Are you having difficulties to decide which free group meeting apps to use? Gather some information first on what you can learn about free group meeting apps like Uber Conference, Appear.in, Bluejeans, Zoom, WebEx and GoToMeeting on my post.
Things are starting to open up, but for now, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us and many are still relying on video calls to keep in touch with work colleagues, family, and friends. And for most of us — especially those who are facing financial difficulties — free is best. Zoom continues to top the list of videoconferencing apps, but there are a bunch of applications out there that will allow you to meet others online for free.
We’ve listed a few of the best known videoconferencing apps, along with a couple of popular text chat apps that include video calling features. While most of these already have free versions, some are offering access to additional features for those who are currently working from home or who want to check up on friends and relatives online.
There are a number of apps we have not included, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and FaceTime, that allow you to do video chats. We’ve left them out because they require that all participants be members of a specific social network (Facebook, WhatsApp) or that you use a specific type of device (FaceTime, which is Apple-only). We’ve also tried to concentrate on applications that allow you to participate without having to download the app (unless you’re the host), and that allow at least ten or more participants.
A good idea is to try one or two out for yourself to see how well they fit in with your style and those of your friends. This list is a good place to start.
ZOOM
THE MOST POPULAR VIDEO MEETING APP
Zoom has become one of the most well-known videoconferencing apps — in fact, its name is quickly becoming synonymous with video meetings. Before the pandemic hit, the company pushed Zoom mostly for corporate use, but it also provides a free basic version for individuals. At first, because Zoom didn’t expect its sudden popularity among non-business users, there were several missteps involving privacy and security; the company quickly instituted a number of changes and updates to address these issues.
The free version of Zoom allows up to 100 users to meet, but there is a 40-minute limit on meetings of more than two people, which can be pretty limiting. As of this writing, Zoom was not offering any special deals for those now working at home, but it does have a page offering help and advice to new users.
FREE VERSION FEATURES
- Maximum participants: 100
- One-on-one meetings: No time limit
- Group meetings: 40-minute limit
- Screen sharing: Yes
- Record meetings: Yes
SKYPE MEET NOW
A LONGTIME GO-TO FOR ONLINE CALLS
Skype has been the go-to platform for one-on-one conversations since the beta was released in 2003. Its Meet Now feature (which is accessed by choosing the “Meet Now” button on the left side of the app) allows for videoconferencing; up to 50 people can meet with a generous four-hour time limit on meetings.
There is also a separate page that lets you create a free video meeting without having to actually sign up for the service. However, you get more features using the app, so if you’re okay with registering for a free account, you’re better off doing that.
FREE VERSION FEATURES
- Maximum participants: 50
- One-on-one meetings: No time limit
- Group meetings: Four hours per call, 10 hours per day, 100 hours per month
- Screen sharing: Yes
- Record meetings: Yes
CISCO WEBEX
A CORPORATE APP WITH A SOLID FREEMIUM VERSION
Webex is a videoconferencing app that has been around since the ‘90s; it was acquired by Cisco in 2007. While it’s been mainly known as a business application and continues to focus on serving companies, it does have a fairly generous free version that’s worth checking out. During the current pandemic, it has widened the features of the freemium version from 50 to 100 participants, and you can meet for up to 50 minutes.
FREE VERSION FEATURES
- Maximum participants: 100
- One-on-one meetings: 50-minute limit
- Group meetings: 50-minute limit
- Screen sharing: Yes
- Record meetings: Yes
Google Duo
Here comes Google again! Google Duo is a Google-developed video chat mobile app that is accessible on Android and iOS operating systems.ADVERTISEMENTS
It is simple and it allows the user to make high definition video calls through smartphones, laptops, desktops and smart displays like Google Nest hub Max. It’s newer, sleeker and user-friendly in comparison to its previous version – Google Hangout.
One can sign up by just providing the phone number. It allows up to 8 users to make a group video conference call. Participants can join or leave the call at any point during the call.
Google Duo
FreeConference
As the name suggests, FreeConference offers free video and audio calls. In this app, you will find more business-oriented features than the others, such as audio participant dial-in numbers.
It allows you to schedule meetings, arrange video conferences, share screens, and dial-in integration wherever you are. Be it in a private room or any meeting room. It also automatically send reminders, but if you don’t need advance notice, you can also begin meetings immediately. It allows conference both on phone and web. The 8 Best Instagram Analytics Tools to Track Metrics
One just needs to have an active internet connection. It is also the best as it supports almost 400 participants to connect on dial-in. In case you are looking to increase the number of participants, you can use their paid services.
FreeConference
Whereby
Whereby (formerly Appear.in) offers simple video conferencing for small meetups. While it’s not quite as easy as it once was, it’s still a quick tool for ad-hoc meetings.
First, you’ll need to visit the site and sign up for an account. Once that’s done, you can create a chatroom with the URL of your choice. Simply send that link to your friends through text, email, or any other means and they can instantly join you (without signing up on their own). There’s no software to download and any modern browser will work fine, making this a no-registration video call for the participants.
The free service allows up to four people in one room. You can “lock” a room if you’re the owner, which requires guests to “knock” when they visit the link. This lets you see who’s trying to join and deny them if you see fit. Whereby also includes screen sharing and text chat features.
While other tools offer more functionality, Whereby is a solid choice for quick, simple meetings with no setup. It’s perfect for chatting with folks who aren’t tech-savvy. You can subscribe to upgrade to the Pro plan, but that’s not necessary for most people.
Download: Whereby for Android | iOS (Free)
Conclsuion
As a small business owner, it is important to have a practical approach to managing your time. Your company is only as good as its ability to convert leads into customers. With our busy lives, leads can slip through the cracks and opportunities for growth can pass without your knowledge. One tool that can help you stay connected is using a free group meeting app to connect with people from all over the world on a variety of topics. A few great apps include: