Top 10 Video Conferencing Applications You Can Use in 2021
With the pandemic’s onset and the rising trend of remote work, video conferencing applications have become a necessity in our lives. Whether you are working from home, attending virtual classes, or catching up with your friends and family, video conferencing applications make it possible to stay connected despite physical distances.
However, with so many video conferencing applications available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that best fits your needs. To make the selection process easier for you, we have compiled a list of the top 10 video conferencing applications that you can use in 2021.
1. Zoom
Zoom rose to prominence during the pandemic as one of the most popular video conferencing applications in the market. It is user-friendly, has excellent video and audio quality, and offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds. Zoom’s basic plan allows participants to join meetings for free without a time limit. However, there is a 40-minute time limit for group meetings with more than three people in the basic plan. Zoom’s paid plans offer additional features such as cloud recording, breakout rooms, and more extended meeting durations.
2. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a video conferencing platform that has gained popularity among businesses and organizations worldwide. It is integrated with Microsoft Office applications, making it easy to schedule meetings and collaborate on projects. Teams offers features such as screen sharing, recording, file sharing, and virtual backgrounds. The platform allows users to host meetings for up to 300 participants, and there is no time limit. Microsoft Teams is available as part of the Microsoft 365 Suite, and the paid plans offer additional features such as larger meeting capacities and advanced security features.
3. Skype
Skype is one of the oldest and most popular video conferencing applications in the market. The platform offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and live subtitles, making it a favorite among individuals, businesses, and education institutions. The basic version of Skype allows users to make free voice and video calls, while the paid versions offer additional features such as group video calls, screen sharing and more extended call durations. Skype’s integration with Microsoft Office applications makes it easy to schedule meetings and collaborate on projects.
4. Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing platform that integrates with Google Workspace. Its features include screen sharing, recording, and live captions. Google Meet allows up to 100 participants to join a meeting, and there is no time limit. Users can join meetings for free, and the paid plans offer additional features such as meeting recording and larger participant capacities.
5. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a video conferencing application that offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and drawing tools. It has a user-friendly interface and is often used for webinars, training sessions, and online classes. GoToMeeting allows up to 150 participants to join a meeting, and the paid plans offer additional features such as dial-in conference numbers and transcriptions.
6. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is a video conferencing platform that offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds. It is popular among businesses and education institutions and allows up to 1000 participants to join a meeting. Cisco Webex’s paid plans offer additional features such as advanced security and larger meeting capacities.
7. BlueJeans
BlueJeans is a cloud-based video conferencing application that offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and live streaming. It allows up to 150 participants to join a meeting and can be integrated with Slack and Microsoft Teams. BlueJeans’ paid plans offer additional features such as transcription services and advanced analytics.
8. Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing application that is free to use and offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and live captions. The platform allows up to 75 participants to join a meeting, and there is no time limit. It can be integrated with Slack and Google Drive, and users can host the application on their own servers.
9. Whereby
Whereby is a browser-based video conferencing application that offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds. It allows up to four participants to join a meeting for free, and the paid plans offer additional features such as larger meeting capacities and custom branding. Whereby is easy to use, and users can join meetings without downloading any software.
10. Discord
Discord is a voice and text chat application that has gained popularity among gamers worldwide. However, it is also an excellent video conferencing application that offers features such as screen sharing and virtual backgrounds. Discord allows up to 50 participants to join a video call and is often used for casual group conversations and online classes. It is free to use, and users can create their own servers to host video calls.
The Bottom Line
Video conferencing applications have become an essential tool in our lives, enabling us to stay connected despite social distancing measures. Choosing the right video conferencing application can be overwhelming, but this list of the top 10 applications can help. Whether you’re looking for a video conferencing application for business, education, or personal use, these applications offer a wide range of features and capacities that can help you stay connected with your team, colleagues, friends, and family.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What is a video conferencing application?
A video conferencing application is a software tool that enables individuals or groups in different locations to communicate virtually using live video and audio interactions.
2. How does a video conferencing application work?
A video conferencing application works by using an Internet connection alongside a camera and microphone to conduct virtual meetings, presentations, or discussions.
3. What are the benefits of using a video conferencing application?
The benefits of using a video conferencing application include increased productivity, reduced travel costs, flexible scheduling, and improved collaboration and communication.
4. What features should a quality video conferencing application have?
Quality video conferencing applications should have features such as screen sharing, video recording, whiteboard tools, chat and messaging capabilities, and the ability to join from different devices.
5. Can video conferencing applications support large groups of people?
Yes, video conferencing applications are designed to support large groups of people for webinars, remote lectures, or corporate events.
6. Are video conferencing applications secure?
Yes, video conferencing applications have built-in security features such as encryption and password protection to ensure secure communication and protect privacy.
7. Can video conferencing applications be accessed on mobile devices?
Yes, most video conferencing applications can be accessed on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets using their respective mobile apps.
8. How reliable are video conferencing applications?
Video conferencing applications are generally reliable as long as they are used with a stable and fast internet connection. Any network issues or technical difficulties can often be resolved with customer support or troubleshooting options.
9. Are video conferencing applications cost-effective?
Video conferencing applications are often more cost-effective than traditional in-person meetings as they eliminate travel expenses and allow for remote participation from anywhere in the world.
10. Can video conferencing applications integrate with other software applications?
Yes, video conferencing applications can integrate with other software applications such as project management, customer relationship management (CRM), and learning management systems (LMS) to enhance collaboration and productivity.