Top 5 Zoom Alternatives

Recently, Zoom has become the most popular application for business meetings and educational purposes. This is not a surprise since pandemic forces us to work and cooperate remotely. However, if you do not like Zoom or you were scared of its security issues recently, then this piece of writing is for you.

To begin with…

We prepared some Zoom alternatives that you may use for any purposes. Zoom is a great platform, but maybe you want or need to try something else. For example, you love any other app but need to use the most popular one only because it allows you to use custom backgrounds. Quarantine, chocolate bars, and wine everywhere – all these things should be hidden during the business meetings 😉 Let’s start!

Best Zoom Alternatives

Skype

This is the first app that comes to my mind when we are talking about video calls. Fortunately or not, I got used to it since my early working days, and I rarely use something else. Let’s talk about the pros and cons. BTW, similarly to Zoom, Skype now offers custom backgrounds so you can hide your setting behind.

Pros

• Free
• Allows you to add up to 50 people to the call
• Great for communicating with friends and personal contacts
• Security

Cons

• Lags (and I know I am not alone)
• Not that good for business meetings (lots of crashes and lags)

Cisco WebEx

Why WebEx now? Because this is the application I have been talking about at the very beginning- I have used it several times. I cannot say that I was impressed but I noticed it has pretty powerful functionality. This is the major competitor for Zoom.

Pros

• Great for business purposes (stable work and many features for presentations)
• Only the host must be registered
• Cheaper than Zoom
• Limited yet free plan for personal use

Cons

• No background images (yet you can use Blur)
• Forget about comfortable usage on weak PCs
• Some users find its interface complicated

Microsoft Teams

It would be the same as Skype if it was a good messenger 🙂 It goes as a part of Office 365. If you are using Microsoft Office apps, then it is your bro.

Pros

• Price (business – $5/user/month)
• Allows you to invite up to 250 people
• Integration with Microsoft Office apps
• Security
• Perfect for business (tons of integrations and stable work)

Cons

• The interface of the messenger may be complicated
• Structure of files in libraries may confuse users
• Mobile version sometimes has issues with notifications

Hangouts

Simple and easy to use the app but more for personal purposes. It is more like a messenger which allows small video meetings.

Pros

• Good for quick chatting
• Good for mobile calls
• HD video calls
• Free
• Youtube integration

Cons

• Not many are aware of it 
• Sometimes it becomes really sluggish
• You need to have a Gmail account

FaceTime

It is not for business at all. Miss your family or friends during quarantine? Just tap on the contact and instantly connect with them via video call.

Pros

• Fast and extremely convenient for personal use
• Allows you to invite up to 32 people
• If you need a fast call, this is your bro
• Free

Cons

• Android users are out of the board
• Not for business due to the reason above

Final thoughts

Which one do I prefer more? All of them are great and you can use every single one. It depends on your purpose: for business – I would recommend Teams; for personal use or education – FaceTime and Skype in accordance. Let us know what is your choice in the comments below!