Video conferencing software is the answer for businesses interested in increasing productivity, reducing travel expenses, and fostering stronger relationships.
Instead of dealing with endless email chains, your business gets to interact with clients, employees, and vendors in real-time. You can also share dynamic presentations, read body language, and get decisions made faster.
And with the work-from-home culture now becoming a norm, it makes sense for teams to have easy-to-access video conferencing software that keeps them connected.
As most businesses in the US plan to increase their spending on video conferencing tools in the coming years, a Grand View Research report says that this market would see phenomenal growth by the end of 2030.
Image via Grand View Research
However, before you can take out your checkbook, you need to know how to deal with the current saturation of video conferencing software.
How can you tell what video conferencing software will suit your business needs?
What features should you look for, and which are the best video conferencing platforms currently available?
In this post, we make the process of choosing simple by listing the best video conferencing software, features that make them stand out, and their pricing. We also tell you how hard it will be to use the tool and whether you need advanced expertise to handle them.
Let's dive in.
How We Choose the Best Video Conferencing Solutions
- Features: We first take a look at all the features that a video conferencing software has to offer. These features are then compared with the rest to narrow down the list of the best ones.
- Quality: Video conferencing is critical to business operations, especially in a hybrid or remote setting. That’s why we analyze the video quality and connectivity to ensure the platform can meet the needs of modern businesses.
- Ease of Use: Video conferencing doesn’t have to be difficult as it’s a prime communication mode for businesses. That’s why we analyze the ease of use to find the best platforms.
- Pricing: A video conferencing solution should be affordable for businesses of all sizes, ranging from SMBs to enterprises. That’s why we choose free and paid platforms that are affordable for all.
- Reviews: Finally, we looked at the customer reviews for each platform before choosing the top ones. This gives us an insight into what the users feel about the platform, enabling us to better showcase the platforms.
13 Video Conferencing Software for Businesses Seeking Success
Before we can get into the list of the video conferencing software, here are the most important features your brand should look for:
- Screen sharing: Ensure the video conferencing software you choose has a share button feature. This way, you don't have to send items before the video meeting and can share in real time.
- Analytics: Analytics on a video conferencing platform allow you to monitor service quality so that you can streamline your virtual meetings experience.
- Integrations: Look out for a video conferencing solution that integrates with other software you use.
- Moderator tools: This gives the moderator the power to mute those not presenting, choose who presents, and place attendees on hold.
- Recording functionality: Meeting recordings allow you to keep everyone in the loop, including the ones who weren’t present in the video conference.
- Multiple device support: Video conference software should support different operating systems and devices.
- Quality audio and video: Make sure you can clearly see and hear what others say or share during video conferences.
- Strong security: Video conferencing software security helps you avoid situations where strangers join your meeting or steal sensitive information.
And now that you know what features matter most, here are the video conferencing software you can choose from:
1. Zoom
Image via Zoom
As a popular video conferencing software, Zoom lets you hold audio and video calls across multiple platforms.
What's more?
This video conferencing software is scalable and offers numerous supportive tools that make communication effective for any kind of business.
Key Features
- Unlimited group and one-to-one meetings
- Record video meetings to cloud and leverage searchable transcripts
- Streamlined calendar and team chat
- Meeting moderation tools and easy screen sharing
- Ability to host webinars with up to 50,000 people and Livestream events on social media
- Create, build, and easily manage events
- Zoom meeting room with advanced features including Smart Gallery, Hot Desking, virtual receptionists, enhanced voice commands, etc.
- Industry-specific features including those for education, healthcare, finance, and government
- Ability to build integrations and apps that enrich your zoom experience
Pros
- Social media streaming
- HD video and audio
- Team collaboration tools
- Video recording features for both free and paid plans
Cons
- Zoom has security issues and poor customer support.
Pricing
- Free
- Pro – $15.99 per month per user
- Business – $21.99 per month per user
- Business Plus – $26.99 per month per user
- Enterprise – Contact sales for pricing
Image via Zoom
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
2. Microsoft Teams
Image via Microsoft Teams
As one of the more robust video conferencing software apps, Microsoft Teams provides features you need for video conference, file sharing, messaging, calling, and collaborating in one place.
Best of all?
Microsoft Teams has a free version suitable for individuals, startups, and small businesses and a paid version for large businesses that need more comprehensive features.
Key Features
- Video, audio, and call recording plus live transcriptions
- Robust functionalities for screen sharing, setting up calendars, holding video calls, adding team members, etc.
- Share different types of content, including your device screen, PowerPoint slide deck, Microsoft Whiteboard, and audio
- Host monitoring features including the ability to prevent attendees from turning on their cameras
- Ability to customize backgrounds and viewing modes
- Security features including data encryption while in transit and rest
- Powerful chat capabilities including the ability to search, pin chats, categorize conversations, etc.
Pros
- Numerous collaboration features and cloud storage
- Easy file sharing
- Detailed team analytics and reports
- Microsoft Office integrations
Cons
- The user interface on Microsoft Teams may not be friendly for beginners or people without some technical knowledge.
Pricing
You can try for one month free and later upgrade to any of the paid plans
- Microsoft Teams Essentials – $4 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic – $6 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard – $12.50 per user/month
Image via Microsoft Teams
Tool Level
- Intermediate
Usability
- Moderately easy
3. Google Meet
Image via Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing service developed by Google and formerly known as Google Hangouts Meet.
It's also a video conferencing solution that integrates easily with other Google apps, caters to many meeting participants, and doesn't require installing to hold meetings.
Key Features
- Good audio and video quality with background noise filtering capability
- Screen sharing and the ability to dial-in phone numbers
- Record meetings and easily save them on Google Drive
- Live streaming option with up to 10 000 participants
- Moderation features including polls, Q&A, hand raises, breakout rooms, etc.
- Compatible with Android or iOS and browsers including Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox.
- Easy integrations with the G-suite tools and Google calendar
Pros
- Unlimited meetings
- Strong security
- Easy tool to use for clients familiar only with Google tools
Cons
- Functionalities such as noise cancellation, dial-in phone numbers, and breakout rooms are only available in paid plans.
Pricing
- Google Workspace Business Starter – $6 per user/month
- Google Workspace Business Standard – $12 per user/month
- Google Workspace Business Plus – $18 per user/month
- Google Workspace Business Enterprise – Contact sales team
Image via Google Meet
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
4. Zoho Online Meeting Software & Platforms
Image via Zoho
Zoho Meeting is one of the simple-to-use video conferencing software for anyone looking for basic features.
It enables you to host webinars or web conferences and offers various features that make it easy to connect with audiences and clients at an affordable cost.
Key Features
- All-in-one solution for audio-conferencing, webinars, and video conferences
- Join meetings through phone calls
- Record, store, share, or download meeting links
- Screen sharing available for applications or monitors when making demos and presentations
- Sync online meetings with your Google email calendar and receive meeting notifications and invitations straight to your inbox
- Scheduled and instant meetings with the ability to share joining links via SMS, email, or chat
- Moderator controls and ability to hold private meetings
- Integrations with Zoho sales & marketing tools plus group collaboration tools
Pros
- Available on browser and mobile apps
- Automated email reminders
- Strong security features
- Interactive conferencing feed
Cons
- This video conferencing platform has fewer features compared to others with better pricing.
Pricing
Zoho meeting offers volume discounts on monthly and yearly billing.
- Free Version – $0 (100 participants)
- Meeting Standard – $5 per host/month (10 participants)
- Meeting Professional – $9 per host/month (10 participants)
- Webinar Standard – $9 per host/month (25 attendees)
- Webinar Professional – $19 per host/month (25 attendees)
Image via Zoho
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
5. CyberLink U Meeting
Image via CyberLink
CyberLink U Meeting goes beyond basics to give your comprehensive video conferencing software features for medium-sized and small businesses.
What's more?
It's a handy video conferencing service for teachers and people who rely on online course platforms.
Why is this?
With this video conferencing software, you can hold roll calls online, ask for student information, hold breakout sessions, generate discussions, etc.
Key Features
- Schedule online meetings and sync them with your Outlook or Google calendar
- Collaboration and interaction tools including virtual whiteboards, desktop screen sharing, annotation pens, and laser pointers
- Record, store discussions, and hold breakout sessions
- Ability to collect participant information and take roll-calls
- Broadcast feature to manage who can join meetings as a viewer or participant
Pros
- Numerous viewing options
- Strong security features
- Dedicated features for educational organizations plus public/ private organizations
- Tutorials on software use
Cons
- Compared to other video conferencing software, their video quality is disappointing.
Pricing
- Basic – Free version for 25 participants and max 30 minutes
- Pro 50 – $9.99 per month per host for up to 50 participants and 24hrs max per meeting
- Pro 100 – $14.99 per month per host for up to 100 participants and 24 hrs max per meeting.
- Pro 200 – Contact sales
- Enterprise – Contact sales
Image via CyberLink
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
6. MyOwnConference
Image via MyOwnConference
The MyOwnConference webinar platform is ready to offer you intuitively understandable and visually appealing webinar rooms. A cross-platform service, MyOwnConference allows you to conduct and listen to webinars anytime from any device.
Key Features
- Can access webinars from anywhere in the world
- Conduct and participate in webinars directly from your browser
- Webinar recording for up to 10 hours in full HD quality
- Screen sharing, video sharing, YouTube sharing, or document sharing directly from the computer
- Proprietary TCP-based technology alternatively to WebRTC for host webinars with poor connections or through VPN
- One-time events or webinar series scheduling
- Webinars branding and customizations
- Automated webinars
Pros
- Proprietary TCP-based technology for webcasting
- Can conduct webinars without additional software installation
- Any paid plan automatically gets access to all the features, regardless of its cost
Cons
- Unique TCP-based broadcasting technology is not available for Linux/Unix yet;
Pricing
- Non Commercial Use – Free $0/month
- Business – $50/month
- Enterprise – Get A Quote
Image via MyOwnConference
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
7. RingCentral HD Video Conferencing
Image via RingCentral
For a comprehensive series of robust features, leverage video conferencing software from RingCentral.
Their HD Video Conferencing software offers flawless HD-quality video calls and audio plus powerful in-meeting capabilities.
What's more?
You can choose to set up a live virtual conference room or schedule a meeting with flexible joining options.
Key Features
- All-in-one solution for video, calling, and instant messaging
- Host meetings with up to 500 people and easily share applications, presentations, desktops, whiteboards, etc., from your device
- Advanced annotation tools to comment on or highlight parts of shared documents
- Record and easily distribute meetings
- Create up to 50 breakout sessions where attendees can share video, screens, audio, whiteboards, etc.
- Integrates with Microsoft Outlook, iCal, and Google Calendar so you can easily sync calendars, schedule, or update meetings
- Ability to share content, files, and presentations from Google Drive or Dropbox
- Build your own integrations or integrate with popular cloud applications
Pros
- Multi-device connectivity
- Real-time analytics
- Strong security features
- Cloud-based
Cons
- Advanced analytics and integrations on this video conferencing software are only available with the paid plan.
Pricing
- Core – $30/user/month
- Advanced – $35/user/month
- Ultra – $45/user/month
Image via RingCentral
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
8. Webex
Image via Webex
Webex is an all-in-one video conferencing software by Cisco. While Webex App is for personal meetings and small businesses, Webex Suit meets the collaboration requirements on an enterprise level.
This easy-to-use video conferencing software can be used by signing up for free. This platform renders high-quality video and audio for desktop and mobile users.
Key Features
- Intuitive interface
- Cloud-recording
- Interactive whiteboard, screen sharing, and closed captions
- Live stream meetings on YouTube and Facebook
- Professional and fun messaging features
- With hybrid work solutions, reimagine work style, security, manageability, and performance
- Live-polling and Q&A
Pros
- This video conferencing software is compatible across different devices.
- Schedule a video meetings from any third-party calendar app
- The free plan offers ad-free meetings.
- Live and on-demand webinars to facilitate learning.
- One of the best video conferencing software in terms of security.
- Real-time technical support
Cons
- The video conferencing session length is limited to 40 minutes in the free version
- Paid plans are relatively expensive
Pricing
- Webex Free – $0
- Business Meet– $14.50/license/month
- Webex Suite– $25/license/month
- Webex Enterprise – Contact Sales
Image via Webex
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
9. GoTo Meeting
Image via GoTo Meeting
GoTo Meeting is one of the most preferred video conferencing software we have in the market today. It brings you the best of flexibility, features, and enterprise-level security to collaborate with people around the globe.
GoTo Meeting’s Smart Meeting Assistant is a great feature to automatically summarize meetings. The professional interface and ease of use make it one of the top video conferencing software.
Key Features
- Local or cloud recording
- Commuter mode for mobile meetings
- Custom backgrounds
- Smart Meeting Assistant automatically takes notes, marks highlights, and captures presentation slides
- Offers professionally branded online conference room
- Call Me, a toll-free and optional feature to call and join a meeting
- Meeting diagnostic reports
Pros
- Easy workflow integration with Slack, Google Calendar, Microsoft 365, and other tools
- End-to-end encryption
- Streamline communication with meeting chat room and private messaging
- Rich resource center for learning
- 14-day free trial
Cons
- This video conferencing software does not have a free version
Pricing
- Professional Plan – $12 per organizer/month
- Business Plan – $16 per organizer/month
- Enterprise Plan – Contact their sales team
Image via GoTo Meeting
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
10. Amazon Chime
Image via Amazon
Amazon Chime is a robust video conferencing software that streamlines collaboration, enabling teams to connect easily and securely across distances. It allows you to choose the communication options best suited for your business, including chat, meetings, and business calling.
With Chime, you can enjoy high-quality HD video conferencing, screen sharing, messaging, and other premium features at an affordable price. Whether you need to host large webinars or small team meetings, Chime provides a seamless web conferencing experience across devices.
Key Features
- Screen sharing capabilities
- HD video and audio quality
- Dial-in numbers and in-room video conference support for enhanced accessibility
- Persistent communications across desktop and mobile devices over chat and chat rooms
- Amazon Chime management console for administering entreprise users and managing policies
- Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, Mac, web, iOS, and Android devices
Pros
- Supports large meetings of up to 250 participants
- Easy to use and set up, with a user-friendly interface
- Seamlessly integrates with other Amazon Web Services (AWS) tools
- Pay-per-use pricing ensures you pay only for features used on specific days
Cons
- Limited customization and branding options
- Some users report technical issues and glitches
Pricing
Amazon Chime has no upfront fees or long-term contracts. Instead, it uses a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with clients paying for features they use on the days they use them.
- Basic Features: Free
- Pro Features: $3 per user/day (up to $15 per user/month)
Image via Amazon
Tool Level
- Beginner/Intermediate
Usability
- Moderately easy to use
11. ClickMeeting
Image via ClickMeeting
Do you need to host a virtual meeting with everyone playing an active part? ClickMeeting is the best video conferencing tool for those who want to deliver truly interactive virtual meetings.
The software comes with a ton of interactive features designed to keep participants engaged and make your virtual meetings more dynamic such as screen sharing, moderated chat, and whiteboards. The tool can be used in different settings but it would be the perfect video conferencing app for you if:
- Offer online classes and want students to be active and engaged during class
- Manage a remote work team and want to stay connected with them throughout the day
- Regularly organize meetings with business partners, customers, and leads
- Train employees and want them to be active during the sessions
Key Features
- Simple Webinar Management: Manage virtual meetings easily with intuitive controls and buttons. Switch views during the webinar to suit the needs of your class or webinar
- Advanced Moderator Controls: Stay in charge of your meetings with the ability to block and unblock attendees. Run private chats and assign special functions to participants.
- Interactive Features: Collaborate with the meeting attendees using interactive features like chat, polls, and surveys.
- Webinar Recordings: ClickMeetings makes recording meetings easy to help you create shareable content that can be distributed online.
Pros
- User-friendly interface that makes it easy for participants to navigate the platform
- Great choice for educators and businesses that want participants to stay engaged during meetings
- Offers a wide range of interactive features that foster engagement during meetings
- Offers detailed analytics to help you assess the performance of your webinars
Cons
- A meeting can only accommodate 40 participants
Pricing
- Free Trial – Free for 30 days
- Live – $32 per month
- Automated – $48 per month
- Custom Plan – Contact sales
Image via ClickMeeting
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
12. RemotePC Meeting
Image via RemotePC
Meeting by RemotePC is the best video conferencing software for effective collaboration. The tool combines high-quality live video with powerful collaboration features to help you communicate effectively with your team from anywhere in the world.
This video conferencing software lets you configure unique invites for an instant meeting with your team members. It also integrates with Google Calendar to make it easy for you to create and schedule video chats.
Key Features
- Voice Calls: Participate in online meetings through live audio transmission.
- Unlimited Meetings: RemotePC Meeting supports unlimited 1:1 and group meetings to help you collaborate effectively with your team members.
- Join Meetings via Phone: Overcome poor internet connectivity and join virtual meetings through your phone. RemotePC Meeting supports international dial in numbers.
- Unlimited Cloud Storage: Make unlimited meeting recordings and store them securely in the cloud. View and share the recordings from your account dashboard.
- Breakout Rooms: Split a meeting into separate sessions and move participants to breakout rooms.
- Interactive Elements: Use polls, quizzes, whiteboards, and group chat to engage participants and make your online meetings interesting.
- Video Streaming: RemotePC Meeting is one of the software solutions that supports video streaming. Insert the meeting link on YouTube to stream the meeting to a large audience.
Pros
- The platform offers easy screen sharing to help participants deliver presentations
- Allows moderators to add a co-host to manage attendees when the meeting starts
- Supports group and private chat, allowing users to exchange messages and share files
- Offers virtual backgrounds to help users maintain privacy during meetings
- Comes with a Google Chrome extension for seamless scheduling
Cons
- Can only accommodate 50 participants in a group meeting
Pricing
- Consumer 1 – $22.12 first year
- Consumer 2 – $44.62 first year
- SOHO – $74.62 first year
- Team – $224.62 first year
- Enterprise – $449.62 first year
Image via RemotePC
Tool Level
- Intermediate
Usability
- Moderately easy
13. Livestorm
Image via Livestorm
Livestorm is a virtual meeting software that allows you to run engaging and secure online meetings. This robust video conferencing tool offers quick and easy access to virtual meetings through the browser, eliminating the need for a dedicated app.
The platform comes with advanced features that take your meetings to the next level such as customized email reminders, room design, and robust analytics. It also integrates with calendar apps like Google calendar to simplify scheduling and allow participants to join instantly.
Key Features
- Customized Live Experience: Deliver an interactive live experience with custom features such as plugins, custom room design, file sharing, and more.
- Device Versatility: Join an event seamlessly from a browser on any device. This eliminates the need to download and install bulky video conferencing apps.
- Virtual Whiteboards: Livestorm integrates with Miro whiteboards, allowing users to collaborate visually during a meeting.
- Simultaneous Speakers: Display multiple streams at the same time to make online discussions more engaging.
- Detailed Analytics: Livestorm has powerful reports built into the dashboard to make it easy to analyze event data during and after an event.
Pros
- Livestorm has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to participate in virtual events
- Offers a wide range of interactive tools to boost audience engagement
- Supports sharing of downloadable files such as PDF and MP4
- Built-in participant reports
- Offers instant replays after a webinar
Cons
- Livestorm imposes participant and meeting length limitations depending on the pricing plan
Pricing
- Free – 20 minute sessions, up to 30 live attendees
- Pro – $79 per month billed annually: 4 hour sessions, up to 100 live attendees
- Business – Contact sales: 4 hour sessions, up to 3,000 live attendees
- Enterprise – Contact sales: 12 hour sessions, up to 3,000 live attendees
Image via Livestorm
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
FAQs
Q1. What is the best video conferencing software?
A. The best video conferencing software include:
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Meet
- Zoho Online Meeting Software & Platforms
- CyberLink U Meeting
- RingCentral HD Video Conferencing
- Webex
- GoTo Meeting
- Livestorm
- ClickMeeting
- Amazon Chime
- RemotePC Meeting
Q2. What is the best free video conferencing software?
A. The best video conferencing software with a free version includes:
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Meet
- Zoho Online Meeting Software & Platforms
- RingCentral HD Video Conferencing
- CyberLink U Meeting
- Webex
Q3. Is Zoom the best video conferencing app?
A. Zoom is great as a video conferencing software since it offers numerous options in both its paid and free plan. You get clear audio, flawless video, screen sharing capabilities, and so much more.
However, you can also check out other Zoom alternatives from this post for a more in-depth comparison of the leading video conferencing software.
Q4. What are examples of video conferencing platforms?
A. Examples of video conferencing software include:
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Meet
- Zoho Online Meeting Software & Platforms
- RingCentral HD Video Conferencing
- CyberLink U Meeting
- Webex
- GoTo Meeting
Q5. What video conferencing tool do you prefer?
A. I prefer to use Google Meet for video calls because it makes it easy to connect with anyone with a Gmail account. It also has great features, even in the free version. As many video conferencing service offer a free version, you can always try their features to choose the best one for yourself.
Q6. What's a good quality free video conferencing program for multiple people?
A. Video conferencing software that accommodates multiple people include:
- Google Meet
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- RingCentral HD Video Conferencing
- Webex
- GoTo Meeting
Q7. What is the use of video conferencing software?
A. Video conferencing involves having face-to-face meetings online through a video call. It then becomes easy to interact with people from different locations while using different devices, including mobile and desktop with the help of video conferencing software.
Q8. How does a video conferencing system work?
A. Video conferencing systems enable you to host online video meetings or conversations.
Good video conferencing apps also offer other functionalities, including audio conferencing, screen sharing, instant messaging, etc.
Q9. What are the benefits of using video conferencing software?
A. Benefits of video conferencing include:
- Saves time and money
- Boost attendance
- Improves communication
- Encourages engagement from team members
Q10. What is the future of video conferencing and video meetings?
A. Experts expect that the video conferencing market will reach $16 billion by 2030. The market will continue to grow as more and more businesses adopt it as a means of communication and embrace a mobile workforce model.
Additionally, video conferencing software vendors continue to add advanced features that improve the user experience when running video meetings.
Stay Productive With the Best Video Conferencing Software
With the right video conferencing software, your business can easily connect with employees, decision-makers, clients, and vendors. It also becomes easy to make decisions without having to follow a trail of emails and messages.
But which video conferencing software, among the ones we reviewed, would suit your business?
Tell us below, and don't forget to share your video conferencing experience and whether the solutions delivered as expected.
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