Online meeting platforms have become a necessity for businesses to connect with their clients, partners and employees. With the help of these platforms, you can organize a webinar for your clients or even conduct an online training session for your employees. However, there are many such platforms available in the market today, making it difficult to choose the right one.
We’ve compiled a list of some popular online meeting platforms which are used by many organizations today:i
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Popular Online Meeting Platforms
An online meeting, also called virtual conferencing, is a method of communication that allows for multiple parties to meet and interact in the same space without physically being present. Through electronic device channels like internet service, projectors (for large teams), reliable sources of audio, laptops, tablets, webcams, etc., business employees and higher-ups can communicate back and forth with each other using various virtual meeting platforms.
Best Virtual Meeting Platforms
Skype
An easy to use app that allows you to connect with a single person or a group of people. It is a well-known platform that many meeting participants most likely already have personal accounts for service use. Skype app comes with no long-distance costs but is prone to audio and visual display problems, buffering delays, and calls being dropped.
Slack
Slack helps to connect team members with each other through messaging tools, adjustable notifications and is streamlined with a multitude of office features. With its reliable messaging features catered to employees, email traffic between workers is lessened. Using this service costs $8 per person or $15 per month.
Google Hangouts
A no-cost platform that offers tools to make phone calls, use instant messaging that connects with up to 10 people, and video conferencing. If you use Google, which is practically everyone, this platform is already installed into Google tools like Gmail. Another cool feature of Google Hangouts is that video calls can be streamed in real-time on YouTube.
Zoom meeting
Not only can businesses hold virtual meetings on this platform, but they can also conduct training seminars, webinars, etc. During Zoom meetings, users can simultaneously share messages and documents with each other through Zoom’s chat tool. A basic plan with a Zoom meeting is free to use for unlimited time and offers unlimited meetings with a 40-minute time limit for each.
GoToMeeting
This platform offers tools that include messaging between team members, dialogue transcriptions for video, and adjustable team settings. Using GoToMeeting, businesses can conduct meetings with up to 100 people, including participating and holding meetings using a smartphone. This platform is offered to users through a 14-day free trial with plans starting at $12 per month.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a sub-feature of the Microsoft Office 365 platform. This sub-feature can hold meetings with up to 300 participants alongside access for guests, person-to-person and team video, phone calls, sharable files with 2 gigabytes per person, and 10 gigabytes per group, desktop sharing for easy collaboration, and file organization through coloration. This service is free with sign-up using an email address.
Facetime
This well-known platform is not just used for connecting with friends and family but can be used for business purposes as well. Although Facetime is only compatible with Apple devices, features include group chats that can hold up to 32 participants, tools to let you know who is currently speaking, and the ability to choose who you want to see on the screen. This service is free to use.
Google Meet
This updated and improved version of Google Hangout is streamlined into the G suite office productivity service. Google Meet provides the user with an assigned dial number so that virtual meetings can stay private within the team, a clear access line with no dropped calls, and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices. This service offers 3 plans: G suite Basic ($6 per month), G suite business ($12 per month), and G suite enterprise ($25 per month).
FreeConferenceCall
As stated in its name, this service is completely free. FreeConferenceCall offers tools for collaborating and calls with group members for desktop sharing, drawing, and messages for public and private use. Not only is it free but it is simple to use as well.
Intermedia
Originally called AnyMeeting, Intermedia syncs video conferencing, messaging, and desktop sharing tools on a service based in the cloud. Come in 2 service payment plans: Lite ($10 per month) and Pro ($13 per month). If you upgrade to the Pro Plan, you can transcribe and record meetings in real-time plus receive an infinite amount of space in the cloud.
Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect goes above and beyond when it comes to being a virtual meeting platform. Not only does this service offer desktop sharing, messaging, and video chat features, but you can make smaller sites, organize emails, make digital rooms customizable to match the brand of the company. To hold meetings on this platform it is going to cost you a starting price of $50 per month while webinars go for the starting price of $130 per month.
Amazon Chime
Unsurprisingly this service syncs with Alexa, an AI assistant service created by Amazon, for virtual business meetings. Amazon Chime offers calls, messages, digital meetings, and video conferencing. The cost of this service is free if you only use the basic features of the platform, but pro features prices range from $3 per person/per day to $15 per person/per month, depending on which features are used.
Join.Me
The cost of using this virtual meeting platform is $0.00. Join.Me has tools that allow users to change URL links to their liking and the ability to choose whatever background they want for the display that is shown during virtual meetings. It also syncs with other work tools like Outlook, Office 365, and Google Calendar.
Lifesize
Lifesize offers 4k high-resolution video for clear images, interactive touchscreen interface for conference room phones, and video sharing tools stored in the cloud. Lifesize Go, a browser version of this platform, is free for all users. Lifesize Standard for small groups is $16.95 per host/per month, Lifesize Plus for small/medium-size businesses is $14.95 per host/per month, and Lifesize Enterprise is $12.95 per month with the ability to carry a minimum of 50 hosts.
RingCentral Meetings
This virtual meeting platform has a free plan for users, customer support for all other payment plans including the free plan and can operate on all major platforms. However, RingCentral Meetings does not have sharing capabilities with outside users and only offers local recordings. Payments plan for this service has a starting price for as low as $14.99 a month.
HighFive
A unique feature the HighFive has on its platform is that it does not require passwords or pin numbers to access meetings. Users must wait in a digital meeting room until they are allowed into a meeting by a manager or host. Video conferencing for meeting room go for a cost of $99 per month/per room on a yearly basis.
ON24
ON24 provides the opportunity for marketers to create information-based, interactive webinars, content learning, and interpreting audience behavior through polls, surveys, monitoring engagement and conversations, and analyzing resources. You can also record webinars or meetings in multiple takes and alternate between real-time and already recorded presentations. This service offers a free trial period of up to 30 days.
BigBlueButton
This platform is catered for instructors who teach children online, but it also can be used by businesses as learning seminars and webinars. BigBlueButton offers the ability to share facilitation, desktop, video, and audio while simultaneously working with other users through messages, notes, and polls. Although hard to set-up, the platform is free to use and has the interface of costly digital learning virtual meeting software.
Zoho meeting
This well-known virtual meeting platform lets users conduct and participate in online meetings from anywhere. It’s desktop sharing and display tools make sure that groups can effectively collaborate with each other. Zoho’s meeting’s camera-based virtual meetings ensure that online calls run smoothly. There are a free version and payment plans that range from $12 to $980 depending on the number of hosts and participants.
ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting is a simple to use platform that offers various features. Customizable meeting rooms and a variety of collaboration tools (desktop sharing and facilitation) are key features on this platform. Payment plans range from $25 a month for 25 participants to $165 a month for up to 5,000 participants.
Intrado
This prestigious platform conducts over 40,000 digital events and webcasts yearly using cloud-based technology and global partnerships. Intrado offers services in countries like South America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Canada, and, of course, the United States. Intrado offers a free trial service that lasts for 30 days.
Pexip
Considered one of the greatest virtual meeting platforms currently in the industry, Pexip lets users conduct online meetings individually. Pexip also allows users to hold meetings on various cloud services like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, & Microsoft Azure with the ability to adjust service size and features to sync to traditional video operations. The cost of using this service depends on the size of the meetings you want to hold, but a free trial option is available.
Cisco WebEx Meeting Center
As with most virtual meeting platforms, Cisco WebEx Meeting Center offers its users a free option to use its service. The features of this platform include enhanced technology to audio and video delay and can display 25 feeds at the same time. However, the service only allows one host per license and the “Call Me” plan has added costs.
Digitell
This digital multimedia building organization caters to businesses needing help in leveraging their digital content. Digitell also provides services to capture the attention of its users with enhanced digital interfaces that allow them access to live streams, educational facilitation, and webinars. If your conference or meeting needs to be digitized, this is the platform for you. The cost of using this service is not mentioned on the main website. Contact the vendor for more details.
Infinite Conferencing
Infinite Conferencing is a virtual meeting platform that seeks to streamline the process of conducting virtual meetings. Using this service provides users with problem-solving tools to web and phone conferencing plus, Infinite Conferencing is browser-based. The cost of using this service is $100.
ezTalks Cloud Meeting
Using this service is free of charge for up to 100 users. ezTalks Cloud Meeting specializes in messaging, video, and audio tools. With desktop and document sharing features, this platform also provides users with a whiteboard feature that can share highlights, writings, drawings, and screenshots with other group members. ezTalks Cloud Meeting is compatible with all mobile and desktop devices.
LiveWebinar
Though “webinar” is part of LiveWebinar’s name, this versatile platform is also great for hosting meetings, virtual summits, online classes, and more. With no downloads or plugins necessary, you can immediately get started with your event! Enjoy over 50 features, from whiteboards to breakout rooms, polls and tests to screen sharing, even customize the meeting room with your colors and logo. Get started with a free two week trial, from there you can select one of three packages, or go with a fully customizable enterprise option.
When Should I Conduct a Virtual Meeting?
When conducting business meetings, timing is key. Although virtual meetings are very convenient to use anytime and anywhere, that does not mean that it will be good for productivity. According to CNBC, Tuesday afternoon at around 2:30 p.m. is the perfect time to have a conference/virtual meeting. It is not too early or too late during the day. Plus, Tuesday is not too far away from the previous work week for brief reviews and to go over what is expected for the current work week.
fun online meeting platforms
1. Zoom
Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that is infamous for being easy to use. You can invite anyone to a Zoom meeting with a URL, even if your attendees do not have a Zoom account. Once team members click on the URL, they will instantly join a virtual room with the rest of the team. Registered users can host meetings with up to 100 people using the free version of Zoom’s software. Coupled with fun features like breakout rooms, Zoom is ideal for hosting meetings, games and activities with virtual teams.
Here is a list of fun games to play on Zoom, and the top Zoom apps.
Learn more about Zoom.
2. Google Meet
Google originally developed Google Meet as a virtual meeting platform for the company’s enterprise customers. However, with Zoom’s surge in popularity, Google decided to offer Meet as a secure alternative. Meet can host gatherings of up to 250 participants, and also offers nifty additions like live captions and anti-abuse features. If data security is a priority for your business, then Meet is right for you, as long as everyone has a Google Account.
Here is a list of games to play on Google Meet.
Start using Google Meet.
3. Skype
Acquired by Microsoft in 2011, Skype was the original household name for video calls. However, due to consumer complaints and the emergence of Zoom as noted on ZDNet, Skype is no longer the only or primary option for meetings. Skype is mounting a comeback with video conferencing, making it the perfect time to revisit the familiar software with a cute ringtone. The app now offers meetings for up to 50 participants accessible by a generated link. No registration or download required.
Check out Skype.
4. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is online meeting software originally intended for businesses. With its intuitive controls and tight security, Webex has long helped businesses stay connected. By signing up for Webex’s free plan, you can host virtual meetings or games with up to 100 people for any duration. This feature contrasts with Zoom, which limits your meeting time to 40 minutes if three or more people are in your meeting. Therefore, by choosing Webex, you won’t have to worry about time limits for your next online meeting.
Here is a list of games to play on Webex.
Visit Cisco Webex for more information.
5. Jitsi Meet
For an open source platform option you can customize, consider Jitsi Meet for your next virtual meeting. Secured by strong encryption, this virtual conference software does not cost anything, require you to register, or limit the number of people you can invite to meetings. With such flexibility, Jitsi Meet offers endless possibilities for you and your team to hold virtual meetings, online conferences and more.
Discover Jitsi Meet.
6. Toasty
Toasty is a virtual meeting platform that empowers any meeting host to engage their audience and drive collaborations in online meetings and workshops. The app has built-in activities like icebreaker questions, conversation cards and polls. It also features an interactive meeting agenda which the host sets before-hand and allows all participants to follow along with the schedule and activities; knowing what will happen and when is a great way to keep attendees participating. Toasty is built on AWS and Jitsi, which provides for secure, stable and easy-to-access connections.
Learn more about Toasty.
7. Lifesize
Lifesize’s virtual conferencing software is a great alternative for teams seeking high quality 4K video, numerous integrations, and a secure experience. Once you sign up for a free account, you can hold unlimited online meetings with up to 25 people each. Like Zoom, you setup meetings with a shared link, making Lifesize simple to use. Lifesize is optimal for remote team building activities due to its focus on high definition video, which makes it feel like your team members are in the room with you.
Find out more about Lifesize.
8. Jami
Jami’s signature peer-to-peer and end-to-end encryption should satisfy even the most security-aware members of your team. Due to Jami’s distributed architecture, data travels quickly and securely without passing through servers, leading to improved video experience and continuous service. While Jami’s developers have only hosted virtual meetings with up to 16 people, you are free to try Jami with larger groups, as long as you run the meeting from a device with strong computing power and bandwidth.
Uncover Jami.
9. Talky
The most simple of the online meeting software options on this list, Talky does not require any downloads. Instead, the site generates a unique room URL, which you share with your team. The only features Talky has are locked rooms and screen sharing, which should be a relief to less technologically-savvy team members. Just keep in mind that Talky only allows for up to six people per room, making it an ideal choice for small virtual meetings or conference calls.
Learn more about Talky.
10. Whereby
For the most personal of team building experiences, Whereby’s four-person meetings are yet another software option. Working directly from your browser, Whereby does not require any additional downloads or registration from your team members. You can even play YouTube videos, which is perfect for any virtual activities that require shared video, such as collective stretches with Yoga Norman.
Try out Whereby.
Final Thoughts
Virtual meeting software is an important tool to connect and work with remote teams. These platforms allow you to use video to chat and collaborate, as well as support useful functionality like chat, breakout rooms and screen shares.
Now that you are familiar with the best virtual platforms for meetings, you can check out our list of fun video conference games and this one with free online team building games to play on your next team call.
Conclusion
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