Best Web Conferencing Software
Scrutinizing the web for the best web conferencing software to have a smooth conferencing experience? Access the list of top web conferencing tools with genuine reviews assembled by the research team of GoodFirms to assist you in selecting the best platform. These web conferencing systems cut-short your travel expenses by eliminating the need for being physically present for the meetings. In fact, the ease of connecting globally on audiovisual conferences improves team collaboration with flexible support. Needless to say, productivity increases and so does customer relations. So, if you are in need of the best web conferencing software that allows attending meetings on desktop and mobile on the go, just explore the list of the tools below:
List of Best Web Conferencing Software Tools with Reviews
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Engage with your learners before, during, and after your session. Evaluate the performance of your trainees and trainers. Manage all your resources directly through an admin console. Zoho ShowTime is a single, comprehensive training solution for trainers, HRs, sales, and marketing professionals. Host both live virtual training and offer self-paced courses. Configure payments to host paid training. ... read more about Zoho ShowTime
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial15 DaysCategory Focus60% in Web Conferencing Software -
ClickMeeting is a browser-based platform for hosting webinars and training sessions. Since the platform is browser-based ClickMeeting works on all devices and operating systems. It also does not require software installation. Its user interface has all the tools necessary to make webinars engaging for attendees and cost-effective for organizers. ... read more about ClickMeeting
Entry Level Price$25 Per MonthFree Trial30 DaysCategory Focus25% in Web Conferencing Software -
Starting with no app downloads or pin codes, Highfive is built to be easy enough for anyone in your organization to collaborate effortlessly. Admins love how Highfive’s all-in-one solution reduces IT headaches usually associated with video conferencing. Plus, the meeting room hardware takes just minutes to set up. No need to hang mics or set up dedicated computers. ... read more about HighFive
Entry Level Price$9.99 Per MonthFree Trial30 DaysCategory Focus25% in Web Conferencing Software -
A robust in-browser solution for your next webinar, meeting, or video conference. Host up to 10,000 attendees in confidence with a market-leading uptime of 99.98%. No installation required with access from any device or browser (16 languages supported). Find all your favorite features including Q&A, live chat, screen sharing, cloud recording, quizzes, whiteboard, and much more. MyOwnConference off ... read more about MyOwnConference
Entry Level Price$36 Per MonthFree TrialMore than 30 daysCategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
Dead Simple Screen Sharing is a Free and simple solution to conduct screen sharing, audio conferencing, web meetings and webinars for sales, customer support, team collaboration, health care professionals and education. ... read more about Dead Simple Screen Sharing
Entry Level PriceFree versionFree TrialAvailableCategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
Openmeetings provides video conferencing, instant messaging, white board, collaborative document editing and other groupware tools using API functions of the Red5 Streaming Server for Remoting and Streaming. Apache OpenMeetings is a free and open-source video conferencing and collaboration platform that offers a wide range of features, including HD video and audio, screen sharing, chat, and whi ... read more about Apache OpenMeetings
Entry Level PriceFree versionFree TrialAvailableCategory Focus25% in Web Conferencing Software -
Jitsi is an open-source web conferencing tool designed to help businesses of all sizes collaborate across teams via video conferencing in real-time. Key features of the platform include dial-in, simulcasting, call recording, screen sharing, and scalable video coding among others. The system allows participants to exchange texts, secure rooms with passwords, and gain insights into the talk-time sta ... read more about Jitsi
Entry Level PriceFree versionFree TrialAvailableCategory Focus34% in Web Conferencing Software -
Mconf is an open source web conference system. Mconf is composed of several components, among them are Mconf-Live, a customized version of BigBlueButton that includes several new features, and Mconf-Web, a web portal where people can collaborate asynchronously, schedule and participate in web conferences. ... read more about Mconf
Entry Level PriceFree versionFree TrialAvailableCategory Focus25% in Web Conferencing Software -
Jami is a free and universal communication platform which preserves the user's privacy and freedoms. It aims to provide all of its users a universal communication tool, free, secure and built on a distributed architecture requiring no authority nor central server to operate. Jami is completely peer-to-peer and doesn't require a server for relaying data between users. Jami is a GNU project backed ... read more about Jami
Entry Level PriceFree versionFree TrialAvailableCategory Focus50% in Web Conferencing Software -
Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and collaboration app. Its decentralized design delivers digital sovereignty, enabling deployment on-premise or through any cloud provider. Element Matrix Services (EMS) is the most popular hosted solution for the corporate use of Element. EMS provides fast performance and enterprise-grade add-ons. Being Matrix-based, Element provides intero ... read more about Element
Entry Level Price$3 Per MonthFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus20% in Web Conferencing Software -
The Austrian company eyeson developed a unique group video call & multi-speaker webinar tool which is based on its patented Single Stream technology. HD video & audio is always guaranteed, as the bandwidth and CPU remain constantly low. ... read more about Eyeson
Entry Level Price$9 Per MonthFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus20% in Web Conferencing Software -
Adobe is the global leader in digital media and digital marketing solutions. Our creative, marketing and document solutions empower everyone – from emerging artists to global brands – to bring digital creations to life and deliver immersive, compelling experiences to the right person at the right moment for the best results. ... read more about Adobe Connect
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial30 DaysCategory Focus16% in Web Conferencing Software -
Blackboard Classroom is a simple and powerful digital learning environment that enables personalized learning anytime and anywhere. It offers a comprehensive digital learning environment for K-12 that can grow with you as your digital learning needs evolve. ... read more about Blackboard Unite
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
AirParrot allows you to wirelessly beam your screen or media files to a variety of media receivers. AirParrot quickly discovers available receivers on your network and uses Quick Connect to connect directly to a device running Reflector 2. Easily share your screen, videos, audio, presentations and so much more. ... read more about AirParrot
Entry Level Price$12.99 One-timeFree TrialN/ACategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
Workplace connects everyone in an organization using familiar Facebook features like chat, video calling, posts, and groups. It works alongside the business tools you already use, providing a simple and secure way for people to share knowledge, work together and build connected communities. Workplace is a business communication tool from Meta that helps your teams stay connected in a simple and se ... read more about Workplace
Entry Level Price$4 Per MonthFree TrialN/ACategory Focus20% in Web Conferencing Software -
Mobility doesn’t have to limit productivity. Cisco Jabber delivers instant messaging, voice and video calls, voice messaging, desktop sharing, conferencing, and presence. Find the right people, see whether and how they’re available, and collaborate more effectively. ... read more about Cisco Jabber
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus50% in Web Conferencing Software -
Whereby is a collaboration tool for professionals who want to host easy and reliable video meetings. All meetings are from your browser - no downloads, and no login for guests. Regarded as the easiest to use video tool, Whereby serves the small and medium business market of various industries. Professionals can effortlessly connect to teammates, partners and clients on a secure platform they can t ... read more about Whereby
Entry Level Price$6.99 Per MonthFree Trial7 DaysCategory Focus30% in Web Conferencing Software -
Fuze is a global cloud communications and collaboration software platform for the enterprise. Through an innovative and consumer-inspired unified experience, Fuze enables a seamless transition between voice, video, messaging, and content sharing. Fuze empowers the digital workforce anytime, anywhere, and across any device. ... read more about Fuze
Entry Level Price$15 Per MonthFree TrialN/ACategory Focus34% in Web Conferencing Software -
StarLeaf is the messaging, meeting, and calling platform that takes the friction out of secure business collaboration. It's a cleaner alternative to more disjointed, complex, and frustrating collaboration and video conferencing tools, helping people to connect quickly and easily, and enjoy what they do more too. ... read more about StarLeaf
Entry Level Price$12.99 Per MonthFree TrialN/ACategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
Effective brainstorming, ideation, and problem solving need clear communication and solid interpersonal relationships. VidyoConnect is a meeting solution for team collaboration that speeds global alignment across your enterprise, allowing for better-informed decisions, faster responses and deeper trust. ... read more about VidyoConnect
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialMore than 30 daysCategory Focus50% in Web Conferencing Software -
Easymeeting delivers video conferencing that was made for humans, by humans. Imagine you could meet with a customer across town, a coworker across the state, and a partner across the country all in one day and still be home for dinner. At Easymeeting, this is what we strive for, providing you with an easy to use tool so you can work more efficiently and focus on the things that inspire you. ... read more about Easymeeting
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus34% in Web Conferencing Software -
Amazon Chime is a communications service that lets you meet, chat, and place business calls inside and outside your organization, all using a single application. Amazon Chime Voice Connector is a service that enables enterprises to migrate their telephony workloads to AWS. Online solution for web conferencing and meeting management with easy check-in to show who's attending the meeting. ... read more about Amazon Chime
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial30 DaysCategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
FreeConference.com is the original free conference calling service specializing in online meetings, screen sharing, video conferencing, and much more. At FreeConference.com, we give you the freedom to choose how to connect to your meetings – be it through your phone, or your web browser. FreeConference.com is committed to providing reliable and affordable tools for online meetings of every size: ... read more about FreeConference
Entry Level Price$9.99 Per MonthFree TrialN/ACategory Focus34% in Web Conferencing Software -
All the benefits of in-office interaction, all the freedom of remote work, all in one place. Build a community for your remote team with Remo. Remo is a video-first virtual workspace for remote teams that fosters real-time collaboration and strengthens company culture. ... read more about Remo
Entry Level Price$270 Per MonthFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
Groupworld is a secure, highly customizable, cross-platform web conferencing and online tutoring system. Includes online whiteboard, voice/video conferencing, screen sharing, video sharing and optional session recording. No plugins or downloads required. ... read more about Groupworld
Entry Level Price$24.99 Per MonthFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
Demodesk is the first entirely cloud-based communication platform that lets you share your screen through a dedicated virtual desktop. We redefine screen sharing for Sales and Success teams, make conferencing painless and automate scheduling & preparation to help you sell more and increase customer retention. ... read more about Demodesk
Entry Level Price$25 Per MonthFree Trial7 DaysCategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
Arkadin Anywhere is our cost-effective, fully integrated web and audio solution for everyday use. Easily share the computer screen, documents, and applications online in real-time so you can start working with remote participants in seconds. Increases productivity of phone and web conferencing, with quick, simple and professional tools. Arkadin audio and web conferencing solutions provide business ... read more about Arkadin Anywhere
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software -
Sylaps is making real-time secure communication a reality by providing easy to use, secure and reliable video conferencing solution for everybody. Sylaps also provide integration services and consulting for small and large business that want to integrate WebRTC technology into their services. Instantaneous, Audio and Video meeting collaboration. As simple as opening on a link to join a meeting on ... read more about Sylaps
Entry Level Price$19.90 Per MonthFree TrialN/ACategory Focus33% in Web Conferencing Software
Buyer’s Guide
What is Web Conferencing?
Web conferencing is the process by which employees within organizations (or independent users) connect with one another in real-time using technological platforms and software that operate over the internet. Some software also uses audio-only content over the phone networks.
The software thus enables communication, collaboration, and the completion of tasks or projects efficiently. Individual users and employees use it on a one-to-one basis as well, when necessary.
Collectively, web conferencing solutions consist of a bouquet of digital communication facets such as video conferencing, screen sharing, VoIP calls, as well as document sharing, chat services, etc., to name a few.
Conferencing over the internet facilitates remote working. Employees use web conferencing to conduct a variety of duties such as business meetings, online training, presentations, troubleshooting problems with customers and employees, as well as online sales.
How Does Web Conferencing Work?
Web conferencing can be conducted by two methods - Through independent Software as a Service (SaaS) applications purchased and downloaded onto user desktops, or through internet hosting services that have the server space to conduct these meetings, conducted via web browsers.
On a micro level, web conferencing uses the TCP/IP communication protocol to connect various internet supporting devices over the world wide web. The protocol allows computers to identify themselves uniquely and facilitates the easy and rapid exchange of information. Other software tools include Javascript, video streaming service protocols, XML, etc.
Besides the hardware tools and software used by users to communicate, web conferencing requires hosts to check what time all the attendees are free and schedule the meetings or sessions accordingly. Post scheduling, the user is automatically assigned a virtual room or environment, wherein users can remotely enter using predefined login credentials, once they have permission to attend the meeting.
Once into the conference, users usually contain a raft of features such as screen presentations, and whiteboards (to note down important points), question and answer sessions on chat, and even passing control of important features among the attendees, if required.
Why is Web Conferencing important for businesses today?
Remote collaboration is highly valued in economies and industries around the globe. Using web conferencing systems, users can come together from different time zones to help crystallize business strategies, efficiently.
Functions such as HR, IT support, and even finance can come together on a global platform to contribute solutions on a business level, all while functioning remotely. This increases the productivity and perspective of all departments from different regions. Support services for different functions may be provided online, as well.
Web Conferencing is handy for businesses when split-time decision making is required while considering a number of departments’ viewpoints within the firm.
It also helps businesses preserve budgets. Web conferencing tools help streamline business operations so that resource-starved companies can save on budgets, office space, and even manpower when expensive solutions such as travel could be deemed necessary. A sale, for example, can be closed without relocation by the personnel involved.
What is a Web Conference Software?
Web conferencing software is a digital tool that helps individuals communicate and collaborate over the Internet. Web conferencing services are used by organizations and individuals to conduct meetings, publish podcasts, make presentations, host webinars, and so on.
These web conferencing platforms allow multi-casting of data - which includes text, pictures, video, and other formats - over separate geographic locations. The ambition is to ensure remote employees achieve optimum productivity working with teams, despite being situated remotely.
Web conferencing tools are downloadable onto devices as standalone applications or are available as web-hosted internet connectivity applications. Technology has enabled web telephony (VoIP), and regular mobile networks to host multiple users in audio-only meetings termed web conferences.
Web conferencing software consists of a suite of productivity tools that can enhance business continuity. Web Conferencing hardware necessities - like microphones and cameras - are usually built into most devices today, making the tool platform-independent. Skype, Zoom, and even Google Hangouts are popular Web conferencing solutions.
Why must businesses invest in Web Conferencing Software?
Businesses should consider investing in video conferencing software for the following reasons -
- Ease of use - Web conferencing tools are designed to be lightweight in storage and have a relatively simple user flow through the web conferencing app. In other words, most tools are just plug-and-play.
- Budgetary considerations - A halt to frequent travel for personnel, and a reduction in office space lease expenses are visible impacts of web conferencing software, thanks to the efficiency of web conferencing systems.
- Marketing Impact - Organizations can conduct Webinars, Podcasts, Learning Modules, interactive Question and Answer sessions to connect with a variety of audiences over the internet and market selective products and services to them.
- Employer Connect - Human Resources can connect with a majority of employees, all at one go. This helps them conduct employer branding activities seamlessly, while also moving several functions such as onboarding and offboarding to the virtual world.
- Competitive intelligence - With tools such as surveys and polls available to gauge user sentiments, organizations can use marketing activities to understand and implement much-needed features into the software. This allows companies to stay ahead of their competition.
- Innovative features - Much needed features to improve productivity and ease of usage are constantly introduced into web conferencing systems. This provides a massive boost for organizations.
Types of Web Conferencing Software?
Video conferencing systems can be classified into two different categories.
First, Software as a Service (SaaS) web conferencing apps are available for download from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, and the Microsoft Store. Once downloaded, these applications require user sign-ups or log-ins. Once in, users can schedule meetings or virtual calls with attendees from the same organization or distinct individuals.
The applications run on their internet communication protocols to set up secure, unified session management and easily manageable gateways. Examples of services include Skype.
Second, if dedicated applications do not fit organizational needs, organizations use web-based applications to host meetings. Hosts of meetings can log in to the website and assign a specific time for attendees to join the call.
A fixed phone number and a numeric password, provided on the prompt, will route the users to the virtual meeting room. This is usually an example of VoIP conference calls. Usually, information about the meeting is sent to the users via email or personal message. An example is freeconferencecall.com.
Features of Web Conferencing Software?
The features of video conferencing platforms are as follows -
- User Management - Only users with appropriate credentials can schedule and join meetings. Log-ins required on dedicated user accounts, and codes are generated to verify user identity before entering sessions on web conferencing systems.
- Chat and File Sharing - Most web conferencing systems have a dedicated chat counter where users can share important information in writing. Document attachment and sharing features are also in-built to allow a multi-purpose perspective to the web conferencing tool.
- Screen Sharing - Web conference solution users can project the screen of their computer to all those attending the meeting and conduct presentations/demonstrations with the click of a finger.
- Recording - Users can record a call for reference purposes through web conferencing services.
- Reporting - Information regarding meetings - attendees in the session, chats sent, documents shared, etc. - should be available for the user to reference.
- Muting - Managers/Employees making important decisions should be able to mute others during the web conference for minimal disturbance. Similarly, users must also be able to mute themselves.
- Whiteboards - The web conferencing platform must have these components as part of chats to ensure
Advantages of Web Conferencing Software?
Some of the advantages of Web Conferencing Software are as follows -
- Secure and Reliable
- Real-time, clear and audible meetings on good internet quality
- Easy to install and use
- Minimal charges per user
- Effective Interdepartmental communication
- Budgetary savings from discontinuity in non-essential activities such as travel
- Valuable Business Intelligence
- Rapid Document Sharing
- Increase in work communication efficiency
- Additional features make conferences more engaging and participatory.
- Platform-independence
- Foster real-time collaboration
What are the features to consider before purchasing a Web Conferencing software?
Some features are considered important for web conferencing software, while others are avoidable. The most important characteristics a firm must consider before purchase of web conferencing tools are as follows -
- Interface - The web conferencing platform must be easy to install and use. Scheduling calls, accepting calls, and functionalities within rings must be fluid and easy to navigate.
- Reporting - User reports are essential to improve conference call quality. Besides, words must also share data from other activities such as polls, surveys, etc.
- User Management - Only designated users with valid log-ins or PINs must be able to access calls and use the full features of the platform on company accounts.
- Platform Independence - The software must be easily accessible on all mobile, desktops, or tablets. Similarly, the software must be compatible with operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, to name a few.
- Presentation and Screen Sharing - Conference participants must be allowed to share screens of their computers for presentation purposes. This enhances attendee participation on the call.
- Muting - Several times, background noises from caller environments disrupt the call quality. Audiences must be provided to mute themselves until they need to speak, or the host must be able to mute everyone who isn’t talking.
- Language Support - The platform must support a variety of linguistic capabilities from multiple dialects.
- On-Demand web-casting - Organizations can use the web-casting feature to conduct meaningful learning and development lessons and webinars for employees and outsiders interested in specific topics.
- Real-Time Chat - Chatting interfaces are provided so that users may share important information and the group when necessary.
- Video Conferencing - Besides audio, video conferences are essential for users to share face-time, make presentations and seminars, and create a platform of trust while working remotely.
- Recording and Playback - The web conferencing software must have a recording tool for later use to store video/meeting details. It should also come with playback capability to ensure the recorded video/audio has been captured to the best possible extent in terms of quality and length of content.
What is the average price of Web Conferencing Software?
The price of a video conferencing service depends on the number of users that an organization intends to distribute access to.
A list of the Free and Open Source Web Conferencing Software has been published by GoodFirms, for those firms interested. The software mentioned in the list has a rich set of functionalities, which are already in effect at organizations around the world.
UberConference, Proficonf, and Zoom are popular software tools that employ a freemium model of pricing. They have a base free version, which allows users to make free calls for a predetermined time limit. The call is halted if the user exceeds this limit. Premium versions of these software range between $12 and $25 per user per month.
Video conferencing tools such as Zoho Showtime and Bluejeans are charged on a per-user basis for all their solution sets. The range varies between $9 (Starter), $16 (Business Standard), and $30 (Enterprise) per user per month.
Web Video is a platform that offers a one-time purchase rate. Plans begin at $3995 without using their hosting service, and $4995 for an all-inclusive lifetime purchase. ElectroMeet is a video conferencing platform that licenses its product on a yearly plan for a specified limit of users.
The Silver and Gold licenses, each accommodating up to 120 users, are priced at $4000 and $9000 annually.
How to Choose the right Web Conferencing Software for your Business?
You can choose the right web conferencing software for your organization by considering several important factors.
- Users/Hosts - The organization will need to estimate the percentage of the workforce who will have access to specific versions and types of web conferencing systems.
- Software type - Web conferencing software is available as standalone applications or can be accessed over a web browser. Some solutions offer video telephony conferencing, while others are limited to VoIP. Softwares have a mixture of both functionalities. An organization’s purchase decision must depend on the type of software it wishes to employ.
- Budget - Once the users have been estimated, approximate funding may be allocated to purchasing video conferencing solutions. The budget will depend on the plan(s) of various web conferencing software the organization wishes to deploy and its per-user rate. Budgets are also calculated on whether an organization will purchase a Software as a Service (Saas) provider, like Zoom, or if they choose a web-hosting VoIP conference call provider, like freeconferencecall.com.
- Features - Most organizations prefer a rich feature set within the web conferencing apps that boost productivity. Whiteboards, screen sharing, chat functionality, etc., are essentials within web conferencing software today. Unlimited virtual conference rooms and a software capability on the web conferencing service vendor side are also considered necessary in preventing limited call capabilities.
- Security - Data security will also be the top-most priority for most organizations in the purchase window. User chats, via video or text must be encrypted.
- Trials/Demo versions - organizations must be allowed to test/trial run their software choices before investing in the web conferencing software.
Why consider GoodFirms' list of top Web Conferencing Software?
GoodFirms’ exhaustive and concise list of web conferencing software will enhance the understanding of prospective buyers, who can then contrast, compare, and select their choice.
The Buyer’s Guide presents web conferencing platforms’ features, advantages, and costs. Be it Free and Open-source web conferencing software, or freemium and premium versions, GoodFirms has you covered with information.
Is it not just considering free video conferencing software? GoodFirms’ software directory enlists information on various kinds of multi-disciplinary software.