Top 10 Video Conferencing API for 2024

The global COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a complete revolution in the communication sector. What used to be reserved for special occasions, like live video calls for festive gatherings, has now become an essential tool for business meetings and professional discussions.

A Video-calling API (Application Programming Interface) also known as a video chat API or video conference API is a set of protocols, tools, and definitions that allow developers to integrate video-calling functionality into their applications or websites. Essentially, it provides a way for developers to build video calling features without having to develop the entire infrastructure from scratch.

These APIs typically include functions for establishing video calls, managing participants, handling audio and video streams, and managing other aspects of the video call experience such as screen sharing, chat, and recording. They often support a variety of platforms including web browsers, mobile devices, and desktop applications.

What Essential Features Should A Video Calling SDK Include?

Key Features to Consider When Developing a Video Calling App:

• Single and Group Chats: Enable users to engage in both one-on-one and group conversations through the conferencing feature.
• Content Sharing: Allow seamless sharing of content and screen during video calls.
• Enhanced Quality: Ensure minimal lags, jitters, and background noise for a smoother calling experience.
• Call Recording: Provide the functionality to record and store video call content for future reference.

Video Conferencing SDK for 2024

We've curated a compilation of the finest video calling API, featuring the following top 10 selections: VideoSDK, Agora, Twilio, Mirrorfly, AWS Chime SDK, Zoom Video SDK, Vonage, 100ms, EnableX, LiveKit, and Whereby.

1. VideoSDK: Real-time video infra for developer

• Embrace the seamless integration of VideoSDK, one of the leading video API providers, where simplicity harmonizes with speed to enable you to concentrate on crafting innovative features that elevate user engagement.
• With VideoSDK, you unlock unparalleled scalability, adaptive bitrate technology ensuring top-notch video quality, extensive customization options for tailored user experiences, high-fidelity recording capabilities, comprehensive analytics offering insightful data, cross-platform streaming for wider accessibility, effortless scalability to meet growing demands, and robust support spanning diverse platforms.
• Whether you're building for mobile (Flutter, Android, iOS), web (JavaScript Core SDK + UI Kit), or desktop (Flutter Desktop), VideoSDK empowers you to effortlessly forge immersive and captivating video interactions.

VideoSDK Pricing

• Unlock the exceptional value of VideoSDK! Embrace the generosity of their 10,000 free monthly minutes and immerse yourself in the versatility of their pricing options for both video and audio calls.
• With VideoSDK, immerse in video calls starting at an astonishingly low rate of just $0.003 per participant per minute, enabling seamless connections without stretching your budget.
• Furthermore, their audio calls are affordably accessible at only $0.0006 per minute, making communication both cost-effective and within reach.
• To elevate your experiences, they offer cloud recordings at an affordable $0.015 per minute, preserving crucial moments for future reference.
• Those pursuing seamless RTMP output present competitive pricing at $0.030 per minute, ensuring uninterrupted and fluid streaming capabilities.
• Rest assured, their dedicated support team stands by 24/7, poised to deliver prompt and dependable customer assistance whenever you need it.

2. Agora: Real-Time Voice/Video Engagement

• Agora offers integrated voice and video chat SDK offers integrated voice and video chat, real-time recording, live streaming, and instant messaging functionalities.
• Users can also enhance their experiences by opting for premium add-ons such as AR facial masks, sound effects, and whiteboards at an additional cost.
• With Agora’s SD-RTN (Software Defined Real-Time Network), users can enjoy extensive global coverage and benefit from ultra-low latency streaming capabilities, ensuring a seamless communication experience.
• However, it’s worth noting that Agora’s pricing structure may be intricate and may not be the most suitable option for businesses with tighter budgets.
• Users who require direct support from Agora’s team should be aware that assistance might involve longer response times.

Agora pricing

• Agora provides users with a choice between two pricing plans: Premium and Standard, tailored to their service requirements.
• The pricing is based on the monthly duration of audio and video calls, offering users a cost-effective approach.
• The pricing options are further divided into four categories, each corresponding to different video resolutions, ensuring flexibility and aligning with users’ specific needs.
• For audio calls, Agora offers a rate of $0.99 per 1,000 participant minutes.
• HD Video calls are priced at $3.99 per 1,000 participant minutes, and Full HD Video calls are available at $8.99 per 1,000 participant minutes.
• This structure empowers users to select the pricing tier that best fits their usage patterns, ensuring they can make a well-informed decision based on their budget and requirements.

See how Agora compares with its competitors

3. MirrorFly: Voice & Chat APIs for Developers

• MirrorFly is known for its custom video calling API and messaging SDK that includes 1000+ in-app communication capabilities for web and mobile apps.
• This could affect the platform's ability to offer a uniquely personalized communication experience.
• Scalability could be a potential concern for MirrorFly, particularly when dealing with larger applications or handling a substantial volume of users.
• Maintaining performance and stability under high traffic conditions or complex use cases may pose challenges.
• Users' experiences with MirrorFly's technical support appear to be mixed. Some have reported less-than-optimal responsiveness, resulting in delays or difficulties in resolving issues and addressing concerns.
• The pricing structure of MirrorFly may not align with all budget constraints or use case scenarios.
• Depending on the desired features and scalability needs, the associated costs might be higher compared to alternative communication platforms.
• Integrating MirrorFly into existing applications or workflows could be a complex endeavor requiring significant technical expertise.
• Inadequate documentation or developer resources might make the integration process more challenging and time-consuming than desired.

MirrorFly pricing

• MirrorFly's pricing begins at $299 per month, positioning it as a premium option within the market.
• This cost should be carefully considered for the platform's features, capabilities, and the specific budget constraints of your project.

4. Twilio Video

• Twilio offers a range of SDKs for web, iOS, and Android, equipping developers with versatile tools to seamlessly integrate live video functionality into their applications and elevate user experiences.
• However, it’s important to note that working with Twilio may entail manual configuration and additional coding effort, particularly for utilizing multiple audio and video inputs.
• This complexity can potentially pose challenges during the development process.
• Twilio’s call insights feature is designed for error tracking and analysis, yet its integration requires additional code implementation, which might add to the development workload.
• As usage scales, pricing considerations come into play. Twilio lacks a built-in tiering system in the dashboard, which could lead to complexities in managing scaling needs efficiently.
• While Twilio supports up to 50 hosts and participants, which covers many use cases, it’s worth mentioning that Twilio does not offer ready-made plugins for streamlined product development.
• This could demand extra time and effort from developers for implementation.
• Finally, Twilio does offer customization options, but the extent of customization may not always align perfectly with every developer’s specific requirements.
• This might necessitate further code development to achieve the desired outcomes.

Twilio pricing

• Twilio follows a pricing model that commences at $4 per 1,000 minutes for their video services.
• Regarding recordings, Twilio charges at a rate of $0.004 per participant minute, while recording compositions come with a price tag of $0.01 per composed minute.
• Furthermore, storage incurs costs at a rate of $0.00167 per GB per day, applicable after the initial 10 GB.

See how Twilio compares with its competitors

5. AWS Chime SDK

• The Amazon Chime SDK facilitates video meetings with a maximum capacity of 25 participants (50 for mobile users), providing a platform for effective collaboration among users.
• Through the integration of simulcast technology, it ensures uniform video quality across diverse devices and networks, fostering seamless communication.
• To uphold security standards, the Amazon Chime SDK encrypts all calls, videos, and chats, creating a secure communication environment for users.
• However, certain features like polling, auto-sync with Google Calendar, and background blur effects are not included in the Amazon Chime SDK, potentially limiting users seeking these specific functionalities.
• Notably, compatibility issues have been reported in Linux environments, and participants using the Safari browser might encounter challenges while utilizing the SDK, possibly impacting the overall user experience.
• Furthermore, customer support encounters with the Amazon Chime SDK can exhibit variability, with query resolution times contingent on the specific support agent assigned to the case.

AWS Chime pricing

• Amazon Chime offers a foundational free plan, allowing users to engage in one-on-one audio/video calls SDK without incurring any cost.
• For users seeking enhanced features and capabilities, the Plus plan is available at a rate of $2.50 per month per user.
• This plan extends valuable additions such as screen sharing, remote desktop control, 1 GB of message history per user, and seamless Active Directory integration.
• To cater to more intricate collaboration demands, the Pro plan is offered at $15 per user per month.
• This comprehensive plan encompasses all the features available in the Plus plan and accommodates meetings with three or more participants.
• This Pro plan is suited only for larger group discussions, presentations, and collaborative endeavors.

See how AWS Chime compares with its competitors

6. Zoom Video SDK: Video Communications Platform

• The Zoom Video SDK empowers developers to craft tailored video compositions, accommodating up to 1,000 participants per session.
• Enriching collaboration, it integrates functionalities such as screen sharing, live streaming, and in-session chat, complemented by layout control.
• Zoom’s global outreach is strengthened by its support for multiple languages and the availability of support plans for expedited assistance.
• Nonetheless, inherent role constraints and bandwidth management aspects should be considered.

Zoom pricing

• In the realm of pricing, Zoom provides a generous allocation of 10,000 free monthly minutes, with charges incurred once this threshold is surpassed.
• The pricing structure initiates at $0.31 per user minute, while an additional option offers video recordings at $100 per month for a capacious 1 TB of storage.
• For telephony services, a fixed monthly fee of $100 applies, encapsulating Zoom’s comprehensive offering.

See how Zoom compares with its competitors

7. Vonage

• The API brings a versatile set of tools to the table, encompassing live video, voice, messaging, and screen-sharing functionalities, with client libraries catering to a range of platforms.
• Customization of audio/video streams, complete with effects, is facilitated, alongside support for collaborative features.
• Performance analysis tools are at your disposal, and paramount security and compliance measures are built in.
• The solution adeptly scales to meet varying participant needs and even provides chat-based support.
• It’s worth noting that the management of edge cases falls under the purview of the user.

Vonage pricing

• Vonage employs a usage-based pricing strategy, with charges calculated dynamically by the minute, contingent on the number of participants in a video session.
• Commencing at $9.99 per month, each plan grants a complimentary 2,000 minutes every month, spanning across all plans.
• Once the allotted free minutes are utilized, the pricing adjusts to $0.00395 per minute per participant.
• Recording services commence at $0.10 per minute, and if you’re considering HLS streaming, the cost is set at $0.15 per minute.

See how Vonage compares with its competitors

8. EnableX: Engagement Platform For Video, Voice And Msg

• EnableX equips users with a self-service portal, complete with reporting and real-time analytics.
• This empowers users to monitor communication quality and manage online payments efficiently.
• The SDK enables seamless live content streaming directly from your app or website, expanding your reach to platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
• One aspect to consider is that the support team’s response time might extend up to 72 hours, potentially posing a challenge for users seeking more immediate assistance.

EnableX pricing

• EnableX extends pricing plans commencing at $0.004 per minute per participant for rooms accommodating up to 50 individuals.
• Recording services, a valuable feature, come at a rate of $0.010 per minute per participant, allowing you to capture and store video sessions for future use.
• Should you require the conversion of videos into different formats, transcoding services are available at a rate of $0.010 per minute.
• To address your storage needs for growing video content, additional storage can be acquired at a rate of $0.05 per GB per month.
• Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) streaming is provided at a rate of $0.10 per minute, enabling seamless real-time delivery to various platforms and devices.
• Please note that pricing may be subject to variation based on specific requirements.

9. SignalWire: Audio/Video Communication Platform

• SignalWire presents an SDK that empowers developers to seamlessly embed real-time video and live streaming functionalities into web, iOS, and Android applications.
• This versatile SDK facilitates video calls accommodating up to 100 participants within a real-time WebRTC environment.
• It's important to note that the SDK lacks integrated support for managing disruptions or user publish-subscribe logic, which developers will need to implement independently for a comprehensive experience.

SignalWire pricing

• SignalWire adopts a per-minute pricing structure tailored to usage.
• HD video calls are priced at $0.0060 per minute, while Full HD video calls are billed at $0.012 per minute.
• The exact cost may vary based on your chosen video quality for the application.
• Moreover, SignalWire extends additional features including recording services at a rate of $0.0045 per minute, facilitating the capture and storage of video content for future reference.
• For real-time broadcasting of video content, the platform offers streaming capabilities at a rate of $0.10 per minute, enabling seamless live broadcasts.

10. Whereby

• While Whereby delivers a smooth video conferencing experience, it's important to note that its customization options for the video interface are somewhat limited, potentially restricting full customization.
• Notably, video calls can be seamlessly integrated into websites, mobile apps, and web products, negating the need for external links or additional applications.
• However, Whereby may not offer the same breadth of advanced features compared to other tools in the market.
• Meetings hosted on Whereby can accommodate up to 50 participants, which can serve the needs of many scenarios effectively.
• Yet, it's worth mentioning that screen sharing for mobile users and host interface customization could have some constraints.
• For users seeking virtual backgrounds, it's important to acknowledge that Whereby does not currently support this feature.
• Furthermore, some users have reported issues with the mobile app, which could potentially impact the overall user experience.

Whereby pricing

• Whereby offers a pricing structure starting at $6.99 per month. This baseline plan provides users with a monthly allocation of up to 2,000 user minutes.
• If your usage surpasses the allocated minutes, excess usage is billed at a rate of $0.004 per minute.
• For those seeking advanced features, cloud recording and live streaming options can be accessed at a rate of $0.01 per minute.
• Notably, Whereby extends email and chat support at no additional cost to all users.
• For users desiring enhanced support, paid plans offer added benefits like technical onboarding and customer success management.
• Furthermore, Whereby caters to specific security and privacy requirements by offering HIPAA compliance as part of its paid support plans.

When it comes to integrating video conferencing capabilities into applications, choosing the right API is crucial for ensuring a seamless user experience and maintaining brand consistency. Below are the additional resources to get better ideas,

White Label Solutions for Brand Consistency

Offering white-label capabilities, APIs like Zoom Video SDK and Vonage allow businesses to integrate video conferencing features without third-party branding. This is crucial for maintaining brand consistency and trust, especially in customer-facing applications where user experience is tied closely to brand perception.

Third-Party Integrations and Extensions

Most top-tier video conferencing APIs now support extensive third-party integrations, enhancing their core functionalities. For instance, Agora and EnableX provide plugins and extensions for AR effects, additional security layers, and advanced analytics tools. These video conferencing API integrations allow developers to enhance their applications without extensive custom development, offering users a richer, more interactive experience.

Cross-Platform Functionality Across All Devices

Cross-platform support is a significant advantage of modern video conferencing APIs. LiveKit, MirrorFly, VideoSDK, and others offer SDKs that work fluidly across web, desktop, and mobile applications, ensuring that users have a consistent experience regardless of the device or operating system.

Diverse Use Cases: From Telehealth to Education

Highlighting specific use cases can help potential users visualize the application of these APIs in different contexts. For example, AWS Chime SDK & VideoSDK is highly beneficial in telehealth for its high-quality video and secure data transmission, while Zoom Video SDK can transform educational delivery through its interactive and scalable video conferencing capabilities.

Ensuring Low Latency for Real-Time Communication

Low latency is critical for real-time communication, particularly in scenarios like live sports broadcasting or financial trading where delays can be costly. APIs like 100ms and VideoSDK optimize their networking architecture to ensure ultra-low latency, enabling real-time interactions without lags or disruptions.

Self-Hosted Options for Enhanced Data Control

For enterprises concerned with data privacy and regulatory compliance, self-hosted solutions offered by MirrorFly and LiveKit provide complete control over the data and infrastructure, aligning with stringent data protection laws.

Easy Embedding into Existing Applications

The ability to embed video capabilities easily into existing platforms without extensive coding is a significant feature provided by Whereby and Agora. These APIs offer straightforward embedding options that can be integrated with a few lines of code, enabling businesses to enhance their websites or apps quickly.

Comparing Video Quality Across Platforms

When evaluating the best video quality, it's essential to consider factors like resolution, frame rate, and compression artifacts. Each API has different capabilities, with some like Zoom and VideoSDK offering HD and Full HD options, ensuring that all visual communications are crisp and clear.

Elevate Your Video App with the Perfect Video Calling API Integration Today!

In this exploration of the top 10 videos calling SDK, we've unveiled a plethora of possibilities that might perfectly align with your business needs. Remember, the internet is a treasure trove of information waiting to be discovered.

Regardless of the API you opt for, make certain it encapsulates the benefits and features we've discussed above for your video-calling app. And don't forget to delve into the pricing details on the API's dedicated page. With these insights in hand, embark on your implementation journey with enthusiasm and delight!