If you’re a business and you want to get started making video conferencing calls but are unsure which app to go for, read on for the features of the most popular video conferencing apps to help you decide.
Is it just a free app you need?
Video calling is arguably one of the most time-saving, efficient means of enabling key meetings and communications to take place, without the effort, risk and expense of in-person travel. But what is the extent of the video conferencing capacity you need for your business ideally?
Is just a free video conferencing app going to cut it for the needs of your business? We’ll start with a quick look at the difference between a free video calling app as opposed to an integrated video conference calling service, which is always paid for.
Is a video conferencing app the same as a video conference calling service?
No. A video conferencing app is a standalone app downloadable, often with a free version available, from the App Store or Play Store to be used on a smartphone. A conference calling service is a specialist hub for businesses and is for use across a range of devices within the businesses as an integrated service, including laptops, smartphones and incorporating reporting, admin controls and business productivity tools.
It depends on the needs of your business but if you have many teams and need a business conferencing service to truly integrate and connect workstreams, monitoring productivity, a simple downloadable free app is not going to be enough. If it is, read on!
Zoom
Possibly the world’s most popular video chat app, despite security issues earlier in its life, and comes with a free version. You’ll get the capacity to host up to 100 participants with screen share, a gallery view and a waiting room function.
But although one-to-one meetings are unlimited with the free version, the multiple-participant meetings are limited to a scrawny 40 minutes, which is usually too short for most business meetings.
Glip
Lesser known, RingCentral, has a video conferencing app, Glip, that is available as a standalone, free version. There’s a generous 24 hours limit for unlimited meetings and cloud recordings of up to ten hours. There are also integrations with Microsoft 365 and Google Workplace however the integration with Google Calendar and MS Outlook is limited.
You may miss keyword search and threaded conversations with Glip, it depends if the benefits of it will offset the cons, which also include the fact you’ll have to manage your contacts in RingCentral.
Microsoft Teams
Replacing Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, is free collaboration tool providing document sharing, chat, and video conferencing. Screen sharing, backgrounds, and Microsoft's, perhaps, familiar to you, interface may feel reassuring, but if you want true business collaborative working, this free version won’t be enough.
Google Meet
Used to be known as Google Hangouts, Google’s now-named Meet, video conferencing app is a flexible interface, providing a seamless experience, and full integration with G-Suite products, for ease of planning and accessing.
All sound good doesn’t it…? There’s just one issue – a poor reputation for connectivity. However, all things considered, as a free option, Google Meet isn’t a bad one.
Lifesize
A good option if you’re on a budget, Lifesize offers video chat at no cost, with unlimited meetings of up to 25 participants at a time, and access to Lifesize support. Integration with third-party apps is poor, but, as we said, it’s a good budget option.
FreeConference
This is a limited option for video conferencing, at a limit of five participants per meeting. It’s not going to be suitable for every business. However, if you have the flexibility to work with phone-based conference calls, rather than video, FreeConference will support up to 400 participants per meeting.
Zoho Meeting
Limitless time in meetings, but only for three participants. If you like your meetings cosy, then this one is for you. You can file share, have admin functions and make meeting notes, and enjoy peace-of-mind encryption. Zoho has a good reputation for security, but if you need more recordings than the basics, participants and functions, you’ll have to go for the paid version.
Webex
The free-plan version of video conferencing from Webex offers up to 50-minute meetings for up to 100 participants. You won’t get any cloud storage with this free plan, but there is a budget tier available before hitting the business plan option, which comprises of a 24-hour time limit for meetings of up to 150 participants and 5GB of cloud storage.
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