Table of Contents
Zoho Meeting
Zoho Meeting is a web-based platform that allows for real-time audio and video calls, remote control sharing, and screen sharing capabilities for virtual meetings.
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a versatile online meeting solution that enables hosting of face-to-face video conferences with up to 3,000 participants, making remote collaboration easier and more interactive.
RingCentral
RingCentral provides a cloud-based communication platform that allows for chat messaging, video meetings, and phone calls all in one place, simplifying team collaboration.
ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting is a platform that supports online conferences, allowing you to connect with up to 20,000 attendees at once. It is ideal for webinars, training sessions, and large-scale meetings.


BlueJeans
BlueJeans video conferencing software allows you to hold meetings from anywhere, offering features like transcripts and session highlights for convenience and clarity.
Looking for my top recommendations? The best video conferencing platforms currently are GoToMeeting and RingCentral.
According to Global Workplace Analytics, by the end of 2021, approximately 25-30% of employees will be working remotely several days each week. Technology like video conferencing software makes this possible, enabling teams to connect effortlessly from afar.
Choosing the right video conferencing software can significantly enhance your remote working experience. It allows you to schedule conference calls, host virtual face-to-face meetings, run webinars with hundreds of attendees, organize online events, collaborate on projects, and share screens in real-time.
Listen while you read: after thorough testing, we’ve created a video showcasing our top video conferencing tools along with previews of their dashboards.
What is the Best Video Conferencing Software?
Here are some of the top options available today.
1. Zoho Meeting – This platform excels at delivering presentations and hosting webinars, costing around $3 per host per month.

Expert’s Advice: Zoho Meeting is an excellent choice if you take your video calls seriously. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive control options make it a top contender for professional use.
Ideal For
Video Calls and Virtual Meetings
Cost
$0/month – $16/month
Savings
Save 15% with an annual plan
Special Offer
Zoho Meeting is an online meeting tool designed to facilitate virtual conferences from any location. It offers real-time audio, video, remote control, and screen sharing features. You can record meetings to the cloud or download them for later review, and share recordings with team members who couldn’t attend live. Zoho Meeting also allows you to share your screen with remote control access, which is useful for troubleshooting technical issues during a meeting. Invitations can be sent via email, including all relevant details like the agenda, time, joining link, and access code. The platform adheres to international security standards, encrypting audio, video, and screen sharing data to ensure your information remains protected. Additionally, you can host webinars directly on your website, sharing screens and applications to support your presentations.
Key Features:

- Phone Audio – Join meetings via your phone if internet connectivity is poor. Use over 55 toll-free numbers from different countries and more than 100 local numbers.
- Private Meetings – Secure your confidential sessions by restricting access to invited participants and receive alerts when new attendees request entry.
- In-Session Chat – Send messages or share links instantly through the meeting chat panel.
User Experience:

One of Zoho Meeting’s top features is the ability to view the presenters’ enlarged webcam feed. The layout stays clean and well-organized, making it easy to navigate between different functions. The interface design allows users to start and stop recordings effortlessly and offers quick file-sharing options that are highly responsive. The clear placement of the recording button enhances usability, and downloading recorded sessions is straightforward.
Pricing:
The platform offers two main subscription plans:
- Free Plan: $0 per month, supporting up to 5 participants with limited features
- Standard Plan: $3 per host per month
- Webinar Plan: $16 per host per month
The free version is perfect for small meetings, providing basic features for up to five participants, while the paid plans include additional capabilities suited for larger groups and webinars.Features. On the other hand, the premium plan allows you to host up to 100 participants and record up to ten session recordings.
What I Like and Dislike About Zoho Meeting:
Like:
– You can host meetings with up to 100 attendees, with 24 video feeds visible simultaneously.
– No downloads are necessary; you can start or join meetings directly from your browser.
– Available as a Google Chrome extension.
– Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
– Supports scheduling with RSVP.
– Offers chat support for assistance.
– Integrates smoothly with Zoho Calendar, CRM, Projects, and other tools.
Dislike:
– Occasionally experiences disconnections or slow performance, though these issues are rare.
– Screen sharing can be cumbersome because it requires toggling between the app and your browser window.
Product Updates Include:
– The ability to create departments for better team organization.
– Sharing PDF files directly within the app for quicker collaboration.
Get started with Zoho Meeting.
GoToMeeting is considered the best overall video conferencing software, costing around $12 per month.
Expert’s Advice:
With support for up to 3,000 participants in a single online session, GoToMeeting is an excellent option for large-scale virtual meetings. Its collaborative workspace features are ideal for teams that prioritize teamwork in their business operations.
Pricing options range from $12 to $16 per month, with no current discounts available for annual plans. For those interested, a free trial is available by trying the service for free.
GoToMeeting is a web-based platform that allows you to hold video meetings with up to 3000 participants and share your screen instantaneously. It also offers webinars starting at just $49.
Tools for team collaboration simulate real-life meetings by transforming a simple conference room into an interactive workspace—perfect for remote teams too. You can schedule meetings ahead of time and start them directly from your smartphone, making planning seamless. During meetings, cloud recording features ensure you capture and save all sessions without the need for manual note-taking, and you can access these recordings on your mobile device.
Some of the standout features include:
– Recording and transcribing meetings
– Joining meetings instantly using Siri
– Conducting mobile meetings
– Sharing your screen live
– Automatic adjustment of bandwidth based on connection quality
– Access via cloud
– Compatibility with Poly and Dolby Voice audio equipment
Additionally, H.323 video conferencing support allows users and employees to join by dialing a number. Your privacy and security are protected through features like SAML SSO login. Integration with Office 365 enables scheduling, managing, and joining meetings straight from your calendar.
Key features include:
– One-click scheduling, joining, and managing meetings through Google or Microsoft Calendar
– A mobile app for hosting and joining meetings on Android and iOS devices
– Seamless collaboration with messaging and sharing recorded transcripts
– Cloud storage for meeting recordings
The user interface favors simplicity with a large right-side panel for options, keeping the screen uncluttered. The video preview window is sufficiently sized, and the interface overall is intuitive and easy to navigate. It’s also simple to copy and share meeting links with participants.
Pricing plans are tiered depending on participant numbers:
– Professional: $12/month for up to 150 participants
– Business: $16/month for up to 250 participants
– Enterprise: Custom pricing for up to 3000 participants
All plans include HD video, screen sharing, dial-in options, and unlimited meetings.
What I like about GoToMeeting:
– It offers unlimited meetings with screen sharing and recording without time limits.
– Its drawing tool enhances collaboration by letting you annotate directly on the screen.
– Secure communications with free SSL encryption.
– Round-the-clock customer support via phone, chat, and email.
– Compatibility with third-party tools like Slack, Office 365, and Salesforce.
– The ability to host webinars.
– A free trial period of 14 days.
Some drawbacks include the absence of an attachment-sharing feature, which can be inconvenient for document sharing, and higher bandwidth consumption during large calls.
Recent updates include:
– Live streaming options via Zoho Meeting for broader audiences.
– A new feature to manually approve registrants, useful for confidential meetings.
Start your free 14-day trial of GoToMeeting today by following this link.
Designed for effective team management and collaboration at $19.99 per user per month, RingCentral offers comprehensive communication solutions.

Expert’s Advice
RingCentral offers numerous options for sharing videos and collaborating with your team, making it an excellent choice for online meetings. Additional features through various add-ons further enhance its functionality, allowing you to customize and optimize your virtual meetings according to your needs.
Best For
Video Sharing Options
Price
$19.99/month to $49.99/month
Annual Discount
Save 33% when paying annually
Promotion
RingCentral is a cloud-based communication platform that combines chat, video meetings, and phone calls in a single system. This makes it much more versatile than traditional video conferencing tools.
It supports high-definition video calls with up to 100 participants from around the world. You can join meetings on mobile devices or computers and share your screen instantly with colleagues. In addition to video calls, RingCentral offers audio conferencing for up to 1,000 people globally.
The platform’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to share work, pin important documents, and upload files directly from services like Google Drive. It also includes built-in team management tools to assign tasks, update stakeholders, and keep project progress moving smoothly.
Detailed analytics are available to track various metrics such as service quality reports, meeting dashboards, missed and refused calls, and average answer times. Sometimes, Wi-Fi connection issues can impact your meetings, but RingCentral provides tools to test your internet connection and adjust Quality of Service settings for better performance.
Moreover, RingCentral seamlessly integrates with numerous popular tools, including Google Drive, Box, GSuite, and Office 365, enhancing its compatibility with existing workflows.
Key Features:

- Work with Global Teams – RingCentral makes it simple to connect with your international team members through one-click meetings. You can also start a video call directly from a messaging thread, streamlining your communication.
- Enhanced Meeting Features – The platform supports hosting webinars and offers add-ons like large meeting rooms, RingCentral Rooms, and the Room Connector to expand your meeting capabilities.
- Rich Video Sharing Options – Easily share files stored locally or directly from cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive during your meetings.
User Experience:

High-quality audio and video are standout features of RingCentral. The interface also looks very sleek and is easy to navigate, with well-sized buttons that are simple to press.
The platform offers an intuitive user experience that makes managing meetings straightforward.
Pricing: RingCentral provides one free plan along with three paid options:
- Essentials: $19.99 per user/month
- Standard: $27.99 per user/month
- Premium: $34.99 per user/month
- Ultimate: $49.99 per user/month
All plans support hosting unlimited one-on-one meetings and allow up to 100 participants. Included features are desktop and app sharing, whiteboarding, annotation, private and group chat during meetings, and more.
Pros and Cons of RingCentral:
Pros:
- Available mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices.
- Unlimited calling within the US and Canada.
- Voicemail is automatically converted to text for easy reading.
- Offers various options for document sharing and team messaging.
- Customer support is available 24/7, including via video chat.
- Clean and quick call initiation from any phone or desktop app.
- Real-time analytics are accessible for performance tracking.
- The platform allows recording of meetings and calls for later review.
Cons:
- Adding bulk contacts could help better organize meeting participants.
- An indicator for successfully recorded calls would be helpful, as sometimes recordings fail without notifying users.
Recent Updates:
- New email rules enable automatic organization of messages through moving, tagging, or deleting based on specific criteria, helping to keep your inbox tidy.
- The Smart Conversation Close feature allows users to end conversations quickly and efficiently.
Get started with RingCentral.
4. ClickMeeting.
Ideal for sending personalized invitations at $25 per month when billed annually.

Expert Advice
I recommend ClickMeeting for those who want to send tailored invitations in bulk. This tool makes it easy to distribute personalized meeting invitations, which can leave a strong impression and make your communication more effective. Sending customized invites at scale can significantly boost attendance rates and engagement.
Best For
Custom Invitations
Pricing
$Zero to $40 per month
Yearly Discount
Yes – Save 20%
Special Offer
ClickMeeting is a versatile video and web conferencing platform designed to connect up to 20,000 participants at once. It allows you to host large-scale virtual events with custom branding options, including your colors, logos, and other visual elements to create a professional look.
This platform also provides the option for multiple users to sign in with their own credentials, reducing confusion. You can craft personalized invitations that leave a lasting impression on your audience. If attendees join early, they can wait in a virtual lobby and review the agenda beforehand.
Key features include:

- Social Media Streaming – Broadcast your session live on Facebook and YouTube to reach a wider audience.
- Presentation Tools – Enhance your talks by integrating your slides with narration for more engagement.
- Audience Polls and Surveys – Collect feedback and insights directly from viewers to inform your decisions.
Pros of using ClickMeeting:
- Private chat capabilities among presenters during sessions.
- Easy file sharing via drag-and-drop, with integration for Dropbox.
- Moderate questions and answers to maintain flow.
- Real-time chat translation in 52 languages to accommodate global audiences.
- Interactive whiteboard with drawing, shape, text, and erasing tools.
- Encourage audience interaction with call-to-action buttons integrated into videos.
- A risk-free 30-day free trial to explore all features.
Pricing plans include:
- Basic: $25/month when billed annually
- Automated: $40/month when billed annually
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on needs
All plans support unlimited video sessions, along with features such as screen sharing and instant chat translation.
User experience is intuitive, featuring a clear interface with real-time stats on attendee activity, including late arrivals and early departures. The sizable webcam view can be repositioned easily, keeping participants’ visibility prominent without cluttering the screen.
What I Like/Dislike About ClickMeeting:
Like:
- Private chatting among presenters during meetings.
- Simple cloud file management with drag-and-drop or Dropbox imports/exports.
- Effective moderation tools for Q&A sessions.
- Real-time chat translation in over 50 languages for global communication.
- Comprehensive whiteboard with various drawing tools.
- Ability to insert call-to-action buttons to prompt participant actions.
- 30-day free trial available.
Cons:
- The API might need some updates to enhance user-friendliness.
- Meetings are limited to 25 participants, which could be restrictive for larger organizations.
Latest Product Features:
- Microphone status indicator: This feature helps participants know if their microphone is muted, preventing awkward moments during meetings.
- ClickMeeting plugin for MS Outlook: This new integration allows users to schedule and start ClickMeeting sessions directly from their Outlook calendar, making planning easier.
5. BlueJeans
Ideal for creating meeting summaries and transcriptions at $9.99 per host monthly.

Expert’s Advice
Running video conferences directly from your browser is highly convenient. BlueJeans offers a straightforward user interface that requires no software downloads, making it accessible for everyone. The platform also features quick access options, simplifying how you join meetings.
Best Use Case
One-Touch Meeting Access
Pricing
$9.99 to $16.66 per month
Annual Discount
Save 20% when subscribing annually.
Promotion
BlueJeans offers users a way to host meetings from any device, whether it’s a laptop or a conference room. It provides real-time insights with transcripts and highlights to boost productivity. The platform is browser-based, making it easy to use without downloading any software, thanks to its simple interface. It also includes management tools like analytics, automated alerts, and live controls. The service supports multiple devices and features seamless one-touch meeting access across platforms. Integration with popular third-party apps such as Slack enhances collaboration and allows for easy content sharing.
BlueJeans offers a range of features including whiteboarding, meeting transcription, and call recording. They emphasize providing a rich multimedia experience with Dolby audio quality and HD video streaming. The platform is cloud-based, incorporating secure video conferencing through firewall and NAT traversal along with encryption to protect user data.
Key Features:

- Command Center – Monitor your BlueJeans environment, track network conditions, access real-time insights, and evaluate user ROI.
- Content Sharing – Engage participants by sharing any content or links during meetings. Use annotation tools to emphasize key points of your presentation.
- User analytics – Gain insights into meeting performance, network stability, and user engagement through the BlueJeans dashboard.
User Experience:

The upcoming events panel on the left side of the interface helps you stay organized and aware of upcoming meetings. Additionally, it’s simple to verify that your microphone and webcam are functioning properly before joining a session.
Pricing:
BlueJeans offers three subscription plans. The Standard plan costs $9.99 per host monthly and accommodates up to 50 participants. The Pro plan is priced at $13.99 per host monthly for up to 75 participants. For larger organizations, the Enterprise plan requires a custom quote and supports up to 150 participants. Opting for an annual subscription can save you as much as 20% on costs.
Pros and Cons of BlueJeans:
Likes:
- A digital whiteboard feature facilitates collaboration and brainstorming.
- Detailed event insights improve management and follow-up activities.
- You can assign actions and tag important moments from meetings for later reference.
- The ROI analysis helps determine the value derived from each meeting.
- You can export data in CSV format or utilize APIs for advanced analysis.
- Seamless live streaming to Facebook Live or Workplace platforms.
- BlueJeans Rooms operate compatibly with Cisco, Poly, and Lifesize devices and services.
Dislikes:
- The platform lacks some common webinar functionalities, such as embedding registration forms directly on your website.
- The user interface could benefit from improvements to make navigation more intuitive.
Recent Updates:
- The addition of meeting transcription allows users to generate transcripts, aiding in review and follow-up.
- The Meeting Highlights feature summarizes key discussion points for quick reference and recall.
Zoom
Ideal for small businesses seeking a free yet feature-rich tool (Freemium plan).

Zoom is a versatile video conferencing platform that supports options like conference rooms, webinars, and phone integrations. You can host meetings with up to 1000 participants and display as many as 49 video feeds simultaneously, which is among the top in the industry. Webinars can be attended by as many as 50,000 viewers.
To foster engagement during meetings, Zoom offers features such as filters, reactions, polls, and video sharing. Recordings can be stored in the cloud or locally, with searchable transcripts available. Seamless integration with calendar apps like Outlook, Gmail, and iCal enables effortless scheduling and joining of meetings. For privacy, Zoom allows users to blur backgrounds or set virtual backgrounds with chosen images, and this feature is compatible with all iPhone models from 8 onward. Additional features for video conferencing include:
Highlights of Features:
- Language Translation – Assign interpreters within your meetings, webinars, or conferences so attendees can select their preferred language channel for audio.
- Social Media Live Streaming – Broadcast your events directly on platforms like Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
- Breakout Sessions – Divide your meeting into up to 50 smaller groups for focused discussions.
Advantages:
- Unlimited one-on-one meeting hosting capabilities.
- Share your screen with multiple participants and co-annotate for more interactive sessions.
- Offer remote control of keyboards and mice to participants for collaborative tasks.
- Enjoy group and private chat options for seamless communication.
- Access unlimited cloud storage for your recordings and files.
- Select video quality settings up to 720p for clear visuals.
- Use a free plan accommodating up to 100 participants.
Pricing Plans:
Zoom offers four different subscription options:
- Free Plan: $0 per month, supports up to 100 participants.
- Pro Plan: $149.90 monthly, supports 100 participants.
- Business Plan: $199.90 monthly, supports up to 300 participants.
- Enterprise Plan: $199.90 monthly, supports 1,000 participants.
All plans include features like unlimited one-on-one meetings, HD video quality, virtual backgrounds, and more.
Further Resources: For detailed guidance, visit my beginner’s guide on how to use Zoom. Also, explore my list of the best Zoom alternatives. For a comparison of popular platforms, read my detailed analysis of Zoom vs. GoToMeeting vs. Webex vs. WebinarJam.
7. Skype
Ideal for individuals and small businesses, offering a free service.

Skype, owned by Microsoft, is a pioneer in online communication, enabling users to host video calls via computers, smartphones, tablets, Xbox, and even smartwatches. In the early days, Skype was the only major platform, making it a classic choice. Its simplicity makes it easy to create instant meetings with just a link, without requiring participants to sign up or download the app. Calls can be answered across various devices, and users can send text messages, share files up to 300 MB, and present PowerPoint slides or videos during meetings.
You also have options to modify your background—blur it or replace it completely with an image. Furthermore, Skype provides the ability to get a local phone number in 26 countries and other regions worldwide.
Key Features:
- Real-time Translation – Offers live translation for voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging.
- Live Subtitles – Provides real-time subtitles during conversations.
- Global Calling – Make cheap international calls and host global conferences.
Advantages:
- End-to-end encryption ensures private communication.
- Voicemail setup for missed calls.
- Voice-to-text transcription capabilities.
- Automation support through bots.
- Automatic spell-checking and correction.
- Keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation.
Pricing: Skype is free for basic usage, with charges applying only when making calls to phones or securing a phone number.

Cisco Webex is a comprehensive online video conferencing platform that allows users to join meetings via the web, desktop app, mobile devices, or dedicated video systems. It supports HD video quality and can accommodate up to 1000 participants in a single session. The platform offers flexibility for audio connections, letting users choose between VoIP or dial-in options. However, connecting through a web browser might require installing a browser extension, which could pose some inconvenience.
Beyond basic screen sharing, Webex provides a virtual whiteboard feature for collaborative brainstorming. To protect user data, it employs encryption, TLS 1.2 security, and the option to lock meetings. Users can record sessions and access automatically generated transcripts, making post-meeting follow-up easier. Integration with Outlook, Office 365, and Google Calendar simplifies scheduling and hosting meetings. It also connects with third-party apps like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Moodle, Apple CarPlay, and Ford AppLink, expanding its utility across various platforms.
Key features include an AI-powered Meeting Assistant that captures notes and highlights during calls, generating summary emails afterward to keep projects on track. Users can choose from various virtual backgrounds or blur their surroundings, maintaining a professional appearance. The software offers customizable video layouts to optimize the visual experience during meetings.
Pros include the ability to host or join meetings from any device—smartphone, laptop, or tablet—and access to up to 10 GB of cloud storage. You can create personalized meeting URLs and customize your conference interface to match your branding. Additionally, chat features allow participants to send emojis and GIFs, making interactions more engaging.
Cisco Webex provides multiple pricing options to suit different needs: a free plan for up to one host, starter at $13.50 per month for small groups, plus at $17.95, business at $26.95, and an enterprise plan based on custom quotes. All plans include essential features like screen sharing, multiple video layouts, breakout sessions, and more.
Microsoft Teams, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for small businesses already familiar with Skype, costing around $5 per month. It offers seamless integration with Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing teams to collaborate effectively. Suitable for smaller teams, Teams provides straightforward video conferencing, chat, and file sharing capabilities, making it a cost-effective solution for ongoing remote collaboration.
Microsoft Teams is a powerful, proprietary communication platform designed for businesses. It allows you to host video meetings with up to 10,000 participants, record sessions for later viewing, and easily share recordings with your team via simple links.
Users can chat with meeting participants even after the session ends, and customize their virtual background, including uploading their own images, to make meetings more engaging. Additional features include digital whiteboards for collaborative brainstorming, the ability to mute or remove participants, and managing meet quality by placing attendees in a virtual waiting room. The “raise your hand” feature helps participants politely signal when they want to speak, keeping meetings organized, while the participant list can be downloaded for follow-ups.
Key features of Microsoft Teams include the Together Mode, which creates a shared virtual background to simulate being in the same room, facilitating a more connected experience. File sharing and co-authoring in real-time are also supported, making collaboration seamless across locations. Teams can integrate with over 600 third-party applications, such as standup apps, whiteboards, employee recognition tools, and surveys, helping remote teams stay connected, productive, and engaged.
The platform offers strong security with multi-factor authentication, encryption, and device management. Collaboration is streamlined through compatibility with Office 365 apps like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, enabling direct sharing and editing within the platform. Teams can host large-scale video conferences and support calling via various plans, including Microsoft Teams Calling, Phone System, and Direct Routing.
Microsoft Teams presents four pricing options: a free version, Business Basic for $5 per month, Business Standard at $12.50 monthly, and Office 365 E3 for $20 per month. All plans include core collaboration tools like chat, guest access, file sharing, and more.
10. Join.me
Best suited for quick and straightforward screen-sharing at $10 per month.
Join.me is a user-friendly web conferencing tool that focuses on instant screen sharing and one-on-one meetings. It allows users to create customized meeting links tailored to specific topics or branding needs. Personalization extends to background images or logos, making presentations more branded and professional. Sharing your screen is straightforward — simply click the “broadcast” button to start sharing with other meeting participants.
You can attend meetings from anywhere using its mobile apps for iOS and Android, which include a whiteboard feature for remote collaboration. The platform also provides a scheduling tool that integrates with Outlook and Google Calendar, enabling easy setup and management of meetings with just a single click. This flexibility is ideal for users needing quick, reliable sharing without complex setup processes.
Key features include the ability to swap presenters during a session, facilitating collaborative, tag-team presentations. The platform also offers annotation tools, allowing participants to collaborate visually on shared screens, and options for customizing the meeting experience with images or branding elements.- Enable your team to easily highlight, annotate, and use laser pointers to emphasize meeting content.
– Interactive Whiteboard – Collaborate naturally using drawing tools, icons, an infinite canvas, lines, shapes, display modes, and more.
Advantages:
- The whiteboard feature is free on the iOS app.
- You can provide a toll-free number to clients or customers, allowing free calls.
- Join conference calls instantly without needing to install software.
- Manage your team’s Join.me accounts efficiently through the Mr.SecretSauce Console from a central location.
- Enjoy data security with 256-bit TLS encryption and bank-grade security measures.
- Join.me offers a free trial and live demo options.
Pricing Options:
Join.me offers three subscription plans:
- Lite: $10/month (supports up to 5 participants per session)
- Pro: $20/month (supports up to 250 participants)
- Business: $30/month (supports up to 250 participants)
11. Google Meet
Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, costing $6 per user monthly.

Google Meet (formerly Google Hangouts Meet) is a video conferencing tool included in Google’s G Suite. It offers secure hosting through encryption, built-in protections, and anti-abuse features to ensure safe meetings.
It is particularly suited for smaller businesses, supporting a maximum of 250 participants per meeting. Users can join meetings directly from a browser, eliminating the need for downloads. Users can be invited via calendar events, email, or by sharing unique URLs, phone numbers, and meeting PINs. G Suite users benefit from synchronized access to meetings, calendars, and other applications in one consolidated platform.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Captions – Participants can enable live captions for improved accessibility.
- Multiple Screen Layouts – Options include spotlight, sidebar, and tiled views, with the tiled view accommodating up to 16 participants simultaneously.
- Noise Suppression – Background noise and unrelated sounds are filtered out, providing clear audio quality.
Advantages:
- A free version is available, though with limited features.
- You can choose to share only specific parts of your screen for privacy.
- Security is reinforced with enterprise-level encryption.
- Support is available 24/7 in 14 languages.
- A 14-day trial period grants full access to all features.
Pricing Plans:
Google Meet offers three plans:
- Basic: $6 per user per month
- Business: $12 per user per month
- Enterprise: $25 per user per month
All plans include access to other Google apps like Gmail Business email, Chat, Google Calendar, and more.
12. Lifesize
Best for conducting mobile meetings, costing $12.50/month.

Lifesize offers a comprehensive range of collaboration tools, including 4K video conferencing, cloud meetings, and a digital whiteboard. It supports large-scale conferences with capacity for 500 participants and allows content sharing in 4K resolution. It can broadcast events to up to 10,000 viewers simultaneously. The platform works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Cisco, and Polycom, making it a versatile plug-and-play solution.
Beyond video conferencing, Lifesize includes unlimited audio calls across 60 countries for both guests and registered users.
Key Features:**
- 4K Screen Sharing – High-resolution content sharing to enhance presentations and collaboration.
- Adding Users and Changing Channels Seamlessly – You don’t need to pause your ongoing video call or establish new connections to add participants or switch channels. This allows for smooth, uninterrupted meetings and quick adjustments as needed.
- Chat Features – The built-in chat function is perfect for interacting with other attendees privately or publicly without disrupting the main presentation. It improves meeting productivity, especially during webinars and conferences. Choose a platform that supports text and emoji messaging during live sessions, and modern tools often enable sharing files and links via chat to facilitate collaboration.
- Unlimited Recording and Cloud Storage – Most platforms offer the ability to record meetings, but having an unlimited recording feature with cloud storage is a significant advantage. It ensures your sessions are stored securely and easily accessible for sharing or future reference, simplifying distribution and review.
- HD Video Quality – High-definition video enriches the virtual experience by providing clear visuals of speakers, helping participants feel more connected. To maintain smooth HD video streams, ensure all participants have high-speed internet with sufficient bandwidth to support the quality.
- Brand Customization Options – For webinars or eLearning sessions where brand presence matters, select a platform that allows branding elements such as logos, font styles, and color themes to be added to the interface, enhancing professionalism and consistency.
- Advanced Presentation Tools – Features that support uploading and sharing various file types like PowerPoints, videos, PDFs, etc., enable media-rich presentations that capture attention. Additional note-sharing capabilities to highlight and send specific slide parts in real-time make sessions more interactive.
- Engagement Analytics – Access to detailed reports on viewer participation and interaction helps evaluate your presentation’s impact, guiding improvements for future sessions.
- Hosting capacity of up to 3000 participants
- One-click meeting scheduling
- Mobile-friendly conferencing
- Meeting recording and transcription services
- Real-time screen sharing
- Free call recordings
- Automatic bandwidth adjustment
- Plus many additional features
You can also share your screen in ultra-high-definition 4K resolution with all meeting participants.
Web-Based Mr.SecretSauce Console – Manage your account, user details, room setups, and meetings easily through a centralized online dashboard.
Encrypted by Default – All video calls and recordings are automatically secured through encryption to guarantee privacy and safe communication.
Pros:
– You can invite unlimited guests without restrictions.
– The app is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS devices.
– You have the option to disable real-time recording or screen sharing if needed.
– Access comprehensive data reports for better insight into your meetings.
– Quickly find and contact team members through a simple click-to-call directory.
Pricing:
Lifesize offers four different plans:
– Free: No cost per month, designed for individual users.
– Standard: $12.50 monthly, suitable for small teams.
– Plus: $14.95 per month, catered to small and midsize organizations.
– Enterprise: Custom pricing based on company requirements.
13. UberConference
Ideal for small teams seeking effortless collaboration, with plans costing $15 per organizer each month. UberConference is a cloud-based platform that enables remote teams to hold meetings and share screens seamlessly. It includes features like local dial-in options for the US and Canada, allowing participants to join easily from various regions.
In addition to HD video quality, UberConference automatically transcribes meetings and supports video resolutions up to 720p. It integrates directly with Salesforce, providing quick access to customer data, and allows saving recordings as small MP3 files for easy storage.
Key Features:
– Custom Music on Hold – Upload your favorite music to personalize the listener experience during hold times.
– Analytics – Track meeting metrics such as the number of sessions, shared screens, duration, participant counts, and average meeting length.
– Voice Intelligence – Over time, the platform improves its transcription accuracy and highlights key points for review.
Pros:
– Differentiates speakers for clearer transcripts.
– Can automatically dial participants at scheduled times.
– Use the Chrome extension to access UberConference directly from your browser.
– Manage multiple accounts for your entire team.
– Dial in for instant video conferencing sessions.
Pricing:
UberConference offers two plans:
– Free: Zero cost per organizer per month, supports up to 10 participants.
– Business: $15 per organizer per month, supports up to 100 participants.
What is Video Conferencing Software?
Video conferencing software enables online meetings and presentations, equipped with features such as screen sharing, live chat, and recording options. Its primary goal is to facilitate remote or international meetings, improve teamwork, and eliminate the need for physical travel. These platforms allow users to connect with colleagues, clients, and partners from anywhere, ensuring effective communication and collaboration without geographical barriers.
Modern solutions often integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing tools, syncing vital business data with meetings. This integration streamlines follow-ups and keeps everyone updated efficiently.
What Should You Look for in Video Conferencing Software?
While many solutions boast unique features, some core functionalities are essential when choosing a video conferencing tool. For example, Adobe Connect offers advanced eLearning features, whereas Skype is perfect for simple family chats. Your choice should depend on your specific needs.
Here are key features any reliable platform should include:
– Screen Sharing – Essential for presentations and webinars, allowing users to share their entire screen or specific applications for a smooth, engaging experience.
– Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – Facilitates easy connection via phone or chat, enabling quick switching between voice, video, and group calls with just a click.
How Do You Use Video Conferencing Software?
Here’s a walkthrough using Microsoft Teams to illustrate how basic features work in a typical video conference platform.
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit Microsoft Teams’ official website, click on the profile icon at the top right, or select the “Download Teams” link. To sign up, click on the “Create one” option, providing the necessary details to set up your account.
Step 2: Start a Meeting
Open the Microsoft Teams app and navigate to the desired team or channel. Click the camera icon below the text box to start a video call. You can add a meeting title by clicking the “Meet Now” button, which will open the video call interface with a toolbar at the bottom. This toolbar allows toggling your microphone and camera, sharing your desktop, or inviting participants.
A video call screen appears with options to turn on/off audio and video. During the session, you can also use the chat icon to send instant messages to participants. The red phone icon is used to end the call whenever needed. This quick tutorial covers the basic functions to get you started with video conferencing tools.
What Is the Best Video Conferencing Software?
Among various options, GoToMeeting stands out as the most reliable platform, known for its consistent performance and user-friendly interface. While many free options exist, GoToMeeting offers greater stability and features for professional use.
What Is the Best Free Video Conferencing Software?
Google Meet is the top free choice, perfect for quick, impromptu meetings. Though it may lack some advanced features of paid platforms, it provides solid performance at no cost, making it ideal for casual or small-scale sessions.
Is Zoom the Best Video Conference Solution?
Not necessarily. Although Zoom is incredibly popular and widely used, from hands-on experience, it’s often outperformed by platforms like GoToMeeting, RingCentral, or Google Meet in terms of stability and feature set.
Executive Summary
That wraps up my top recommendations for video conferencing tools to consider this year. These platforms enable seamless remote collaboration, featuring HD video, versatile sharing options, and comprehensive communication tools.
If you’re seeking a free option with fewer features, Skype for Business is a good choice. For hosting many participants and integrating with other tools, GoToMeeting is highly recommended. For those invested in the Google ecosystem, Google Meet provides seamless integration.
My top pick is GoToMeeting because of its features such as:
Which platform will you choose for your next virtual meeting? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
 




