Top Zoom Alternatives in 2024

Angela Guedes

October 15, 2024

Software Comparison

Looking for Zoom alternatives? You're in the right place. This article cuts through the noise to bring you the top virtual meeting platforms of 2024. Expect straightforward comparisons on features, pricing, and user feedback, helping you quickly find the best fit for your needs. Let's get started.

‍

Why Look for Zoom Alternatives?

Why are people moving away from Zoom? It's simple: needs change. Maybe you're hitting a wall with Zoom's feature limitations, or the pricing isn't aligning with your budget. Perhaps you're concerned about security or just want a platform that feels more intuitive. Whatever the reason, there's a growing demand for platforms that tailor more closely to specific needs. This section explores these key reasons, offering insights into why exploring alternatives might just be the smart move for your virtual communication strategy. Let's break it down.

‍

Key Features to Consider

When scouting for a Zoom alternative, what should you look out for? It boils down to a few key features:

User Interface: Is it easy to navigate? A cluttered or confusing UI can be a deal-breaker, especially when you need to host meetings quickly and efficiently.
Video and Audio Quality: High-definition video and clear audio are non-negotiable for professional meetings. Also, check for features like background noise reduction and virtual backgrounds. Don't compromise on the basics.
Security: Top priority. Look for end-to-end encryption, data protection policies, and compliance with standards like GDPR. Your conversations should stay private.
Integration Capabilities: Can it play well with other tools you use? Seamless integration with calendars, project management tools, and even your CRM can be a game-changer for productivity.
Video Recording Capabilities: Look for platforms that offer straightforward recording options.
Pricing Structure: Get what you pay for. Consider not just the subscription cost but also what features you get at each price point.
Customer Support: When things go south, you need reliable support. Consider the quality and availability of customer service.
Scalability: Can the platform support your growth? Look for options that handle varying participant numbers without compromising performance.

‍

Best Zoom Alternative for Premium Video quality: Webex

Webex Meetings is a comprehensive video conferencing platform offering high-quality video and audio calls, along with advanced collaboration tools. It's suitable for corporate settings, supporting various functions like virtual events and employee management.

Pros:

Consistently reliable high-quality video and audio.
Advanced collaboration tools, including whiteboard and document markup.
Accessible via web browser, desktop app, or mobile device.
Integration with Google and Microsoft calendars.
Enhanced collaboration options, including real-time translation.

Cons:

Limited features in the free plan (e.g., no closed captions or co-host assignment).
Desktop app is less robust than the web version.
More expensive compared to other Zoom alternatives.
No video recording or file-sharing in the free plan.

Pricing Plans:

Free: 50-minute meetings, up to 100 participants.
Starter: $14.95/host per month, 24-hour meetings, up to 150 participants, 5 GB cloud storage.
Business: $29.95/host per month, 24-hour meetings, up to 200 participants, MP4 recordings.

‍

Best free Alternative: Jitsi Meet

‍Jitsi Meet is an open-source, encrypted video conferencing service, allowing users to join meeting rooms without account creation. It's known for simplicity and strong security features.

Pros:

Quick joining of meetings with an invitation link; no signup or download needed.
Supports multiple users sharing screens simultaneously.
Developer-friendly due to open-source nature, offering customization options.

Cons:

Users report stability and bandwidth issues.
Lacks meeting recording capabilities.
Screen sharing obscures camera and other meeting participants' views.

Pricing Plans:

Jitsi Meet is completely free to use. It offers essential video conferencing features without the need for any payment or subscription.

‍

Best Alternative for Google users: Google Meet

Google Meet, previously known as Google Hangout, is a video conferencing platform by Google, integrated with Google Workspace. It's used for business meetings, virtual classrooms, and personal video chats.

Pros:

Deep integration with Google apps.
Live captioning and transcription features.
Free for one-hour meetings with up to 100 participants.
User-friendly for both business and individual use.

Cons:

Maximum limit of 500 participants.
Limited meeting management features.
Can crash during screen recording on some devices.
Limited to 60-minute meetings in the free plan.

Pricing Plans:

Free plan: 60-minute group meetings, 24-hour one-on-one meetings, up to 100 participants.
Google Workspace Essentials: $8/active user per month, 24-hour meetings, up to 150 participants.

‍

Best Alternative for Microsoft users: Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based platform integrating video conferencing, team chat, and other productivity features, designed for Office 365 users.

Pros:

Integrates with Microsoft 365.
All-in-one solution for communication and collaboration.
Offers up to 1 TB of cloud storage for meeting recordings.

Cons:

Cluttered interface with excessive features for simple video conferencing needs.
Occasional issues with message syncing and screen freezing.

Pricing Plans:

Free: Includes basic features like 60-minute meetings and 100 participants.
Microsoft 365 Basic Business: $5/user per month, with 300 participants and 24-hour meetings.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user per month, adding features like customized backgrounds.

‍

Best Alternative for simplicity: Whereby

Whereby is a browser-based video conferencing tool focused on simplicity and ease of use. It does not require participants to create accounts and integrates productivity apps directly into meetings.

Pros:

Simple, user-friendly interface.
No account creation needed for joining meetings.
Basic video conferencing features like chat and screen sharing.

Cons:

Limited to basic conferencing features.
Image and video quality may decrease in large meetings due to its web-based nature.

Pricing Plans:

Free for unlimited one-on-one and 45-minute group meetings (up to 100 participants).
The Pro plan costs $69.90/user annually, offering unlimited group meetings, recording, and custom branding.

‍

Best Alternative for live events: Livestorm

Livestorm is a browser-based video engagement platform for managing meetings, webinars, and video conferences, known for its user-friendliness and adaptability for various events.

Pros:

Easy to use with no need for app downloads.
Features like customizable landing pages, engagement tools, and analytics.
Suitable for a range of events, from meetings to training sessions.

Cons:

Primarily designed for multi-person events.
Free plan limitations: 20-minute events, 4-hour recording limit.

Pricing Plans:

Starter (Free): Includes all basic features, unlimited events and moderators, and instant meetings with up to 4 people.
Premium ($99 per month): This plan offers unlimited events and moderators, supports up to 16 live speakers, allows events up to 4 hours, and includes unlimited event registrants.
Enterprise (Custom quote): Tailored for larger needs, it provides unlimited hosts, supports up to 3,000 live attendees, offers a Service Level Agreement (SLA), dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM), priority support, and SAML Single Sign-On (SSO).

‍

Best Alternative for cloud storage: GoTo Meeting

GoToMeeting is a web-hosted video conferencing platform primarily for corporate teams, offering robust security and a suite of tools for business meetings.

Pros:

Unlimited cloud storage and easy recording at an affordable price.
Meeting transcription available.
Integrates with Office 365 apps and offers features like keyboard and mouse control transfer.

Cons:

Performance issues on slower networks.
Limited app integrations during calls and collaboration tools.
Requires downloading the app for meetings, potentially causing delays.

Price Plans:

Professional Plan: Priced at $14 per organizer per month. This plan offers HD video, web audio, screen sharing, no meeting time limit, and more.
Business Plan: Costs $19 per organizer per month. It includes additional features like co-organizers, unlimited cloud recording, transcription, note-taking, and more.

‍

Bonus: give your meetings AI powers with Claap

If you're exploring Zoom alternatives, consider giving your meetings a smart addition with Claap.

Our AI-powered meeting recorder not only captures your discussions but also turns them into actionable, easy-to-share content. It's incredibly user-friendly, making it perfect for boosting team productivity and collaboration. All without breaking the bank.

Key features include: