They all have different security and privacy issues which should be understood before you buy one. Second, these are expensive and need to be on a stable wi-fi connection at all times.
Amazon's Echo Show range are reportedly some of the easiest to use. The devices have a feature that lets you start a call without the other person even having to answer. Called "drop in", it can automatically start the call if you set it up with the right permissions. It works with the Alexa app on smartphones, so only one person needs the special device.
Amazon also has some of the cheapest options, with the compact 5 inch model costing £50. It has a screen about the size of a smartphone's but larger models are available. It's compatible with Skype
The Facebook Portal might be a better fit for some. One of its main selling points is the camera pans and zooms around the room, following the person you're talking to. It starts at about £80, on special offer, for the photo-frame model.
It also integrates its video calls with Facebook-owned Whatsapp and the popular Facebook Messenger, so people who own a smartphone with those apps can easily call the Portal device.
Google's Nest Hub Max sells itself on the fact it functions as a security camera.
Similar to Amazon's "drop in", family members with the right permissions can activate the security features and start watching the camera feed at any time. Some privacy-conscious people may not see that as a good thing. It costs £219. Be aware that a smaller Nest Hub model does not have a camera.
