Conference calls used to involve coworkers sitting in the meeting room, struggling to hear the speakerphone on the table.
Those days are gone, thanks to video conferencing platforms.
This accessible software gives each user the ability to be on video and audio on the same call.
Many people work remotely, so video gives them a chance to interact with coworkers.
Read on to learn about the 15+ best video conferencing platforms and how they can elevate your business.
- Best Video Conferencing Platforms: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed] (Overview)
- An Overview of Video Conferencing Platforms
- The Best Video Conferencing Platforms at a Glance
- Features To Look For in Video Conferencing Platforms
- Best Video Conferencing Platforms: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]
- The Best Free Video Conferencing Platforms Options
- Notable Mentions: Other Video Conferencing Platforms To Check Out
- Even More Options To Check Out
- Other Products Relevant to Video Conferencing Platforms
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrapping Up
Best Video Conferencing Platforms: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed] (Overview)
We’ve included an overview of our top picks below. For detailed information on each pick, scroll down.
- Zoom: Our Pick
- Microsoft Teams: Runner-Up
- Zoho Meeting: Budget Pick
- Google Meet
- RingCentral
- ClickMeeting
- Skype
- GoToMeeting
- BlueJeans Meetings
- Crewdle
- RemotePC Meeting
- Cisco Webex
- FreeConference
- Lifesize
- BigMarker
- U Meeting
- Whereby
An Overview of Video Conferencing Platforms
There are many different video conferencing platforms.
They all offer an opportunity to video chat with coworkers or clients in other locations.
Many also allow you to host webinars and professional development events and collaborate with teammates using interactive features.
Many of the programs on this list are also ideal platforms for virtual conferences.
What Is a Video Conferencing Platform?
A video conferencing platform is software that allows you to host meetings regardless of where your team members live.
You can schedule conference calls, lead webinars, sponsor virtual events, and collaborate with coworkers.
These programs give you the chance to work closely with people that might be in another country.
Why Are Video Conferencing Platforms Important?
With more and more people working remotely, video conferencing platforms are an important way to keep everyone together.
You can host video meetings and see your coworkers and clients face-to-face, establishing a bond.
You get to hear people speak instead of trying to decipher their tone from a written email.
Do I Need a Video Conferencing Platform?
If you’re working remotely, you need a video conferencing platform.
You can use the software to host meetings or chat with your coworkers.
You can even use the program to talk to friends and family that live far away.
Hosting game nights, dance parties, and trivia events are nice benefits of using video conferencing.
The Best Video Conferencing Platforms at a Glance
Since so many people work remotely, there are many video conferencing platforms available.
You want to find something that connects your team without interruptions or glitches and preferably doesn’t ask them to download cumbersome software.
This overview helps you understand which one is best, both in terms of paid and free options.
What Is the Best Video Conferencing Platform?
Zoom is the best video conferencing platform.
It’s well-known to the extent that many people call video chatting “Zooming.”
There are free options with limits, as well as affordable paid plans.
The platform is easy to use, whether you’re hosting a professional webinar or getting friends together for a virtual game night.
What Is the Best Free Video Conferencing Platform?
The best free video conferencing platform is Google Meet.
Google is the top pick for both personal and work email and document creation, so it’s nice to host meetings through the platform, too.
You already know how to use Google, so it’s one of the best alternatives to Zoom.
Features To Look For in Video Conferencing Platforms
Knowing what to look for in a video conferencing platform can help you make the right decision.
Check out what each feature offers and how it can streamline your business.
When you read the platform reviews, you’ll know if it meets your needs before committing to a service.
1. Collaboration Features
Hosting a video meeting is a great way to interact with coworkers, but some businesses need more.
They want to share their screen so everyone can see the same document.
Making notes and having a virtual whiteboard are additional collaboration features that can make your meetings even more productive.
2. Number of Participants
Using a free video-conferencing platform suits your budget, but if you can only have two people in each call, it isn’t much use.
Check the number of participants for each plan to ensure you can host your team.
You might need to have 25 coworkers on at the same time, so choose the right plan.
3. Meeting Limit
Free video conferencing platforms have time limits for the meetings.
A free Zoom account gives you a 40-minute meeting.
You can schedule them consecutively, creating a block of several hours, but your participants have to rejoin each one.
A platform with no time limit might best suit your business needs.
4. Integrations
A platform with integrations gives you the chance to do more with the software.
You can host webinars and conferences by connecting to presentation sites.
You can direct participants to specific sites or ensure they’re interacting with your displayed content.
Integrations streamline what you can accomplish with a video conference.
5. Cost
Cost is the biggest concern regarding video conferencing platforms.
With many available for free, you might wonder why you should pay for the service.
Consider your budget first, but also make sure you’re checking out what you get for each plan tier and how those features will impact your meetings.
Best Video Conferencing Platforms: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]
Of all the video conferencing platforms available, there are three that stand out to us the most.
Read on to find out why we recommend these services.
Zoom: Our Pick
Zoom soared to popularity during the pandemic when people were working and socializing from home.
You can use this software to host meetings, get-togethers with friends, and host webinars.
Participants can activate their video stream, use audio only, and communicate via chat.
Zoom works on computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Key Features of Zoom
These five features make Zoom stand out as the best video conferencing platform.
- Device Compatibility: Work from your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
It’s accessible from anywhere with a WiFi connection, so your team has no trouble joining. - Screen Sharing: The host can share their screen to give a presentation.
They can also allow other users to share their screens to make the meeting interactive. - Recording: Zoom has the option to record your meetings so you can save presentations.
This feature makes it ideal for training you might want to review later. - Scheduler: You can book meetings through the Zoom website or app and integrate them into your calendar.
Participants will get periodic reminder emails. - Breakout Rooms: If you’re hosting a large event, you can utilize breakout rooms to allow participants to talk in small groups.
You can assign rooms or do it randomly.
Why Is Zoom a Great Solution?
Zoom is a great solution because anyone can use it.
Host a meeting from your smartphone and allow participants to join even if they don’t have a Zoom account.
You can use the app or a browser, so there are no requirements that make it tough to join a meeting.
Pros of Zoom
- Waiting Room: Participants gather in a waiting room before you admit them, so you can ensure each user should attend the meeting.
- Locked Option: Once you start the meeting, you can lock the room to prevent hackers and Zoom bombers from throwing your presentation off course.
- Passwords: Another security option is setting a password for every meeting.
Only users who get a formal invitation get the meeting room password for admission.
Cons of Zoom
- Meeting Limit: Zoom’s 40-minute limit on free meetings is a little short.
Users often get kicked out before they’ve completed their session and have to rejoin a new one. - Recording Alert: When you start to record the meeting, an alert pops up to notify participants.
It’s fine for privacy, but you’ll hear that voice message in your recording. - No Comment Flow: Comments on Zoom meetings seem random because you can’t reply to a specific one.
There’s no control over the language used, either.
Zoom vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare
Zoom is popular because it’s so easy to use.
Even with a free plan, you get a lot of benefits from the platform.
Participants don’t need an account to join your meeting and can log on from various devices with no issue.
The paid plans offer a lot for companies that need to host video meetings, making it worth the investment.
Zoom Pricing
- Pro plan: $149.90 a year
- Business plan: $199.90 per year
- Business Plus plan: $250 a year
- Enterprise plan: Available by contacting Zoom directly
Can You Try Zoom for Free?
Yes, the Basic plan is free.
You can host meetings for up to 100 people with a 40-minute time limit.
You get the basic perks of a Zoom meeting, including group chat and file sharing.
You can use three whiteboards and share your screen.
For longer meetings, schedule multiple free sessions.
Conclusion: Should You Choose Zoom?
Yes, you should choose Zoom for your video conferencing needs.
The free plan can serve as a free trial while you see all the software has to offer.
If you only need short meetings, the free plan can last indefinitely.
But heavy users will find the paid options affordable, especially considering all the features they include.
Microsoft Teams: Runner-Up
A close competitor of Zoom is Microsoft Teams.
This software helps businesses host meetings and webinars so everyone can work together.
Since it’s compatible with Microsoft Office, you know it’s going to integrate nicely with other software you already use for work.
Personal plans include access to Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other apps.
Key Features of Microsoft Teams
Microsoft users will love all the features Teams has to offer.
These options elevate your business’s efficiency.
- Asynchronous Options: For coworkers that don’t need to meet in real-time, Teams allows you to post messages and collaborate on documents on your own time.
- Integration: Companies using Microsoft will like having a video that works with other programs like Outlook, SharePoint, and more.
It also resembles other Microsoft apps. - Telephony: Teams works like a phone, with options to leave voicemail, forward calls, and host a conference call.
This also lets participants call into meetings to participate. - Chat: Users can share comments in the chat during a meeting. It supports text, pictures, and gifs. Participants can react to others’ comments to foster a sense of community.
- Channels: Organize communication and meetings according to project or theme with channels. Everyone can find relevant information in one place for collaboration.
Why is Microsoft Teams a Great Solution?
Small businesses love Microsoft Teams because they often already use Microsoft Office.
It’s natural to want a familiar video conferencing platform.
Teams delivers that and much more, with the ability to collaborate through notes and other documents.
You can do everything through one dashboard, simplifying the login process for your employees and clients.
Pros of Microsoft Teams
- Collaboration: You’re not limited to video calls with Teams.
You can work on projects with coworkers in real-time or asynchronously through text, notes, and audio. - Organization: Zoom is only a video platform, but Microsoft helps with collaboration and organization by storing files, notes, and recordings in specific channels for easy access.
- Easy to Use: If you’re familiar with Microsoft Office, you’ll intuitively know how to use Teams.
The dashboard is straightforward, so there’s no learning curve.
Cons of Microsoft Teams
- Connectivity: Teams experiences lag and connectivity issues more than Zoom.
This frustrates many users and can waste their time. - Multiple Accounts: Users with multiple Microsoft accounts can’t see what profile they’re using to join a Teams meeting.
- Storage: With all Teams offers, it uses a lot of storage on your device and in the cloud.
Microsoft Teams vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare
Microsoft users will automatically prefer Teams over other platforms because it integrates into their work software so easily.
But when you look at the free plan, it offers a lot more than the free Zoom option.
Zoom focuses more on video, too, while Teams allows collaboration in many different ways.
Microsoft Teams Pricing
Microsoft Teams has separate pricing for business and personal use. Business plans include:
- Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4 a month per user
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6 a month per user
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50 a month per user
Personal plans include:
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $6.99 a month
- Microsoft 365 Family: $9.99 a month
Can You Try Microsoft Teams for Free?
Yes, you can use Microsoft Teams for free.
A one-on-one meeting can last up to 30 hours.
Group meetings last for an hour and have a capacity of 100 participants.
You even get cloud storage, closed captions, and interactive meeting features like polling.
Conclusion: Should You Choose Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a great platform that offers video conferencing and more.
You’ll be able to collaborate with your team when you work remotely, even if you’re not in a meeting.
It’s easy to use for those familiar with Microsoft.
Users who can’t get online can join meetings with a phone, so no one gets left out.
Zoho Meeting: Budget Pick
Zoho Meeting is the budget pick for video conferencing because the paid plans are more affordable than Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
It also has a free option that provides many people with exactly what they need.
It goes above, and beyond the free Zoom limitations, so it might provide the features you want at no cost at all.
Key Features of Zoho Meeting
Zoho Meeting offers a lot of features for a low price.
See what the platform can do to streamline your video meetings.
- Presentations: Share your screen or connect a monitor to present information to your coworkers or audience.
This feature makes Zoho Meeting great for webinars. - Mobile Apps: Users can join from anywhere with the mobile app.
You still have the option to screen share and chat from the app for seamless engagement. - No Downloads: Participants don’t need a Zoho account or special software to join a meeting.
They can visit the link in their browser to join immediately. - Syncing: Sync your scheduled Zoho Meetings with calendars on your computer or phone.
Participants can do it, too, through the link in their invitations. - Reminders: Once users accept an invitation, they can RSVP so you know who’s attending.
They’ll also get automated reminders about the upcoming session.
Why is Zoho Meeting a Great Solution?
Zoho Meeting is a great solution because the free plan offers more than Zoom’s free option.
You can use that plan with very few limitations.
However, if you need more features, the paid plans are among the most affordable in the industry.
Your business can integrate the simplicity of Zoho Meeting without breaking the budget.
Pros of Zoho Meeting
- Affordable: Zoho Meeting offers the most affordable paid plans of our top three options.
Businesses on a budget will appreciate the features they get for the price. - Notes: The platform uses Session Notes, so you can update a document during the meeting and save it for later reference.
- Performance Rating: You can see how your device performs during the meeting, so you know if you’re glitching for other users.
Cons of Zoho Meeting
- No Captions: Zoho Meeting doesn’t have the capacity to generate closed captions like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Your meetings won’t be as accessible for all users. - No Recording: You can’t record the video meetings, so there’s no way to save what you’ve discussed for other viewers to see later.
- Limited Notes: While you can use Session Notes to document the meeting, you do it yourself.
Other platforms use AI to generate meeting notes.
Zoho Meeting vs. Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare
When considering Zoho Meeting, the price is the biggest concern.
It’s more affordable than other options without being a bare-bones platform.
However, if you want perks like AI-generated captions, meeting recordings, and collaborative features, you won’t find them here.
You’re better off choosing another host, even though you’ll pay more for the privileges.
Zoho Meeting Pricing
- Meeting plan: $3 a month per host
- Webinar plan: $16 a month per organizer
You can pay an additional annual fee of $192 to record your meetings.
Can You Try Zoho Meeting for Free?
Yes, you can use the Zoho Meeting free plan with very few restrictions.
Meetings can last an hour with up to 100 participants.
If you’re considering a paid plan, you can take advantage of the 14-day free trial.
You don’t have to input credit card information until you know it’s right.
Instead, try all the features for two weeks and see if it’s what you need.
Conclusion: Should You Choose Zoho Meeting?
Yes, you should choose Zoho Meeting if you’re looking for an affordable solution.
The free plan offers a lot for many businesses, and paid plans have a low price.
Businesses needing to stick to a budget and only host basic meetings on a video conferencing platform will appreciate Zoho Meeting.
The Best Free Video Conferencing Platforms Options
Our top three options have free plans, but there are limits to those accounts.
These two platforms are the best free video conferencing options available.
Google Meet
Most people use Google in some way, either as a search engine, for email, or for workplace document tools.
Google Meet is the company’s free option for video conferencing.
It integrates seamlessly with other Google apps, including Gmail, Calendar, and Docs.
You can send users invitations in Gmail with Calendar reminders until they join the session from the link.
Why Is Google Meet a Great Option?
Google Meet is a great option because so many people already use Google.
You log into Gmail, see a Google Meet invitation, and can join with no additional steps necessary.
See the meeting in your browser without needing to download specific software.
You get the same features as other platforms, with breakout rooms, polls, and attendance tracking.
Drawbacks to Google Meet
The free plan has some limits, such as hour-long meetings and no option to record sessions.
A Google One Premium Plan increases that limit to 24 hours, eliminates background noise, and includes 2 TB of storage.
The perks sound good, but you have to pay $9.99 a month, which doesn’t fit into some people’s budgets.
RingCentral
If you’re looking for something more than a video conferencing platform, RingCentral has you covered.
Their services include phone and text options, too.
The free plan offers what many of the top platforms charge for, such as 24-hour meeting limits with 100 attendees.
You also have the ability to share notes and work collaboratively on a whiteboard.
Why Is RingCentral a Great Option?
RingCentral lets participants join the meeting without needing to download software.
They can use their browser or join from an app on their device.
The free plan doesn’t have many limits in terms of length and capacity, but you don’t get all the features you would with a paid plan.
If you’re looking for accessible meetings with plenty of joining options, RingCentral does it.
Drawbacks to RingCentral
Though the platform offers a lot for free, there are some negatives.
You can use a Q&A option for a webinar because there’s no moderation.
If you want premium features, you have to get a paid plan.
They range from $29 to $59 a month, which is more expensive than many other options on this list.
Notable Mentions: Other Video Conferencing Platforms To Check Out
If our top three choices and the free options didn’t seem to suit your needs, never fear.
There are other video conferencing platforms that can provide everything you want for online collaboration.
These notable mention options have a range of features for anyone from freelancers to large corporations.
ClickMeeting
People wanting to host large meetings and events will appreciate ClickMeeting.
You can host up to 20,000 people simultaneously.
Since you can customize the platform to represent your brand identity, you’ll love how users get a sense of your company based on aesthetics alone.
It’s ideal for large team meetings and webinars.
Why is ClickMeeting a Great Option?
ClickMeeting stands out because you can send participants custom invitations that complement your brand.
It makes you look more professional and helps you stand out in the sea of bland calendar invites.
You won’t leave users hanging in the waiting room, either—they have a chance to review your meeting agenda, so they’re prepared for the session.
Drawbacks to ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting performance is hit or miss among users.
Some find that their connectivity is shaky.
People get kicked off the webinar and can’t rejoin or have trouble hearing the presenter.
This issue is common with online work, but it doesn’t seem like ClickMeeting has tried to solve the problem.
Their customer service is hard to reach.
ClickMeeting Pricing
- Live plan: $25 a month
- Automated plan: $40 a month
You can specify how many attendees you’ll have in your meetings, which can increase your plan price.
The prices above refer to up to 25 attendees, while 50 participants make the Live plan $35 and the Automated plan $45.
This flexibility ensures that small and large businesses both can use ClickMeeting.
Can You Try ClickMeeting for Free?
Yes, you can try ClickMeeting for free.
The 30-day trial doesn’t require credit card information to activate.
You get to see everything the platform offers, including automation for captions and notes.
Skype
Skype started in 2003 and became a popular video call option for friends, family, and job interviews.
The company helped keep people in touch with others around the world.
It wasn’t until recently that the platform boosted its video conferencing options with features like file uploads, screen sharing, and recording calls.
Why is Skype a Great Option?
Skype is a great option because it has almost two decades of experience online.
The platform offers video conferencing, video chats, phone calls, and instant messaging.
You can use Skype as your phone line and contact other mobile phones or landlines.
The plans reflect the diverse services, so you can pay for exactly what you need.
Drawbacks to Skype
One of the biggest Skype drawbacks is its sound quality.
It picks up on background noises very easily, without silencing them or boosting the voice volume accordingly.
This issue can create major distractions during your meeting or presentation.
You can solve the issue with your own audio equipment, but an equalizer in the software would be ideal.
Skype Pricing
- United States plan: $2.99 a month
- North America plan: $6.99 a month
- India plan: $7.99 a month
Can You Try Skype for Free?
Yes, Skype has a great free plan that lets you use most features.
Any Skype-to-Skype calls are free, but if you want to call a phone number, you have to pay.
Video meetings are free with up to 100 participants.
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting makes it easy for users to start or join a meeting regardless of platform.
It works on Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows.
You can create a general meeting or schedule one in advance using your business’s branding and logo, along with a custom URL.
Why is GoToMeeting a Great Option?
GoToMeeting is great because it offers unlimited cloud recording, something not many other video conferencing platforms do.
It also includes drawing tools and automated note-taking.
Its transcription is better than most options.
Since it’s better, you end up paying more for the quality of these features.
Drawbacks to GoToMeeting
For all the features GoToMeeting offers, it’s a drawback that it doesn’t provide a whiteboard.
When you’re in a video meeting, using a whiteboard is a great opportunity for brainstorming.
Since the software has so many other collaborative tools, it’s strange this isn’t included.
With such a high price, you’d expect more basic features.
GoToMeeting Pricing
- Basic plan: $24 a month
- Standard plan: $29 a month
- Premium plan: $43 a month
Can You Try GoToMeeting for Free?
Yes, you can get a 14-day free trial of GoToMeeting.
Choose the plan you think best fits your needs and try it for two weeks before committing.
BlueJeans Meetings
BlueJeans Meetings is a video conferencing platform from Verizon, making it one of the best options in terms of sound.
Businesses hosting client meetings and presentations will appreciate how professional this software helps you appear.
Why is BlueJeans Meetings a Great Option?
BlueJeans Meetings is a great option because it works on any platform without compromising features like generated transcripts and breakout rooms.
The dashboard is intuitive, so you’ll have no problem scheduling a meeting, inviting users, accessing recordings, or creating breakout groups.
Drawbacks to BlueJeans Meetings
There are some drawbacks to BlueJeans Meetings if you’re using the browser version compared to the app.
Collaborating with people across different platforms can restrict what you’re capable of accomplishing.
BlueJeans Meetings Pricing
- BlueJeans Standard: $9.99 a month
- BlueJeans Pro: $13.99 a month
- BlueJeans Enterprise: $16.66 a month
- BlueJeans Enterprise Plus: custom price
Can You Try BlueJeans Meetings for Free?
Yes, you can try BlueJeans Meetings with a 14-day trial.
There’s no need to input payment information, so you can try with no strings attached.
If you don’t upgrade your plan before the end of the free trial, there’s no charge.
But if you find something you like, you can upgrade and continue using the service without interruption.
Crewdle
Crewdle is a green video conferencing platform that helps you understand the positive impact you’re making with online meetings.
You can configure the meeting length and participants to see how much gas and energy you’re saving.
While servers also produce emissions, Crewdle lowers that impact with their streaming method.
Why is Crewdle a Great Option?
Crewdle is a great option for companies who want to lessen their carbon footprint.
Whether you use the free or paid plan, you’ll get quality video conferencing without the strict limits of other platforms.
Though it uses an innovative method of streaming, it’s still secure, so you don’t have to worry about hackers.
Drawbacks to Crewdle
There are some performance issues with Crewdle when you’re working with people around the world.
It’s better to use this software for a company where computers link through the same network for a solid connection.
Crewdle Pricing
- Standard plan: $0 a month
- Pro plan: $4 a month
Can You Try Crewdle for Free?
Yes, Crewdle offers a Standard plan that’s free forever.
You can use it to host 45-minute long meetings for up to 30 people.
If you’re interested in the unlimited features of a paid plan, you can explore it with a free trial.
RemotePC Meeting
For businesses that are mostly or fully remote, the services included with RemotePC Meeting plans provide everything you need.
Integrate the software with Chrome, Outlook, or Yahoo to streamline the invitation process.
Why is RemotePC Meeting a Great Option?
RemotePC Meeting does more than just video conferencing.
You get remote access, remote printing, and remote reboot—all through web access.
It includes quality features like whiteboards, file transfers, chats, and more.
Drawbacks to RemotePC Meeting
Plans are fairly expensive if you’re only going to host remote meetings and events occasionally.
Since it offers so many remote features, casual users probably won’t use it as much as they would Zoom or Google Meet.
If you’re paying this much for a service, you need to take advantage of everything it offers.
RemotePC Meeting Pricing
- Consumer plan: $19.50 or $39.50 a year
- SOHO plan: $79.50 a year
- Team plan: $299.50 a year
- Enterprise plan: $599.50 a year
Can You Try RemotePC Meeting for Free?
Yes, you can try RemotePC Meeting free with a seven-day trial.
Since it’s a fairly expensive option, you want to be sure you’ll get what you need from a paid plan.
Once you make a choice, you can commit to a year or more for major savings.
Even More Options To Check Out
The previously-reviewed video conferencing platforms offer a lot of special features for remote workers.
In case you didn’t find something ideal, read on to find out about more options.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex offers a solid platform for conference calls.
The features include video chatting, messaging, and document sharing.
With Cisco as the largest global cybersecurity company, you can confidently share private documents without worrying about hackers.
Participants can join through any device, whether it’s a computer, mobile, or even dialing in from a phone.
Customization has limits, so this isn’t the platform for you if you want to make unique invitations and use your brand colors for the meeting look.
FreeConference
FreeConference has some of the best audio and video quality, especially since you get this perk with the free account.
Paid plans offer additional features, such as security, so keep that in mind when sharing private documents.
The platform lets participants call in for audio-only, increasing its reach.
Each plan allows 1,000 call participants, but the web participants have limits.
Even the Pro plan only handles 100 web participants, so this might not be the best choice for large corporations.
Lifesize
Lifesize has a great reputation for high quality, from the video to the audio.
You can transfer files and collaborate with teammates across time zones.
The 4k video means you can broadcast the meeting on large-screen monitors and TVs without a decrease in quality.
One major perk with Lifesize is the ability to search participants so you know who’s attending.
However, there aren’t many additional features like breakout rooms or audio-only options.
BigMarker
BigMarker is a great video conferencing platform, especially for hosting webinars.
It has more features than other options, including recording, chat, Q&A, polls, and handouts.
For businesses that need to engage with their audience, BigMarker is the best choice.
The software is cloud-based, so you don’t need to install a program or make an account to attend.
It also integrates with email and marketing tools, which can improve your attendance rate.
U Meeting
U Meeting is an affordable video conferencing platform with solid features.
It’s better for occasional users on a budget because it doesn’t offer as much as other options.
The free version is on par with Zoom, so you can try it out before buying a plan.
It’s easy to set up meetings from the app, but you can also log in on a browser to access the dashboard.
Once you start the meeting, you’ll love the filters available to help you look your best.
Whereby
Whereby is a service that’s easy for hosts and participants alike.
As a host, you can easily customize the invitation and meeting to represent your brand.
Plans are affordable and include the ability to create your own URL and record meetings.
Participants don’t need to do anything to join a meeting besides clicking a link.
It’s a streamlined process so you can focus on the meeting or webinar content.
It also integrates with Google, YouTube, Slack, Outlook, and more.
Other Products Relevant to Video Conferencing Platforms
Sometimes you might need more than a video conferencing platform for remote work.
Check out these other products that can keep your team connected around the world.
Whether you need a host, a search engine, or the ability to keep recordings of your meetings, we’ve got you covered.
- Best Video Platforms: The best video platforms give you a chance to host your recordings, webinars, and training so others can view them.
- Best Video Search Engines: Without the right keywords, it can be hard for anyone to find your video. The best video search engines make it easy to find recorded content.
- Best Webinar Recording Software: Not every platform reviewed above includes the option to record. If you use the best webinar recording software, you can pair it with your preferred video conferencing platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
We reviewed more than 15 video conferencing platforms.
If you need more information, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions.
What are the two main types of video conferencing systems?
The two main types of video conferencing systems are one-on-one calls and team meetings.
If you host meetings with a single client, you can choose a tool with a strict participant meeting.
Businesses wanting to bring the whole crew together need the option of team meetings with paid plans.
Is Zoom a video conferencing platform?
Yes, Zoom is a video conferencing platform that allows users to join meetings with video or audio only.
The free plan provides 40-minute meetings, while paid plans remove those restrictions.
It’s easy to host and schedule sessions for attendees, whether they’re on a computer or mobile device.
Wrapping Up
After reviewing 15+ video conferencing platforms, you might not know what’s your best choice.
Zoom is the most popular option because of its reputation and popularity.
The free account might have a time limit, but since you can schedule meetings back-to-back, you can work around that and not pay for the service.
Google Meet is another quality video conferencing platform.
It’s free through the Google Suite, so users pick up on the intuitive dashboard.
Whether you use a free option or a paid service, the best video conferencing platforms put you in touch with your clients and coworkers for collaboration.