Marco Polo
Marco Polo: A mobile-first alternative for groups that prefer asynchronous video over chat. Ranked #45 of 55 in WhatsApp Alternatives by our editors (4.5/10); pricing: Free plan · 7-day trial; best for groups preferring asynchronous video messages.
At a glance
- Editor score4.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 7-day trial
- Best forGroups preferring asynchronous video messages
- Free planYes
- Paid from$47.99/yr
- Founded2016 · Remote; founders based in Palo Alto, California
- Facts checked3 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Supports one-to-one and group video messages for groups up to 200
- Recipients can watch and reply later, on their own schedule
- Invite links and group membership restrictions help manage access
Where it doesn't
- Available on iOS and Android, with no native desktop app
- Transcripts and summaries have limited access on the free plan
- Paid subscriptions add cost for features such as HD Polos and playback controls
Our verdict on Marco Polo
Marco Polo centers personal conversations on asynchronous video messages, called Polos, rather than text-first messaging. People can send a Polo to an individual or group, and recipients can watch and respond when convenient. Groups support up to 200 people, making the format suited to friends and family who want richer updates without coordinating a live call. It is a narrower WhatsApp alternative for groups comfortable with video as the main medium, not a fit for people who need a desktop app or primarily want conventional text chat.
Its group features help with access and participation: users can share invite links and restrict group membership, while saved messages, reactions, camera filters, voice effects, and Sharecast support different ways to share and respond. Plus adds playback speed controls and HD Polos. Transcripts and summaries are available on paid plans, with limited free access. These features make Marco Polo more compelling for video-first catch-ups than for groups seeking a broad messaging toolkit; the key distinction is the ability to leave and answer video messages later.
Marco Polo has a free plan with unlimited chats and groups, plus a 7-day free trial. The published plans show Marco Polo Plus Individual at $9.99 monthly or $79.99 annually, and Plus Family at $19.99 monthly or $159.99 annually, with Plus features for up to six people. Unlimited Storage is a separate plan at $7.99 monthly or $47.99 annually. Pricing is in USD, and regional prices and taxes may vary. Choose it if asynchronous video is central to how a group keeps in touch; choose another messenger if desktop access or a text-first experience matters more.
Your product? Our editors can test Marco Polo in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →
Marco Polo pricing
All 3 Marco Polo plans and prices →
Marco Polo fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $47.99/yr |
| Default E2E encryption | Not verified |
| Max group size | 200 members |
| Desktop apps | No |
| Multi-device support | Yes |
| Voice and video calls | Not verified |
| Open source | Not verified |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · 7-day trial (source) |
| Website | marcopolo.me |
| Facts checked | 3 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to Marco Polo
- SignalA capable free messenger with default encryption and optional paid media backups.9.3
- TelegramA broad messaging app for communities, with end-to-end encryption confined to Secret Chats.9.1
- ElementAn open, encrypted messaging choice for groups that want control over deployment and data.8.9
See all Marco Polo alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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