With technology and business moving towards online interactions, the way we work and find new opportunities has changed. Before we had Skype, but then Google Hangouts became a must-have. Then Slack caught on and it made us feel like we’re in the future. But there is so much more than these 5 major online meeting platforms can offer you.
The best Zoom alternatives handle your video calling and conferencing needs if you can’t (or don’t want to) use Zoom. Many video chat users look for alternatives to Zoom because of security and privacy concerns, want features that Zoom doesn’t have, or because they simply want to try out something different.
As the pandemic winds down, social distancing regulations have eased in most of the country. However, every one still needs these services if they are still working remotely from home. And they’re still a great way to keep in touch with family and friends who live far away or close enough.
Let’s get in
Online Meeting Platforms Like Zoom
1. Google Hangouts
Who should use it?
Google Hangouts is a simple way to connect with Google contacts (or those outside of your network) and can be used for personal or business reasons. Use this tool for individual conversations, team meetings, recorded demos, and more.
Top Free Features:
- Up to 25 video participants
- Video, audio, and messenger conversations
- Video meeting recordings
- Join calls using Google Calendar
- Screen sharing
2. Dialpad Meetings
Who should use it?
The free version of Dialpad Meetings is ideal for teams of 10 or less. The free version limits your video call duration to 45 minutes, so it’s ideal for shorter meetings. Since it allows unlimited video conferences, you can use this video conferencing tool for recurring meetings, like 1-1s or monthly team debriefs.
Top Free Features:
- Up to 10 participants
- Unlimited conferences
- Call recording
- HD Audio
- Screen and document sharing
- Mobile apps
3. TrueConf Online
Who should use it?
TrueConf online offers a free plan with up to three participants in video calls. This solution is great for small teams or individuals who need a simple tool to host video calls or collaborate with small groups. The collaboration features like remote desktop control are helpful for those in support who may need to help a client solve a problem.
Top Free Features:
- Up to three participants on team calls
- HD video
- Collaboration tools (screen sharing, remote desktop control, recorded calls, file transfer, and shared virtual whiteboard)
4. Skype
Who should uses Skype?
The free version of Skype works well for small teams with less than 10 total members. It is a good tool if you need a simple way to video chat from your computer, phone, or tablet and tend to have smaller group meetings or 1-1 conversation. Skype also offers a tool called Skype in the Classroom specifically designed for online education.
Top Free Features of Skype:
- Up to 10 people on video calls
- HD video calling
- Screen sharing
- Video call recording
- Interactive video chats
- Location sharing
Learn More About the Meeting Owl →
5. FreeConference
Who should use it?
FreeConference is ideal for smaller teams or meetings with five or fewer participants. One major perk of this video conferencing tool is its ease of use — no downloads are required to start using it. Plus, moderator controls allow the individual who’s running the video conference to keep the meeting on track.
Top Free Features:
- Up to 5 online meeting participants
- Screen sharing
- Document sharing
- Moderator controls
- Text chat
Dialpad Meetings 
Dialpad Meetings (formerly UberConference) is a no-download video conferencing tool with built-in AI and a high level of customization.
Meetings can be scheduled directly in the Dialpad interface, or via Microsoft 365/Google Calendar. Instant team chats messaging, screen/app/browser tab sharing, whiteboarding, and real-time file collaboration are also available with Dialpad Meetings.
Dialpad Meetings offers a free plan and a paid plan for $15.00/user per month. Free plan users enjoy 45-minute minutes with up to 10 participants. Additional free features include:
- Call recording
- Audio-only conferencing
- Slack, Salesforce, HubSpot, LinkedIn, Twitter, Evernote, Intercom, and Salesforce integrations
- Meeting room locks
- Online knowledge base access
- Web and chat support
- Phone support Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Best For:
Dialpad Meetings is best for small companies that host brief meetings often, but who primarily need to find a free video conferencing tool that integrates with third-party tools many other platforms require a paid account to integrate.
Pros:
- Includes high level of free integrations
- Phone support available on the free plan
- Call recording, screen sharing, and instant messaging included in free plan
Cons:
- Free plan has a maximum participant capacity of 10
- Free plan doesn’t include some top AI features (like automated post-meeting notes) Dialpad is especially known for
Cisco Webex Meetings
Cisco Webex Meetings is one of the top video conferencing solutions due to the expansiveness of its free plan. While it does share the 40-minute time limit of Zoom, you get 1 GB of cloud storage and the ability to add as many as 50 participants in a single meeting.
The active speaker view makes it easy to keep track of who’s talking in a given moment. Another handy feature is the real-time polling that you can use to make team decisions during meetings.
Calendar integrations also make it easy to schedule tasks whenever a new aspect of the project is discussed. All meetings and recordings are fully encrypted to ensure that no one eavesdrops. Did we mention that it also supports HD video and screen sharing?
Best for:
Companies looking for a feature-rich solution with an expansive free plan.
Pros:
- 1 GB storage
- Up to 50 participants
- Active speaker view
- Real-time polls
- Calendar integrations
- Full encryption on meetings and recordings
- HD video
- Screen sharing
Cons:
- 40-minute time limit on the free plan
Conclusion
Meeting online is one of the greatest innovations that changed the way we work or meet someone in person. Today, if you’re looking to set one up, there are countless choices available. It can be confusing and time-consuming to look for the best online meeting platforms.