8 Alternatives to Zoom for Meetings- Sorry, I was on Mute

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of remote work, and virtual events, video conferencing has become an essential tool for staying connected. Although Zoom has been a popular choice, concerns over its security and pricing have prompted users to explore other alternatives to Zoom.If you are looking for ways to navigate time zone challenges, read our article on best tools to schedule meetings in different time zones. Want to improve team communication at your workplace? Explore our articles on best team communication apps for hybrid teams and take a look at the comparison of Skype vs. Zoom. To learn how to enhance your remote collaboration experience, discover our article on the best virtual meeting platforms.In this blog, we'll dive into the world of video conferencing alternatives and analyze the top options available in 2023 so you can make an informed decision about which Zoom alternative is best for you. So, let's venture into the world of video conferencing and discover the top alternatives to Zoom that will elevate your remote collaboration game.

1. Overview of the Best Zoom Alternatives in 2023

Google Meet	Best Zoom Alternative for Large Teams
Microsoft Teams	Best Zoom Alternative for Microsoft Users
Webex Meetings	Best Zoom Alternative for Enterprise Meetings
RingCentral MVP	Best Zoom Alternative for All-In-One Communications
Global Meet Collaboration	Best Zoom Alternative for Global Collaboration
Livestorm	Best Zoom Alternative for Webinar Hosting
Zoho Meeting	Best Zoom Alternative for Customization
Skype	Best Zoom Alternative for Instant Messaging

2. Why Explore Alternatives to Zoom?

As Zoom has become the go-to video conferencing tool for many, there are several reasons why exploring alternatives to Zoom might be a good idea. Firstly, improved security is becoming increasingly important, and many Zoom substitutes have focused on providing better security features. For example, Webex Meetings, Microsoft Teams, and JitsiMeet have all stepped up their game in this area.In addition to improved security, exploring alternatives can also offer unique collaboration features tailored to specific industries or team structures. Livestorm allows for integration with your marketing stack, while Global Meet Collaboration offers custom branding options. By exploring these options, you may find a tool that better aligns with your team's needs and enhances collaboration efforts. Cost savings are also a potential benefit of exploring alternatives to Zoom, especially if you require high capacity or extensive customization options. Some solutions offer these features at a lower price point than Zoom, making them a more affordable option for businesses and organizations. By evaluating different tools and pricing models, you can find a solution that fits your budget without compromising functionality or features.

3. Selection Criteria for Choosing the Alternatives to Zoom

Device Compatibility

Device compatibility is a critical factor to consider, as certain platforms may perform better on specific devices. The ease of use is also crucial, and choosing a platform with a user-friendly interface can improve the experience.

Compatibility:

Compatibility is another critical aspect to consider. It's important to ensure that the video conferencing software you choose can integrate with other tools and software your team uses.

Features:

Assessing the features of each platform is essential. You want to ensure that the software has the features you need to effectively communicate with your team and clients.

Capacity:

Analyzing the capacity is also important, as you want to ensure the platform can accommodate your team size and meeting requirements.

Customer Support:

Customer support can be crucial, especially for users new to video conferencing or those who encounter technical issues.

Pricing:

Price is also a significant factor to consider. Many video conferencing platforms offer different pricing plans, so it's important to choose a plan that fits within your budget.

4. List of the Best Alternatives to Zoom?

4.1 Google Meet

Suitable for: Small to Large-sized businessesGoogle Meet is one of the most popular alternatives to Zoom. It is considered suitable for anyone looking for a secure and reliable video conferencing solution, including businesses, schools, and individuals. Google Meet is a web-based video conferencing software that allows users to host and attend virtual meetings from anywhere with an internet connection. What Makes Google Meet Unique?Google Meet has several features that make it unique compared to other video conferencing tools. Firstly, it is fully integrated with G Suite, which makes it easy to access productivity tools like Google Drive and Google Calendar during meetings. Additionally, Google Meet offers real-time captioning for accessibility, which is an important feature for businesses that prioritize diversity and inclusion. Another unique feature of Google Meet is its ability to host large meetings, with up to 250 participants in a single call. This is especially useful for businesses that need to connect with a large number of people, whether it's for internal team meetings or external client meetings. Lastly, Google Meet offers advanced security measures, including encryption and multi-factor authentication, which ensure that meetings are secure and protected from unauthorized access.Key Features:

Real-time captioning for enhanced accessibility
Screen sharing to facilitate presentations and collaboration
Recording to capture meetings for later reference
Breakout rooms to enable small group discussions
Integration with G-Suite for seamless access to productivity tools like Google Calendar and Drive

Pricing: Google Meet offers a free version for individuals and a paid version for businesses and organizations, with pricing starting at $6 per user per month.Pros:

Easy-to-use interface
High-quality video and audio
Strong security features

Cons:

Limited customization options
Need for a Google account to access the platform

4.2 Microsoft Teams:

Suitable for: Businesses of all sizesMicrosoft Teams is a collaboration and communication platform that enables teams to chat, share files, schedule meetings, and collaborate on documents in real time. The software integrates with other Microsoft tools and services and offers customizable channels and tabs for a personalized experience. Microsoft Teams is suitable for businesses, schools, and organizations of any size that need an inclusive platform.What Makes Microsoft Teams Unique?Microsoft Teams is a powerful communication and collaboration tool that offers several unique features that set it apart from other video conferencing tools. Its key strength is its seamless integration with other Microsoft Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, allowing for easy collaboration and file sharing. Another unique feature of Microsoft Teams is its ability to host both video and audio calls, as well as instant messaging and file sharing, all in one place. This makes it a versatile tool that can be used for various communication needs. Additionally, Microsoft Teams offers a wide range of customizable features, such as background effects and virtual meeting rooms, that allow businesses to tailor the tool to their specific needs.Key Features:

Real-time messaging and file sharing via the chat function
Video and audio conferencing for face-to-face meetings from anywhere
Integration with Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for file sharing and co-authoring
Task management and scheduling features to help teams stay organized
Customizable channels and tabs for a personalized user experience
Large meeting capabilities with options for screen sharing, recording, and transcription

Pricing: In case you have ever wondered if there is a Zoom alternative for free. The answer is yes. Microsoft Teams offers a free version for individuals and a paid version for businesses and organizations, with pricing starting at $5 per user per month for the basic plan.Pros:

Integration with other Microsoft tools
Customizable interface
Ability to handle large meetings

Cons:

Learning curve for new users
Occasional connectivity issues

4.3 Webex Meetings

Suitable for: Large businesses or enterprisesWebex Meetings is a video conferencing and collaboration solution with advanced security features, large meeting support, and Microsoft and Google integrations. It is a compatible choice for businesses, schools, and organizations of any size that need a reliable and feature-rich video conferencing and collaboration solution.What Makes Webex Meetings Unique? Webex Meetings is a video conferencing tool that offers several unique features that set it apart from other similar tools. One of its key features is its ability to host large-scale virtual events, such as webinars and virtual conferences, with up to 100,000 participants. This makes it a great choice alternative to Zoom for businesses and organizations that need to connect with a large audience. Additionally, Webex Meetings offers powerful collaboration features, such as screen sharing and file sharing, that allow participants to work together in real time. Another unique feature of Webex Meetings is its compatibility with a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, making it accessible to users regardless of their preferred device. Additionally, Webex Meetings offers advanced security features, such as end-to-end encryption, to ensure that meetings and data remain secure.Key Features:

HD video and audio
Screen sharing
Virtual backgrounds
Recording and scheduling options
Advanced security features
Integration with Microsoft Teams or Google Workspace

Pricing: Webex Meetings offers a range of pricing plans for different user needs, starting from a free version for basic meetings and going up to enterprise-level plans with more advanced features.Pros:

Reliability
Advanced security features
Ability to handle large meetings

Cons:

Slightly steeper learning curve for new users
Higher price point for enterprise-level plans

4.4 RingCentral MVP

Suitable for: Businesses of all sizesRingCentral MVP is a cloud-based video calling platform that includes video conferencing, team messaging, file sharing, and phone system features for businesses. It is a great option for businesses and organizations of any size that require a detailed cloud-based communication and collaboration platform.What Makes RingCentral MVP Unique?RingCentral MVP is an all-in-one platform, which includes messaging, video conferencing, phone calls, and file sharing, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly in one central location. This makes it a great choice alternative to Zoom for businesses that require multiple communication tools in one platform. They also offer advanced mobile capabilities, enabling users to communicate and collaborate from anywhere, at any time, on any device. Another unique feature of this platform is its powerful integrations with other business tools, such as Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Workspace, allowing for an easy and seamless workflow. Key Features:

High-definition video and audio conferencing
Team messaging
File sharing
Task management
Integration with popular business apps such as Salesforce, Microsoft Office, and G Suite
Key feature of RingCentral MVP

Pricing: RingCentral MVP offers multiple pricing plans that cater to different business needs and sizes, starting at $19.99 per user per month.Pros:

All-inclusive feature set
User-friendly interface
Excellent customer support

Cons:

Occasional connectivity issues
Higher pricing compared to some competitors

4.5 Global Meet Collaboration

Suitable for: Medium to large businessesGlobalMeet Collaboration is a platform for web and video conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing, with customizable meeting settings and virtual whiteboarding. It is the perfect solution for businesses and organizations of all sizes that need a holistic collaboration platform with a range of features.What Makes Global Meet Collaboration Unique?GlobalMeet Collaboration is a cloud-based video conferencing software that is unique in its ability to provide a highly secure and reliable platform for virtual meetings and collaboration. Its standout feature is the ability to join meetings from any device, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.As one of the best alternatives to Zoom, It also offers an easy-to-use interface that allows users to share screens, files, and virtual whiteboards in real time. It also features real time language translation in over 100+ languages, making it a great pick for organizations with a global presence.Key Features:

GlobalMeet Collaboration platform offers functional collaboration features
HD video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and virtual whiteboarding
Customizable meeting settings to personalize the user's experience
Integration with Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendar simplifies scheduling meetings

Pricing: It offers a range of pricing plans, with options for both small teams and enterprise-level organizations. Prices vary depending on the features required and the number of users.Pros:

User-friendly interface
Full range of features
Strong customer support

Cons:

Occasional connectivity issues
Limitations on the number of meeting participants for certain plans

4.6 Livestorm

Suitable for: Small to medium-sized businessesLivestorm is an all-in-one platform for online events that take the hassle out of hosting webinars and live video meetings. It is a popular choice for businesses, marketers, educators, and anyone who needs to host webinars, meetings, or events online.What Makes Livestorm Unique? Another one that’s popular on the list of best Zoom alternatives is Livestorm due to its ease of use and all-in-one platform for hosting webinars, live events, and on-demand videos. Livestorm allows hosts to engage with attendees through polls, Q&A sessions, and chat functions, making it an excellent choice for webinars and online training sessions. It also features the ability to integrate marketing automation and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. This feature allows hosts to track and analyze attendee data, making it easier to target and engage with specific groups of attendees. It also offers an intuitive interface that allows hosts to customize their webinars and events with branding and design elements.Key Features:

Livestorm offers customizable registration pages
Provides live chat, polls, and Q&A features during webinars
Integrates with marketing tools such as Hubspot and Salesforce
Offers analytics and reporting capabilities
These features make Livestorm unique among virtual meeting platforms

Pricing: They offer various pricing plans, including a free plan for up to 20-minute webinars with limited features, and paid plans starting at $99 per month for more advanced features and increased webinar duration.Pros:

User-friendly interface
Customizable branding options
Built-in analytics

Cons of Livestorm

Limited customization options for emails and registration pages
Occasional technical glitches

4.7 Zoho Meeting

Suitable for: Small to medium-sized businesses

Zoho Meeting is like having a virtual meeting room that's affordable, easy to use, and integrates with other Zoho apps. It is suitable for businesses of any size that need a reliable web conferencing and online meeting platform.What Makes Zoho Meeting Unique?Zoho Meeting has unique features is that it offers various modes of meeting, including video, audio, and screen sharing, making it flexible for users. Additionally, Zoho Meeting provides users with the ability to customize their meeting rooms, branding them to match their business. The platform also offers features like recording, polls, and Q&A, making it easy for businesses to interact with their audience and make their meetings engagingKey Features:

Screen sharing
Recording
Chat
Polling
Integration with other Zoho apps like CRM and Projects

Pricing: The software comes with a free plan for personal use, as well as paid plans starting at $10 per host per month for businesses and organizations.Pros:

Affordability
Ease of use
Integration with other Zoho apps

Cons:

Occasional issues with audio quality
Limited range of features compared to some other web conferencing platforms

4.8 Skype

Suitable for: Small businessesSkype is a communication platform that offers voice and video calling, instant messaging, and file sharing for individuals and businesses. It is a feasible choice for individuals, businesses, and organizations of any size that need a reliable and easy-to-use communication platform.What Makes Skype Unique?Skype is among the pioneering video calling software. Its unique features include its integration with Microsoft accounts and services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, and Office 365, as well as its ability to make calls to landlines and mobile phones around the world. It allows people to connect with each other no matter where they are in the world. Another unique feature of Skype is its ability to make calls to landlines and mobile phones, allowing people to stay connected with those who may not have access to the internet. Key Features:

Voice and video calling
Instant messaging
Screen sharing
File sharing
Ability to make calls to landlines and mobile phones
Translation for voice and chat in over 60 languages

Pricing: Skype is free! You only need to pay for additional features such as group video calling and the ability to make calls to landlines and mobile phones.Pros: