Best Video Conferencing Software Platforms
Video conferencing software platforms have gone a long way. Its importance has been felt more recently with the current situation of the pandemic, COVID-19. Though communication tools such as email and mobile phone offer quick and easy use, face-to-face meetings are found to be more effective and more personal compared to email communication.
As working conditions are continuously changing with employees being allowed to work from home and having flexible schedules, face-to-face meetings tend to lessen and we all know how personal work conversations are important in business. This is something we should not compromise but we also understand that there are situations that prevents us to communicate and meet face-to-face personally. Fortunately, there is now a tool that could solve this issue and that is through video conferencing software platforms.
Through this article, we shall provide you a list of best video conferencing software platforms which you could check and try.
Best Video Conferencing Software Platforms
Zoom
Zoom is one of the best, popular and widely used video conferencing software platform. It offers a lot of useful features including its amazing video, crystal clear audio and sharing abilities. Through this tool, you will be able to share screen, present and do webinars. You will also be able to meet with your team and clients remotely.
Features of Zoom:
- Whiteboarding
- Screen sharing
- HD video and video
- SSL – Secure Socket Layer encryption
- Scheduling with Chrome extensions
- Group and private chat and messaging feature
- Meeting recording option
- Ability to join a meeting by telephone
- Online support
- Breakout rooms – allows you to divide your meetings into groups or sessions
- Unlimited number of meetings per month
Zoom has a free version however, take note that its features offered are limited and there is a time limit of 40 minutes per conference. As for advanced features of the premium plan, you will be able to have user management, interoperability, custom meeting IDs for individual participants, managed domains, phone support.
Microsoft Teams
The Microsoft Teams provide efficient communication and collaboration. This platform comes with office applications such as Word and SharePoint. It allows you to combine Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams.
Features of Microsoft Teams:
- File storage and sharing
- Web version of Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- 24/7 phone and web support
- Allows up to 300 users
- Allows you to invite guests who are not part of their Azure Active Directory
- Has mobile version
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is another great option. It is effective and reliable especially with its amazing features. It is user-friendly which gives them an edge over their competitors. Through GoToMeeting, you will be able to conduct unlimited video meetings and you could be assured that you are highly secured with its end-to-end encryption.
Features of GoToMeeting:
- HD video
- 24/7 customer care
- Unlimited meetings
- Messaging
- Screen sharing from desktops, tablets and mobile devices
- Web audio
- Secured
- Allows up to 250 participants depending on the subscription plan
GoToMeeting offers a 14-day free trial.
Skype for Business
Skype for Business offers you with great deal of useful features. It comes with Microsoft Office 365 which is familiar for most users. Skype Business offers more features compared to its standard and free version.
Features of Business plan of Skype:
- Unlimited meetings
- Instant messaging
- Screen sharing
- Tight security
- Conferencing up to 250 pariticpants.
- 50GB mailbox
- Up to 1 TB file storage
- Mobile technical support
ezTalks Meetings
This video conferencing platform offers the best continuous technological advancements. It is compatible with iOS and Android. It is easy to use and it is pretty straightforward. This platform is perfect for healthcare, community and education sectors.
Features of ezTalks Meetings:
- Instant or scheduled meetings
- Unlimited number of meetings
- Join by telephone call-in
- Private and group chat
- HD video and audio
- Screen sharing with co-annotation
- Interactive whiteboards
- Could accommodate up to 100 people
- Single meeting up to 40 meetings
StarLeaf
This video conferencing platform is owned by API. It allows upgrades and integrations such as Slack and Skype for business. It also is compatible with Android, Windows and iOS. It could deliver business-wide connectivity.
Features of All StarLeaf:
- Full interoperability with Skype for Business
- Global audio dial-in telephone numbers
- Calendar integrations with Outlook and Google
- Unlimited guest invitations
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is a great video conferencing platform option. It is perfect for collaborations, online trainings and webinars. It has amazing security features which will ensure that your calls are kept private and secured. They have Transport Layer Security (TLS), encryption, firewall compatibility, secure scheduling options and many more. It also has the ability to integrate with Outlook and is compatible with Mac, iPads and Windows.
Features of Cisco Webex:
- Screen sharing
- Unlimited meetings
- HD video
- Cloud recording and storage
- Business-hours phone support
Tips in Finding Your Ideal Video Conferencing Software
- Check the subscription rates. There are subscription plans that are less expensive especially the annual plans.
- There are plans that would charge per user. Hence, ensure to check how many users that the video conferencing software that you will choose would be able to accommodate the number of users you have.
- There are some video conferencing software platforms that offer free plan or free trial. If you wish to subscribe to a paid plan, ensure to ask for a demo before committing to purchasing.
- Do not forget to check the compatibility with your equipment.
- Check the size of your conference rooms
- Check the sound quality
