7 Best Video Conferencing Software

The best video conferencing software offers a suite of virtual meeting features, such as screen sharing, cloud recording, live transcription, and noise reduction. It is straightforward to set up and access for users across skill levels. Most providers offer a free plan for small teams and businesses on a budget, but monthly paid plans start as low as $2 per user. Based on our expert evaluation, here are the best video conferencing solutions for different business needs and budgets:

• RingCentral: Best overall, feature-rich video conference software
• Microsoft Teams: Best for all-in-one video meetings and team collaboration
• Zoom: Best for simplicity and user-friendliness
• Google Meet: Best for security and privacy protection
• BlueJeans: Best for audio and video quality
• Webex Meetings: Best for hybrid meeting rooms
• Zoho Meeting: Best low-cost platform for meetings and webinars

Best Video Conferencing Software at a Glance

Best Video Conferencing Software	Monthly Starting Price (per User)	Key Features	Free Plan	FSB Rating
	$14.99	Desktop and mobile meeting switch Live transcription Remote desktop control	✓	4.64 out of 5
	Visit RingCentral
	$2*	Real-time translation for 40 languages Meeting recordings and transcripts File sharing, tasks, and polling	✓	4.63 out of 5
	Visit Microsoft Teams
	$14.99	Multiple screen sharing options Local and cloud storage Co-host and alternate host	✓	4.50 out of 5
	Visit Zoom
	$5.40	Noise cancellation Digital whiteboard International dial-in numbers	✓	4.31 out of 5
	Visit Google Meet
	$12.49	Unlimited meeting minutes Recording trimming Intelligent meeting recaps	✓	4.30 out of 5
	Visit BlueJeans
	$14.50	Advanced noise removal Join overlapping meetings End-to-end encrypted meetings	✓	4.23 out of 5
	Visit Webex Meetings
	$2	Custom virtual background Keyboard and mouse sharing Reminders setting	✓	4.06 out of 5
	Visit Zoho Meeting

*Billed annually
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RingCentral Video: Best Overall Video Conferencing Software

*Pay annually and save up to 20%

RingCentral Video is our overall best software for video conferencing due to the feature-rich nature of both its free and paid plans. While most competitors unlock more video meeting tools in higher tiers, RingCentral Video’s free version includes everything you need to host and collaborate in meetings. For example, meeting hosts and participants have access to chat functionality, recording capabilities, and even unique features like advanced meeting insights.

One of our top-recommended web conferencing software, RingCentral Video includes advanced analytics for tracking meeting performance, usage, and adoption. It enables admins to monitor teams or departments with low video usage and the actions employed during meetings.

On the downside, this provider requires a higher degree of setup and admin control. This can be overwhelming for small teams with basic video calling needs. Zoom is the go-to video meeting platform for businesses prioritizing ease of use and familiarity. Its intuitive meeting controls reduce the learning curve involved during the setup and configuration process.

RingCentral Video Features

RingCentral lets you switch from a voice call to a virtual meeting in one click. (Source: RingCentral)

• Meeting insights: Uses conversational intelligence to gather key information covered in a meeting, including the meeting summary, keywords, transcripts, and video highlight reels.
• Filter playback by speaker: Sort speakers by name or the amount of talk time to instantly review the recording and find relevant content by a specific speaker.
• Remote support: Allows meeting participants to request remote desktop control when the host or another participant is sharing their screen. The participant can use their touchpad, mouse, or keyboard to control the presenter’s desktop remotely.

Microsoft Teams: Best for Collaborative Workspace

*All plans are paid annually.

Microsoft Teams is our recommended video call software for companies looking for a dedicated workspace integrated with video meetings. It primarily works as a team collaboration platform that includes team messaging, file sharing, and task management. Create group chats, assign tasks, schedule meetings, and collaborate on documents in real time within one application.

Integration with Microsoft 365 makes Teams a great fit for companies that actively use Microsoft 365 products (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and want a single workspace for all business tasks. All plans include access to web versions of Microsoft productivity apps, while desktop versions are available in the Business Standard plan.

The compartmentalized structure of Teams makes it a less suitable option for users who are new to virtual collaboration. For ease of use, a better alternative would be Zoom, the most user-friendly software for video conferences. This provider has earned a reputation for its simplicity and reliability amid the rise of remote work.

Microsoft Teams Features

Microsoft Teams is a workspace hub for hosting meetings, chatting with team members, and sharing files. (Source: Microsoft Teams)

• Loop components: Allow meeting participants to brainstorm, provide feedback, and share ideas right within the meeting chat in a single, shareable message.
• External guests: Enable people outside of your organization to join your meetings directly through their web browser. Simply share your meeting link with anyone with a valid email address.
• Collaborative annotations: Use the built-in Microsoft Whiteboard feature to draw, react, and type directly to shared content during a Teams meeting.

Zoom: Best for User-friendly Interface

*Get up to 16% discount by paying yearly.

The Zoom meeting platform has quickly earned its popularity through its exceptionally user-friendly interface. With its intuitive controls and seamless setup, Zoom appeals to companies that value simplicity and ease of use. Whether you’re using it from a browser or app, all the features are accessible below the video feed, including mute, participant list, chat, screen sharing, recording, and app integrations.

For telemedicine use, Zoom is one of the few video conferencing programs with medical device integration functionality. As a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA)-compliant video calling system, it allows medical professionals to treat patients virtually while following security protocols and ensuring patient data is protected.

Among providers in this list, Zoom has the lowest group meeting duration for its free plan, with a session limit of 40 minutes. If you need a longer meeting length but don’t want to purchase a paid plan, consider a Zoom alternative like RingCentral Video. This provider lets you host meetings for up to 24 hours with up to 100 participants. For meetings with absolutely no time limits, try BlueJeans.

Zoom Features

Zoom comes with intuitive meeting controls for an effortless user experience. (Source: Zoom)

• Recurring meetings: Schedule meetings with repetitive occurrences so each session has the same meeting ID and configured settings. Meetings can be in daily, weekly, or monthly intervals.
• Join before host: Allow participants to enter the meeting before the host joins or if the host cannot attend the meeting. They can also claim the host control to manage participants and record the meeting.
• Immersive view: Place up to 25 meeting participants onto a single virtual background. The host can adjust the seating arrangements as needed.

Google Meet: Best for Security Capabilities

*Google Meet is included in the Google Workspace subscription plan.

Google Meet employs a variety of counter-abuse protections to ensure meetings are safe. These include anti-hijacking measures, multiple two-step verification options, and advanced protection programs. Video meetings work entirely in a browser to limit the attack surface and prevent the need to roll out frequent security patches.

Google Meet is developed for Google users needing an integrated video meeting platform. A free version is available for Google account owners, with access to a suite of productivity services, such as Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and Calendar. Instantly join meetings or present what you’re currently working on. Purchasing any Google Workspace plan unlocks additional features like noise cancellation and breakout rooms.

A major disadvantage of Google Meet is it has plenty of missing features, including meeting insights, annotations, and third-party integrations. If you’re looking for a well-rounded video conferencing platform, check out RingCentral Video. A leading unified communications provider, RingCentral offers all the tools you need to help your teams collaborate effectively.

Google Meet Features

Google uses the power of speech recognition technology to make meetings more accessible. (Source: Google Meet)

• Custom background: Limit distractions and keep meetings fun by choosing from a variety of virtual backgrounds, such as immersive, static, seasonal, custom images, and filters.
• Adjustable layouts: Automatically switches the video meeting layout to display the most active speaker or content. Customize the layout in four ways: auto, tiled, spotlight, and sidebar.
• Calendar and email integrations: Google Meet directly integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Outlook, so you can easily send invitations and join meetings without opening the Google Meet app.

BlueJeans: Best for Audio & Video Quality

*Discounted annual plans are available.

BlueJeans has partnered with Dolby Voice to ensure the audio quality of its meetings is exceptionally clear, minimizing issues like broken audio and phone echoing. Spatial audio suppresses background noise, makes conversations easy to understand, and maintains consistent volume. It supports high-definition (HD) video with a resolution of up 720p HD for BlueJeans App/Rooms, while content can reach up to 1080p.

Like RingCentral Video, BlueJeans offers a feature-rich free version on top of its unlimited meeting length. You get all the key features, such as in-meeting chat, screen sharing, and even calendar integrations with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. The catch is you can only invite up to 25 participants.

BlueJeans lags behind when it comes to integrations, as it only connects with 48 apps. If your business wants to connect multiple third-party software with a fully integrated video conferencing platform, try Zoom. This provider integrates with over 2,000 apps, including popular platforms for ecommerce, project management, and productivity.

BlueJeans Features

Smart Meeting Highlights tracks action items and tags important discussion points during meetings. (Source: BlueJeans)

• Interactive video tiles: Click on a participant’s video tile to access features that enable interactivity between two attendees. Turn on spotlight, send them a direct message, pin them to specific locations, and even view their local time.
• Restricted meetings: Add a layer of security when scheduling a meeting. Meeting access can be restricted to invited participants or teams with a BlueJeans account.
• Weatherperson mode: Allows presenters to layer their video feed over their content without using a green screen. Aside from slides, they can also position themselves in front of any content.

Zoho Meeting: Best for Low-cost Meeting & Webinar Solution

*Annual billing is available.

Zoho Meeting stands out for its free version, offering meetings and webinar features not found in other providers’ free plans. From moderator controls, registration reports, and automated email, you get all the basic features you need to facilitate a one-hour virtual event. It includes rich customization features that let you embed meeting links for registration on your company website and design email invitations based on your target audience.

For more advanced access, premium plans are scalable and priced affordably based on participant capacity. This puts Zoho Meeting on our list of the best free screen sharing software.

Zoho Meeting strictly integrates with the entire Zoho ecosystem. This includes Zoho CRM, Projects, Calendar, Campaigns, and Bookings, making it a one-stop for all your Zoho business apps. However, if you want to connect your video call software with multiple third-party services, consider Zoom or Webex.

Zoho Meeting Features

Zoho Meeting’s webinar tools let you document registrant information, Q&A engagement, and poll results. (Source: Zoho Meeting)

• Multiple email reminders: Send a single reminder or multiple emails at different intervals before the meeting starts. Customize your email by adding branding and dial-in numbers.
• RSVP and reminders: Collect RSVPs from invited participants so you know who will be present at the meeting. Re-plan and edit the meeting based on who will be attending.
• Mobile screen sharing: Share your Android and iOS screens and collaborate with your teams from anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best video conferencing software for large-scale meetings?

Microsoft Teams allows a maximum of 1,000 participants with access to interactive meeting features, while meetings with up to 1,000 to 20,000 attendees have view-only capabilities. You need to create the meeting using webinars or live events in Teams to access these features.

What is a hybrid meeting room?

A hybrid meeting room involves the use of hardware and software technology to create a conferencing session designed to connect participants from both office and remote locations. Remote attendees who join the conversation via a video conferencing platform are viewable through video display technology, while in-person attendees sit together in a traditional meeting room.

Is Zoom safe to use in 2023?

Yes. While Zoom has had plenty of security issues in the past, it has managed to solve its biggest flaws, particularly “zoombing.” The platform now employs a wide array of security features, such as meeting lock, waiting rooms, passcodes, and encrypted meetings.

Bottom Line

As more companies turn to video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings, teams need feature-rich, reliable, secure, and user-friendly video conferencing apps. While many solutions exist, the best video conferencing software for your business comes down to your budget, required participant capacity, and the features your team needs.

Based on our criteria, RingCentral Video earned the highest rating. It provides a free and feature-rich video conferencing solution, and the paid plan boosts meeting capacity from 100 to 200 participants. Try out the free video app or start a 14-day free trial of RingCentral MVP today.

Visit RingCentral Video