Highlights of the 10 best video calling/conferencing APIs and SDKs you must try in 2023, including their features and benefits to help you choose the right one for your needs.
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.
Table of Contents
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 call 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 and use cases:
- 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.
- HD video and HQ calls: Allows users to have high-definition video and crystal-clear calls.
- Video Analytics: Provides you with an analytics dashboard to view engagement, call duration, and other insights across your app.
- 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/conferencing 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
The #1 SaaS & Self-hosted Video Chat SDK Provider!
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 call apps.
How Does a MirrorFly Video Call Work?
MirrorFly enables video call functionality in your app of any size or tech stack by providing APIs and SDKs that can be integrated into your app in just minutes. Their SDKs and APIs perform in a way that gives you feature-rich video calling capabilities for your app in real-time.
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:
- Integration in less than 20 mins
- Pre-built UI Kit
- 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, Telecommunication
- Location: India, the USA, and the UAE
2. Agora
Drive User Engagement With Video Calling APIs
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.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Unity, and the Web
- Tech Stacks: Flutter, React Native, Java, Javascript, LinuxC++, Unity SDK
- Use Cases: Gaming, E-commerce, Technology, Event Management
- Location: USA and UK
Also Read How to Build A Flutter Video Chat App in 2023?
Looking to Recreate your Existing Agora Platform?
3. Apphitect
The Top Provider Of Self-Hosted Video Conferencing APIs
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
- Dedicated Server Integration
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: Telecommunication, Healthcare, Financial, E-learning, Gaming, E-commerce, Social, Dating
- Location: Singapore, Australia, and the UAE
4. Twilio
Makes App Conversational With Video SDKs
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.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, and even Docker images
- Tech Stacks: Python, C#, PHP, Ruby, Java, Javascript, Curl
- Use Cases: Retail services, Healthcare, Finance, NGOs
- Location: USA, Russia, and India
Looking to Recreate your Existing Twilio Platform?
5. GetStream
The Best Video Chat API Provider
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.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, and even Docker images
- Tech Stacks: React, React Native, Angular, Flutter, Ruby, Django, Javascript, Python
- Use Cases: IT Sector, E-commerce, Dating Apps, Social Media, Healthcare, E-learning
- Location: USA, UK, and UAE
Looking to Recreate your Existing GetStream Platform?
6. Sinch
Their Video Chat APIs Create Experiences
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.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and the web
- Tech Stacks: Java, Javascript, Python, Android, Swift
- Use Cases: Event Management, Transportation, Financial, and Information Technology
- Location: USA, Australia, and Russia
7. EnableX
A Trusted Video Chat SDK Provider To-Date
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.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, desktop, and the web
- Tech Stacks: Swift, Java, Javascript, Kotlin, React Native, Node.js
- Use Cases: Enterprises, E-Learning, Healthcare Industries, Financial, Dating, And Social
- Location: Russia, Japan, and France
8. Vonage
The Best Video Chat SDK Provider with User Experience
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.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, desktop, and the web
- Tech Stacks: Java, Javascript, Node.js, Python, Ruby,.NET, PHP
- Use Cases: Aviation, On-Demand Services, E-Commerce, Dating Apps, Tourism
- Location: Switzerland, Australia, and India
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.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Web, Unity, Cordova, Xamarin
- Tech Stacks: Javascript, Kotlin, C#, PHP, Swift, Java
- Use Cases: E-Commerce, Collaboration Tools, Healthcare, Gaming, Dating Apps
- Location: India, USA, and UAE
10. Videosdk.Live
A Multi-featuristic Video Chat API
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.
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and the web
- Tech Stacks: Objective C, Javascript, Java, Kotlin, Swift, and Dart
- Use Cases: Education, Healthcare, Customer Service Platforms, Telecom, Dating Apps
- Location: UK, UAE, and Switzerland
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!
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/Conferencing?
Some of the top 10 best live video calling APIs and SDKs are as follows,
1. MirrorFly – The #1 SaaS & Self-hosted Video Call API Provider!
2. Agora – Drive User Engagement With Video C APIs
3. Apphitect – The Top Provider Of Self-Hosted APIs
4. Twilio – Makes App Conversational With Video Chat 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.
What is a Video Conferencing API?
A video conferencing API (application programming interface) allows you to add video conferencing functionalities to your web or mobile app. It comes with pre-built video conferencing features like host control, admin panel, screen sharing, join conferencing via link, in-call messages, etc.
What is the Difference Between Video SDK and Meeting SDK?
Meeting SDK is like the Zoom UI embedded app that allows you to connect and host meetings virtually. Whereas video SDKs provide video calling functionalities to your app with HD video and HQ calls, like MirrorFly video SDKs.
Related Articles
It’s a great post…Help me out to choose the best video call service provider for my edutech 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 edutech 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 chat api and sdk for my healthcare app. There are some drawbacks in each video api provider 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 a video chat sdk provider. this article realy helped me lot and time saver!!!
Thanks, Prem for your valuable feedback on my article. Hope you found the best live video calling solution 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 calling and video conferencing APIs and SDKs 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 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 call service provider 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 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 free video calling and video conferencing API for your 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 about video conferencing api from my article.
A good video api provider list. I am doing some research since I am building my own 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 call SDK for my edutech video call app. definitely 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 live video calling API for your business! MirrorFly can be your best choice as its video chat 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.
I am reaching out to express my interest in integrating your conferencing API into our court document automation solution. We have a specific requirement that entails a free video call app component in order to complete the process. We believe your technology would be a perfect fit for our needs and we are excited to work with you to complete our application. Please let me know if this is of interest to you and we can discuss the details further. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hi Apeh Gabriel, it is amazing to hear that you are looking for the video conferencing 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.
I need to set up a video app with a voice call and live video call feature added to it as well. please send me the pricing details.
Hi Celestine! I recommend you to talk to our Sales team to get more clarity on the features and pricing list that best fit your startup’s needs. Wish the best to you!
Hi there. I would like to know what the one time price is for your self hosted video calling solution? Thanks so much, Joel
Thanks Joel Renall for considering our video APIs and SDKs for your project. No not only video also for chat & voice. Our solution is 100% customizable with over 150 + chat features and have made this available at one-time license cost, wherein you can purchase our solution forever with no monthly subscription. To have more clarity with regards to the same, feel free to contact us. Thank You!
We want to self host chat/Audio/Live Video Call Solution on our AWS servers for our clients, How your solution will help us and what are the charges?
Hi Vihar, about our self hosted video APIs and SDKs offer an end-to-end customization with chat, voice and video calling custom features as per your business requirement. To have more clarity about our solution, feel free to drop your detail to fix an appointment to proceed further. Thank you..
We have our own Web, iOS and Android App and are searching for an easy to integrate voice and video call solution that works on all 3 platforms.
Hi MirrorFly could be the most compatible one for your business needs as here we offer our Video APIs and SDKs at one time license cost with 100% customization and 150+ chat features that can be integrated into any 3rd party device easily like Web, iOS and Android App. To have more clarity on the pricing details, feel free to contact us by having an appointment to proceed further. All the best!
Hi, I am developing an application, in which I want to integrate live video call, and voice call feature. Initially, client wants to launch the app in UAE. Kindly do the confirmation if your APIs working in UAE and what’s the further process. Thanks
Hi, we’re a niche phone company in the Netherlands focussing on inhouse callcenters. I’m investigating the options to add chat and live video call to our solution and we think MirroFly is a promissing option. I have two questions at the moment: 1: If we start with the free version or a subscription, will it be possible to migrate to a self hosted version in the (near) future? 2: Can the MirrorFly solution still be used when we add other chat channels like WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, etc. Thanks in advance!
Hello, I am building an Training/Educational Website and i wish to integrate your video call SDK for android, ios and website
Below are my requirements 1. File Sharing (with limitation) 2. URL Sharing 3. Image Attachment (with limitation) 4. Emojis 5. Administrator controlled sessions 6. Only Admin can create groups 7. Customers should not chat with one another 8. One customer’s profile should not be visible to another customer (Email or phone or country) 9. Broadcast Message from admin 10. Customers can message admin
I am looking to implement live video call solution within our digital shop, where customers can connect with our agents in case they face any problem completing transactions.
We are looking to integrate an live video call api with a web-based software and a mobile application. MirrorFly video sdk is one of the providers that we are looking into and would like to discuss more about its capabilities and specific features
We would like to have a call as soon as possible to understand your online video call api pricing and how you compare to Agora, which we have been working with to date. We build apps in the sports space, including TennisONE and the soon-to-be-released Bleacher App that utilizes multi-directional interactive video to join sports fans around their favorite sport. It is somewhat time sensitive so please let me know when you have your earliest time slot available. do you have any free video call trial version. Thanks, Brito
Hello , I am in need of a edutech video call solution with live video and voice calling. I am building a video call platform to connect student/teachers.
Hi, we are a fintech company located in Singapore and Indonesia, we are looking for video call feature for our banking app. Would be great if we could arrange a time for a discussion. Is there any free trial for your video api. Thanks and please share the price list of your video API for Android apps
We are developing a dating app, so we need an dating video api to continue the development of the communication module.
Hi I am building a astrology app. I am looking to implement live video call and voice call within our clients. Do you have any similar project that you have already working on any astrology video api? If any please share the demo app. Thanks
Hi Team, we are building dating app. I need to implement you dating api for live video call features. Is there any free sample app for dating community, please share it to my email id. Thanks