The Ultimate Watch2Gether Alternative: GroupTube

GroupTube is the best alternative to Watch2Gether for watching YouTube videos together with friends online.

Comparison: GroupTube – Watch2Gether

Just like Watch2Gether, GroupTube allows you to watch videos together with friends by syncing YouTube videos. So what's the difference? We have created a detailed comparison between GT and W2G, to help you judge for yourself.

Video Sync

🟡 On Watch2Gether, you don't see if or for whom the video is being synchronized. In case someone's video starts buffering because of slow internet, you will never know.

🟢 On GroupTube, the player makes it obvious when the video is being synced. Giving you immediate feedback that everyone is seeing the same moment at the same time.

A Screenshot explaining how the Sync Indicator works

Conclusions:

  • GroupTube's video sync is more transparent, allowing you to be certain who is watching. When someone's video starts buffering, the sync indicator will let everyone know.
  • Contrary to Watch2Gether, clicking on the video to pause it actually works. This behavior is really unintuitive, and therefore GroupTube provides a much better user experience.

Voice & Video Call

🟡 On Watch2Gether, cameras are displayed all the way at the bottom of the screen by default. You can make single cameras pop out, however this functionality seems to be buggy at the moment, as we were unable to move the popup.

A demonstration of where the built in call is on Watch2Gether

🟢 GroupTube's integrated voice & video call makes watching videos together incredibly interactive. The layout has been carefully designed to ensure that both the video and your friends' cameras are visible simultaneously – side by side.

A demonstration showing how the Call is integrated into GroupTube

Conclusions:

  • Watch2Gether has a very basic call integration. If you are serious about seeing the other person's face, GroupTube provides a much better experience.
  • GroupTube gives you control over your microphone volume and also noise suppression settings, for the clearest audio possible. Watch2Gether lacks any such functionality.

Search & Queue

🟡 Watch2Gether allows you to search for YouTube videos, however we advise you to provide a video URL directly – See the quality of search results for yourself.

Demonstration of how Search works on Watch2Gether

🟢 On GroupTube you search for videos using the official YouTube API, this provides great search results. You can add videos to the queue, to keep playing videos without interruption. Enable Auto-play and Repeat to listen to an infinite playlist of music.

Demonstration of how Search can be used to search for YouTube videos on GroupTube

Conclusions:

  • Searching for videos is better on GroupTube. On Watch2Gether you basically have to copy and paste the video URL. This is also possible on GroupTube, but not necessary.

Getting Started

🟢 On Watch2Gether, create a room on the homepage, copy the link, and send it to your friends.

🟢 On GroupTube, it's just as easy! Just click Create Group and invite your friends. Now you can start watching together directly!

1. Create Group

It's free! ⋅ No login required.

An illustration of a cursor

2. Invite Friends

Copy the link and sent it to friends.

3. Watch Together

Start a video and join the call.

Start Watching

Native Apps

🟡 Watch2Gether has no native apps. You have to use it inside your browser on https://w2g.tv.

🟢 GroupTube works on both mobile & desktop! Download the iOS or Android app or use it directly on https://group.tube.

Mobile Player with Video Call

Final Conclusion

The video synchronization of GroupTube is superior to Watch2Gether, because it exactly tells you what is going on. Unlike Watch2Gether, GroupTube currently only supports YouTube. Expect support for Twitch, Spotify, and Apple Music to arrive soon.

If you want to talk to your friends, the voice and video call on GroupTube has several advantages. Like active noise-suppression filters, and great controls to manage your microphone settings, you can even stream your desktop screen.

It's free! ⋅ No login required.

Demo Video

To see it for yourself, watch the demo video below or dive right in by creating your own group directly. This will give you a firsthand look at how GroupTube's features enhance your ability to connect and share moments with those closest to you, no matter where they are.

Experience Moments with Friends

No matter which platform you choose, what is most important is that you have a great time with your friends — Decide based on what feels more natural to you. Group video watching is lots of fun! Tell us about your thoughts or feelings at hello@group.tube.

Background

Watch together and meet your friends.