Zoom Alternatives: Best Video Conferencing Platforms

Are you searching for the best Zoom alternatives? Here are the best options for the Zoom Video Conferencing app.

As we all know, there has been a major gap in face-to-face interactions recently owing to significant lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses and even individuals began to use video conferencing apps at this time, making it easier for people and even commodities to communicate.

As a result, the popularity of these video conferencing apps has grown day by day.

What is Zoom?

The Zoom Video Conferencing app is one central app that has recently acquired popularity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom is a peer-to-peer software platform used for teleconferencing and is a video conferencing app by Zoom Communications, Inc. This company is based in San Jose, California.

This software is free and allows up to 100 individuals to participate in a 40-minute conference. You can upgrade for $15 to $20 to get more features and time. Zoom also has the finest corporate conference room costs, ranging from $50 to $100.

But if this high popularity, there are few vulnerabilities to privacy concerns and warnings of hijackings from various authorities. The usage of this application has become a big question for many, and here is a quick video explaining how Zoom is causing these vulnerabilities.

Here’s a brief overview:

1. Primary function: Video conferencing and online meetings
2. Key features:
   • HD video and audio calls
   • Screen sharing
   • Virtual backgrounds
   • Meeting recording
   • Chat functionality
   • Webinar hosting
   • Integration with calendars and other productivity tools
3. Use cases:
   • Business meetings
   • Remote work collaboration
   • Online education and distance learning
   • Webinars and virtual events
   • Personal social gatherings
4. Accessibility:
   • Available on desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)
   • Mobile apps for iOS and Android
   • Web browser version
5. Pricing:
   • Free basic plan with some limitations
   • Paid plans for more features and larger meetings
6. Security:
   • End-to-end encryption
   • Password protection for meetings
   • Waiting rooms to control participant entry

Zoom gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as many organizations and individuals turned to remote communication solutions. It’s known for its ease of use and reliability, though it has faced some security and privacy challenges in the past.

As this has become the biggest question, whether Zoom is safe for our video conferences, many have started switching to alternatives to Zoom. At the request of many people, I am writing this article showing the best options for Zoom, which will help you avoid any vulnerabilities.

Zoom Alternatives: Limited Video Conferencing Platforms

Aside from Zoom, various video conferencing apps were popular prior to the launch of Zoom. Here are a few examples of what you can do with them. Only a small number of people can utilise the free video conferencing services, however anyone can download and use any of them for video conferencing. Here are a few options for limited video conferencing platforms.

Here are the few Zoom Alternatives for 2024.

1. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a collaborative workspace and communication platform within the Microsoft 365 suite. Launched in 2017, it integrates chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration.

Key Features:

• Chat and messaging
• Video conferencing
• File sharing and collaboration
• Integration with Microsoft 365 apps
• Third-party app integration
• Channels for team organization
• Screen sharing and digital whiteboarding

Pricing and plans

Free Plan:

• Microsoft Teams offers a robust free tier that caters to individuals and small teams looking for a comprehensive collaboration tool without any financial commitment.
• This no-cost version provides users with unlimited chat and search capabilities, enabling seamless communication and easy retrieval of past conversations.
• It also includes essential features like video calling and screen sharing, facilitating face-to-face interactions and collaborative work sessions.
• Users benefit from 5 GB of file storage per person, allowing for convenient sharing and access to important documents within the platform.
• The free plan supports meetings with up to 100 participants, making it suitable for larger team gatherings or presentations.
• However, it’s worth noting that these meetings are limited to 60 minutes in duration, which may necessitate careful time management for longer discussions or workshops.

Home plans:

It starts at $6.99/month (personal plan) and $9.99/month (family plan). all free features included in this plan, along with 1 TB cloud storage per person and premium office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Business Plan

It starts at $6/month (basic plan) and $$12.50/user/month (annual commitment) all free features included in this plan along with 1TB cloud storage per person and premium office apps ((Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Desktop versions of Office apps, Webinar hosting and attendance registration with reporting tools.

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2. Microsoft Skype (Face to face)

Skype is a telecommunications application that provides video chat, voice calls, and instant messaging services. Launched in 2003, it’s now owned by Microsoft and used by millions worldwide for personal and business communication.

You can add up to 50 participants on Skype, and there is no time limit for calling. Most smaller companies still use Skype as the best free online platform for video conferencing, and this is another Zoom alternative.

The best feature of Skype is that you can even do your meetings without even logging into your account. One can generate a Meet Now video conferencing link and share it personally to invite friends into the conference.

Key Features:

• Video and voice calls
• Instant messaging
• File sharing
• Screen sharing
• Group calls and chats
• Skype Number for receiving calls on Skype
• Call recording
• Live subtitles

Pricing:

• Basic features (video calls, messaging) are free
• Skype Credit or subscription plans for calls to mobiles and landlines
• Business plans available for organizations

3. Google Hangouts Meet

Google Meet is a video conferencing platform developed by Google. It’s designed for businesses, educational institutions, and individuals to conduct virtual meetings, webinars, and online classes.

Features:

• High-quality video and audio calls
• Screen sharing
• Real-time captions
• Integration with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)
• Join meetings via web browser or mobile app
• Background blur and custom backgrounds
• Breakout rooms
• Hand raising and polls

Pricing:

• Free version: Available to all Google account holders
• Google Workspace plans: Starting from $6/user/month
• Enterprise plans: Custom pricing

4. Signal

Signal is a free, open-source messaging app focused on privacy and security. It offers end-to-end encryption for text messages, voice calls, and video chats.

The signal is a product of the Signal Foundation and Signal Messaging LLC. It is another application like Watsapp that has gained popularity in video conferences. The movement is best known for providing better privacy and security features to its customers.

This is a complete privacy solution for both mobile and desktop platforms. The app is entirely free of cost, and it does not charge the users. The Signal application is supported on all your devices, like Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone.

Features:

• End-to-end encryption for all communications
• Self-destructing messages
• Voice and video calls
• Group chats and calls
• File sharing
• Desktop app availability
• Disappearing messages
• Signal PIN for account recovery

Pricing: Signal is completely free to use. It’s funded by grants and donations, with no ads or user data monetization.

5. Whatapp Messenger (Mobile messenger)

This is the most popular application most of us use right now, founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton. This can also be used as a video conferencing app for small businesses, and the limit of WhatsApp video calls is four people at once.

This may change in the coming days as the discussion is going online to increase the video call limit for users. Facebook Inc. now owns this app. The WhatsApp messenger can share any media and can also make voice and video calls. Here are the Whatsapp Alternatives.

6. Facebook Messenger (All in one messenger)

Facebook Messenger is yet another excellent application for video conferencing over time. This is owned by Facebook Inc. and has many features included in it. The best thing about Messenger is that you can add up to 50 members in a group video conference, and the application is entirely free for anyone with a smartphone in hand.

7. Jitsi Services

Jitsi is an open-source video conferencing platform that offers a free alternative to paid services like Zoom. It provides secure, high-quality video calls and collaboration features without requiring account creation or software downloads.

This is available for Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows users. With instant video conference features, you can stay in touch with your family members, team, and colleagues. This is a free Zoom alternative.

Features:

• Browser-based video calls (no app required)
• End-to-end encryption
• Screen sharing
• Public and private chat
• Live streaming to YouTube
• Integration with office calendars
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android

Pricing: Jitsi Meet is completely free to use. They also offer Jitsi as a Service for enterprises, with pricing available upon request.

Warning: when using a Jitsi Meet instance, your stream is encrypted on the network but decrypted on the machine that hosts the bridge.

Video Conferencing Platforms for large events online

While the limited video conferencing apps work fine for individuals and tiny businesses, there is also a need for large Video Conferencing platforms due to this COVID-19 Pandemic. If you are one of those looking for Large video conferencing platforms, any one of the below is the best choice for yours, and you can go through and pick the best one from below. 

8. Go-to-Meeting

Go to the meeting is a well-known video conferencing app for businesses. The free version of the Go To meeting can be used for conferences of up to 50 members.

In the free version, you will get limited features where you have no privilege of sharing slides at conferences. You can choose the premium version for all the additional features in three different packs. 

Features:

• HD video conferencing
• Screen sharing
• Recording and transcription
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Virtual whiteboard
• Personal meeting rooms
• Integration with calendars and productivity tools

Pricing: GoToMeeting offers three main plans:

1. Professional: $12/organizer/month (billed annually)
2. Business: $16/organizer/month (billed annually)
3. Enterprise: Custom pricing

9. Cisco Webex

Webex is a comprehensive collaboration platform developed by Cisco Systems. It offers a suite of tools for video conferencing, team messaging, file sharing, and virtual events.

While GoToMeeting stands first in the line, Cisco Webex is also far better than many video conferencing applications. This is most suitable for large companies who choose the enterprise version of the WebEx conferences. You can create a meeting of up to 50 participants in the free version itself, and for additional participants, you can upgrade to higher versions.

Features:

• High-quality video meetings
• Screen sharing and whiteboarding
• Team messaging and file sharing
• Virtual events and webinars
• AI-powered features like noise reduction and virtual backgrounds
• Integration with other business tools

Pricing: Webex offers several plans:

1. Basic (Free): Limited features
2. Meet ($14.50/month/host): Full-featured meetings
3. Call ($17/month/user): Adds cloud calling
4. Suite ($25/month/user): Comprehensive collaboration solution

Prices may vary based on region and current promotions.

10. RingCentral

RingCentral is a cloud-based communications and collaboration platform that provides businesses with a unified solution for phone, video, messaging, and more. It’s designed to streamline communications for companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

For large businesses, RingCentral is the best solution. This provides credits to each consumer, which are used when they make a call. Even though it is expensive for ordinary users, large organizations can benefit from it due to its advanced features and services, as well as privacy issues.

RingCentral’s premium edition allows you to video conference with up to 100 people. The bigger the features of RingCentral, the higher the package you choose.

Features:

• Cloud phone system
• Video conferencing
• Team messaging
• SMS and fax
• Call center capabilities
• Integration with popular business apps
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Advanced call management features
• Analytics and reporting

Pricing: RingCentral offers several tiers, typically including:

1. Essentials: Basic features for small teams
2. Standard: More advanced features for growing businesses
3. Premium: Comprehensive solution for mid-size companies
4. Ultimate: Enterprise-grade features and support

Exact pricing varies based on the number of users and contract length. It’s best to check their website for current rates.

Is Zoom an alternative to Skype?

Yes, Zoom is widely considered an alternative to Skype. Both are video conferencing and communication tools, but they have some differences:

1. Primary focus:
   • Zoom is primarily designed for video conferencing and webinars.
   • Skype started as a voice and instant messaging service, later adding video calling features.
2. User base:
   • Zoom has gained significant popularity, especially for business and educational use.
   • Skype is often used for personal communication and small business calls.
3. Features:
   • Zoom offers features like breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and advanced meeting controls.
   • Skype provides features such as screen sharing, call recording, and live subtitles.
4. Meeting capacity:
   • Zoom generally allows more participants in a single call compared to Skype, especially in its paid plans.
   • Skype has a lower participant limit for group calls.
5. Ease of use:
   • Zoom is known for its simplicity; participants can join meetings via a link without necessarily creating an account.
   • Skype typically requires users to have an account and the application installed, though it also offers a web version.

Both platforms have free and paid versions with varying features. The choice between Zoom and Skype often depends on specific needs, such as the number of participants, desired features, and whether it’s for personal or professional use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Words On the best alternative of Zoom

When using any third-party software like this, you need to go through all the application functions, especially when the application is free.

Privacy is the biggest concern for everyone, and for businesses, privacy is one major factor that needs to be protected.

Before using these applications, too, it is well-advised on our behalf to thoroughly check out all the terms and conditions. Is Zoom safe to use?