The global COVID-19 pandemic completely revolutionized the communication sector. Earlier when live video calls were used for a gala talk, it has now become increasingly popular for business meetings and professional talks.
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What is a Video Calling API?
An API, acronymed as Application Programming Interface is an intermediary that allows two software to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. They come of great help to developers, allowing them to easily build notch functionality apps without having to spend a fortune on creating an app from the very scratch.
And, with a video calling API, programmers can build custom live video and audio chat experiences on any mobile device or web app. Usually, all video calling APIs and SDKs come following WebRTC technology for quality data streaming.
What are the Must-Have Video Chat API Features?
Before you think about developing a video chat app, you must consider how to integrate it easily and what components to include in your app. While doing this, check closely for the following features:
- Single and Group Chats: Create an engaging platform for users to indulge in single and group chats using the conferencing feature.
- Content Sharing: Allows users to share content and screen during a call.
- Reduced Lags, Jitters, and Noise: Improves video calling app’s quality.
- Call Recording: Records and stores content for future usage.
Top 10 APIs and SDKs for Video Calling in 2023
We have compared the best video call APIs for your Android, iOS, and Web apps. Here are some of the top 10 best live video calling APIs and SDKs are MirrorFly, Agora, Apphitect, Twilio, Getstream, Sinch, EnableX, etc… choose your provider today based on their features, pricing, and more.
1. MirrorFly
MirrorFly is a popular and industry-leading video calling SDK provider that lets users experience the best & secure face-to-face interactions. From offering 150+ video, voice, and chat features that can be customized as per business needs to quick integration capabilities, MirrorFly is highly preferred by developers. Additionally, we also offer both cloud and self-hosted video chat solutions to build video calling apps.
Let us take a look at the perks of these solutions.
MirrorFly Cloud-based Video SDKs
This solution is known to offer high-end chat features like 1-to-1 and group video chats, file sharing, online presence indicators, and other top features for a monthly subscription fee. And, businesses can host their video chat apps on MirrorFly’s cloud servers.
Other benefits of this solution include:
- Fully free chat SDKs
- 21-day free voice and video call SDKs
- Dedicated cloud servers
- Multi-tenancy support
MirrorFly Self-Hosted Video Chat SDKs
With the help of Mirrorfly’s self-hosted video SDKs, you can build a 100% customizable whitelabel video chat solution for a one-time license cost. Also, upon opting for this model, businesses get full control over features, deployment, and security.
Other benefits include:
- 100% customizable chat SDKs
- One-time license cost
- White-label chat solution
- On-premise hosting
MirrorFly’s Pricing
Offers both “Pay-as-you-go” & “One-time License cost” pricing models that make it flexible for businesses of all sizes. Our SaaS plans come with monthly subscriptions whereas our self-hosted solution offers 100% customizations on all voice chat features.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux
- Tech Stacks: JavaScript, Kotlin, Swift, React JS, Java
- Use Cases: Healthcare, Financial, E-learning, Gaming, E-commerce, Social, Dating
2. Agora

Agora is the sole video calling API provider with features like AR facial masks and sound effects. Their in-house algorithms or codes offer streaming quality from 96p to 1080p with lesser bandwidth for better visualization. Further, to alleviate stutters, lags, or jitters during a video call, Agora’s SDK applies adaptive video resolution technology on the user’s network condition.
Notable Features
- Sound Effects
- AR Facial Masks
- Whiteboards, Screen Sharing
- HD Quality Video Streaming
- Custom Masks
- Visual Filters
- Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI)
Agora’s Pricing
Agora’s video API pricing is a little unique from the rest as they offer pricing plans based on the number of participants in a video chat app, the quality of the video for streaming, and the duration they are used for.
Looking to Recreate your Existing Agora Platform?
3. Apphitect
Apphitect is a global leader in video chats and conference calls catering their services to enterprises of varied sizes; from SMBs to full-fledged large enterprise solutions. Their video calling APIs and SDKs are unique in the market, in terms of feature-suite, scalability parameter, security attribute, and easy integrations. Additionally, developers come to know of Apphitect as a completely customizable chat API provider of call & chat solutions that businesses can avail at a one-time license fee.
Notable Features
- 100% Customizable & White-labeled Solution
- Highly Scalable
- Supports up to 100 interactive video call participants.
- Group Calls, Conference Chats
- Flexible Deployment
- High Video Streaming Quality
- Load Balancing
Apphitect’s Pricing
You must contact the Apphitect’s sales team as their video calling API pricing is not listed on their web page.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux
- Tech Stacks: JavaScript, Kotlin, Swift, React JS, Java
- Use Cases: Healthcare, Financial, E-learning, Gaming, E-commerce, Social, Dating
4. Twilio

Twilio provides APIs and SDKs that can add video calling to apps with virtual video background and custom layout features. Yet another important aspect of them is their quality control tools like Network Quality API to monitor network performance and bandwidth across participants in a video chat app.
Notable Features
- Quick and Easy Integrations
- API and SDK Tutorials and Documentation
- Highly Scalable and Reliable
- GDPR and HIPAA Compliance
- Animations and Virtual Background Images
- Breakout Conference Rooms
Twilio’s Pricing
Twilio holds a free pricing plan for mobile and web apps that constitutes only a 1-to-1 video conferencing feature. However, there is a price tag for the rest. Also, if your app needs to support more than two participants in a video chat, then the pricing varies with per participant per minute.
Looking to Recreate your Existing Twilio Platform?
5. GetStream

GetStream is a leading provider of video calling APIs and SDKs that allow users to experience face-to-face interactions at the highest quality. Unlike other providers in the niche, they have partnered with Dolby.io, a division of Dolby Labs. This amalgamation has made integration of video features like 3D Immersive Calls, Video Calling, Content Sharing, Broadcasting, and Recording possible.
Notable Features
- 1-to-1 Video Chats and Group Calls
- Live Broadcasting
- File Sharing
- Call Recording
- Video Conferencing
- Screen Sharing
- Security Mechanisms
- GDPR and HIPAA Compliance
GetStream’s Pricing
GetStream pricing plans differ with the size of the business and the features they rely on. For more information, contact their sales team.
Looking to Recreate your Existing GetStream Platform?
6. Sinch

Sinch helps app or web developers build a richer video chat experience for end users with ideal customizable video chat APIs. Their iOS, Android, and Web-based Javascript in-house video calling SDKs give the utmost streaming quality with flexible deployment. With these, unmatched security, top-notch performance, and die-hard traits are a few, Sinch gets noted for.
Notable Features
- Hybrid Platform Support
- Enterprise-grade Reliability
- Custom Video Filters and Masks
- Live Broadcasting
- Lowest Video Latency
Sinch’s Pricing
Sinch supports different pricing plans but does not feature its video API pricing online. To know more about their pricing, you need to contact their sales team.
7. EnableX

Enablex.io has come forth with a perfect video chat API and SDK for app developers giving them everything to build a video chat app like never before. From ideally curated KB tutorials to features like none, Enablex has indeed enabled a higher version of the video chat experience. Their codes acting as building blocks are highly scalable as per the business needs and are unique!
Notable Features
- UI Kits that are customizable with tangible layouts.
- Allows up to 2000 participants in a video conference call.
- Enhanced security standards like E2E and AES-512 mechanisms.
- Screen and File Sharing options
Enablex.io’s Pricing
Their pricing is determined by the number of participants in a video call app and the number of minutes a call lasts.
8. Vonage

Vonage is a new kid on the block whose feature-rich video chat APIs gives developers an easy method to build custom video experience on platforms like Android, iOS, and the Web. Built on the WebRTC standards, their data streaming quality is not limited by any network issues.
Notable Features
- Encrypted Video Recordings
- Embedding Video Chats
- GDPR and HIPAA Compliance
- SIP Interconnect
- AES-256 Standards
- Integration is less than 4 minutes
- Video Stream Customization
- HLS and RTMP Streaming
- Video Analytics
Vonage’s Pricing
Vonage prices its users starting from $9.99 per month with exceptions on bandwidth limitations. Their pricing plans range with the number of participants in a live video session.
9. CometChat

Cometchat’s APIs and SDKs make video call integration a hit with its rich in-depth documentation, demos, and easy-to-understand codes. Also, they come compatible across hybrid platforms for iOS, Web, and Android. Be it to add any functionality, like 1-to-1 video calls, group video chats, or any live video features, Cometchat does it with a breeze.
Notable Features:
- 1-to-1 Video Chat and Group Chats
- Video Conferencing Functionality
- Typing and Presence Indicators
- Chat Widgets like Drag and Drop
- White-labeled Message Translation
- Automated Moderation Tools
Cometchat’s Pricing
Cometchat’s pricing comes flexible with plans built to scale as per the needs of the business. Their plans start from as minimal $149 per month to $749 per month.
10. Videosdk.Live

Videosdk.Live is an impressively fast integration facility that is said to add video calls to apps in less than 10 minutes. It makes video calling efficient for both users and developers by helping them explore vast SDK functionalities from their depot. Also, their codes are written supporting platforms like JavaScript, React JS, React Native, Android, Flutter, and iOS.
Notable Features
- Pre-built SDK that supports 5000 participants in a group video call.
- Integration in 10 minutes
- Whiteboards, Polls, Q&A
- Channels and Threads
- UI Kits and Scalable parallel rooms
- Video Recording
- Unlimited attendee support in a group call
Videosdk’s Pricing
Video SDK pricing is determined by the number of participants in an active video call app and the streaming quality one wishes to include in the app.
Now, that we saw the different API providers in town, let us focus on yet another aspect:
Factors to Consider When Choosing Video Call API and SDK Providers
Here is a list of factors to consider when evaluating a video calling API.
- Self-hosted and SaaS Deployment
Deployment options happen to be a major factor in determining the best API provider. Some vendors offer cloud-based options, whereas quite a few promise on-premise deployment when your traffic increases. Both the options are good but choose as per your business needs.
- Quick Integrations
Quick integration in minutes and easy setup without having to jot down many requirements are a few parameters to be mostly seen while choosing a video calling API provider.
- High Scalability
Scalability is yet another imperative factor. And, the video chat API should also be able to scale across platforms as the transaction volume pitches up. With these, the API infrastructure should also maintain flexibility to changing business needs.
- Unmatched Security
Whenever it comes to security, there are a lot of things to consider, starting right from security standards like AES or E2E to compliances with SSO capabilities. Additionally, businesses in Europe must comply with GDPR & HIPAA act to avoid any type of data breach. So, ensure that your video chat API has a hold on all of these.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
It has become a necessity for users to engage in video chats across platforms. So, businesses are in search of video chat APIs that are compatible with hybrid platforms (Android, iOS, and Web) at the same time.
Integrate the Right Video Chat API within your Video App Now
We just saw the top ten video chat APIs beeping their benefits in the town. And so, there might be a possibility that an API of the list could suit your business needs. But, let us remind you that the internet is an ocean, you get to find complete repositories on them there.
Be it whichever API you choose, ensure that it holds the benefits and features discussed above for your video chat app. Also, pricing matters, so have a look at the API’s pricing page. Finally, Happy Implementing & Happy Rejoicing!
Integrate Our Video, Voice & Chat SDKs into Any App in < 30 mins
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Video Calling API?
A video calling API (Application Programming Interface) is said to be a plug-and-play component whose codes can be integrated into any existing web and mobile application to build exceptional video communication experiences for users.
Additionally, a video API is usually known to save developers time and effort in quickly adding complex video chat features like single and group chats, call muting, language translation, and a lot more in less than an hour.
What is a Video SDK?
A video SDK also meaning video Software Development Kit is a plug-in module that lets developers or anyone to easily integrate its codes into any web or mobile application and create exceptional audio and video communication experiences within minutes. And an SDK is a set of tools that includes a library of functions, visual editors, code samples, processes, and APIs too.
Which APIs & SDKs are Best for Video Calling?
Some of the top 10 best live video calling APIs and SDKs are as follows,
1. MirrorFly – The #1 SaaS & Self-hosted Video Chat SDK Provider!
2. Agora – Drive User Engagement With Video Calling APIs
3. Apphitect – The Top Provider Of Self-Hosted APIs
4. Twilio – Makes App Conversational With Video SDKs
5. GetStream – The Best Video Chat API Provider
6. Sinch – Their Video Chat APIs Create Experiences
7. EnableX – A Trusted Video Chat SDK Provider To-Date
8. Vonage – Build The Best Video Chat Apps
9. CometChat – A Leading Video Chat API Provider
10. Videosdk.Live – A Multi-featuristic Video Chat API
What is a Live Video Call?
Live video call is a type of real-time communication that helps users can interact face-to-face with each other over the internet. You can make live video calls using any mobile or computer, provided it has a built-in microphone, cameras, and speakers, along with a supporting app or software.
How Does Video API Work?
There are a lot of things that happen in the background when using a video chat API, right from encoding and packaging to playback. With these, a video API also supports certain functions like creating workflows, customizing, and controlling them, thereby allowing developers to add videos to the system, configure settings, and finally deliver the content to end users.
What are the Key Benefits of Using Video APIs?
Using a ready-made video calling SDK or API lets developers to quickly build features that would rather take months for development, they need not focus on the security part as APIs would have built-in security protocols, can easily scale with business growth, any newbie or individual developer is sufficient, and includes no maintenance or infrastructure cost.
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It’s a great post…Help me out to choose the best online video call app. Best wishes.
Hi Darvin, thanks for your feedback on my article. If you are thinking of a video API provider to build your live video app, I would suggest MirrorFly to be a great choice. Because, MirrorFly’s video calling SDKs are highly secure, and scalable, and comes with SaaS and self-hosted pricing models to help build apps with great messaging capabilities. Further, their self-hosted solution comes as an ideal choice to build a white label video chat app for a one-time license cost. My best wishes for your app development!
I think very very detailed article for those who are looking for video calling sdk for my healthcare group video call app. There are some drawbacks in each video api providers so you should choose any of them carefully.
Hi Russel, thanks for your feedback. Very grateful for your response.
This is really a great article. I just started looking for video sdk service provider. this article realy helped me lot and time saver!!!
Thanks, Prem for your valuable feedback on my article. Hope you found the best video chat SDKs provider for your android app development.
Krishi, what aa super comprehensive list. Thank your for taking the time to write it…. you have helped me a lot to choose the best online video call api in USA. I had never heard of them before I read your article.
Hi Vinay, thanks for your response. It’s great to hear that my article has helped you to choose the best video chat sdk providers for your video chat app development. My best wishes!
Thanks for sharing. It is a very helpful content for selecting the best video video chat sdk for any business model. Your blog is so amazing.
Hi Cris, thanks for taking your time to read my article. And, best of luck for your video chat app development.
This one of the best article about video call apis and skds I’m looking for. Thanks for sharing this and keep up the good work and very detailed information about live video chat sdk platform. Thanks once again!
Very great of you Johnson! Hope you found the best video API for your live video call app development. My best wishes to you.
Excellent article. As I would see it, extraordinary about the list online video call api and sdk providers you make EVERYTHING so easy to understand. Thank you very much. You speak to the very experienced and the professional.
Thanks, Syed for the valuable feedback. It is great to know that my article turned out to be an informative one. Please keep coming back for more insights.
Never saw someone wrote this deep Guide on live video chat sdk providers and free random video chat. So deep it is, don’t have to look anywhere else. thanks keep writing
Hi Farhan! Grateful for your feedback and I’m glad that you were able to draw information from my article.
A good video api provider list.I am doing some research since I am building my own video app for edutech video call . I am learning the pros, cons, what features people need, what people don’t and so on. This list helped a lot. Thanks for putting this together here Krishi!
Hi Rahman, thanks for your valuable feedback on my article. It’s great to hear that you are building your own video chat app. And if you are looking out to build a fully customizable white-label video chat solution, MirrorFly can be your great option. Because its video SDKs offer low latency, high scalability and security, and come with SaaS and self-hosted chat solutions to help developers like you build engaging video chat apps.
Wow what an Epic Blog post thank you so much and I am on the way to looking best video calling api for my edutech video call app. definetly this post will help me to get success
Hi George, thanks for your feedback on my article. And, it is amazing to hear that you are looking for the best video-calling API for your business! MirrorFly can be your best choice as its video SDKs are highly secure, and scalable, and comes with both SaaS and self-hosted solutions. If you’d like to know more about the benefits you could avail yourself of, talk to our team of experts.
Hi Krishi, wonderful post and detailed content about best video calling APIs. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Swetha, thanks for your feedback on my article.