Zoom is one of the fastest-growing videoconferencing appsout there. It’s easy to set up and host video calls. But in light ofrecent security and privacy concernsabout Zoom, you might want to try a good Zoom alternative. They’re all excellent for video calls with friends and family, or conferencing with your colleagues while working from home.
It’s worth noting that while all of these have free versions, some offer temporary access to additional features if you need them. The following list includes applications that allow you to participate without having to actually register for the app (though some may require the host to register).
Further reading
Cisco Webex
Key features
Webexis a videoconferencing app that has been around for quite some time. The company was originally founded in 1995 and was subsequently acquired by Cisco in 2007. While it has been known as a business application and continues to focus on serving companies, it does have a very good free version that’s worth checking out — especially since it has expanded the features of the freemium version from 50 to 100 participants. With the free Basic plan, you’re able to have meetings up to 50 minutes in length. screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, the ability to save recordings to your computer, breakout rooms, unlimited messaging, and the ability to search your messages.
In addition to the free version, Webex also offers premium plans starting at $12 per month, per license. The premium plans offer additional functionality including cloud storage, recording transcripts, dialing-in, calling anyone with a phone number, visual voicemail, MP4 recordings, and more.
Skype Meet Now
Key Features
Another long-time player in the videoconferencing space is Skype, which, thanks to its high-quality audio and video, has been a go-to platform for one-on-one conversations since the beta was released in 2003. Its Meet Now feature (which is accessed by choosing theMeet Nowbutton on the left side of the desktop app) offers free videoconferencing. you may even head on over to theSkype websiteto create a free conference room — no app download required.
If you need a hand, here’show to get started using Skype.
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meetis an open-source platform that lets you quickly and easily create an online meeting by simply navigating to the site, typing in a name for your meeting room, and clickingStart Meeting. If you are more technical and want to build your own dedicated solution, you can check outJitsi Videobridge. However, it’s worth noting that most people will be perfectly content with the web version, which offers many features found in more well-known apps, such as end-to-end encryption, screens sharing, app integrations, and HD audio and video.
Jitsi Meet also offers apps for both iOS and Android.
Google Meet
Google announced that it is making its professional video conferencing tool, Meet,free for allto take on Zoom and the growing number of other rivals from companies like Facebook. At first, Google Meet was limited to G Suite Enterprise customers but now that has changed, as anybody with a Gmail account can now use it to talk to up to 100 participants.
Group calls will be capped at 60 minutes unless you upgrade, however. You will still have access to premium features such as screen-sharing, adjustable layouts, closed captions, and the ability to invite external participants.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams allows businesses to store all conversations, files, meetings, and apps in a shared workspace that you can easily access from your device. Teams lets you manage projects on the go complete with file editing and sharing, and most importantly of all, you can connect face-to-face with HD audio and video as well as join meetings from wherever you are. Additionally, with Teams, you can chat privately or in groups, communicate in designated channels, save conversations, customize notifications, and also search conversations. There are premium versions of the service, but the free version has many of the features you’ll need to keep up with your colleagues including screen sharing, integrated apps, and unlimited messaging.
Talky is a dead-simple video chat app that you can use to create a video call in a matter of seconds. It doesn’t require any kind of registration to use, simply pick a name for your group and send out the link to your friends. You can also share your screen and even pass time playing theLander gamewhile waiting for your friends or colleagues to show up to the call. The only potential negative is that it’s limited to six people per call.
