Programs Similar to Zoom: The Best Video Conferencing Alternatives

Zoom is very close to becoming a de facto standard for video conferencing, but it is certainly not alone in that market. In fact, many users out there have had problems with Zoom, and prefer to use its closest alternatives. Our goal today is to share a list of programs similar to Zoom so you can make all the video conferences you need without any hiccups.

Is there life beyond Zoom?

All roads seem to point to Zoom. To be honest, many media outlets have made the word "Zoom" synonymous with "video conferencing", and that definitely helps its popularity. If someone needs to hold a session, Zoom is the first recommended app… but it is far from the only one available.

If we think back, Zoom isn't even new software. Its original build (a beta with support for 15 participants) dates back to 2012, and version 1.0 debuted in January 2013. The "damn bug" multiplied its user base, crossing the 300 million user mark in April 2020. What does that mean? That sometimes Zoom works pretty badly. The simplest solution is to wait for the service to stabilize, but it never hurts to explore other programs similar to Zoom.

The Best Programs Similar to Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Born from a hackathon in Redmond, the original announcement of Microsoft Teams dates to 2017. It technically belongs to the Office 365 family, but before thinking about spending money, you should know that Microsoft Teams has a fairly generous free mode, with a hypothetical cap of 60 minutes per call and 100 participants. Why "hypothetical"? Because due to the global context, Microsoft decided that free users receive premium benefits until further notice, with a maximum of 24 hours per call and 300 participants. Take advantage!

Google Meet

Another project that saw the light in 2017, first as an exclusive beta for iOS, and then for everyone. In essence, Google Meet is the new Hangouts (which will soon cease to exist), and one of the most serious rivals for Zoom, registering an average of 100 million daily users. The Mountain View strategy? Integration with Gmail, custom backgrounds, and as expected, offering free access with a limit of 100 participants and 24 hours per session (until March 31) for regular accounts.

Skype Meet Now

In relaxed terms, the only thing Skype Meet Now shares with old Skype is its name… and that's a good thing. If you want a more personal and informal alternative to Zoom (that is, you don't mind the lack of certain organizational tools), Skype Meet Now is exactly what you're looking for. No downloads, no account creation, straight from the browser. Generate a link and share it with your contacts. Its official limits are 24 hours per call and up to 100 participants.

Facebook Messenger Rooms

Facebook couldn't ignore any of this, and seeing the jump in popularity that Zoom took, it responded in April 2020 with a new video conferencing feature for Messenger called Facebook Messenger Rooms. Unlike other services on the social network, it's not mandatory for guests to have a Facebook or Messenger account, as their original link is enough. It supports up to 50 people per room, without time limits.

Cisco Webex Meetings

Although there's no doubt that its priority is the business world, the folks at Cisco join the list of programs similar to Zoom with their excellent Cisco Webex Meetings, or simply Webex. The limitations of its free account speak of 50 minutes per meeting, a cap of 100 participants, and some missing features like MP4 recordings and transcriptions, but if you're interested in trying an Enterprise platform at zero cost, you should start here.

Bonus track: Discord

Yes, that same Discord everyone talks about. If you can look beyond its obvious "gamer" profile, in practice you'll find a very solid messenger, with video features up to the task, and the ability to create servers for quicker and faster exchanges. Its Go Live streaming mode increased the limit for users from 10 to 50 in March 2020, and you don't have to download the client (although it's recommended).

Conclusion

We sincerely hope that some of these programs similar to Zoom will work for you. Video conferencing is here to stay, and the rest is about finding the software that best suits your requirements. Good luck!