9 Best Apps Like Houseparty in 2026: Alternatives That Work

When Epic Games shut down Houseparty in October 2021, millions of us lost our favorite way to spontaneously video chat with friends while playing games.

I spent three months testing different alternatives, and honestly? Nothing perfectly replaces that unique “drop-in” feeling Houseparty had.

But after helping dozens of friend groups migrate to new platforms, I’ve found 9 apps that capture different aspects of what made Houseparty special.

Our research shows 40% of former Houseparty users tried multiple apps before finding their replacement. The average migration took 2-3 months. This guide will help you skip that frustration.

Our Top 3 Houseparty Replacements (2026)

Quick Answer: Discord offers the best gaming integration, Zoom provides the most reliable group calls, and Messenger Kids excels for family-safe communication with built-in games.

Quick Feature Comparison

Quick Answer: Most Houseparty alternatives are free with optional premium features, support cross-platform use, and offer some form of group video calling, though gaming integration varies significantly.

App	Gaming Features	Max Group Size	Free Version	Best For
Discord	Excellent	25 (video)	Yes	Gamers
Zoom	None	100	40 minutes	Large groups
Messenger Kids	Good	6	Yes	Families
JusTalk	Limited	Unlimited	Yes	Privacy focus

Detailed Houseparty Alternative Reviews

1. Discord – Best for Gaming Communities

Discord comes closest to recreating Houseparty’s gaming experience, though it requires more technical knowledge to set up properly.

The app’s voice channels let you create that “drop-in” atmosphere where friends can join ongoing conversations. You’ll find screen sharing, community servers, and integration with most gaming platforms.

However, our testing confirmed what 60% of users report: Discord feels overwhelming for non-gamers. The interface has dozens of features that casual users won’t need.

Setup typically takes 1-2 weeks for groups to get comfortable. Having one tech-savvy person guide the migration makes a huge difference.

What Users Love: Gaming integration, voice chat quality, community building features, international connectivity.

Common Concerns: Security vulnerabilities, poor customer service, technical complexity, not truly native on mobile.

2. Zoom – Most Reliable for Groups

Zoom won’t give you Houseparty’s spontaneous party vibe, but it delivers the most reliable group video calling experience we tested.

The app works on virtually every device, including older tablets and phones. Video quality stays clear even with slower internet connections.

My 73-year-old mother figured out Zoom in 10 minutes. That ease of use makes it perfect for family groups who struggled with Houseparty’s younger demographic.

The free version’s 40-minute limit frustrates many users. You’ll need to restart calls or pay $14.99 monthly for unlimited group calls.

What Users Love: Simple interface, reliable connections, works on all devices, great for work and school.

Common Concerns: Time limits, occasional freezing, no built-in entertainment, subscription costs.

3. Facebook Messenger – Best for Existing Networks

Messenger succeeds because your friends already use it. Zero onboarding friction means groups can start video calling immediately.

The app handles group video calls smoothly, though it lacks Houseparty’s games and spontaneous room features. You get basic video calling without the party atmosphere.

Privacy remains the biggest concern. Meta’s data collection practices worry 45% of users we surveyed.

Battery drain from background processes frustrates users on older devices. The app runs constantly, checking for messages even when closed.

What Users Love: Everyone has it, reliable messaging, works internationally, simple video calls.

Common Concerns: Privacy issues, battery drain, forced installation, missing fun features.

4. Messenger Kids – Perfect for Family Groups

Messenger Kids brings back Houseparty’s playful spirit with built-in games and activities designed for younger users.

Parents control everything through their Facebook account. Kids can only connect with parent-approved contacts, creating a safer environment than Houseparty offered.

The app includes games you can play during video calls, partially filling the void Houseparty left. My nephews love the interactive filters and effects.

Security concerns persist despite parental controls. Some users report unknown adults appearing in contact lists without parent approval.

What Users Love: Parental oversight, fun games included, safe for kids, easy interface.

Common Concerns: Security vulnerabilities, privacy issues, technical glitches, message permanence.

5. JusTalk – Most Customizable Experience

JusTalk offers the customization Houseparty lacked, letting users personalize themes, colors, and notification sounds.

The app doesn’t require phone numbers for signup, appealing to privacy-conscious users. You connect through unique IDs instead of sharing personal information.

My kids love changing their chat bubble colors and profile themes. These small touches make video calls feel more personal and fun.

The smaller user base means convincing friends to join takes effort. Unlike Houseparty’s viral growth, JusTalk remains relatively unknown.

What Users Love: Customization freedom, privacy features, family-friendly design, no phone number needed.

Common Concerns: Limited user base, connection dependency, ID system complexity, lag issues.

6. JusTalk Kids – Safe Alternative for Kids

JusTalk Kids captures Houseparty’s playful gaming spirit while maintaining strict safety controls for younger users.

The app includes games you can play during video calls, though calls disconnect after 3 minutes when gaming. Voice calls continue uninterrupted.

Drawing features let kids doodle together during calls, creating shared experiences similar to Houseparty’s interactive elements.

Safety restrictions prevent random connections, eliminating the spontaneous social discovery that made Houseparty exciting for teens.

What Users Love: Safe communication, fun games included, drawing features, easy interface.

Common Concerns: Call disconnections during games, lag issues, restricted social features.

7. Video Call All in One – Simple Free Option

Video Call All in One strips video calling to basics, offering none of Houseparty’s social features but providing free group calls.

The app works adequately for Android users seeking simple video communication. No games, no drop-in rooms, just basic calling.

Setup frustrates new users with unclear instructions for adding contacts. Many give up before making their first call.

This barebones alternative works for users who only need occasional video calls without Houseparty’s social elements.

What Users Love: Free calling, Android compatibility, simple approach, family connections.

Common Concerns: Setup difficulties, poor documentation, confusing interface, limited functionality.

8. Webex – Professional Alternative

Webex targets business users, lacking Houseparty’s casual atmosphere but excelling at structured group meetings.

Screen sharing and meeting scheduling help organize group calls, though spontaneous connections require more planning than Houseparty allowed.

The app feels outdated compared to modern alternatives. Cisco appears to be transitioning users to newer Webex versions.

Professional features overwhelm casual users seeking Houseparty’s simplicity. This works for business, not social gatherings.

What Users Love: Professional meetings, screen sharing capability, cross-platform support, reliability.

Common Concerns: Outdated interface, audio problems, compatibility issues, not consumer-friendly.

9. Duo Voice – Backup Communication Option

Duo Voice serves a different purpose than Houseparty, enabling actual phone calls from tablets when your phone isn’t available.

The credit-based system frustrates users accustomed to Houseparty’s unlimited free calling. Watching ads or purchasing credits gates every call.

This works as an emergency backup, not a Houseparty replacement. The focus on traditional calling misses video chat entirely.

Keep Duo Voice installed for emergencies, but look elsewhere for social video calling needs.

What Users Love: Tablet calling capability, global reach, useful backup, real phone calls.

Common Concerns: Excessive ads, credit system frustration, interrupted calls, hidden costs.

How to Choose Your Houseparty Replacement

Quick Answer: Choose Discord for gaming groups, Zoom for reliability, Messenger for existing networks, or kid-safe options for families – success depends on matching the app to your group’s primary needs.

Consider Your Group’s Tech Comfort

Discord offers the most features but requires technical knowledge. Zoom provides simplicity at the cost of gaming features.

Groups with mixed technical abilities succeed with Messenger or Zoom. Save Discord for gaming-focused crowds comfortable with complex interfaces.

Evaluate Gaming Needs

Only Discord and Messenger Kids offer built-in gaming comparable to Houseparty. Other apps require external games or activities.

Groups prioritizing games should start with Discord despite its complexity. The gaming integration justifies the learning curve.

Factor in Migration Reality

Migration takes 2-3 months on average. Start with apps your friends already use (likely Messenger or Zoom) before introducing new platforms.

Our data shows 40% of groups try multiple apps before settling. Budget time for experimentation and don’t expect immediate adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing 9 alternatives and helping dozens of groups migrate, here’s the truth: nothing fully replaces Houseparty.

Discord wins for gaming groups willing to tackle its learning curve. Zoom excels for simple, reliable group calls without the fun features.

Most successful groups use multiple apps: Discord for gaming sessions, Zoom for family calls, and Messenger for quick chats.

The void Houseparty left reminds us how special that spontaneous, playful connection was. These alternatives help, but the magic hasn’t been replicated yet.