Review and comparison of the TOP and best Web Conferencing Software that is being widely used across the world today:
To say that web conferencing software has been nothing short of revolutionary in today’s day and age would be an understatement. After all, these were the tools that helped many companies conduct business as usual, even amidst the strictest of lockdowns due to the rise of Covid-19.
Even after the pandemic’s terror has subsided, businesses have continued to leverage the convenience that these tools provide.
Video conferencing tool providers have also responded to this sudden surge in demand for their products. We have seen existing tools getting advanced upgrades and newer ones being introduced with enticing features. This then brings us to the salient question. Which web conferencing software out there is the better one?
Table of Contents:
Web Conferencing Software – Review
That is the question we’ve answered via a carefully curated list below. This article will give you a quick rundown of some of the best web conference tools being widely used today across the world. We’ve listed tools here that have won us over with their austere usability and sophisticated functionality.
So, without much further ado, let’s get started.
Expert Advice:
- Before you buy software, make sure you understand the purpose you want the web conferencing tool to serve. Try to understand whether you want to use the web conferencing tool for business reasons or for casual purposes.
- Go for web conferencing software that allows you to broadcast to a wider audience.
- HD audio and video resolution is a must.
- The software should be easy to set up, deploy, and use.
- Subscribe to a plan that you find affordable.
Important Features of a Web Conferencing Software
Any web conferencing software is only as good as the features it offers. In fact, the list of features is the very first thing we assessed when making this list. For web conferencing software to be good, it needs to harbour certain critical features.
They are as follows:
- HD Video and Audio Streaming
- Screen Sharing
- Launching meetings with just one click
- Recording Meetings
- Collaboration Tools
- Conduct surveys, quizzes, and polls
- Analytical Reporting
- Mobile Application.
All the above features are a must if you seek out software that is convenient to use and robust with regard to holding online meetings.
List of the Best Web Conferencing Tools
Some popular known impressive tools for web conferencing:
- Livestorm
- Zoom
- Whereby
- Livestorm
- Google Hangouts
- Dialpad Meetings
- Slack
- Skype
- Google Meet
- Microsoft Teams
- TrueConf Online
- Lifesize
- FreeConference
- Facebook Live
- Zoho Meeting
- Rumi AI
Comparison of Best Software for Web Conferencing
Name | Best for | Meeting Capacity | Time Limit | Platform | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Livestorm | End-to-end webinar hosting platform | 100-500 | 20 Minutes to 12 hours | Mac, Linux, Windows, Web-based | pro plan costs $88/month. Get quotes for business and enterprise plans. |
Zoom | Full-featured easy to use webinars | 100-1000 | 40 minutes to 30 hrs. | Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, Web-based | Pro plan costs $14.99/month and offers 1-9 licenses. Business plan costs $19.99/month and offers 10-99 licenses. |
Whereby | Strong customization | 100-200 | 45 Minutes to unlimited hours | Android, iOS, Web-based | Pro plan costs $6.99/month, Business plan costs $9.99/month. |
Google Hangout | Simple chat and video conferencing | — | — | Web-based, Android | Free |
Detailed reviews:
#1) Livestorm
Best for end-to-end webinar hosting platform.
Livestorm is a software program that hosts seamless webinars live. It comes pre-integrated with several webinar-friendly tools to make it simple for users to host webinars from start to finish. It is also highly customizable. You get to personalize audience registration forms as well as get tons of templates for email invites.
Livestorm’s best aspect so far is its integrated analytical dashboard. You can refer to this dashboard from time to time to understand how well your webinar is doing. You can easily track participation numbers and audience engagement using this insightful dashboard that automatically updates itself in real time.
Features:
- Email delivery tracking
- Build-in social sharing
- Website widgets
- Analytical dashboard
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Get actionable insights in real-time
- Multi-language support
- One-click to invite
Cons:
- Only 30 attendees are on the free plan.
Verdict: If your business is somehow tied into hosting daily webinars, then we cannot recommend Livestorm enough. It is feature-rich, comes pre-integrated with useful tools, and is ultimately very simple to use.
Price: Free to accommodate 30 attendees. The Pro plan costs $88/month. Get quotes for Business and Enterprise plans.
#2) Zoom
Best for full-featured, easy-to-use webinars.
You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard about Zoom. It surged in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic and has sort of become a household name by now.
The software can be used via its desktop or mobile applications to launch meetings in HD resolution within no time. Zoom facilitates both HD audio and video collaboration.
As far as webinars go, this one is perhaps the most powerful of the bunch. Zoom allows you to broadcast a feed to over 50000 attendees and 1000 interactive panelists. The platform also arms you with analytical features so you can measure the success of your webinar using actionable insights and metrics.
Features:
- Audio and Video Collaboration.
- HD Video and Webinar recording.
- Live stream on platforms like YouTube and Facebook
- Powerful integration with third-party CRM and marketing automation tools.
Pros:
- Host an unlimited number of sessions.
- Supports powerful integrations.
- Host up to 50000 attendees.
- Simple UI.
Cons:
- Needs better security features.
Verdict: Zoom is probably on everybody’s devices nowadays. It is a phenomenally simple video conferencing software for both individuals and business teams.
We would recommend it for both casual uses as well as to host live webinars, thanks to a boatload of advanced features it harbors today. It is hands-down, one of the best free video conferencing software you can try today.
Price: Free to use, Pro plan costs $14.99/month and offers 1-9 licenses. The business plan costs $19.99/month and offers 10-99 licenses.
#3) Whereby
Best for strong customization.
Whereby is a web conferencing software that facilitates HD video and audio collaboration. However, what really sets it apart from other tools in the market is its incredible personalization capabilities. Your Whereby room can be customized as per your preference using your own personal branding, URLs, and custom names.
You can then make your live interaction on the platform interesting and engaging by occasionally using graphics and emojis. You can also use virtual whiteboards from Miro right inside the Whereby platform to host productive brainstorming sessions.
Features:
- Embed video calls to your app or website.
- Custom branding.
- Unlimited recordings.
- Shared rooms.
Pros:
- Host up to 100 participants for free.
- Easy personalization.
- No app or software download is necessary.
- Strong third-party app integrations.
Cons:
- The free plan has very limited features.
Verdict: Whereby is perhaps the simplest web conferencing tool you’ll find online that excels with regard to the personalization possibilities it offers. We recommend using it to host workshops, classes, and small online events.
Price: Free forever, Pro plan costs $6.99/month, Business plan costs $9.99/month.
Further Reading => Must Try Virtual Meeting Platforms of the Year
#4) Google Hangouts
Best for simple chat and video conferencing.
Google Hangouts, now Google Chat, is a simple messenger-like application that allows you to chat with other Google and Gmail account holders.
Just one click and you can either choose to chat with the people you are connected to via Google or initiate a video call with them. The platform is ideal if you wish to do both chat and video calls at the same time.
Features:
- One-click video calling
- Send emojis and GIFS
- Archive conversations
- Create groups
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Absolutely free
- Easily send media files
Cons:
- Exclusive to Google.
- Not ideal for hosting large-scale business meetings.
Verdict: Google Hangout’s biggest strength is its simplicity. It is a platform that we would recommend you use to have a video or group call with colleagues and friends online. It also helps that it is absolutely free to use.
Price: Free
#5) Dialpad Meetings
Best for built-in AI.
Dialpad Meetings is another great web-based web-conferencing software that is only made better with built-in AI-driven functionality. Just one click is what you need to do to start a web conference with Dialpad Meetings. You can easily use its window to initiate a chat or share files with team members.
As far as audio and video quality goes, they are crisp and immaculate. Thanks to the AI powering this tool, any background caught is automatically reduced so you can have clear conversations. The platform is also highly customizable. You have the privilege of choosing your own music, background, layout, and URL.
Features:
- HD Audio and Video
- Screen sharing
- Omni-channel customer engagement
- AI-enabled contact center and sales outreach
Pros:
- SMS, call, and video chat in one app
- AI-powered customer service
- Free video conferencing with AI
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Proved overwhelming to some users in the beginning.
Verdict: Dialpad Meetings does what a good web conferencing software does best, facilitate clear video and audio conversations in real-time. What distinguishes it, however, is its built-in AI and how significant a role it plays in offering excellent customer service.
Price: Standard Plan: $15/user/month, Pro Plan: $25/user/month, Custom enterprise plan also available.
Further Reading => BEST Web Development Companies of the Year
#6) Slack
Best for creating an internal online communication channel across business departments.
Slack has emerged as the go-to platform for creating a seamless communication channel that connects various departments of an organization in a single centralized place online. The platform can be used by individuals to chat, share files, or send media files to their colleagues with a few clicks.
The platform facilitates quick and convenient web conferencing as it is a business communication tool. Slack is especially ideal for staying connected with remote workers. Besides this, Slack also supports seamless integration with other tools like Google Drive, Asana, Salesforce, etc.
Features:
- Automation workflow builder
- File sharing
- Live messaging
- Team collaboration
Pros:
- Conversation organization.
- Easily access team members to initiate a conversation with them.
- One place to share files, chat and collaborate.
Cons:
- Restricted file storage.
Verdict: Slack is first and foremost a business communication tool that has been around for almost a decade now. It has evolved from a simple messaging tool to a full-blown feature-rich communication organizer with decent file-sharing and workflow automation capabilities.
Price: Free forever plan, Pro Plan: $7.25/month, Business Plan: $12.50/month, Custom enterprise plan.
#7) Skype
Best for starting high-quality video calls.
Skype is one of the oldest video-calling platforms that we can recall. The fact that it is still thriving even today in a world that is crowded with video conferencing tools of all kinds, is no small feat.
Just like good software should do, Skype has evolved quite a bit since its inception. Along with HD calling and messaging, the software also offers tons of other intuitive features.
For instance, you can record calls on Skype and even add live subtitles to understand what is being said in a conversation. You can also make your messaging more engaging with the use of emojis. Skype’s screen-sharing features are also quite advanced now, allowing you to share presentations, media files, etc. during a video call.
Features:
- HD Audio and Video Calling
- Live Subtitles
- Screen Sharing
- Call recording
Pros:
- End-to-end encryption
- Cross-platform support
- Free call
Cons:
- Conferencing is restricted to only 50 participants with a free plan.
Verdict: Skype is perhaps the single-most popular name on this list. It earns this popularity by offering a video calling tool that is easy to use and packed with incredible features like adding live subtitles and call recording. If you are hosting meetings with more than 50 attendees, then we would suggest upgrading to Skype for Business.
Price: Free to use. The business plan starts at $2 per user per month.
#8) Google Meet
Best for cloud-based video conferencing.
Google Meet is a cloud-based video conferencing software specifically created for business needs. It features a comprehensive interface and can facilitate a web conference for a large number of attendees. As the software is completely web-based, there is no hassle of downloading new software involved.
You will also get a dedicated dial-in number. This ensures that any of your employees can join in on the conversation on the go. Another thing that is really admired about Google Meet is the third-party app support that you get with it. Google Meet can easily integrate with other video conferencing tools out there like Skype for an enhanced user experience.
Features:
- Mute or pin Google Meet attendees.
- Record meetings.
- Share files and presentations.
- Livestream it to YouTube.
Pros:
- Video details and attachments pertaining to the meeting.
- Conduct polls at the meeting.
- Add Translated captions.
- Lock audio or video during a meeting.
Cons:
- Google exclusivity
Verdict: Google Meet is a cloud-powered tool that was designed to create, host, and organize online meetings. It is studded with features that make video conferences simpler to conduct. This is a tool we would recommend to small start-ups and agencies due to it being free to use.
Price: Free to use
#9) Microsoft Teams
Best for Microsoft-365 Integration.
With Microsoft Teams, you get an application that allows you to schedule audio and video meetings in a hassle-free manner. The platform can organize webinars that can accommodate up to 10000 participants. What really makes this platform great, however, is the Microsoft 365 integration.
This integration alone makes it easier for users to schedule calls or send invites. This along with a wide range of advanced features like screen sharing, live subtitles, background blurring, etc. Plus, external guests attending a conference on Microsoft Teams can simply join via the browser without having to download the software.
Features:
- Custom background
- Screen Sharing
- Webinars
- Online meetings
Pros:
- Live subtitles
- Background blurring
- Accommodate up to 10000 attendees
Cons:
- Microsoft exclusive
Verdict: Thanks to its ability to accommodate over 10000 participants, Microsoft Teams is a platform we would recommend to large enterprises and individuals who host massive webinars online on a regular basis. It is simple to use and extremely affordable.
Price: Free for up to 100 participants, Essentials: $4/user/month, Basic: $6/user/month, Standard: $12.50/user/month.
#10) TrueConf Online
Best for cross-platform support.
TrueConf Online is a free video-conferencing tool that works well with Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It facilitates HD video and audio calling. We can help launch video conferences for up to 40 attendees. Furthermore, TrusConf Online also supports multi-point ultra HD video conferences with up to 120 attendees.
Price: Free, contact for a premium plan quote.
#11) Lifesize
Best for 4K video meetings.
Lifesize offers a video conferencing platform that facilitates high-quality video and audio calling. The video conferencing here is optimized for robust compatibility with touchscreen devices.
With its free plan alone, you can host an unlimited number of video calls. The downside, however, is the fact that you can only host up to 8 attendees.
Price: Contact for a quote
#12) FreeConference
Best for unlimited calls on local numbers.
FreeConference is another web-based video conferencing platform that allows you to partake in text, chat, or video calls. Like any good video conferencing tool, the platform also allows screen and file sharing facilities.
With the free plan, you can host up to 100 call participants and only 5 web attendees. You’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan to maximize the number of attendees.
Price: Free forever plan, Starter Plan: $9.99/month, Pro Plan: $29.99/month
#13) Facebook Live
Best for hosting virtual events.
Facebook Live has become a great place to host a webinar or conference because of the huge user base it harbors.
This makes the platform ideal for social media influencers or marketers trying to spread the word about their products or services. Facebook Live can also incite customer engagement via live Q&A sessions.
Price: Free
#14) Zoho Meeting
Best for great live video, audio, and screen-sharing capabilities.
Zoho leverages Zoho Meeting to offer web conferencing services to its customers. The platform allows you to quickly connect with both your in-house and remote team live with the help of audio and video conferencing. The meetings and webinars conducted on this platform can be easily recorded and downloaded for later viewings.
What we really like about this software is the fact that it is web-based. You don’t need to download any extra applications. Simply launch a webinar or meeting directly from your browser and connect with your team in real time.
That said, there is a mobile as well as a desktop application available if you are someone who holds and attends regular web conferences.
Features:
- Record and Replay Online Meetings
- Real-time collaboration
- Facilitates YouTube Livestreaming
- Customizable registration forms
Pros:
- Expand your audience by switching your conference to a YouTube Livestream.
- Desktops, mobile applications, and a web-based solution are available.
- Personalize webinar registration forms.
- Detailed analysis of webinar sessions with Q&A sessions, and polls.
Cons:
- Nothing significant.
Verdict: With regards to the features of video conferencing software, no one can match this tool. With Zoho Meeting, you get the benefits of a highly-revered web conferencing tool. This one can be used online or via a desktop or mobile application. It is also very simple to use.
Price: Free to accommodate 100 participants. A 14-day free trial is also available.
Meeting:
- Standard: $1 per host/month, billed annually
- Professional: $3 per host/month, billed annually
Webinar:
- Standard: $8 per organizer/month, billed annually
- Professional: $16 per organizer/month, billed annually
#15) Rumi AI
Best for Strong integrations and mobile apps.
Rumi is one of those rare virtual meeting platforms that utilizes an intelligent AI to optimize various logistical aspects of an online business meeting. For instance, Rumi’s AI can generate notes and summaries in real time while the meeting is going on. It records the entire meeting and stores it in a secure place for your reference later on.
You can access this recording and instantly view critical moments of the meeting with the help of the AI feeds. Rumi also excels because of its “off the record” feature. If you want to keep certain sections of the meeting confidential, you can do so by pausing the recording with just a single click.
Features:
- Real-time AI meeting feed
- Automatically assign action items
- Keep certain sections of the meeting off the record
- Editable AI notes
Pros:
- The mobile app
- Integrates with many meeting and ticketing tools
- Forever free plan
- Intelligent AI
Cons:
- The free plan only supports 720p video and audio quality.
Verdict: With AI-driven capabilities and mobile apps, Rumi is a notch above the rest among its competitors. If you want a tool that can automatically summarize your meetings without interrupting your conversation, this is the tool to choose.
Price: Rumi offers a free plan as well as a 14-day free trial. Its premium plan will cost you $9.99/month. A custom enterprise plan is also available.
FAQs on Web Conference Tools
What is Web Conferencing Software?
It is a platform that allows individuals to conduct meetings online, via video or audio. They are also known for their video conferencing capabilities.
Such tools are also ideal for triggering remote sessions for file sharing, VoIP, screen sharing, and instant messaging. This is a major reason these tools have become so integral to the functioning of businesses that harbor remote workforces.
What is the most used web conferencing software?
The web conferencing software market today has become really crowded. As such, it can become really challenging to find web conferencing software that best caters to your specific requirements.
In hindsight, we would say that tools like Zoom and Skype are some of the most popular web conferencing software we have today. Their popularity, however, in no way serves as a testament to their competency.
What is an example of a web conferencing tool?
As mentioned earlier, there are multiple web conferencing tools out there. The most prominent of the bunch are the ones recommended below:
Zoho Meeting
Zoom
Whereby
Livestorm
Google Meet
What are the types of web conferencing tools?
There are three major types of web conferencing tools.
They are as follows:
Web meeting
Webinar
Webcast
What are the advantages of web conferencing?
Web conferencing has completely changed the world as we know it. That mostly has to do with the following benefits it offers:
Saves time in meetings.
No commute is necessary, thus reducing travel costs.
Remotely sharing resources like PDFs, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Increases work productivity.
Make meetings more engaging with the use of graphics.
Conclusion
Video conferencing tools aren’t new technology. However, people now realize their value in the grand scheme of things. After all, these tools pulled several businesses out of an impending crisis during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today, businesses can use these tools to spearhead remote work, marketers to promote products, and influencers to connect and interact with their massive audience in one go.
All the tools that we’ve mentioned above have proven their worth with regard to video conferencing in one way or another. As for my personal recommendations, if you are looking for a feature-rich and simple web conferencing tool that is simple and can be used for free, then I suggest you look no further than Zoho Meeting or Zoom.
Research Process:
- We spent 11 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which web conferencing software will best suit you.
- Total Software Researched: 30
- Total Software Shortlisted: 14