The past few pandemic years have looked different for businesses. Many have had to adapt to virtual meetings, conferences, and client calls through video conferencing technology. More and more companies are switching from in-person meetings to virtual meetings to keep their day-to-day operations and communications going. Below are the top 8 video conference software:
Web App / Video Meeting In Progress by Andrew Daniels
1. Lifesize: Enterprise-Level Companies
Lifesize video conferencing app has been in the video conferencing industry for nearly two decades and continuously pushes the bar for quality and simple use. You can set up a free account with Lifesize, and quickly start video coals with up to 25 participants. A benefit is an app that requires no downloads or installs, navigate to the lifesize webpage, where you can enter your name, email, and select a password. Guests can join the live call using their laptops or mobile browsers and clicking their personal meeting ID link. Lifesize allows for unlimited meeting durations, built-in screen sharing, HD-quality video, enterprise-grade reliability, and security by default, and it also can work on any operating system (Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android). The Lifesize app also has additional features like 500 -way calling, 4k video conference room systems (require paid subscriptions), and Microsoft integrations.
2. Google Hangout
Google Hangouts is a free video chat app from Google and has been accepted in the business world. Google Hangout operates out of Google mail. Advantages of Google Hangouts is that it is integrated with Gmail and Google Calendar, works on Chrome, and can connect up to ten participants. Google Hangouts does require a plug-in. It does not support a dual-stream video and content, and users have reported complaints about reliability and video quality.
3. Skype, Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams
Skype, Skype for Business, and Microsoft Teams is a collaboration suite from Microsoft. The collaboration is divided between consumer-grade and enterprise-grade tools. Downloading the Microsoft Skype client gives your free video calling, access to 10-way calling, and a directory populated by individual users. Microsoft Teams has been packaged together with the Office 365 license. Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook can access Lifesize video capabilities into the Teams and Outlook interface. Advantages of Skype, Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams is that it's a familiar user experience for anyone who has used Skype to connect with family members. This application requires a downloadable app and can be viewed as unprofessional. The advanced features are only available for a premium subscription.
4. Vast Conference
If you need video conference software this year, look no further than Vast Conference. Vast has been serving the needs of individuals, small businesses, and large organizations for several years now. With impressive video quality, international call support, and several pricing tiers to meet every need, this is a service you simply must take a look at.
You can also use Vast to host your next conference call anywhere in the world. You’ll get your own link and call-in number, so you don’t ever have to worry about those pesky long-distance fees.
5. Twitch
Twitch is owned by Amazon and is the go-to platform for live streamers to broadcast their video game sessions to the web. If you are an Amazon Prime member, your membership should include access to Twitch Prime, which is a premium experience that grants extended broadcast storage for live streamers. Advantages for Twitch is it is one of the most popular streaming services with many user-friendly options for both streamers and viewers. It is primarily used for gaming and live streaming, so that it can be looked at as an unprofessional app. Broadcasting of the app is limited to PCs and consoles.
6. Jitsi
Jitsi is an app with a collection of free and open-source multiplatform voice, video conference, and instant messaging applications for Windows, web, Linux, macOS, iOs, and Android. Jitsi is open-source, in which you can tweak the software to your liking and contribute to its development. The advantage of Jitsi is its ability to customize applications, and it does not require you to register, login, or send your data before using the services. The app can be viewed as unprofessional, and there is no ability to set up future meetings, and meetings begin when someone starts it.
7. Join.me
Join.me is a useful video conferencing app that is used for a sales organization that is needed for client presentation solutions. Join.me has a free plan that includes calling up to 10 participants, and screen sharing with Voice-over-IP (VoIP). The free subscription consists of easy-to-use, one-click screen sharing that is useful for sales demonstrations. The advantage of Join.me is that it is easy to use and offers free screen sharing with VoIP calling. The Join.me apps free plan is limited to ten participants, and any advancements.
8. Zoom
Zoom is a free video-conferencing app that provides a pared-down service for group video calls. The basic plan with Zoom allows users to have 40-minute calls with a handful of features, such as screen sharing, breakout rooms, local recordings, and camera filters. The advantage of Zoom is the simplicity of the sign-in process. The app includes essential records and can support 100-way calling. It also corresponds with Mac and Windows apps. You do have to download the application. As mentioned, calls on the basic plan are limited to 40 minutes or less, and there's no ability to control any spam or bandwidth.
Final Thoughts
Since the COVID-19 pandemic continues to limit face-to-face or in-person meetings, these video conferencing apps have made a splash with businesses. Most of the apps listed have free features in their video conferencing apps. If you are looking for a video conference app, try testing a few on this list before purchasing any plans to see if you like what their basic software offers. Of course, there are more apps out there, and most will want participants to be members before allowing for use on their video conferencing apps. The video conferencing calling apps listed above are gaining popularity.
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