Zoom 5.0 is the platform's biggest update yet, and it comes with a slew of safety features to prevent cases of Zoom bombing and with a better level of encryption. Still, the popular video conferencing app remains not end-to-end encrypted.
If you're one of those paying for Zoom, however, end-to-end encryption is on the horizon. But those using the app free of charge will have to deal with regular services as is.
For the uninitiated, end-to-end encryption is the gold standard of encryption, because not even Zoom has the keys to your data. So, let's say want your chat or meetings to be super private, it's the kind of security you would want to have.
That being said, let's take a look at these four super-secure video conferencing apps that are not Zoom.
Google Duo
End-to-end encrypted calls are like a standard for Google Duo -- so much that Google notifies you when you dial into your call. The app cannot accommodate a lot of people like Zoom can, but 12 people in a group call is already a crowd, so it's a valid alternative for Zoom.
Facebook-owned WhatsApp isn't the go-to video conferencing app of many business people, which is ironic because it's a fairly common app installed on many phones. But hear this: WhatsApp offers end-to-end encrypted communication for up to eight people.
If you go above that number though, you'll be taken to Facebook's Messenger Rooms, which -- mind you -- isn't end-to-end encrypted. Better keep your figures low.
Signal
It's normal if you haven't heard about Signal before, but its users love it for providing that sense of security in this age of data breaches and phishing scams.
A caveat to this app, however, is that you can only use it to call one contact at a time -- yep, it doesn't have support for group calls. But there are some new features underway, so now might be the time to try and give it a chance.
FaceTime
iOS users are no stranger to FaceTime. Apple's video chat app is both secure and easy to use, and you can use it across all your Apple gadgets. Zoom has become super popular since the pandemic struck, but a lot of Apple users remain loyal to it because it's already end-to-end encrypted.
Only Apple users can use FaceTime, though, so if you need to call any of your Android friends, you'll have to use another app for that.
