free is a spectrum. some apps are completely free. some are "free" with heavy limitations. some are basically demo versions that push you to pay constantly.
i tested every major video chat app to see what you actually get without paying. here's the truth.
quick comparison
| app | video chat | text chat | gender filter | unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tjub | free | free | paid | yes |
| ometv | free | no | paid | yes |
| chatroulette | free | no | no | yes |
| chatrandom | free | free | paid | limited |
| shagle | limited | free | paid | no |
fully free options
tjub
the free version includes video chat, text chat, and voice chat with no daily limits. you can match with as many people as you want. reporting and blocking are free too.
what's paid: gender filter and priority matching are tjub+ features. but the core functionality is completely free.
actually freechatroulette
completely free. no paid tier at all. just video roulette with strangers. no text chat, no filters, no premium features because there is no premium.
the downside is obvious: no features means no features. and the moderation suffers without revenue to pay for it.
100% free, basicometv
video chat is free and unlimited. no daily caps, no credit system, just matching. text chat is not a thing here, it's video only.
gender filter requires payment. but if you just want free video chat without limits, it works.
free video, no textlimited free options
chatrandom
free tier exists but there's a daily limit on matches. after a certain number of chats you have to wait or pay. gender and country filters are paid.
usable for casual use but heavy users will hit the wall fast.
limited freeshagle
free version is very limited. short video chat sessions, limited matches per day, constant prompts to upgrade. barely usable without paying.
feels more like a trial than a free tier.
barely freewhat "free" features actually matter
unlimited matching
the most important free feature. if you can only do 10 chats a day, you're not really using the app. good apps give you unlimited matching for free.
video chat
the core feature should be free. if video chat requires payment, it's not a free video chat app, it's a paid app with a demo mode.
text and voice options
sometimes you don't want video. maybe you're in public, maybe you're not camera ready. having text or voice as free options adds flexibility.
reporting and blocking
safety features should never be paywalled. if you have to pay to report someone or block them, run away from that app.
what's fair to be paid
some features make sense as paid options:
- gender filter. this is expensive to implement and maintain. fair to charge for it.
- priority matching. queue jumping is a reasonable premium perk.
- ad removal. if ads fund the free tier, paying to remove them is fair.
- profile badges. cosmetic stuff that doesn't affect functionality.
red flags in "free" apps
- credits systems. if you buy "credits" to unlock chats, it's designed to drain your wallet.
- countdown timers. "upgrade now to continue chatting" is manipulation.
- fake matches. some apps show fake profiles to get you excited then paywall the "contact" button.
- hidden paywalls. everything looks free until you try to actually use it.
the verdict
for genuinely free video chat with strangers, tjub and ometv are the best options. both give you unlimited matching and video chat without paying.
chatroulette is 100% free but lacks features and moderation.
avoid apps with credit systems or short free trials. they're designed to frustrate you into paying, not to provide a good free experience.