Microsoft Teams is a feature-rich collaboration tool that offers a variety of customization and accessibility options for its users. Here are some additional details about the features you mentioned:
- Customizable and blurred backgrounds: Teams allows users to choose from a variety of preloaded backgrounds or upload their own images as virtual backgrounds during video calls. Additionally, Teams offers the option to blur the background during video calls to help keep the focus on the speaker.
- Breakout rooms: This feature allows meeting organizers to split up participants into smaller groups for more focused discussions. Breakout rooms can be created and managed within a Teams meeting.
- Screen sharing: Teams allows users to share their screen during a meeting or call, making it easy to collaborate on documents or share presentations.
- Meeting recording: Teams allows users to record meetings, which can be useful for sharing information with those who couldn’t attend or for future reference.
- Large group calls: Teams can accommodate calls with up to 10,000 participants, making it ideal for large-scale events or presentations.
- Accessibility features: Teams offers several accessibility features, including live captioning and transcription, which can be particularly useful for people with hearing impairments or language barriers.
While Zoom can meet your basic business communication needs, the appropriate Zoom alternatives can provide you with precisely what you need and benefit your company. The top Zoom alternatives can help you achieve your goals with crystal clear video conferencing and robust online conference features. In this post, I evaluate and review the 11 best Zoom alternatives and my top five picks so that you may choose the best option for you.
11 Best Zoom Alternatives in 2023
1. Skype
Skype has been around for nearly two decades and is one of the most well-known names in video conferencing and instant messaging, so it’s no surprise that it’s a great alternative to Zoom.
Indeed, Skype goes above and beyond Zoom in various areas. Skype is compatible with a wide range of devices, including those that are Alexa-enabled, and offers a user-friendly web interface that allows hosts to initiate meetings and calls even without having Skype installed. It integrates smoothly with Microsoft’s software and many other apps and services, and all communications on Skype are protected by end-to-end encryption.
Skype is free to use, and it’s also easier to use than Zoom — it’s incredibly user-friendly and works on practically every device. However, keep in mind that Zoom still allows more extensive group calls. Thus, Skype remains a beautiful tool for smaller groups.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Superb app integration
- Encryption features
Cons
- Zoom allows for more extensive group calls
2. Cisco Webex
Webex is one of the most well-known names in business video conferencing, with impressive boardroom and office credentials. The Webex app allows you to make crystal-clear conversations, host video meetings, and use an instant messaging service with collaboration capabilities and add slideshows, emoticons, background noise elimination, and real-time translation to your appointments.
Webex integrates with over 100 third-party apps. The Webex Suite bundles all of the app’s features and choices for holding virtual events, employee surveys, and easy staff management – all with enterprise-grade security.
Cisco’s software is free if you wish to host meetings with up to 100 people for 50 minutes. Subscribe to the Starter, Business, or Enterprise programs to add more features, longer sessions, and extra participants.
Pros
- Top-notch security
- Slick user interface
- Free version available
Cons
- Many features are paywalled
3. Google Meet
Google Meet is Google’s video-conferencing application, and it comes with a great set of capabilities. It can host meetings for up to 250 individuals with time constraints of up to 24 hours, and the accessible version of the service allows for meetings for up to 100 people.
None of Meet’s business or enterprise plans is costly, and paid options include recording and attendance monitoring, which helps keep track of your employees.
Zoom and Google Meet provide comparable layout possibilities. Breakout rooms and custom backgrounds are available. It includes a wide range of integration possibilities, including support for Google’s vast library of apps and products and Skype and other video tools.
Although Google’s software (previously known as Hangouts) does not handle 1000-person meetings like Zoom, it is similar in many other ways. This is a beautiful Zoom option if you or your company currently uses Google’s services.
Pros
- Free to use
- Included with Google’s suite of software
- Encryption available
Cons
- Fewer business features than other tools
4. Microsoft Teams
Skype isn’t the only Zoom alternative available from Microsoft; Teams has grown in popularity in recent years as more people work from home. A wide range of corporate features impresses teams.
Teams also interact with Microsoft’s Office 365 products, such as OneDrive and PowerPoint, and emoticons, stickers, and GIFs make conversations and calls entertaining.
There is a free version of this application; however, it has limited meeting lengths, and upgrades aren’t too pricey – the Standard package costs $12.50 per user per month.
Pros
- Integrates with Office 365
- Supports huge meetings
- Plenty of features
Cons
- Free version is restrictive
5. Discord
Discord was created with gamers in mind, but it’s also a powerful communications tool that may serve as a Zoom replacement — even if you’re not a gamer. It’s a great alternative for building a community and providing a place for your pals to interact and hang out. Discord’s servers are invite-only, making it simple to manage who can participate in discussions. It also allows audio and video chat, making it feel like you’re conversing with your pals.
Nitro is another Discord product that costs $100 per year. You’ll get HD video calls, larger file uploads, nicer emojis and profile images, and the ability to support your favorite servers with this upgrade.
This software isn’t a direct competitor to Zoom, but it is a fun and easy-to-use communication tool that’s great for creating a private community – so it’s worth considering.
Pros
- Designed for gamers
- Ideal for communities
- Light-hearted approach
Cons
- Fewer corporate features
6. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting offers a comprehensive set of security tools to keep your business meetings safe. The video is encrypted with the 128-bit AES protocol, while the screen, keyboard, mouse, and text conversation information are encrypted using 256-bit encryption. Meeting locks and passwords govern who can access meetings, and audio is also encrypted.
Strong security measures are combined with positive qualities elsewhere. GoTo includes integrated chat, transcriptions, cloud recording, meeting diagnostic reports, screen-sharing, unique backgrounds, and presenter control choices.
It even has energy-saving alternatives for people who need to join meetings from their smartphones, and it works with almost every business app on mobile and PC. Because GoToMeeting is a premium product, it does not offer a free service, but it does not have to be costly. The $12-per-month Professional plan supports meetings with up to 150 attendees, while the $16-per-month Business subscription has extra capabilities.
Pros
- Good mobile options
- Loads of integrations
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Some weaker encryption
7. TeamViewer
TeamViewer creates a comprehensive suite of tools to help large businesses connect and work more effectively, and its TeamViewer Meeting application is an excellent alternative to Zoom.
Video calls are protected by 256-bit encryption, and users can utilize passwords, meeting locks, and two-factor verification. Instant messaging, the capacity to record sessions, and easy collaboration across all platforms support video conversations.
HD calling, remote controls, pre-meeting preparation screens, and the ability to share multiple monitors in 4K resolution are all included in this bundle. Secure file sharing and one-click, immediate meetings are also available so you can get to work right away.
Single users can purchase TeamViewer plans starting at $25 per month, with the $51 package offering greater functionality. Teams must pay at least $103 per month for this enterprise-level software, offering unlimited endpoints, fifteen user accounts, and 300 managed devices.
Pros
- A vast selection of products and features
- Great encryption
- Instant meetings
Cons
- Relatively pricey
8.BlueJeans
You can trust BlueJeans from Verizon to deliver secure, future-proof video chats because it’s already used by Adobe, Facebook, and Virgin Hyperloop.
Virtual Meetings software from the company includes a lot of cool features. Breakout sessions, the ability to flag events and add actions to meetings, and Dolby Voice and HD video provide extra adaptability.
BlueJeans is one of the best accessibility products available, with automatic, real-time captioning, keyboard controls, and screen readers, and it works on any device with an internet connection. If you purchase the Enterprise package, you can customize the software with your branding.
BlueJeans is also a low-cost video conferencing option. Its Standard tier is $10 per month, and its Enterprise plan, which lets you host up to 200 people and generate unlimited recordings, costs only $17 per month if paid annually.
Pros
- Versatile access options
- Good security
- Supports customized branding
Cons
- Branding only available with some packages
9. Dialpad
Businesses can use DialPad’s video meeting technology, leveraging artificial intelligence to improve the experience. DialPad will track keywords and provide real-time notifications, detect and monitor people’s moods, and offer an automated post-call summary as you meet. Artificial intelligence will make real-time transcriptions and captions.
DialPad also stands out for its high-definition video, crisp audio, customizable layouts, and integrations with famous Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce programs. It allows for file sharing and instant messaging and the creation of agendas, and comprehensive-time management to keep everyone on track.
DialPad’s free account lets users hold 45-minute meetings with ten individuals, which should be plenty for most people. A business account costs $15 per month per user and allows for five-hour meetings with up to 100 individuals, making it appropriate for many small and medium-sized businesses.
Pros
- Extra features that use AI
- Slick user interface
- Includes a free account
Cons
- Other products allow for larger meetings
10. Zoho Meeting
Another popular Zoom competitor on our list is Zoho Meeting, which allows you to host webinars, online meetings, and broadcast demos. It will enable you to join or start a discussion without installing any software.
Although you can only host meetings using the iOS app, you can join them using Android and iOS apps. A browser extension for Firefox and Chrome is also included.
It also allows you to record your session in the cloud, download it, or share it via a short link. You can also call in using over 100 local lines and 55 toll-free numbers worldwide.
11. Join. me
Join. I am a web-based video conferencing tool that allows you to have online meetings and invite people using a custom URL. Depending on your branding requirements, you can send a bespoke meeting link to the participants. Participants can join your session by simply clicking on the link.
You can also personalize the meeting background by including your company’s logo or a photograph. You can use Join. Me to remotely record, arrange, and control virtual meetings. You may begin sharing your screen with a single click on the “Broadcast” button. It also allows Google Chrome users to join the call without downloading any software.
Other notable characteristics include:
- One-click scheduling.
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- Whiteboard function for iOS and desktop-based apps.
- Control your team members’ mouse and keyboard (making it a suitable TeamViewer alternative).
You may also switch presenters halfway through the meeting and have them share their screens. With the PRO subscription, you can share the screen with 250 people. You can either utilize the Join. Me scheduler or sync your Google and Microsoft calendars to arrange meetings. You can also start the discussion from a calendar. Audio call options include toll-free numbers to join the forum and conference numbers for the United States and 50+ other countries. It also has features like Active Speaker, Roll Call, and Individual Mute that allow you to control audio calls. You may even start an audio conference call for free using VoIP.
People Also Asked
Is Google Meet a Good Alternative to Zoom?
Because Google Meet is a web-based meeting tool, rather than requiring you to download a separate video conferencing client like Zoom, it’s a terrific Zoom alternative. A Google Business account also comes with all the premium features mentioned above.
What is the Best Zoom Alternative?
Because it is suited for almost all types of enterprises, GoToMeeting appears to be the most significant overall Zoom replacement. Screen sharing, whiteboarding, conference calling, video conferencing, mobile conferencing, cloud-based recording, transcription, and more are included.
Is there a better option than Zoom?
The most well-known and extensively utilized Zoom alternative is Google Meet. Previously, Meet was only available to paying G-suite users, but the business has created a free tier that will last through the end of 2021. You can hold video conferences with up to 250 people, give presentations, and record and save meetings to Google Drive.
What is replacing Zoom?
8 Powerful Zoom alternatives for video calling and conferencing.
- RingCentral Video.
- Cisco Webex.
- Microsoft Teams.
- GoToMeeting.
- Google Meet.
- BlueJeans.
- Jitsi Meet.
- Meet Now.
Who is Zoom’s most significant competitor?
- Competitors and Alternatives to Zoom
- Google.
- Cisco.
- Microsoft.
- GoTo.
- TeamViewer.
- BlueJeans by Verizon.
- 247meeting.
- Adobe.
Does Zoom have any competitors?
The top Zoom competitors are Webex. BlueJeans. Google Meet.
Conclusion
These are the most excellent Zoom alternatives, in my opinion. Choosing the correct video conferencing or team collaboration software is critical, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.
One of the various video conferencing platforms available can be customized to meet your specific needs.
I recommend joining.me, BlueJeans, or Eyes on if you require a solution to collaborate with your small remote team. Microsoft Teams is a good choice for a significant company that wishes to host huge audiences. FaceTime and Google Hangouts, on the other hand, are better for personal video conversations. Which of these Zoom alternatives would you choose and why? Please let me know in the comments section below.
