Should You Use Skype, FaceTime, or Google+ Hangouts? What to Expect From Various Video Chat Services?
After you’ve landed your dream online tutoring job, it’s time to get down to business and start setting up shop. Arguably the most important tool in your arsenal, other than a reliable, high-speed Internet connection, is the platform you choose to video chat with your clients. Our present society has become so digitized that there are now hundreds of options to choose from, which makes it difficult to weed out programs that don’t always provide the best video chatting experience. Luckily, we’ve reviewed some of the most popular video chat services to help you decide which one is right for you.
Platform Name |
How it Works |
Pricing |
Additional Information |
StudyGate |
Apart from a screenshare plugin, no software download is required. Login to website required for system access. |
Available for free in student-student communication, and tutor hourly rates start at $10/hr charged per minute. |
StudyGate currently features two-way video chat. Users can share files, edit code for Python programming and text, screenshare, and use a whiteboard. Built for laptops and desktops only. |
FaceTime |
The app is already pre-downloaded onto all Apple products like iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Macintoshes. Open the app and get chatting instantly! |
Available for free with purchase of Apple product listed. |
FaceTime is only available on Apple products, and the official application only allows for a one-way chat. Accompanying apps like Fam and Booyah are available for download at the App Store to allow group video chats. |
Google Video Chat |
Also known as Google Hangouts, anyone with a Gmail account can download the video chatting plugin as long as your device has a web cam. |
Free, once you sign up for a Gmail account (which is also free). |
Google Hangouts also allows users to make phone calls and create group chats on the app. You can also share photos, videos, and your location. |
Skype |
Available for all computer operating systems; all you need is a web cam. Download the plugin from Skype.com to get started. |
Free to download for personal use, although international calling rates apply. |
Skype also allows users to make phone calls to landlines across the country. Group chatting is also available for free. |
Zoom Video Chat |
Available for all computer operating systems as long as your device is equipped with a web cam. Sign up at Zoom.us. |
Free for personal chats that can host up to 100 people for 40 minutes at a time; the next upgrade is $14.99/month. |
Zoom also comes with features like break out rooms and whiteboard options. |
No matter what chat platform you use, stay safe out there and take care to use good video chat etiquette.