If you really enjoyed using Houseparty to play games with your friends, you are not alone. When Houseparty shut down, many people felt lost because it was one of the few apps where you could just open the app, see who was online, and instantly jump into a fun game together. If you miss that kind of easy, friendly, spontaneous experience, the good news is that you still have many great options.
In this article, you will find a simple, friendly, and helpful guide to the best Houseparty alternatives for online games. The goal is to help you choose apps where you can talk, play, and hang out with your friends without worrying about complicated setups. Whether you prefer casual drawing games, trivia, party-style games, or full gaming experiences with voice chat, there is something here for every mood.
Why You Need a Good Houseparty Alternative
Before you choose the right app, it helps to understand what you really miss about Houseparty. When you think about it, you probably miss things like:
- The ability to see your friends online and join instantly
- Simple games that everyone could understand
- Fun video chats that made the experience feel more personal
- A casual, friendly vibe without pressure
- Zero complicated setup
So the best alternative for you isn’t necessarily the biggest or most advanced app — it’s the one that allows you to hang out naturally and have fun without effort.
Let’s explore what options can bring that back for you.
1. Bunch — The Closest Match to Houseparty
If you want something that almost feels like Houseparty, Bunch is the best place to start. It is designed exactly for people who love to video chat while playing games together.
Why You Will Like It
- You can video call your friends while playing
- It has many mini-games like trivia, drawing, racing, and puzzles
- The interface is simple and beginner-friendly
- Anyone can join quickly — no complicated setup
- Perfect for casual groups, school friends, or office friends
If your main reason for using Houseparty was to chill, laugh, and play quick games during breaks or nights, you will feel at home here.
Best For
People who want fun, lightweight group games with video chat.
2. Discord — The Best for Larger Gaming Groups
If you want something more powerful that gives you both gaming and social features, Discord is a fantastic choice. You can use it on your phone, computer, or even in your browser.
Why You Will Like It
- Great voice and video chat
- Perfect for both casual and serious gamers
- You can share your screen or stream your gameplay
- Many built-in mini-games and bots for trivia, drawing, etc.
- You can create your own server for just your group of friends
Discord might take a few minutes to understand, but once you set it up, it becomes your long-term gaming home.
Best For
Groups who want voice chat, video, and many types of games — especially if you play regularly.
3. Telegram — Good for Simple Group Hangouts
Telegram might not be the first app you think of when it comes to games, but it actually works really well for groups who want to chat, call, and play lightweight mini-games using built-in bots.
Why You Will Like It
- Smooth video and voice calls
- Supports large groups
- You can play simple games like puzzles, trivia, quizzes, etc.
- Very easy to invite friends
- Works well on almost all devices
Telegram gives you a clean experience if you want something simple — not too serious, not too complicated.
Best For
Groups who already chat regularly and want a few casual games without downloading heavy apps.
4. Rave — Best for “Watch and Play Together” Experience
If your idea of hanging out is watching something together while chatting and reacting, Rave is perfect for you.
Why You Will Like It
- You can watch videos, shows, and content together
- It supports chat, voice, and reactions
- Great for long-distance friends who miss watching stuff together
- Good for mixing talking + watching + small interactive activities
- Simple interface, easy to understand
Even though the gaming is not as strong as Houseparty, Rave gives you a shared entertainment experience that feels warm and social.
Best For
Friends who enjoy watching videos together and chatting at the same time.
5. Plato — The Most Fun for Mini-Games
If you miss the game variety in Houseparty, you will love Plato. It’s filled with dozens of mini-games that anyone can play.
Why You Will Like It
- More than 45 multiplayer mini-games
- Chat while you play
- No account needed — you can jump in instantly
- Easy to create games with friends
- Fun for groups or one-on-one matches
If you used Houseparty mostly for games like UNO, Ludo-style games, pool, cards, and puzzles, Plato is one of the best platforms.
Best For
People who want non-stop mini-games with friends.
6. Zoom + Games — Surprisingly Good for Group Fun
You may think Zoom is only for work or online classes, but it actually works well for casual game nights too.
Why You Will Like It
- Very stable video and voice quality
- Perfect for large groups
- You can play screen-share games
- You can play Kahoot, Skribbl.io, Bingo, Jackbox, and more
- Very easy to join — everyone knows Zoom
Many friend circles now use Zoom for Friday game nights because it’s simple and widely used.
Best For
Groups that want video + external browser-based online games.
7. Skribbl.io — Best for Drawing With Friends
If your favourite Houseparty game was Quick Draw, this one will make you smile. Skribbl.io is a simple drawing + guessing game that works directly in your browser.
Why You Will Like It
- No download needed
- Very easy to play
- You can create your own private room
- Works with any group size
- Guaranteed laughter, especially if your friends draw badly
It’s one of the best quick options for a fun game night.
Best For
Groups who love drawing and guessing games.
8. Gartic Phone — Funniest Party Game for Groups
If you want a game that feels like a mix of drawing, telephone, and chaos, Gartic Phone is the perfect choice.
Why You Will Like It
- Works in the browser
- Free to play
- Very funny and unpredictable
- Great for 4–14 players
- Perfect for group laughter and long sessions
This is one of those games that creates unforgettable inside jokes.
Best For
Groups looking for a social, silly, and creative game.
9. Roblox — A Whole Universe of Fun Worlds
Roblox is not just a game — it is millions of games made by players. If your friends are looking for endless fun, Roblox is perfect.
Why You Will Like It
- Thousands of multiplayer games
- You can talk through voice or chat
- Games for all age groups
- Great for casual play
- Feels like a virtual hang-out place
Whether you like obstacle courses, party games, roleplay, racing, or puzzles, Roblox gives you unlimited choices.
Best For
Friends who like exploring different types of games together.
10. Among Us — Best for Suspense and Laughter
Among Us is one of the best social deduction games ever created. It may not be built for video chat, but most groups use it with Discord or Telegram calls.
Why You Will Like It
- Simple concept, super fun
- Best when played with friends
- Perfect mix of fun and strategy
- Easy to learn
- Great for short and long game sessions
This is one of the few games that works well for both small and large groups.
Best For
Friend groups looking for mystery and fun chaos.
How to Choose the Best Houseparty Alternative
Choosing the right app depends on what you want. Here’s a quick guide:
If you want video chat + games
- Bunch
- Zoom + online games
If you want voice chat + all types of games
- Discord
- Telegram
If you want simple fun mini-games
- Plato
- Skribbl.io
- Gartic Phone
If you want bigger gameplay worlds
- Roblox
- Among Us
If you want to watch something together
- Rave
Think of what mood you prefer and pick the app that offers the closest experience.
Tips to Make Online Hangouts More Fun
Even with the best apps, you can make the experience better by doing a few simple things.
1. Plan a Theme Night
You can have a trivia night, drawing night, or mystery night.
2. Keep Games Short
Short games keep everyone engaged.
3. Use Video or Voice Chat
This makes everything feel more personal, like Houseparty did.
4. Try New Games Every Week
You will never get bored, and your group will always have something fresh to try.
5. Play at the Same Time Every Week
Consistency turns online gaming into a tradition.
Final Thoughts
Houseparty may be gone, but the fun does not have to stop. You still have many amazing alternatives that let you talk, laugh, and play with your friends whenever you want. Whether you pick Bunch for simple mini-games, Discord for powerful features, Plato for endless fun, or something creative like Gartic Phone, you can bring back the same joy you once had on Houseparty.
What matters most is that you enjoy your time with the people you care about. The right app can make your online hangout feel warm, connected, and full of memories — just like before.