The Best Zoom Alternatives to Manage Remote Meetings

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in 100 days. We have witnessed some unprecedented orders taken by the government including social distancing, work from home policy, and city lockdown.

Businesses are rapidly shifting online and finding platforms to host meetings and video conferencing calls.

Zoom Alternative

That’s where Zoom comes in to keep businesses and individuals connected. Zoom is a video conferencing app that is getting a lot of attention these days.

Just after the Covid19 buzz, the app’s user base has been drastically increased up to 3X. However, there are many reported security flaws that will make you search for Zoom alternatives.

As far as privacy is concerned, Zoom might not be the best secure app for many people. There are more secure options available for video conferencing.

While using this app, you will experience Zoom-bombing. Zoom bombing is unwanted access of an individual into the virtual meeting. It means that intruders can easily disrupt a meeting and can add explicit or inappropriate content in the video conversation.

It’s not the only downside, the world’s fastest-growing video chat app is also prone to malware attacks. It has been heavily criticized for intrusive data collection practices and leaking video chats.

Each drawback demands you to look for another Zoom alternative , and thankfully, there is an array of video conferring platforms you can choose from. Here’s our compilation of the best Zoom alternatives to select from.

What is End-to-End Encryption and Why Does it Matter?

End-to-end encryption ensures that communication cannot be accessed by a third party. In a video call or voice call, only the participants can decrypt the incoming data. It is crucial for privacy. Zoom features end-to-encryption, and some of the Zoom alternatives on our list also make use of the feature. 

If privacy is a big concern to you, then look out for Zoom alternatives that offer end-to-end encryption.

Best Zoom Alternatives

1. Face Time

Apple’s FaceTime is a trusted video chat app and a top alternative to Zoom. This app only supports Apple devices, it is fast and enables you to add as many people as you want in the video. Compared to the Zoom, FaceTime is more secure with end-to-end encryption.

Features

High-Definition VideosFast and straightforward  setupEasy to manage contacts listCalls for Everyone, EverywhereSimple user interface

Is Free Trial Available?

FaceTime is free.

Pricing Details

FaceTime offers a free pricing model. You just have to pay a one-time payment that is $0.99 when you download the app via Apple iTunes Store.

Supported Devices

Mac
iPhone/iPad

Supported Language

English

Suitable for

Large EnterprisesSmall Businesses
Medium BusinessesFreelancers

Is user support available?

Yes. FaceTime offers user support in the form of email, tickets, phone, and training support is also available.

2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a communications platform aimed at businesses. It’s much more robust than Skype and others a variety of features for a collaborative workspace. The platform saw a huge uptick in users during the 2020 pandemic. 

Teams will play a key role in the upcoming Windows 11 operating system. 

Features

High-Definition Video ChatText chat
Integrated with Microsoft 365Up to 300 participants in video calls
Multimedia sharing among team members

Is Free Trial Available?

Yes

Pricing Details

Microsoft 365 Business Basic$5/user per month
Microsoft 365 Business Standard$12.50/user per month

Supported Devices

WindowsMac
LinuxAndroid
iPhone/iPadWeb browser

Supported Languages

EnglishFrench
JapaneseGerman
ChineseDanish
KoreanPolish
PortugueseSpanish
TurkishSwedish
RussianItalian
IndonesianHindi

Suitable for

Large EnterprisesSmall Businesses
Medium BusinessesFreelancers

Is user support available?

Yes

3. Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex is another video platform that adds a little more charm to your video conferencing. It allows you to enjoy a free version and enables you to call a meeting without a 40 minutes time limit.

You can also add 50-100 participants of your choice with its added call-in features. If you want more functionality like cloud storage, downloadable video filecustom meeting room links, and recording transcripts, then you can go for the premium version starting from $13.50/mo per host.

Features

Chat and Brainstorming toolsMinimal voice and video lag
High-quality Video ConferencingCall Sharing
25 simultaneous video feedsMultimedia content sharing

Is Free Trial Available?

Yes. You can enjoy a free trial with Cisco Webex.

Pricing Details

Cisco Webex Premium 8$24/user per month or $19/user per month (for an annual subscription)
Cisco Webex Premium 25$39/user per month or $29/user per month (for an annual subscription)
Cisco Webex Premium 100$69/user per month or $49/per user per month (for an annual subscription)

 Supported Devices

iPad/iPhoneMac
AndroidWindows

 Supported Language

EnglishSpanish
FrenchGerman
JapanesePortuguese

 Suitable for

Large EnterprisesSmall Businesses
Medium BusinessesFreelancers

 Is user support available?

Yes.  Users can seek assistance via 24/7 live chat support.

4. GoTo Meeting (Paid)

GoToMeeting is one of the finest Zoom alternatives.  With GoToMeeting, you can choose from its pricing plan exactly according to your needs. With its entry-level plan, you can add up to 150 participants and up to 3000 with an advanced plan.

A range of incredible features such as message recording, screen sharing functionality, and multiple meeting facilitators is available. GoTo Meeting is highly compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, PC, and Mac.

Features

Transcriptions and RecordingsPresentation tools
Screen SharingOn-demand Webcasting
Mobile ConferencingTwo-way audio and video

Is Free Trial available?

Yes. GoTo Metting offers you a free demo.

Pricing Details

Professional$12.00
Business$16.00
EnterpriseCustom rates for phones and webinars

 Supported Devices

iPhone/iPadAndroid devices
MacLinux

 Supported Language

English
French

 Suitable for

Large EnterprisesSmall Businesses
Medium BusinessesFreelancers

 Is user support available?

Yes.  GoTo Meeting offers 24/7 live chat and online support.

5. Skype

Skype is a professional app. It doesn’t have any limitations when it comes to group chats. It is compatible with large group chats.

Skype meetings are easy to manage, gives complete control over who you want to add in. The only issue with Skype is that only video calls are encrypted. The platform doesn’t offer full end-to-end encryption. It means that Skype is not a 100% secure platform to make sensitive calls.

Features

Audio and video HD callingCall phones
Call recording with live subtitlesScreen sharing
Smart messagingPrivate conversations

 Is Free Trial Available?

Yes. Skype is free to use on any device and lets you video call up to 50 people.

Pricing Details

Skype for businessFree – $12.50/mo. Per User

Supported Devices

WindowsiPhone/iPad
AndroidMac

Supported Languages

English

 Suitable for

Large EnterprisesSmall Businesses
Medium BusinessesFreelancers

 Is user support available?

Yes. Skype offers on-demand email support for its users.

6. Houseparty

HouseParty is a feature-packed chatting app with the functionality to lock your chat. It’s a secure app only when you know how to stop intruders from entering into your chatting room. Otherwise, your chat may crash.

Bear in mind that the app follows intrusive data collection practices, and to be secure, you can turn off your location and select a private mode from your settings to stay protected online.

 Features

Screen SharingPrivate Mode
Record FacemailDisable camera

Is Free Trial Available?

Yes. You can try the Houseparty app for free.

Pricing Details

Houseparty app is free to download.

Supported devices

iPhone 9.0iPod touch
iPadAndroid 4.4

Supported Languages

English

Suitable for

Freelancers

Is User support available?

Yes. Houseparty app offers email support for its users.

7. Google Meet

Meet powered by Google is completely free to use. You can create a video chat group with a maximum of 10 participants. you can do texting with a screen sharing feature.  Try its paid version to connect up to 250 participants.

Features

Two-way audio and videoScreen Sharing
Record and playback optionVideo Conferencing
Private chatHD audio

Is Free Trial Available?

Yes.  You can have a free trial for Google Hangouts, but Google Hangouts Meet doesn’t

Supported Devices

iPhone/iPadAndroid
MacWindows

Supported Languages

English

Suitable for

Large EnterprisesSmall Businesses
Medium BusinessesFreelancers

 Is user support available?

Yes. Online user support is available for Google Meet.

8. Jitsi Meet

It’s an open-source Zoom alternative, where you can arrange online meetings. To call up your meeting, simply go to its website and click “Go.” In case, if you are looking for a complete chat solution, then you can hit a visit at Jitsu Videobridge. Jitsi Meet comprises multiple functionalities that include chat, screen share, and intruder blocking.

Features

Private chatEncrypted conversation
Two-way audio and videoScreen Share

Is Free Trial available?

Yes. Jitsi meet offers a free trial.

Pricing Details

Jitsi Meet is a free open-source service.

Supported Devices

iPhone/iPadAndroid
WindowsMac

Supported Languages

EnglishGerman
FrenchSpanish and more

Suitable for

Small Business
Medium Businesses
Freelancers

Is user support available?

Yes. Online user support is available.

9. Talky

Talky is a straightforward, cute, and very simple app with no registration process. Simply create a video call and choose your group name and send a link to your family or friends. Talky doesn’t allow more than six participants. The screen sharing feature is also available.

Features

Allows 6 participants
Simple interface
Screen sharing

 Is Free Trial available?

Yes. Free Trial is available for Talky.

Pricing Details

Talky is a free to use app.

Supported Devices

iOSBrowser

Supported languages

English

Suitable for

Social Interaction

 Is user support available?

Yes.  Talky offers online user support.

10. Discord

Discord is a free Zoom alternative that lets you enjoy safe and encrypted chats and video calls. You can set up dedicated servers to host your chat and video calls.  Recently, the platform made some positive updates and allowed 50 participants for live video calls. Previously, only 10 participants were supposed to go live on video.

Features

Screen reader data toggleStream game while going live
Custom statusMicro phone and camera access
Data privacy controlsColorblind mode

 Is Free Trial available?

Yes.  Discord is free to use.

Pricing Details

Discord offers video conferencing at no cost.

Supported Devices

WindowsAndroid
MaciOS

Supported Languages

EnglishItalian
FrenchPortuguese and more

Suitable for

Social Interaction

 Is user support available?

Yes. Discord offers a help center where users can search for queries.

11. BlueJeans

BlueJeans is a more secure Zoom alternative where all calls are encrypted by default. But, BlueJeans is not a free source. You have to pay $13.99/mo to join BlueJeans with a meeting limit of 75 participants.

Features

Video sharingIntegration with Outlook/Google Calendar
Meeting RecordingMulti-party meeting (up to 100 participants)
Group text chatDual-stream support

Is Free Trial available?

Yes. Free trial of BlueJeans is available.

Pricing Details

BlueJeans Standard$9.99 host/mo
BlueJeans Pro$13.99 host/mo
Blue Jeans EnterpriseCustom quote

Supported Devices

iPhone/iPadAndroid
WindowsMac

Supported Languages

EnglishGerman
FrenchSpanish

Suitable for

Small BusinessMedium Business
EnterprisesFreelancers

Is user support available?

Yes. BlueJeans offers online user support.

In Conclusion

Our best-picked Zoom alternatives will absolutely help you to keep up with the COVID-19 while respecting all your privacy concerns. Try any of our listed video conferencing apps, and safely continue to communicate with your colleagues and staff every day.

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