When working with a remote or global team, there is no better way than video conferencing to stay connected. Although it’s not exactly a new player, Zoom has recently become everyone’s go-to video conferencing app.
However, with Zoom’s recent privacy issues put into light, the company has decided to put a halt to its development of new features. Instead, it will focus on addressing its issues on privacy and security.
Given the change of pace, the attention has now shifted to other video conferencing alternatives. Some are emerging platforms and some have already been big players in the scene. Here are some of the greatest Zoom alternatives to bring your team together.
Cisco Webex: Connect, Communicate, and Collaborate
Webex is one of the earliest proponents of web conferencing and video conferencing applications. It was first established in 1995, offering online collaboration tools, AIM Pro, and Webex Connect. With Cisco’s acquisition of the company in 2007, Webex never looked back. It has since started its expansion into becoming one of the industry’s biggest players.
Webex offers premium plans starting at $13.50 for additional features, cloud storage, and support. You can also try the free version to see if the features already meet what your team needs. The free version also comes with additional call-in audio abilities, with no more 40-minute limit on meetings.
Its other video conferencing products include Cisco Webex Room Kit and Cisco Webex Desk Pro, as well as software products like Webex Meetings, Webex WebOffice, and much more.
- 50-100 participants
- No time limit on meetings
- Cloud storage
- AI assistant
- Incompatible with other conferencing solutions
- Advanced calling features hard to execute
- Deficient of other common features
Skype Meet Now: Easy Conference Calls Without an App or Registration
Microsoft-owned Skype has long been a go-to platform since 2003. Skype is particularly known for its high-quality audio and video. Now with its introduction of Skype Meet Now, it directly addresses the current need for video conferencing. Besides, Skype has added more appealing aspects to its already existing features.
Unlike the Skype app, you’re used to, Skype Meet Now doesn’t require any downloads. You can easily use it through a web browser. Hold meetings just by choosing the Meet Now button or click the “create a free meeting” tab on the web version. Also by just using the shared link, even participants with no Skype account can join without hassle. Those with existing Skype accounts will be redirected to the application.
While it’s only supported on Chrome and Microsoft Edge, Skype is also working on building on other platforms. Some of its key features include up to 30 days call recording, presentation sharing, and background blurring
- No download/registration
- Participants with no Skype account can join
- Web conferencing
- Freezes up quite often
- Network-intensive program
- Background noises are picked up easily
- No language translation
Google Meet: Re-Engineering Hangouts
Google Hangouts is available and free to use, with simple features such as video chat for 10 people, screen sharing, and text chat. If what you need is a quick and easy platform, Google Hangouts is for you.
Google recently introduced its professional video conferencing tool, Google Meet. With Google Meet, what used to be exclusive to G Suite customers is now available for any user with a Gmail account. It also allows a maximum of 100 participants.
G Suite customers have free access to advanced features. These include larger meeting capacity, recording, and live streaming until September 30. However, all users can enjoy unlimited calls. They can also get other features like real-time translation, and video meetings directly from Gmail.
- 100 participants
- Only needs a Gmail account
- Free access to advanced features for G Suite customers
- 24/7 customer support
- Can only be accessed via Google Chrome
- No poll/survey options
- No whiteboard tools
Jitsi Meet: Easy Online Meeting Creation
While relatively new compared to Zoom, Jitsi Meet is creating its own niche as an open-source platform. With no registration needed, it’s easy to start an online meeting simply by clicking on “Go.”
Up to 75 participants are allowed in a meeting. It also packs other essential features such as session recording, public or private chat, background blur, and more. What’s cool about this app is that it also integrates with YouTube Live streaming, Google Calendar, Slack, and Office 365.
You can even create your own designated solution by using Jitsi Videobridge. Jitsi Meet is available on the web browser and on both iOS and Android.
- Web-version
- Integration to other platforms
- Website embedding
- Can be unresponsive
- Camera/audio issues
- Third-party app with no authorization can join
StarLeaf: Built for the Enterprise
A lot of video conferencing apps like Zoom are available for personal use. You can even opt to use it for virtual interviews like most media companies are doing these days.
But the case is different with StarLeaf. It is a highly specialized platform catering to the needs of large companies. You can have up to 20 participants for each 46-minute long meeting. Available on both desktop and mobile, it also comes with HD video and audio. It works great with a good headset. Starleaf also uses professional AV integration and supports multiple cameras and screens. These reliable systems will enhance your conference rooms and boardrooms.
For smaller meeting rooms, StarLeaf offers affordable equipment to provide dependable communication tools. This is so that you can easily create video meetings or point-to-point video calls.
Its other essential features include StarLeaf Encore, cloud-based video calling, admin controls, and more. It even comes with an interoperability feature. This allows you to hold meetings with other platforms such as Skype for Business, Zoom, and Polycom.
- Interoperability
- Connection to IBM Lotus Notes calendar
- Affordable equipment
Whereby: No. 1 Easiest to Use on G2 Crowd
While somewhat limited on its free version, Whereby has all the basic features that the rest of free video conferencing apps have. It features screen-sharing, the ability to lock rooms, mute, or eject users. There are also some fun features like customizable emojis and room URL.
For its pro version at US$9.99/ month, you can get these features:
- up to 12 meeting participants
- easy-to-read meeting room links
- branded rooms
- integrations for Trello, Google Drive, and YouTube
For small and medium teams, there’s the business plan at $59.99/month. It also allows multiple users and admins and at least 10 meeting rooms.
- User-friendly
- Customizable links
- Ability to collaborate on Google Docs and Spreadsheets
- Browser-based
- Screen-sharing
- Audio quality
- Video quality only good in small room
- Some connection issues
- Best supported on Google Chrome
- No Google Calendar integration
- Needs more add-on features like call recording
Talky: Making the Big World a Little Smaller
Talky must be the easiest video conferencing app to set up. With no downloads, sign-ups, nor payments required, Talky is simply the Zoom alternative. It especially works for small teams of up to six participants looking for just the basic features. By choosing your group name and sharing the link with participants, you can start video calls fast and easy.
Included in the basic features are screen sharing and locked rooms. Talky also offers WebRTC consulting to provide users with on-demand support. Participants can have fun using the app by playing games, something that’s unlike Zoom and any other apps out there.
- No downloads
- Industry-standard Transport Layer Security (TLS)
- Basic features
- WebRTC consulting
- Limited number of participants
- Small teams
Discord: Bringing People Together Around Games
With reported 250 million users, Discord has established its own name in the game. Originally designed to create communities among gamers, it has since gone mainstream with local and global communities catering to creators, hobbyists, and more. As a social tool while playing games, Discord ensures that using the app won’t slow down your game. So, you’ll get to enjoy your games while chatting with like-minded people.
With a similar feel to Skype, it supports video calls, chat, and text. Discord also has search functions to make finding people easy. Gamers with the same interests can create their own servers. Whether they make their own or join already existing ones they’re interested in.
- Easy to set up
- Secure and reliable
- Light and dark interface
- Server raids
- Chat bombarding
- People engaging in harassment
- A place to house a huge guild
RemoteHQ: Go Beyond Video Chat
Remote HQ might not be the most popular video conferencing app or tool in the market today. But, with the goal of providing flexibility, intuitive, and secure virtual workspace, RemoteHQ certainly deserves to be one of the best Zoom alternatives. With the cutting-edge technologies and collaborative tools incorporated in Remote HQ, this video conferencing app promises to bring the best for its user. Some of the essential features include:
- easy file sharing
- shared browser
- multi-user screen sharing
- session recording
- collaborative whiteboard
- Slack and Google Calendar integration
Its key components are made up of app artifacts—information from apps running in your room, HQ. This includes a dashboard to manage sessions, access control, and much more. You can also mix and match multiple apps in a single workspace and make use of the integration of web-based applications you frequently use.
- Collaborative whiteboard
- Slack and Google Calendar integration
- Mix and match multiple apps
- Limited participants
- No cloud storage
Highfive: Meetings Reimagined
Another worthy alternative to Zoom is Highfive. It has won many awards, such as the 2019 Communications Solutions Product of the Year. With its intuitive design and comprehensive functionalities, it is definitely worth to give Highfive a try.
Dubbed as “The Highfive Experience,” the platform offers the following features:
- unlimited users, meetings, and minutes
- no app downloads or pin codes
- easy set-up and management
- HD cameras and Dolby Voice-powered audio
- cloud software
Besides, Highfive also has the ability to connect directly to other services. This includes Webex, Zoom, BlueJeans, Lifesize, and other platforms.
- Great audio for small groups
- User-friendly interface
- Google integration
- Static on calls
- Connectivity issues
- Audio is difficult in medium to large conference rooms
8×8: Reliable, Secure, and Integrated Single Cloud Platform
8×8 offers unlimited calling in the US and Canada. The app has been lauded for its efforts and received many notable awards. You also get features such as:
- unlimited video meetings, texting, and chat
- auto-receptionist, voicemail, and extensions
- business phone numbers
- high-definition video conferencing
With noteworthy credentials, 8×8 also built an innovative platform that’s simple yet dependable. The app has also gained the trust of more than 1 million business users such as McDonald’s, Netsuite, and Shimano to name a few.
What sets it apart from Zoom is that businesses can not use this not only for their teams but also for communicating with customers.
Recently, 8×8 also inked a partnership with Virgin Media Business. Virgin Media Business will have a multitude of new cloud-based communication tools from 8×8. This is available for customers from the public sector, enterprise, and SMEs.
- Web-based access
- Easy to set up
- Excellent user interface across multiple devices
- Tech support
- Mobile app stability
- No extra features
Microsoft Teams: Unmatched Team Collaboration
Microsoft Teams may remind some people of Zoom, but the app operates differently. The application is a great choice for teams. It works for collaborating through various Office documents. These include Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote Online. Not to mention, the app works on any mobile and desktop platform.
With Microsoft Team, one workspace can accommodate up to 300 participants. In addition, you’ll get 10 GB team file storage and an extra 2 GB per person. Also included are private messages, HD audio/video, and secured chat history. You can quickly add new team members as well as customize the chat room and notifications.
- Easy
- Useful chat additions
- Helpful bots
- Seamless file search, back-up, and collaboration
- Lack of notifications
- Needless storage consumption
- Too many similar tools
- Limited number of channels
BlueJeans: Simple, Smart, and Trusted
Touted as the meeting platform for the modern workplace, BlueJeans is another great alternative to Zoom. The app is recognized by many awarding bodies such as the Stevie Award. The user-friendly interface and intutitive design make it one of the best video conferencing app in the market today.
BlueJeans comes with the following features:
- real-time intelligence (meeting highlights, transcription, live meeting controls, automated alerts, and analytics)
- unparalleled interoperability (one-touch access to meetings on whatever device, room system, or browser)
- enterprise-grade security
You can host and live stream interactive events for global audiences. The upshot? BlueJeans video conferencing app comes with high definition streaming, screen sharing, and superb audio quality. You can access BlueJeans through your desktop browser. In addition, users are free to integrate their workflow from other tools to BlueJeans. These include other productivity apps such as Google Calendar, Trello, and many others.
- Ease of use
- Recording
- Calendar integration
- No chat feature
- Gallery view
- Breakout rooms, background
Zoho Meeting: One of the Easiest Conferencing Services
Zoho Meeting is similar to Zoom in many ways. But with security and privacy being a primary concern, Zoho is one of the best Zoom alternatives that guarantee to keep any sensitive information safe.
Through its simple user interface, creating meetings has never been so easy. With a free plan available, it also has the following features:
- commuter mode
- moderator controls
- screen sharing
- recording/downloading/storing meetings on the cloud
- custom URL
- meeting transcription
- lock meeting feature
- chat and remote access
It’s also a great webinar solution where you can schedule and promote webinars. The app lets you host live video, receive RSVP, and much more. Afterward, you can download and share your live video with others.
Compared to Zoom, Zoho Meeting is browser-based. It does not use third-party apps and does not monitor attendees’ screens. Furthermore, it has no cut-off times and comes with automated emails, embeddable meeting links, and integration with Zoho apps.
- Ease of use
- Sound quality
- Interactive webinars, live polls
- Poor screen sharing
- Video fragments
- No translation, plain design
GoToMeeting: Built for Collaboration
GoToMeeting doesn’t require a credit card and is now 65% faster with up to 250 participants.
Discover new ways to meet better with GoToMeeting through essential features. You can also enjoy features such as:
- turnkey room equipment
- webinars for business
- unlimited cloud recording
- room launcher
It’s also got calendar integrations and an active directory. You can also get some downloadable admin and meeting diagnostic reports. You can also get a transcription of any meeting conducted within the app.
- Numerous features
- Works well with different devices
- Integration with other apps
- No international dialing
- Admin portal reports could be more intuitive
- Delayed audio
With many available Zoom alternatives, you’ll find something that fits any company’s preferences. Besides, you can even experiment by trying out different platforms to see how it compares. You can also check to see how various platforms meet your team’s specific needs. With these picks, you can get a similar Zoom experience with added security to boot.
