Best 5 Video Conferencing Softwares
Video conferencing software is the go-to solution for any small or large business wanting to offer tele-working, teleconferencing, or the ability for employees to work remotely. The technology that drives this unique work environment is a mix of secure video- and audio-conferencing software that allows people to connect and communicate via computer cameras, microphones, and headsets. To make this remote work environment even more productive, different teleconferencing software suites offer different features that might include the following.
- group meetings
- one-on-one conferencing
- secure messaging
- screen sharing
- break rooms
- video archiving for later viewing
- scheduling
In terms of business productivity, teleconferencing software can help businesses wanting to connect with or supervise remote employees, and it can help businesses decrease turnover by allowing employees the ability to work from home. It can be used to interview applicants, and it can also be used to hold meetings with other branches, reducing travel costs between locations. Of course, for companies with research and development departments, teleconferencing is an invaluable brainstorming tool for team collaboration. In terms of the best video conferencing software, different companies will have different needs. That said, companies should look for a balance between security, functionality, and budget.
1. GoToMeeting
Features
One of the heavyweights in the teleconferencing industry, GoToMeeting offers a full suite of teleconferencing solutions, and their software suite offers any business an amazing balance between features and cost. For instance, meeting administrators have access to all the typical features, such as screen sharing, high-definition video, and high-quality web audio. However, additional features include no time limits on the meetings. For different teams, the administrator can also create different meeting rooms where people can teleconference with one another, take notes on a whiteboard, and even draw diagrams and charts in real time.Pros
- lots of features
- no time limits on meetings
- high-definition video
Cons
- not HIPAA compliant
Pricing
$12 per month to $16.00 per month
2. RingCentral
Features
RingCentral is another teleconferencing mainstay. Features include full video or audio teleconferencing, screen sharing, and messaging. File sharing is secure, so proprietary documents can be shared. Attendees can connect from any location, and if an all-in-one solution with phone service and faxing is not needed, RingCentral offers specific solutions, such as audio meetings or the standard "meet" option, which is the primary teleconferencing solution.Pros
- secure file sharing
- free meeting tier for up to 100 attendees
- unlimited group meetings
- 24/7 tech support
- 1,000 phone minutes
Cons
- free membership has 40-minute time limit per meeting
Pricing
If the free membership is not enough, subscribers can opt for plans ranging between $14.99 and $19.99 per month.
3. Zoom
Features
Another top provider is Zoom, and it is one of the only ones that is HIPAA compliant. As such, it is perfect for healthcare providers as well as traditional small or large businesses. Offering all the standard teleconferencing features, it also offers multi-screen capabilities, so attendees can see multiple people. This option creates the sense of actually being in the room with a group.Zoom also offers custom rooms and live chat. In addition to standard meetings, the "enterprise" plan allows for up to 500 attendees, making it perfect for enormous group meetings or webinars.
Pros
- HIPAA complaint
- can accommodate lots of attendees
- white-label branding
- usage reports
- 24-hour meetings
- custom URL for your own domain
Cons
- custom URL is not available for lower-tier plans
Pricing
Plans range from $14.99 to $19.99 per month. That said, the free plan allows up to 100 attendees for meetings as long as 40 minutes.
4. CyberLink U Meeting
Features
CyberLink U Meeting boasts the highest-quality video on the market, and the high-speed connections make it possible for attendee images to fill the screen in a masonry format. With this type of connection, everyone can see up to six presenters in a rather large format. Additionally, for greater versatility, the cameras can be reassigned, so other presenters or attendees can be on screen.To ensure the greatest degree of quality, CyberLink monitors the feed quality, allowing proactive assistance to be offered if anyone happens to suddenly experience connectivity or hardware problems.
Pros
- real-time monitoring of camera and microphone settings
- scheduling
- no software downloading required to connect
- e-mail invitations
- metrics reporting: total attendees, number of weekly or monthly meetings, host count
- 24-hour meeting limit
Cons
- free membership only allows 25 members
Pricing
Subscriptions range from $29.99 per month to $49.99 per month.
5. BlueJeans
Features
BlueJeans is a specific solutions for people wanting to video conference or conduct remote meetings. For instance, their "meetings" plan offers traditional audio-video teleconferencing, and their "events" plan is designed for live streaming of events or speeches.Pros
- connect from any Android or iOS device
- optional meeting recording capabilities
- analytics dashboard for usage reports and statistics
- custom branding
- basic plan allows up to 50 attendees
Cons
- no free membership
