Apple FaceTime is free. It is most effective when you have a high-speed internet connection. Experts who sell cell phones can attest that this built-in Apple app is a favorite of many. And mostly, it provides quality service, at least, until you get your phone bill.

Have you ever wondered how much data FaceTime consumes? Is your constant FaceTime use propelling your phone bill to incur shockingly high charges? Let’s take a deeper look at FaceTime data and its alternatives.

We conducted a little FaceTime experiment using an iPhone 5s running on 3G to an iPod Touch

4G. The test call results are:

• Call Duration: 10 minutes
• Data Delivered: 14.6 MB
• Data Acquired: 15.1
• Total Data: 29.7 for 10 minutes

We concluded from the results that FaceTime is utilizing roughly three megabytes per minute. This means a conversation that is an hour long entails about 180MB of data. An identical test done through 9to5Mac exhibited a similar result. However, this outcome varies depending on your Apple gadget iOS version.

Ultimately, when you choose a Wi-Fi plan for your home, select an unlimited plan to prevent massive data charges. In the same way, think about data charges on all networks before choosing a 3G connection.

Tips on How to Save Data Charges via FaceTime

• Keep FaceTime calls short.

FaceTime is a great app to help you connect with your loved ones. It’s also one of the easiest ways to deplete your monthly mobile data allowance. But, not to worry, there are two options to limit your FaceTimes data use.

One, exercise self-discipline regarding non-Wi-Fi video calls. Two, disable FaceTimes mobile access entirely. If you decide on the latter, launch Settings, choose Cellular, look for the FaceTime setting, then click the off switch.

• Skype

For most people, a video chat service is synonymous to Skype. First launched in 2003, the system grew continuously until it was acquired by Microsoft in 2011. Obviously, it’s the default messaging software for Windows gadgets. However, its Android and iOS versions are reliable.

The video chat services of Skype work in various data transfer scenarios. Basic Skype accounts cost nothing. They also give you unlimited one-on-one video chat across whatever supported platform. Group chats are now part of the basic service. However, they still charge by the minute or via a monthly subscription for Skype calls to phone numbers outside the Skype service.

• Google Hangouts

This is the out-of-the-box substitute for FaceTime, and it’s not that bad. Google Hangout is a service for real-time text chat and video. Among the best things about it is that its vastly cross- platform and connected to your Google ID. Not only does it works amazingly on every Android gadget, but you but can also use it on your desktop – even with a Mac.

The platform features multiple-person chats for as many as ten users. Google likewise offers a mobile version for Apple devices. One major advantage of Hangouts over FaceTime is its latency data control. While iOS devices recommend only using FaceTime when linked to a wireless Internet connection, Google’s chat and video service bargain far better with standard data rates. Voice calls to a fellow Hangouts user costs zilch.

With FaceTime use, as with anything else, moderation is the key.