make conversations easier to see and more comfortable for group calls.

If you’re using a desktop, you might need a separate webcam and microphone unless your machine already has them built in.

Video Calling Tools Worth Considering

1. FaceTime (for Apple Users)

Best for: iPhone and iPad users whose family also uses Apple devices

• Smartphones: Yes

• Tablets: Yes

• Windows: No

• Mac: Yes

FaceTime remains one of the easiest options if everyone is in the Apple ecosystem. It comes pre-installed on iPhones and iPads, and calls are seamless and high quality. You can add up to 32 people in a group call.

Pros:

• Built into Apple devices – no extra download

• High video quality and simple interface

• Works with newer features like scheduling links and spatial audio

Cons:

• Only works with Apple devices

• Not cross-platform (except via browser links in newer versions)

2. WhatsApp

Best for: Informal chats with family and small group calls

• Smartphones: Yes

• Tablets: Limited (WhatsApp on some tablets may not support video yet)

• Windows/Mac: Yes (via desktop app)

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used apps in the world and is familiar to many older people already. Recent updates now allow up to 32 people on one video call, plus screen-sharing and a “speaker spotlight” to highlight whoever’s talking.

Pros:

• Very familiar and widely adopted

• End-to-end encryption

• Works across devices

Cons:

• Requires contacts to use WhatsApp too

• Owned by Meta — some users dislike data-sharing practices

3. Messenger (Meta/Facebook)

Best for: Users who already use Facebook and want extra features

• Smartphones: Yes

• Tablets: Yes

• Windows/Mac: Yes

Messenger lets you video call directly from your Facebook contacts. It’s quite straightforward and supports up to 50 people with no time limit on group calls.

Pros:

• Connects with existing Facebook friends

• Fun features (filters, translation tools, games)

• Works across all major platforms

Cons:

• Requires a Facebook account

• Some features may feel cluttered for very simple calls

4. Zoom

Best for: Larger family gatherings or planned group events

• Smartphones/Tablets/PC/Mac: Yes

Zoom is still widely used for large group calls and celebrations. On the free plan you can host up to 100 people, though sessions may be time-limited (often around 40–60 minutes) unless you have a paid subscription.

Pros:

• Great for big groups (birthdays, Christmas catch-ups)

• Works on nearly all devices

• Easy to join via links

Cons:

• Time limits on free accounts

• More features than some older people need

5. Google Meet

Best for: Longer chats and group calls without app installs

• Smartphones/Tablets: Yes

• Windows/Mac: Yes

Google Meet is a solid everyday option with no required paid plan for basic use, up to 100 people on free accounts, and features like live captions.

Pros:

• Good for group calls of all sizes

• Works in a browser (no app install needed)

• Integration with Google Calendar

Cons:

• May feel business-oriented for casual use

6. Microsoft Teams (Replacing Skype)

Best for: People who used Skype and want a modern replacement

Note: Skype was retired in 2025 and replaced by Microsoft Teams, so new Skype recommendations are no longer relevant. Users are being encouraged to move to Windows Teams where chat history and contacts can carry over.

Pros:

• Continued support and development

• Group calls and chatting similar to Skype

Cons:

• More features than some users need

• Setup can be more complex than simpler apps like WhatsApp

Devices That Make Calling Easier for Seniors

Beyond apps, there are dedicated devices that make video calling much simpler for older people:

• Smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show – big screens, voice commands (“Alexa, video call Mum”), and simplified controls.

• Senior-friendly tablets (such as this one) with simplified interfaces and large buttons.

These devices are ideal for those less comfortable with standard phones or computers.

• For more info about using an Amazon Echo Show to make a video call, click through to this useful article on the popular Tom’s Guide website.

Tips for Easier Video Calling

✔ Keep software updated: The latest versions of apps are generally more reliable and secure.
✔ Use wi-fi: Video calls eat data – wi-fi helps avoid extra charges.
✔ Practice together: A short practice call before a big family chat can ease nerves.
✔ Label apps clearly: Rename icons on tablets or phones so they’re easy to find.

Closing Thoughts

Video calling isn’t just a tech trend for businesses and younger people – it’s a lifeline for older adults to stay connected, especially around busy times like Christmas.

The right setup – a good device, a reliable connection, and the right app – can make chatting over distance almost as good as being there in person.

I hope you have found this article helpful. As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.

Note: this is a fully revised update of an annual article.