With all the online meeting platforms out there, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. There are a lot of factors to consider: what kind of meetings are you hosting? Do you need to be able to record them? Do you want to be able to use software integration or hide the interface completely? Is it important for you and your team members to be able to join from any device, or does everyone have a Macbook and so only needs one platform?
It’s very easy to get overwhelmed by the options, but we’re here to help! Let’s take a look at three popular options, why they might be good for your team, and how they stack up against each other.
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Compare Online Meeting Platforms
Email may be quick and easy but nothing beats the power of face-to-face meetings. In fact, meeting face to face is 34 times more successful than email communication.
With more employees working remotely, traveling and enjoying flexible schedules, the need for more personal conversations can really only be accomplished through video conferencing software.
Fortunately, there’s a huge market full of endless options for different types of video conferencing software. The best one for your company will depend on several factors, such as the number of employees you have, your budget and any special features you may need.
We’ve broken down the top 7 video conferencing software programs for 2022 to help you figure out which one will fit best into your company. Plus, we provide a quick look at the video conference equipment you’ll need.
Just remember: Cost and features will vary!
Quick Navigation
Zoom
Microsoft Teams
GoToMeeting
Google Meet
ezTalks Meeting
StarLeaf
Cisco Webex
Tips to Find Your Ideal Video Conferencing Software
Don’t Forget the Equipment!
Get an in-depth look at how to find the best video conferencing equipment
Zoom
Zoom is a heavy hitter in the video conferencing world because of the many options included in every plan. The platform also boasts flawless video, crystal clear audio and instant sharing capabilities that make it our favorite option for video conferencing. Many people who use Zoom often switch from other conference call software because of frustrations they experience using other available platforms.
Zoom is the ideal web meeting software for users who want to simply and effectively connect with customers and clients remotely. It also has Chrome and Linux OS support for increased flexibility and secure socket layer (SSL) encryption to guarantee secure communications.
All Zoom plans include:
Zoom Logo
Screen sharing from desktops, tablets or mobile devices
Whiteboarding
HD video and voice
Unlimited number of meetings per month
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption
Chat and messaging (private and group)
Scheduling with Chrome extensions
Meeting record option
Ability to join a meeting by telephone
Instant or scheduled meetings
Online support
Breakout rooms
Breakout capabilities let you divide your meetings into as many as 50 separate sessions!
There’s also a free version of Zoom, but the features and capabilities are limited. Conferences that have many participants cannot go beyond 40 minutes. For advanced features like user management, interoperability, custom meeting IDs for individual participants, phone support and managed domains, you must subscribe to one of its premium plans. Fortunately, the paid plans are typically less expensive than comparable plans with other providers.
Participants
The number of participants allowed per meeting will vary based on the plan you select. You have the option to add on more participants with every plan except the free version.
Zoom Webinars & Events
Does your company conduct webinars or live demos? Zoom Webinars and Events let you engage with an unlimited audience in live, virtual events. In Zoom Rooms, wired and wireless content sharing is available, as well as the option to remotely control and monitor meetings from one centralized interface. You can also implement digital signage and scheduling displays to help enhance office communication and make booking meetings easy!
Microsoft TeamsMicrosoft Teams logo
Microsoft Teams is designed for seamless efficiency and collaboration. It integrates with Office applications like Word and SharePoint, and its design and infrastructure make it exceptionally interactive. The company has also made it possible to integrate Skype for Business into Microsoft Teams.
This program was designed as a response to the growing number of collaboration tools, like Slack, that have dominated the market in the last few years. Microsoft Teams is a catch-all chat tool for the workplace, but its video conferencing option is just as compelling and powerful. Users can launch video conferences directly from their chats.
All Microsoft Teams plans include:
Web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
File storage and sharing
Ability to host up to 300 users at a time
24/7 phone and web support
One of the newest features included in Microsoft Teams allows users to invite guests that are not part of their enterprise’s Azure Active Directory. In addition, the mobile version of Microsoft Teams supports voicemail on Android and iOS.
GoToMeeting
Even though GoToMeeting no longer dominates the video conferencing space, it remains a highly polished remote meeting software with a long list of features that would satisfy the needs of most business environments.
This user-friendly software has a few important advantages over its competitors, including its polling and “raise a hand” features. Furthermore, GoToMeeting allows unlimited video meetings and secures these meetings with end-to-end encryption.
GoTo Meeting logo
All GoToMeeting plans include:
24/7 customer care
HD video
Unlimited meetings
Screen sharing from desktops, tablets or mobile devices
Messaging
Web audio – no phone required
Security
With a 14-day free trial, you can see the ease and convenience of the features first-hand.
Participants
GoToMeeting allows 10 to 250 participants, depending on the type of plan you get. However, the free version allows a maximum of three participants vs. up to 100 on other platforms.
Google Meet
Google Meet, formerly Google Hangouts, is an integrated part of Google’s G Suite productivity software. Customers can integrate Google Meet with the full range of Google products, including Gmail and Google Calendar. With Google Calendar, you can automatically create a Google Meet link and call-in number.
Meet automatically detects and displays the speaker’s video feed but gallery view is also available. Google has improved sound and video quality and noise reduction within the platform to stay competitive in the market. Anyone with a free Google Account can host a meeting for up to 60 minutes. Businesses, schools and other organizations can take advantage of paid premium features, including live streaming to up to 100,000 viewers within a domain.
All Google Meet plans include:
Easy-to-join one-click meetings (no download necessary)
Screenshare capabilities for specific documents, windows or the whole screen
Ability to join from mobile, tablet or desktop
Waiting rooms
Virtual whiteboarding for collaboration
Participants
Anyone with a free account can host up to 100 participants and users. A paid account can host up to 250 per meeting.
ezTalks Meetings
Perhaps the biggest selling points of ezTalks Meetings are its continuous technological advancements and its developers’ unwavering commitment to introducing cutting-edge features and state-of-the-art video meeting protocols.
This solution is compatible with Android and iOS devices and has a relatively straightforward user interface, even for first-time users. ezTalks Meetings is a solid web application for video conferencing in healthcare, community and education. However, with less distribution and adoption as Zoom, you may find less partners familiar with the tool.
eztalks-logo
All ezTalks Meetings plans include:
Unlimited number of meetings
Instant or scheduled meetings
Join by telephone call-in
HD video and audio
Private and group chat
Interactive whiteboards
Screen sharing with co-annotation
In the free version, it’s possible to accommodate as many as 100 people in a single meeting for up to 40 minutes, and host an unlimited number of HD video conferencing recordings on this platform.
StarLeafStarLeaf_logo
StarLeaf is outfitted with its own API, which makes it possible to customize its conferencing. The company provides an extensive range of upgrades and integrations including Slack and Skype for Business, and it comes with a complimentary app for Android, iOS and Windows users.
StarLeaf’s unique architecture allows you to deliver business-wide connectivity, avoiding the limitations associated with virtual meeting room solutions. The platform is an incredible alternative for those who don’t want to spend on costly on premise video infrastructure.
All StarLeaf plans include:
Global audio dial-in telephone numbers
Full interoperability with Skype for Business
Unlimited guest invitations
Calendar integrations with Outlook and Google
StarLeaf is UK-based, but has a rapidly growing international client base in Europe, New Zealand, America and Australia. The company has plans to invest in APAC and expand worldwide.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is an excellent video collaboration software for online training, webinars and remote support. In particular, it’s excellent for businesses that have legitimate security concerns. This teleconference software features Transport Layer Security (TLS), third-party accreditations, encryption, firewall compatibility, single sign-on and secure scheduling options.
Cisco Webex includes seamless integration with Outlook and the ability to use it across different platforms including Mac, Windows and iPads. What’s more, Cisco Webex is part of an ecosystem of interoperable solutions for working remotely. It allows you to add specialized functionalities for training, remote technical support or webinars.
cisco-webex
All Cisco Webex plans include:
Screen sharing
HD video
Unlimited meetings
Cloud recording and storage (limits vary by plan)
Business-hours phone support for lower level plans and 24/7 support for pricier plans
Participants
The free video conferencing version of Cisco Webex is limited, only allowing two participants in meetings. For paid plans, Webex allows between 50 and 1,000 participants.
Tips to Find Your Ideal Video Conferencing Software
There are a lot of options out there! Here are some helpful tips to consider as you assess your budget and needs.
Many video conferencing plans are less expensive if you pay annually instead of month-to-month.
Some plans will charge per user. Make sure you know how many are allowed per plan and check if you can add on users as needed.
If a video conferencing software that you’re interested in doesn’t offer a free plan or free trial, request a demo so you can see it before you commit to buying.
Don’t Forget the Equipment!
Once you’ve selected a video conferencing software platform, you’ll need to evaluate how it will fit into your meeting room environments.
Room Size Matters
The most important thing to keep in mind is that the size of your conference rooms will determine the exact type of equipment you need. A simple Logitech camera is fine for one-on-one meetings, but this technology won’t scale for larger rooms with multiple people.
Get an in-depth look at how to find the best video conferencing equipment.
Sound Quality
A noisy conference room is going to turn into a distracting meeting experience. For sound management, installing acoustic panels can enhance sound quality, eliminate echo and maximize comfort. Plus, the panels can be designed with creative visuals that amplify your brand or enhance the aesthetic appeal of your meeting space.
The hardware you use is also going to determine the quality of your meetings, so you’ll need to make sure your equipment can support web collaboration. This includes items like microphones, controls, speakers, cameras, digital signage and displays.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to implement an immersive meeting experience, Zoom Rooms utilize off-the-shelf hardware for wired or wireless content sharing from any device.
We’re happy to help you find and implement the perfect program to support your company’s productivity and efficiency. Contact us anytime to get started!
best free online meeting platforms
Video conferencing meetings can change the way employees work when they’re remote or working from home. Face-to-face communication is important, even if you can’t meet in-person. With a video conferencing solution, your teams can work together or with customers and clients effectively, no matter where they’re located.
Since video conferencing performs 30% better than audio-only setups for communication, it’s worth investing in a great video conferencing setup for your team. Luckily, there are many great, free options for video conferencing software that can be paired with reasonably priced audiovisual products like video conferencing cameras. A simple but high-quality web camera is a must-have to be inclusive to remote teammates and provide a collaborative atmosphere between employees in multiple locations.
The 2019 State of Video Conferencing report found that when in-person communication isn’t an option, video conferencing is preferred for feeling connected with co-workers. When meetings are audio-only, it creates an unequal experience for remote team members. By not being able to see visual cues, not knowing who is speaking, and usually not being able to hear well, remote team members are less included in team meetings and therefore have less impact on the team.
Adding a working video element to team meetings, 1-1 conversations between managers and remote employees (or vice versa), and quick chats between remote team members helps build relationships and improve employee effectiveness. Video conferencing tools make conversations more effective because people can speak face-to-face and read body language better. The Meeting Owl Pro is a 360° video camera, microphones, and speakers help remote team members feel like they’re attending meetings in-person.
owl labs meeting owl pro shop 360 degree camera
If you make meetings more inclusive for remote team members, the results will show immediately and employee happiness and productivity will drastically improve.
To get started, take a look at these free video conferencing options for a multitude of business use cases. Some of the products listed are great for 1-1 conversations, some for teams, and others for live broadcasts or larger scale team meetings.
The Best Free Video Conferencing Platforms
Zoom
Google Hangouts
Dialpad Meetings
TrueConf Online
Skype
FreeConference
Lifesize Go
Slack Video Calls
Facebook Live
YouTube Live
- Zoom
Who should use it?
Zoom is ideal for anyone who works remotely or has remote team members. Zoom allows for simple, easy setup meetings or regular meetings in your personal meeting room. Quickly create and share a private meeting link with an individual or team and connect remote team members through video.
Top Free Features:
Host up to 100 participants
1-1 and group meetings
Unlimited meetings
HD video and audio
Screen sharing
Scheduled meetings
Private and group chat
Host controls
- Google Hangouts
Who should use it?
Google Hangouts is a simple way to connect with Google contacts (or those outside of your network) and can be used for personal or business reasons. Use this tool for individual conversations, team meetings, recorded demos, and more.
Top Free Features:
Up to 25 video participants
Video, audio, and messenger conversations
Video meeting recordings
Join calls using Google Calendar
Screen sharing
- Dialpad Meetings
Who should use it?
The free version of Dialpad Meetings is ideal for teams of 10 or less. The free version limits your video call duration to 45 minutes, so it’s ideal for shorter meetings. Since it allows unlimited video conferences, you can use this video conferencing tool for recurring meetings, like 1-1s or monthly team debriefs.
Top Free Features:
Up to 10 participants
Unlimited conferences
Call recording
HD Audio
Screen and document sharing
Mobile apps
- TrueConf Online
Who should use it?
TrueConf offers a free plan with up to three participants in video calls. This solution is great for small teams or individuals who need a simple tool to host video calls or collaborate with small groups. The collaboration features like remote desktop control are helpful for those in support who may need to help a client solve a problem.
Top Free Features:
Up to three participants on team calls
HD video
Collaboration tools (screen sharing, remote desktop control, recorded calls, file transfer, and shared virtual whiteboard)
- Skype
Who should use it?
The free version of Skype works well for small teams with less than 10 total members. It is a good tool if you need a simple way to video chat from your computer, phone, or tablet and tend to have smaller group meetings or 1-1 conversations. Skype also offers a tool called Skype in the Classroom specifically designed for online education.
Top Free Features:
Up to 10 people on video calls
HD video calling
Screen sharing
Video call recording
Interactive video chats
Location sharing
- FreeConference
Who should use it?
FreeConference ideal for smaller teams or meetings with five or fewer participants. One major perk of this video conferencing tool is its ease of use — no downloads are required to start using it. Plus, moderator controls allow the individual who’s running the video conference to keep the meeting on track.
Top Free Features:
Up to 5 online meeting participants
Screen sharing
Document sharing
Moderator controls
Text chat
- Lifesize Go
Who should use it?
Lifesize Go can be used by remote employees, remote freelancers, or those working with clients who rarely host larger group meetings. While they have plans that include solutions for bigger teams, the free version offers a nice amount of features for individuals and small group conversations.
Top Free Features:
Up to 8 participants
No restrictions on meeting length
Screen sharing
- Slack Video Calls
Who should use it?
Slack users can take advantage of the call feature by simply using the command /call or clicking the phone icon at the top of the conversation with another Slack user. This is an easy way to make calls right from Slack if you need to ask a teammate a quick question. You can also Slack with up to 15 people if you start a call from a channel, enabling the rest of the channel’s members to join. This tool is good for teams looking for a supplementary video calling solution for small teams.
Top Free Features:
Group calls of up to 15 people
Individual calls
Messenger
- Facebook Live
Who should use it?
Facebook Live is a great fit for businesses, influencers, or individuals who are looking to broadcast demos, videos, or showcase their company culture while streaming live. Your followers on Facebook can comment and chat live, you can select a custom audience for the video, and you can schedule videos ahead of time to gain excitement.
Top Free Features:
Broadcasts up to four hours
Advanced scheduling
Custom audiences
- YouTube Live
Who should use it?
YouTube Live, like Facebook Live, is a platform for demonstrating a product with live Q&A, hosting an educational session to teach your audience while screen sharing or using a whiteboard, or hosting a live conversation with members of your team.
Top Free Features:
Three stream quality options (normal latency, low-latency, ultra-low latency)
Added delay
Live questions from the audience
Private live streams (people can only access with the link)
Advanced scheduling
Live automatic captions
Location tags
When considering which video conferencing tool is best for you or your team, take a look at our State of Video Conferencing report to see how you stack up with your audiovisual needs and which products are trusted by other teams and businesses. Don’t forget to bookmark our AV conference room checklist as well so that meetings can get started right away every time.
Conclusion
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