The 5 Best Video Conferencing Software Platforms for 2021
The Best Video Meeting Apps for Teams
Web conferences can also help simplify tech support or even customer service. Conference calls are pretty much a guaranteed part of work for many, but instead of just a boring phone call these apps make it possible to do much more – between screen sharing, video conferencing and online whiteboard tools. While not the most common free tool available, we were able to round up a solid list of the top 10 best free web conferencing services, all of which include screen sharing.
We looked at the most impactful criteria to help you determine which solution was the best pick for your business. Our analysis factored in elements like pricing, security, feature set, and compatibility with third-party integrations. Without further ado, let’s take a look at a few online meeting platforms to consider for your business.
The 5 Best Video Conferencing Software Platforms
1 - ZOOM
Zoom is a heavy hitter in the video conferencing world because of the many options included in every plan. The platform also boasts flawless video, crystal clear audio and instant sharing capabilities that make it our favorite option for video conferencing. Many people who use Zoom often switch from other conference call software because of frustrations they face using other available platforms.
Zoom is the ideal web meeting software for users who want to simply and effectively connect with customers and clients remotely. It also has Chrome and Linux OS support for increased flexibility and secure socket layer (SSL) encryption to guarantee secure communications.
2 - Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is designed for seamless efficiency and collaboration. It integrates with Office applications like Word and SharePoint, and its design and infrastructure make it exceptionally interactive. The company has also made it possible to integrate Skype for Business into Microsoft Teams.
This program was designed as a response to the growing number of collaboration tools, like Slack, that have dominated the market in the last few years. Microsoft Teams is a catch-all chat tool for the workplace, but its video conferencing option is just as compelling and powerful. Users can launch video conferences directly from their chats.
Teams allow users to create several teams and channels, which ultimately are group chat rooms designed for fast-paced conversations. It delivers robust messaging features, with screen and file sharing, cool GIFs, and emojis to make conversations livelier. Video and audio calling quality is top-notch if a reliable Internet connection is available.
3 - Cisco Webex Meetings
With Cisco Webex Meetings, joining is a breeze – with one button to push, audio and video are clear, and screen sharing is easier than ever. It helps you forget about the technology, to focus on what matters.
Video conferencing is as simple and seamless as meeting in person. With the Webex mobile app, you can meet absolutely anywhere. Hosting is easy and joining is easier—simply click on your link to join. You can even learn about the people you’re meeting for the first time, with instant access to participants’ backgrounds and companies.
Schedule and join meetings from where you work. Everyone you invite can join your online meeting, no matter how they’re connecting, even guests. Big crowd? Not a problem. You can meet up to 100,000 people.
4 - Skype
Of course, just about everyone knows Skype, and with their free, familiar solution available without a doubt, the app is worth considering. Many may not even realize this, but Skype does in fact allow screen sharing, and again completely free. While not as flexible as some other apps that don’t even require participants to download the client (although WebEx even suffers from this), users will have to create a skype name, download skype and add each other to their contacts list for conferencing. Skype would make the best sense for a small team that doesn’t mind utilizing the platform especially now that Skype for Business has been discontinued.
Skype has also recently implemented the ability to lock meetings which ensures no unwelcome guests eavesdrop on privy conferences. With Skype users can host audio or video conferences, with up to 100 participants – one of the higher limits out of most solutions on our list. Skype also supports all popular desktop OS and even hosts iOS and Android phone apps for your conference on the go. Finally, you’re sure to enjoy using the newly-introduced animated backgrounds which can turn a drab meeting into a fun collaboration.
5 - Slack
An extremely popular collaboration tool used in organizations all over the globe, Slack has integrated video conferencing features. If your organization is not using Slack, adopting it for video conferencing probably doesn't make much sense. But, if you are already utilizing Slack, it is an easy way to make quick calls.
Video conferencing is an add-on to the functionality of Slack and can be a great tool for integrating hybrid teams. One-on-one video chat is part of Slack's free account offerings and you can Slack with up to 15 people if you start a call from a channel, but for larger meetings, customized enterprise pricing is necessary, which requires a customizable quote.
Each option has its benefits, and limitations, but it will all come down to how your team plans to use each solution, and what features would be best to have. Of course, Zoom and Skype are undoubtedly the most widely adopted solutions on this list and their free plans make them the perfect choice for small businesses. No matter what your use case may be, there’s surely an ideal option out there.