Software – Skype, Google Meet, and WeChat
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 8:06 am
Software has turned out to be a tricky part. Since 2013, we’ve tested over ten different solutions, and none have been perfect.
I recommend using both Skype and Google Meet (with a VPN) because sometimes one doesn’t work well.
But, I’ll lay out the pros and cons of the different options to help you choose the best option for yourself.
WECHAT FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING
WeChat is cool because everybody in China has it, and they korea phone number check it often. So you can make calls on your phones without needing to install any extra software.
The quality of calls on WeChat is pretty good.
The downside is that people tend to use it on their phones rather than the computer, so it tends to be a bit more awkward. Other potential issues with mobile WeChat:
The camera and mic are not as good on their phone.
Files are not readily accessible.
Note: there is a desktop version of WeChat too, but I can tell you from experience that only a few of the hundreds of calls I have had involved people using WeChat on their computer. It’s not just the tools that matter, but how people use them.
Still, at present, if you want to simply have a call with somebody in China, WeChat is a great way to get started.
SKYPE WORKS WELL IN CHINA
Skype is another tool that many people already have accounts for, so it’s easy to get started with.
And, like WeChat, it doesn’t require a VPN to use.
I’ve found the quality of calls on Skype to be better. Plus, people tend to use it on their computer, which means they use a better camera and microphone.
GOOGLE MEET FOR CHINA?
Google Meet is my favourite.
Some people find this surprising (because it requires a VPN to use), but we have a stable VPN, so it’s worked out OK. Even with the occasional connectivity issues, Google Meet is still as reliable as the other solutions.
What I like most about Google Meet is how it integrates with Google Calendar and G Suite. It ends up being a fairly smooth experience.
Besides Google Meet, I’ve tried a whole bunch of different software of a similar format: Zoom, GoToMeeting, Tencent Meeting, etc. It all works similarly, and it’s annoying to have five different solutions installed, but sometimes that might be what your contacts are using.
SECURITY
I recommend using both Skype and Google Meet (with a VPN) because sometimes one doesn’t work well.
But, I’ll lay out the pros and cons of the different options to help you choose the best option for yourself.
WECHAT FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING
WeChat is cool because everybody in China has it, and they korea phone number check it often. So you can make calls on your phones without needing to install any extra software.
The quality of calls on WeChat is pretty good.
The downside is that people tend to use it on their phones rather than the computer, so it tends to be a bit more awkward. Other potential issues with mobile WeChat:
The camera and mic are not as good on their phone.
Files are not readily accessible.
Note: there is a desktop version of WeChat too, but I can tell you from experience that only a few of the hundreds of calls I have had involved people using WeChat on their computer. It’s not just the tools that matter, but how people use them.
Still, at present, if you want to simply have a call with somebody in China, WeChat is a great way to get started.
SKYPE WORKS WELL IN CHINA
Skype is another tool that many people already have accounts for, so it’s easy to get started with.
And, like WeChat, it doesn’t require a VPN to use.
I’ve found the quality of calls on Skype to be better. Plus, people tend to use it on their computer, which means they use a better camera and microphone.
GOOGLE MEET FOR CHINA?
Google Meet is my favourite.
Some people find this surprising (because it requires a VPN to use), but we have a stable VPN, so it’s worked out OK. Even with the occasional connectivity issues, Google Meet is still as reliable as the other solutions.
What I like most about Google Meet is how it integrates with Google Calendar and G Suite. It ends up being a fairly smooth experience.
Besides Google Meet, I’ve tried a whole bunch of different software of a similar format: Zoom, GoToMeeting, Tencent Meeting, etc. It all works similarly, and it’s annoying to have five different solutions installed, but sometimes that might be what your contacts are using.
SECURITY