Below is a list of technology options in alphabetical order, including cost, pros, and cons. If you have any questions about these or would like to discuss virtual ministry options further, contact us.
FaceTime (iPhone text, voice, video calls)
Cost: Free
Pros: Superior sound quality
Cons: Limited to iPhone/Apple users
Google Duo (text, voice, video calls)
Cost: Free with Google
Pros: Alternative to Facetime for Android users, knock knock feature lets you know who is contacting you
Cons: Some history of inconsistency, battery drain
Google Hangouts Meet (virtual video meeting experience)
Cost: Free with Google Suite
Pros: Easy to join meetings; for Google users, it is Google’s Zoom
Cons: Requires high bandwidth
WhatsApp (text, voice, video calls)
Cost: Free
Pros: Encrypted calls, alternative to Facetime to include android users, reduces data usage for calls and texts, can delete “sent” messages, delivery status feature, great for international communication
Cons: File size limit, requires Internet connection
Zoom (virtual video meeting format)
Cost: Free option (with 40 minute limit), upgraded versions ($15/month/host or $20/month/host)
Pros: Live chats, recorded meetings, allows on-screen sharing
Cons: Free option cuts off at 40 minutes, can’t record in breakout rooms