Hi there! Are you looking for the best video conferencing apps that dominated 2021? Look no further! We have done the research for you and have compiled a list of the 9 best video conferencing apps for you to choose from.
1. Zoom
What is it? Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing software that allows you to make video and audio calls, host webinars, and conduct meetings all from one single platform.
Why is it popular? Zoom gained popularity during the pandemic as it was used extensively for remote work, and distance learning. It is easy to use, has a user-friendly interface, virtual backgrounds, and screen sharing capabilities.
Advantages: Zoom provides high-quality video and audio, can support a large number of participants, can be accessed from any device and has a chat function that allows for real-time messaging during meetings.
The Best: It is the best choice for video conferencing for businesses as it has several pricing options and plans, including a free option with limitations for individual users.
Features: Zoom also comes with features such as recording meetings, breakout rooms for private discussions, and a virtual hand raising function for participants to interact in meetings.
Reviews: Zoom has over 300 million daily active users as of April 2021, indicating its popularity and reliability. Users have praised its ease of use, connectivity, and overall reliability. However, some users have raised concerns about privacy and security issues.
Q&A: Is there a free option for Zoom? Yes, there is a free option for individuals with a limited number of participants and time restrictions.
2. Microsoft Teams
What is it? Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that allows users to chat, make audio, and video calls from a single platform. It is part of the Microsoft Office Suite and integrates smoothly with other Microsoft products.
Why is it popular? Microsoft Teams gained popularity due to its ability to integrate with other Microsoft products and its familiarity to existing Microsoft users. It is accessible for free, and there are plans available for businesses as well.
Advantages: Microsoft Teams has a user-friendly interface, integrates with other Microsoft products such as Outlook and OneDrive, and allows for file sharing and collaboration among team members.
The Best: It is the best choice for businesses that use Microsoft products as they can integrate with other Microsoft products seamlessly.
Features: Microsoft Teams also provides other features such as the ability to record meetings, screen sharing, live captions, and real-time messaging in meetings.
Reviews: Microsoft Teams has received positive reviews for its easy usage, reliability, and its seamless integration with other Microsoft products. However, some users have raised concerns about its slow performance.
Q&A: Is Microsoft Teams free? Yes, there is a free version of Microsoft Teams with basic features available for those who do not have a Microsoft 365 subscription.
3. Google Meet
What is it? Google Meet is a free video conferencing tool that allows users to make calls with up to 100 participants at a time.
Why is it popular? Google Meet gained popularity during the pandemic as many businesses and schools used it for remote work and distance learning. It is accessible for free, can be accessed by anyone with a Google account, and supports multiple devices.
Advantages: Google Meet is easy to use, has a user-friendly interface, can be accessed from any device with a browser and a camera and has real-time messaging in meetings.
The Best: It is the best choice for those who require a free, simple, and basic video conferencing tool.
Features: Google Meet provides features such as screen sharing, call recording and live captions.
Reviews: Google Meet has received positive reviews for its ease of use, video quality, and real-time messaging function. However, some users have raised concerns about its call quality.
Q&A: Is Google Meet free? Yes, Google Meet is free for anyone with a Google account.
4. Skype
What is it? Skype is a free video and audio conferencing tool that allows users to make calls with up to 50 participants for free.
Why is it popular? Skype has been a popular video conferencing tool for many years due to its ease of use, reliability, and familiarity. It is free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Advantages: Skype is user friendly and can be used on various devices such as phones, laptops, and desktops. It also provides screen sharing and real-time messaging in meetings.
The Best: It is the best choice for those who require a free and familiar video conferencing tool.
Features: Skype provides features such as call recording, screen sharing, live captions, and virtual backgrounds.
Reviews: Skype has received positive reviews for its user-friendly interface, reliability, and call quality. However, some users have reported issues with connectivity and video quality.
Q&A: Is Skype free? Yes, Skype is free for anyone with an internet connection.
5. Cisco Webex
What is it? Cisco Webex is a video conferencing and collaboration tool that allows users to make calls with up to 100 participants per meeting.
Why is it popular? Cisco Webex gained popularity for its reliability, user-friendly interface, and its feature-rich platform. It is accessible for free, and there are plans available for businesses and teams.
Advantages: Cisco Webex provides features such as screen sharing, file sharing, virtual backgrounds, and real-time messaging in meetings.
The Best: It is the best choice for businesses and teams that require a feature-rich and reliable video conferencing tool.
Features: Cisco Webex also provides features such as call recording, live captions, and breakout rooms for private discussions.
Reviews: Cisco Webex has received positive reviews for its reliability, user-friendly interface, call quality, and feature-rich platform. However, some users have criticized its pricing plans and customer support.
Q&A: Is Cisco Webex free? Yes, there is a free version of Cisco Webex with basic features available.
6. GoToMeeting
What is it? GoToMeeting is a video conferencing tool that allows users to make calls with up to 250 participants per meeting.
Why is it popular? GoToMeeting gained popularity for its ease of use, reliability, and high-quality video and audio. It is accessible for free, and there are plans available for businesses and teams.
Advantages: GoToMeeting provides features such as screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, real-time messaging, and unlimited recording of meetings.
The Best: It is the best choice for businesses and teams that require a high-quality and reliable video conferencing tool for regular meetings.
Features: GoToMeeting also provides features such as drawing tools, call recording, and the ability to schedule and host webinars from the platform.
Reviews: GoToMeeting has received positive reviews for its reliability, high-quality video and audio, and ease of use. However, some users have criticized its pricing plans and the interface design.
Q&A: Is GoToMeeting free? No, there is no free version of GoToMeeting available.
7. BlueJeans
What is it? BlueJeans is a video conferencing tool that allows users to make calls with up to 50 participants for free.
Why is it popular? BlueJeans gained popularity due to its ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and its free version with limited features.
Advantages: BlueJeans provides features such as screen sharing, recording, and the ability to schedule and host webinars from the platform.
The Best: It is the best choice for those who require a free, simple and basic video conferencing tool.
Features: BlueJeans also provides features such as virtual backgrounds, real-time messaging in meetings, and drawing tools.
Reviews: BlueJeans has received positive reviews for its ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and the ability to schedule and host webinars from the platform. However, some users have criticized its call quality and the limited features in the free version.
Q&A: Is BlueJeans free? Yes, there is a free version of BlueJeans available with limited features.
8. Jitsi Meet
What is it? Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing tool that allows users to make calls with up to 75 participants for free.
Why is it popular? Jitsi Meet gained popularity for its open-source nature, its free version with no limitations, and its ease of use.
Advantages: Jitsi Meet provides features such as screen sharing, real-time messaging, and the ability to use the platform without creating an account.
The Best: It is the best choice for those who require a free, open-source, and privacy-focused video conferencing tool.
Features: Jitsi Meet also provides features such as call recording, live captions, and the ability to use the platform without creating an account.
Reviews: Jitsi Meet has received positive reviews for its open-source nature, free version with no limitations, privacy-focused approach, and ease of use. However, some users have reported issues with call quality and connectivity.
Q&A: Is Jitsi Meet free? Yes, there is a free version of Jitsi Meet available with no limitations.
9. Discord
What is it? Discord is a communication platform that offers video chat, voice chat, text chat, and image and file sharing.
Why is it popular? Discord gained popularity for its ease of use, reliability, free version with no limitations, and its focus on gaming communities.
Advantages: Discord provides features such as screen sharing, custom emojis, and the ability to create and join communities with like-minded individuals.
The Best: It is the best choice for those who require a video conferencing tool for gaming communities or casual personal use.
Features: Discord also provides features such as call recording, live captions, and the ability to share and stream videos and music.
Reviews: Discord has received positive reviews for its user interface, customizability, free version with no limitations, and reliability. However, some users have criticized its privacy policy and the lack of advanced features.
Q&A: Is Discord free? Yes, there is a free version of Discord available with no limitations.
There you have it! The 9 best video conferencing apps that dominated 2021. Hopefully, this list has helped you choose the right one for your needs. And remember, no matter which video conferencing app you choose, make sure to set up a stable internet connection and use a high-quality camera and microphone for the best experience.
