Top 10 Video SDKs Platforms for Android Apps

In the digital realm, Android applications equipped with video communication are becoming a standard necessity. From corporate meetings to personal chats, a reliable Video SDK can amplify the user experience.

With a multitude of options in the market, pinpointing the right choice can be intricate. This article delves into 10 distinguished Video SDK platforms for Android, like Dyte, Agora, Twilio, and many more that are steering the industry.

The must-have features in a Video SDK for an Android application:

1. Real-time capabilities: This allows for live streaming and conferencing, crucial for applications like video chats or meetings.
2. Screen sharing: This feature allows users to share their screen with others in real-time, which is useful for presentations or collaborative work.
3. Recording: The ability to record video calls or streams can be essential for reviewing content later or for creating tutorials and demos.
4. Low-latency streaming: This ensures that there is minimal delay between the video being captured and it being displayed to the user, making for smoother communication.
5. Advanced video and audio customization: This could include various filters, effects, and editing options to enhance the user experience.
6. Peer-to-peer and group video calling: Critical for apps that require multi-user video conferencing.
7. Mute and camera toggle buttons: These allow users to control their audio and video feeds during a call.
8. Background replacement: This feature allows users to change their background during a video call, providing more privacy and personalization.
9. Integration facilities: Robust API and SDK documentation help developers integrate the SDK into their apps quickly and efficiently.
10. User safety practices: Ensuring the SDK follows best practices for user safety is also crucial.

Please note that the specific features you need might vary depending on the exact requirements of your app.

List of Top 10 Video SDKs for Android Apps

1. Dyte
2. Agora
3. Twilio
4. Vonage
5. Jitsi
6. Daily
7. Kurento
8. Apphitect
9. MirrorFly
10. Zoom

Dyte

Dyte's Android Video SDK is a powerful tool designed to streamline the integration of video communication into any Android application. It's an adaptable, feature-rich solution that caters to a wide array of use cases, from simple video chats to full-scale web conferencing applications. With its robust functionality and easy-to-use interface, Dyte's Android Video SDK aims to make real-time communication seamless and efficient, enhancing user engagement and experience.

Features of Dyte's Android Video SDK

1. Real-Time Video Communication: Dyte's SDK supports high-quality, low-latency video streaming, ensuring smooth and effective communication.
2. Screen Sharing: Share your screen for presentations or collaborative work with this function.
3. Video Recording: Record video calls or live streams for future references or content creation.
4. Customizable Video and Audio Settings: Apply filters, effects, and adjustments to enhance audio and video quality.
5. Multi-User Support: Conduct peer-to-peer or group video calls seamlessly.
6. Mute and Camera Toggles: Grant users control over their audio and video input during calls.
7. Background Replacement: Offer users the option to change their background during video calls for added privacy and personalization.
8. Comprehensive Documentation: Dyte provides robust API and SDK documentation, making it easier for developers to integrate the SDK into their apps.
9. User Safety Practices: User safety is a priority, as Dyte ensures all data is encrypted and secure.
10. Pre-built UI-Kit: a low-code UI kit to help developers customize video experiences to suit their brand guidelines all the way.

Pricing for Dyte's SDK

Dyte's Android Video SDK provides 10,000 monthly free minutes. Once exhausted, with the pricing limit to the usage, it costs $0.004 per user per minute. Special features like recording and RTMP-out cost $0.010 and $0.015 per minute, respectively. For detailed pricing or large-scale requirements, talk to our team.

Agora

Agora's Android Video SDK is a communication tool that works on various operating systems and platforms. It can be used for calls and live streaming, with some customization options. It is used in industries like telehealth, gaming, retail, media, and entertainment. The SDK has adaptive resolution for video streaming in low bandwidth situations.

Features of Agora's Android Video SDK

1. The SDK is compatible with popular development frameworks, increasing its versatility.
2. Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) is said to provide some video enhancement capabilities.
3. Supports broadcasting capabilities
4. Users can change their video background.
5. Includes real-time messaging and instant communication.

Agora Android SDK limitations

Here are some limitations of the Agora Android Video SDK:

• The pricing model can be complex and potentially limiting for larger-scale implementations.
• There may be restrictions in customizing certain features to suit specific user needs.
• Apps targeting API 29 or higher may face restrictions that could impact SDK functionality.
• Signaling Limitations like the size of attribute settings in one channel operation must not exceed 32 KB.
• The number of hosts and participants who can join a call may be limited, depending on the SDK version used.

Pricing for Agora's SDK

Agora offers various services at different prices. High-quality video calling costs $8.99/1,000 mins, while voice calling is even cheaper at $0.99/1,000 mins. Live streaming and chat have separate pricing.

To learn more about Agora pricing, check out our blog. And, if you are looking for Agora alternatives, here is a detailed and honest comparison of Agroa vs Dyte.

Twilio Video SDK

Twilio Video SDK for Android is a versatile tool that allows developers to incorporate real-time voice and video into native Android applications. It provides a programmable real-time communication platform that enables the addition of video chat functionality to Android applications, enhancing user interaction and engagement.

Features of Twilio Video SDK for Android:

1. Real-time voice and video integration allows for interactive communication within Android applications.
2. Compatibility with Android Studio 2.0+
3. These assist in capturing, distributing, recording, and rendering high-quality audio and video applications.

Limitations of Twilio Video SDK for Android

1. Developers may need to invest significant time and resources into integrating Twilio's SDK into their applications.
2. Some users have reported app crashes when building and installing the release version. A bug in the Programmable Video SDK is suspected of causing this issue.
3. Manual configuration for multiple audio inputs/outputs could be time-consuming and complex for some developers.

Twilio Video Pricing

Twilio Video's pricing is based on usage. The cost starts at $0.004 per participant per minute. This pricing model provides flexibility, allowing businesses to pay for only what they use. However, additional costs may be incurred for recordings and storage. Depending on the extent of usage, these additional costs could significantly impact the total expenditure.

If you need a deeper exploration, read our detailed breakdown of Twilio's pricing.

Twilio is rolling back its Twilio Video product, so if you are looking for a replacement, here's a handy list of Top 15 Twilio Video alternatives. Also, check out how Twilio compares to Dyte's Video Calling APIs.

Vonage Video

The Vonage Video SDK for Android is a tool that developers can use to integrate real-time video, voice, and messaging into native Android applications. With the Vonage Video API Android library, you can create video-centric applications on the Android platform that may enhance user interaction and engagement, thanks to the capabilities of WebRTC technology.

Features of Vonage Video SDK for Android:

1. Real-time Video and Voice Integration
2. The SDK can be integrated into popular development tools, including Android Studio.
3. Allows capturing, distributing, recording, and rendering audio and video.
4. Developers can add screen sharing to their mobile applications.

Limitations of Vonage Video SDK for Android:

1. Developers may need to invest a significant amount of time to understand and effectively use the SDK. This learning curve may be steeper depending on the technical expertise.
2. Some users have reported occasional app crashes or stability issues, which may be due to bugs within the SDK.
3. Developers may have to manually configure multiple audio inputs/outputs, which can be challenging and time-consuming.

Vonage SDK pricing

In terms of pricing, Vonage Video operates on a pay-as-you-use model. This provides businesses with the flexibility to scale their usage up or down based on their specific needs. However, it's important to note that additional costs may be incurred for things like recordings and storage. Depending on the extent of usage, these additional costs could significantly impact the overall cost of using the Vonage Video SDK for Android.

Learn how Vonage compares with Dyte. An honest comparison, we promise.

Jitsi

Jitsi Meeting SDK for Android is a solution that lets developers integrate real-time video conferencing capabilities into their native Android applications. As an open-source tool, Jitsi provides a flexible and customizable platform for creating interactive video-based applications, enhancing user communication and engagement.

Features of Jitsi Meeting SDK for Android:

1. Jitsi allows multi-user video communication within Android applications.
2. Allows users to share their screens during a video conference, enhancing collaboration.
3. Allows recording of meetings and also supports live streaming on platforms like YouTube.
4. The SDK can be integrated into popular development tools, including Android Studio.

Limitations of Jitsi Meeting SDK for Android:

1. For developers new to Jitsi, understanding the specific configurations and customization options may involve a steep learning curve.
2. Some users have reported stability issues during video conferences, particularly with larger groups.
3. Being an open-source tool, Jitsi may not provide the same level of customer support as some commercial alternatives.
4. It isn't as secure as other commercial Jitsi alternatives.

Jitsi Pricing

When it comes to pricing, one of the advantages of Jitsi is that it is available for free. As an open-source platform, developers can use and modify its code without incurring any cost. However, if you decide to utilize Jitsi's hosted service, called Jitsi Meet, there may be associated costs based on your usage level. Additionally, while the software itself is free, businesses should consider expenses related to hosting, maintenance, and potential custom development work.

Daily

Daily Video SDK for Android is a tool that allows developers to add real-time video and audio communication to their native Android apps. It offers SDK and APIs for creating video-based apps on Android, which may enhance user interaction a bit.

Features of Daily Video SDK for Android:

1. Allows for interactive communication within Android applications.
2. The SDK can be integrated into popular development tools like Android Studio.
3. Provides pre-built user interfaces

Limitations of Daily Video SDK for Android:

1. Relying too much on browser compatibility can impact performance on certain devices.
2. The pre-built user interfaces, while convenient, may limit the ability to fully customize the look and feel of the video experience.

Daily pricing

Daily pricing starts at $0.002 per participant per minute for standard-definition calls and $0.004 per participant per minute for high-definition calls. Additional costs may apply for recordings and storage. Depending on usage, these costs can significantly impact the overall cost of using the Daily Video SDK for Android. It's worth noting that Daily offers a free tier, including up to 2,000 participant minutes per month, for businesses to get started affordably.

Kurento

Kurento Video SDK for Android is a tool that can be used to develop real-time video communication applications on Android platforms. It provides a set of APIs that allow developers to integrate features like video calling, group chat, and media transcoding into their native Android applications.

Features of Kurento Video SDK for Android:

1. Allows for the development of applications with real-time audio and video communication.
2. Supports various media codecs and formats
3. SDK includes features for handling network issues like packet loss and bandwidth limitations.
4. Is compatible with WebRTC standards

Limitations of Kurento Video SDK for Android:

However, there are certain limitations associated with the Kurento Video SDK for Android:

1. Kurento's complexity may pose a steep learning curve for developers.
2. Developers have reported that Kurento's documentation could be more comprehensive and easier to understand.
3. Because Kurento is an open-source tool, it may not have the dedicated customer support provided by commercial alternatives.

Kurento Pricing

Kurento, being open-source, is available for free. However, additional costs may arise for infrastructure, hosting, and maintenance, especially for large-scale or commercial applications. Custom development work or third-party support services should also be considered. Hence, while Kurento is free to use, the total cost of ownership may vary based on specific usage and requirements.

Apphitect

Apphitect Video SDK lets developers add video and audio conferencing capabilities to their Android applications. With a few APIs, Apphitect offers some options to design basic communication features for businesses and their customers.

Features of Apphitect Video SDK:

1. Provides Real-time Video and Audio Conferencing
2. Customizable UI capabilities
3. Allows users to share their screens during conferences

Limitations of Apphitect Video SDK:

1. Users have expressed that the documentation could be more comprehensive and user-friendly.
2. Apphitect may require a steep learning curve for developers new to the tool or extensive technical expertise.
3. Non-transparent pricing

Apphitect Pricing

Apphitect offers a quote-based pricing system and changes based on business to business. Costs may increase with advanced features or greater usage. Contact Apphitect directly for a detailed quote aligning with your specific requirements.

MirrorFly

MirrorFly Video SDK for Android allows developers to incorporate real-time video, voice, and chat communication into their Android applications.

Features of MirrorFly Video SDK for Android:

1. Mirrorfly supports video calling, voice calls, and chat functionality.
2. Has UI Components for customization

Limitations of MirrorFly Video SDK for Android

1. Documentation is difficult to navigate, especially for new users, leading to increased integration time.
2. Depending on the package chosen, support may be limited or come at an additional cost.

MirrorFly Pricing

Regarding pricing, MirrorFly uses a customized quote system. However, it's important to note that due to variable and not stranded pricing, the costs may increase with advanced features or greater usage. For a detailed quote aligned with specific requirements, it's recommended to contact MirrorFly directly.

Zoom SDK

The Zoom Video SDK for Android lets developers integrate video conferencing capabilities into their Android apps. It is an extension of Zoom's video meeting app.

Features of Zoom Video SDK for Android:

1. The SDK supports up to 720p video and audio.
2. Users can share their screen or a particular application window during a meeting.
3. Local recording of meetings is supported.

Limitations of Zoom Video SDK for Android:

1. Some features available in the Zoom app, such as breakout rooms and polling, are not available in the Video SDK.
2. Customizations are limited, which might not let you integrate video experiences the way you want

Zoom SDK Pricing

For the Zoom Video SDK, pricing starts at $100/month for 10,000 minutes after the 10,000 free minutes are exhausted. Note that the Video SDK requires a separate account and cannot be combined with other Zoom accounts or services.

If you are looking for Zoom alternatives, check out how Zoom compares with Dyte's Video SDKs.

Here is a quick summary for all the SDKs:

Conclusion

In conclusion, Video SDKs for Android offer a powerful and flexible solution for developers looking to integrate video conferencing capabilities into their applications. Selecting an apt Video SDK for an Android application is a multifaceted decision influenced by features, scalability, and budgetary considerations.

However, it's essential to consider factors such as ease of integration, customization possibilities, support, and pricing model before making a decision.

Dyte stands out there with industry-leading documentation, customer support, SDK builds, and pre-built UI kits.

If you're curious about what Dyte is capable of, here are some resources to start off your research:

• Dyte's Uptime Status (in Real Time)
• Dyte Pricing
• Dyte User Documentation,

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect these tools to become even more advanced, offering unprecedented opportunities for real-time, interactive communication within Android applications.