The landscape of professional communication underwent a dramatic shift in recent years, propelling online meetings to the forefront of daily business operations. This change was primarily driven by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which forced organizations worldwide to rapidly adopt remote work practices.
Zoom, a video conferencing tool, quickly became a go-to platform during this period, offering a user-friendly interface for remote work and education. However, its widespread adoption was largely circumstantial, with many users turning to it out of necessity rather than choice. While Zoom provides a basic free tier, its advanced features require paid subscriptions, a factor that became increasingly significant as virtual meetings evolved from a temporary solution to a long-term work culture component. This rapid adoption highlighted both the potential and limitations of video conferencing technology, paving the way for innovations in digital communication.
As remote work and virtual meetings become increasingly common, choosing the right platform can significantly impact productivity and collaboration. This article aims to explore 20 free alternatives to Zoom, helping you find the best fit for your personal or professional needs.
The rapid adoption of video conferencing has transformed how we communicate, both professionally and personally. While Zoom has become a household name, there are compelling reasons to explore alternatives:
By considering these factors, you make an informed decision about which video conferencing solution best meets your unique requirements. The goal is clear: find a tool that enhances your communication and productivity. Whether that's Zoom or one of its many alternatives, the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
When exploring video conferencing platforms beyond Zoom, it's crucial to focus on features that enhance your communication experience. Here's a comprehensive list of features to consider while looking for a Zoom alternative:
By prioritizing these features, you can identify a Zoom alternative that not only meets your current needs but also supports your future growth and evolving communication requirements. Remember, the ideal platform balances functionality with user-friendliness, ensuring that it enhances rather than complicates your video conferencing experience.
These are the top 20 free Zoom Alternatives: Video Calling App, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Jitsi Meet, Skype, Slack Huddle, Cisco Webex, GoToMeeting, Whereby, Discord, FreeConference.com, Talky, BigBlueButton, Linphone, Nextcloud Talk, UberConference, 8x8 Meet, Livestorm, Jami, Apache OpenMeetings.
1. Video Calling App
2. Google Meet
3. Microsoft Teams
4. Jitsi Meet
5. Skype
6. Slack Huddles
7. Cisco Webex
8. GoToMeeting
9. Whereby
10. Discord
11. FreeConference.com
12. Talky
13. BigBlueButton
14. Linphone
15. Nextcloud Talk
16. UberConference
17. 8x8 Meet
18. Livestorm
19. Jami
20. Apache OpenMeetings
Video Calling App (VCA) is transforming the landscape of virtual collaboration with its innovative platform that goes well beyond traditional video conferencing capabilities. This advanced solution manages the entire meeting lifecycle, from initial scheduling to post-meeting follow-ups, by automating tasks such as note-taking, updating project management tools, and creating knowledge base entries. By handling these ancillary tasks, VCA enables teams to concentrate on crucial discussions and decision-making processes.
Key Features:
Video Calling App aims to optimize the complete meeting experience, maintain vital context, and dramatically improve team productivity and goal achievement. Here’s an honest comparision between Zoom vs. Video Calling App.
Video Calling App is currently running an exclusive early access program with limited availability. This initiative offers selected users the opportunity to experience VCA's advanced collaboration features firsthand for free. Interested parties are encouraged to apply for this limited-access opportunity. If you want to migrate to the Video Calling App, you can fill out this online form.
Google Meet is a user-friendly video conferencing tool integrated with Google Workspace. It offers high-quality video calls, screen sharing, and real-time captions for accessibility. Google Meet supports up to 100 participants in the free version, with a 60-minute time limit per meeting.
Interested in a fair and honest comparison of Google Meet vs. Video Calling App? Check out Google Meet vs. Video Calling App.
Its limitations include restricted advanced features in the free tier, occasional audio sync issues in larger meetings, and a requirement for a Google account to create meetings.
While Google Meet is free for personal use, business features are available through Google Workspace subscriptions starting at $6 per user per month.
If you are looking for top alternatives for Google Meet, do check our detailed article on top alternatives of Google Meet.
Also see this fair comparison of Google Meet vs. Microsoft Teams.
Zoom vs. Google Meet shows how these two applications compare to each other.
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that includes video conferencing, chat, and file sharing. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and supports up to 100 participants for up to 60 minutes in its free version. Teams offer security features and third-party app integrations.
However, its interface can be overwhelming for new users, it requires significant bandwidth for optimal performance, and some features are only accessible with a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Checkout an unbiased and honest comparison of Microsoft Teams vs. Video Calling App.
The free version is available for personal use, while business plans start at $4 per user per month.
Curious about better alternatives to Microsoft Teams? Refer to top alternatives for Microsoft Teams.
Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams, encompasses a detailed comparison between the two.
Jitsi Meet is an open-source, browser-based video conferencing solution that tries to put privacy and security first. It offers unlimited free usage, requires no account creation, and supports end-to-end encryption. Jitsi Meet allows screen sharing and has a built-in chat feature.
Its limitations include a less polished user interface compared to commercial alternatives, occasional stability issues with larger meetings, and limited customer support.
Jitsi Meet is entirely free for personal and business use, with the option for organizations to self-host the platform.
Skype is a communication tool offering video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing. Its free version supports up to 50 participants in video calls for up to 4 hours. Skype provides features like background blur, screen sharing, and live subtitles.
However, it lacks some advanced features found in newer platforms, can be prone to connection issues in areas with poor internet, and its mobile app is less robust than its desktop version.
For an honest comparison with Video Calling App, check Skype vs. Video Calling App.
Skype is free for personal use, with business features available through Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Skype lacks in various areas to serve as the best tool, so you can check out top Skype alternatives.
Slack Huddles is a voice and video calling feature within the Slack messaging platform. It allows for quick, impromptu calls and screen sharing directly from Slack channels or direct messages. The free version of Slack limits huddles to two participants. Huddles integrate with Slack's chat and file-sharing functions but lack advanced video conferencing features like virtual backgrounds or breakout rooms.
The free version of Slack, including Huddles, is available for small teams, while paid plans start at $6.67 per user per month.
Cisco Webex is an enterprise-grade video conferencing solution offering high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds. Its free plan supports up to 100 participants for 50 minutes. Webex provides security features and integrates with some other business tools.
Its limitations include a complex interface for new users, restricted features in the free tier, and higher system requirements for optimal performance.
See a fair comparison of Cisco Webex vs. Video Calling App.
While Webex offers a free plan, paid versions start at $13.50 per host per month for additional features.
Trying to find the top alternatives, check out top alternatives for Webex.
Also check out this fair comparison of Zoom vs. Webex.
GoToMeeting provides a video conferencing experience with features like screen sharing, personal meeting rooms, and mobile support. The free version supports up to 3 participants for 40-minute meetings. GoToMeeting offers good audio quality and easy meeting scheduling.
However, its free tier is quite limited compared to competitors, the user interface feels dated, and it lacks some modern features like virtual backgrounds. Paid plans for GoToMeeting start at $12 per organizer per month.
If you also find that GoToMeeting does not satisfy your needs, do not hesitate to refer to top GoToMeeting alternatives.
Zoom vs. GoToMeeting lists a fair comparison between the two.
Whereby is a browser-based video conferencing tool. It offers customizable meeting rooms, screen sharing, and integrations with tools like Google Calendar. The free plan allows up to 100 participants for up to 45 minutes.
Whereby's limitations include restricted features in the free version, occasional audio quality issues, and limited options for large-scale meetings or webinars.
Paid plans start at $6.99 per month for additional features and longer meeting durations.
Discord, originally designed for gaming communities, has evolved into a communication platform. It offers chat rooms, voice channels, and video calls, supporting up to 25 participants in video mode. Discord provides screen sharing and live streaming features.
Its limitations for professional use include a gaming-centric interface, lack of business-specific features like meeting scheduling, and potential privacy concerns due to its community-focused design.
Discord is free for personal use, with optional Nitro subscriptions starting at $9.99 per month for enhanced features.
FreeConference.com provides a simple, web-based conferencing solution with both audio and video capabilities. It offers screen sharing, call recording, and international dial-in numbers. The free plan supports up to 5 video participants or 1000 audio participants.
Limitations include lower video quality compared to some competitors, a basic user interface, and limited customization options.
While the basic service is free, premium features are available starting at $9.99 per month.
Talky is a browser-based video calling service requiring no registration. It supports up to 6 participants per room and offers screen sharing. Talky's simplicity is both a strength and a limitation; it lacks advanced features like meeting scheduling, recording, or virtual backgrounds.
It also has no mobile app support and can face stability issues in longer meetings.
Talky is completely free, with no paid tiers available.
BigBlueButton is an open-source video conferencing platform designed for online learning. It offers features like multi-user whiteboard, breakout rooms, and learning management system integrations. The platform supports HD audio and video sharing.
Its limitations include the need for self-hosting, which requires technical expertise, a learning curve for full feature utilization, and an interface that may feel dated compared to modern alternatives.
BigBlueButton is free to use, but costs associated with hosting and support must be considered.
Linphone is an open-source voice and video calling application focusing on security and privacy. It supports SIP protocol, offers end-to-end encryption, and is available on multiple platforms.
Linphone's limitations include a technical setup process that may challenge non-technical users, a basic interface compared to mainstream options, and limited collaboration features beyond simple calling.
Linphone is free and open-source, with some paid services available for businesses requiring SIP accounts or support.
Nextcloud Talk is part of the Nextcloud suite, offering self-hosted video conferencing with a focus on data sovereignty. It provides end-to-end encryption, screen sharing, and integration with Nextcloud's file-sharing tools.
Limitations include the need for self-hosting and maintenance, which requires technical skills, a feature set that may be limited compared to dedicated video conferencing tools, and potential scalability issues for very large organizations.
Nextcloud, including Talk, is free to self-host, with enterprise support plans available.
UberConference offers audio and video conferencing with features like screen sharing, call recording, and team collaboration tools. The free plan supports up to 10 participants for 45 minutes. UberConference stands out for its no-PIN-required joining process.
Limitations include restrictions on meeting duration and participants in the free plan, less advanced video features compared to some competitors, and occasional audio quality issues. Paid plans start at $15 per user per month for additional features.
8x8 Meet provides a free video-conferencing solution as part of 8x8's broader communication platform, it is built on Jitsi Meet. It offers unlimited meetings with no time limits, supports up to 100 participants, and includes features like screen sharing and virtual backgrounds.
Limitations include less name recognition, which can affect adoption, a feature set that may feel basic compared to more established competitors, and potential upselling pressure for 8x8's paid services.
While 8x8 Meet is free, the company offers paid communication suites starting at $12 per user per month.
Livestorm is a browser-based video communication platform designed for webinars, meetings, and online events. It offers a free plan that supports unlimited meetings for up to 10 participants, with a 20-minute time limit per meeting. Livestorm provides features such as screen sharing, recording, chat, and polls. The platform stands out for its event management capabilities, including registration pages and automated email reminders.
Limitations of the free plan include the short meeting duration, restricted access to advanced analytics, and the lack of custom branding options. Livestorm's interface is modern and intuitive, but new users may need time to explore all available features.
While the basic plan is free, paid plans start at €31 per host per month, offering longer meeting durations and additional features for webinars and larger events.
Jami is a free, open-source communication platform focusing on privacy and decentralization. It offers end-to-end encrypted audio and video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing. Jami doesn't require a central server, enhancing privacy.
Its limitations include a steeper learning curve for non-technical users, fewer integrations with other tools compared to mainstream options, and potential reliability issues in large-scale deployments. Jami is completely free and open-source, with no paid tiers.
Apache OpenMeetings is an open-source web conferencing system supporting audio/video conferencing, recording, and screen sharing. It offers whiteboard functionality and document collaboration features. OpenMeetings can be integrated with calendar systems and supports multiple languages.
Its limitations include the need for self-hosting, which requires technical expertise, a less intuitive interface compared to commercial alternatives, and limited support options.
OpenMeetings is free to use, but costs for hosting and maintenance should be considered.
To help you quickly compare these alternatives, here's a summary table of key features:
Many free plans have limitations on the number of participants. Check the comparison table or the provider's website for current limits.
Some are browser-based, while others require downloads. Check each platform's requirements before use.
Security features vary by platform. Always review the security measures and privacy policies before use, especially for sensitive meetings. Also refer to Zoom data privacy.
Most platforms are designed to be user-friendly, but there may be a learning curve when switching. Consider running a test meeting when trying a new platform.
The shift to remote work has revealed limitations in current video conferencing platforms. Users frequently encounter technical issues, disruptive updates, and over promised AI features. The constant stream of meetings leads to context loss and difficulty in tracking information. Poor integration with other work tools further complicates productivity.
These seemingly minor issues quickly accumulate, turning what should be helpful technology into an obstacle. The result is a frustrating experience that often hinders rather than helps remote work efficiency.
Enter Video Calling App, an AI-native video conferencing tool designed to address these pain points. It aims to automate the entire meeting workflow while preserving context, all wrapped in a modern, user-friendly interface fitting for 2024. Want to see an honest comparison of Zoom and Video Calling App, check out - Zoom vs. Video Calling App.
Video Calling App offers features such as AI-generated smart summaries, action item tracking, real-time transcripts and translations, auto-tagged discussions, integrated task management, and a searchable knowledge library. These features are designed to streamline the virtual meeting experience and enhance overall productivity in the remote work environment.
Video Calling App recognizes the complexities involved in changing video conferencing platforms. To ease this transition, we're offering a compelling migration package. For users with up to three months remaining on their current Zoom subscription, we'll provide an equivalent period of complimentary access to the Video Calling App. This offer is easily redeemable through, in case you are interested you can fill in this form.
We're currently in an early access phase, with a controlled daily intake of new users. This limited availability presents a unique opportunity to experience the Video Calling App's innovative approach to virtual meetings. By signing up now, you'll be at the forefront of a new era in remote collaboration, leveraging our cutting-edge features to enhance your team's productivity and communication.
