Best Zoom Alternatives: Top 11 Video Conferencing Tools for 2025

In an era of endless virtual meetings, finding the perfect video conferencing platform is key. Zoom may have become a household name, but it’s not the only game in town. In fact, many users are actively searching for Zoom alternatives due to various reasons – from pricing and time limits to security concerns and feature needs. If you’re tired of Zoom’s 40-minute free meeting cap or worried about privacy, exploring other video conferencing tools can open up new possibilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce 11 of the best Zoom alternatives available today. We’ll delve into each option’s features, pricing, and ideal use cases, helping you find a video meeting platform that fits your needs. Short paragraphs, bullet points, and bolded key points are used throughout to enhance readability. Let’s get started!

Why Look for Zoom Alternatives?

Zoom’s explosive growth came with some drawbacks that prompt users to consider other platforms:

• Meeting Time Limits and Pricing: Zoom’s free plan caps group meetings at 40 minutes, which can be restrictive for longer sessions. Upgrading can be costly for large teams or webinars. Many Zoom competitors offer more generous free plans or cheaper premium options without strict time limits.
• Security and Privacy Concerns: Zoom has faced well-publicized security issues (like “Zoombombing” incidents) that raised red flags. Alternatives like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex boast world-class encryption and security features to protect your calls​.
• Feature Requirements: Depending on your needs, you might require features that Zoom’s basic plan lacks – such as advanced collaboration tools, higher participant counts, or webinar engagement features. Some Zoom alternatives have evolved faster with interactive webinars, better integrations, or unique capabilities like whiteboards, analytics, or event networking.
• Ecosystem Integration: If your organization already uses Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or another ecosystem, their built-in video platforms can offer a more seamless experience. In such cases, Zoom might not offer a distinctive advantage over integrated solutions (e.g. Google Meet for Gmail users or Teams for Office 365 users).
• Ease of Use: Not all users find Zoom intuitive. Some alternatives provide simpler, more intuitive interfaces (no downloads required in some cases) that are ideal for less tech-savvy participants.

No single video conferencing tool is perfect for everyone. The “best” alternative depends on whether you’re a business hosting large webinars, a teacher running virtual classes, or just catching up with friends. Let’s explore the top options.

Comparison Table of Top Zoom Alternatives

To help you see how these Zoom alternatives stack up at a glance, here’s a side-by-side comparison of key features:

*Jitsi Meet has no formal participant limit; around 50 is a practical comfortable number for good performance.

Notes: Participant limits and pricing are as of 2025 and may vary by plan or promotions. “Max participants” refers to the typical capacity of a single meeting on free vs. paid versions. For instance, Teams supports 300 in a standard paid meeting, but can do more in webinars with special licensing. Always check the latest details from providers for exact specifications.

From the table, you can see how each alternative balances capacity, cost, and use-case focus. Free plans are available for most, though the capabilities vary. For example, Jitsi and Skype offer truly free unlimited usage (with some limits on participants/feature

Best Zoom Alternatives (Top 11 Picks)

Below we list 11 excellent alternatives to Zoom, each with its own strengths. We’ll cover what each tool is, standout features, pricing info, and the scenarios where it shines. From big names like Google and Microsoft to innovative upstarts, these Zoom alternatives can cover meetings of all shapes and sizes.

1. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a powerhouse collaboration platform that includes robust video meeting capabilities. If your team is already in the Office/Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Teams is a natural Zoom alternative.

Features:

Teams offers chat, file sharing, and video conferencing in one. Meetings support large groups (up to 300 participants on standard plans, and up to 1,000 participants with an add-on for webinars). You get screen sharing, custom backgrounds, breakout rooms, live reactions, and deep integration with Microsoft Office apps (Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.). It’s truly an all-in-one collaboration solution – you can schedule calls via Outlook, work on documents together, and jump into video calls seamlessly from a chat channel.

Pricing:

Microsoft Teams has a free version that supports up to 100 participants for 60-minute meetings. For more capacity and features, Teams Essentials costs about $4 per user/month and allows up to 300 participants and 30-hour meetings​. Teams is also included in Microsoft 365 Business plans (starting at $6/user/month) which unlock even more features and integration with Office apps.

Use Case:

Best for businesses and organizations already using Microsoft 365, or anyone wanting tightly integrated productivity tools. Teams excels for internal company meetings, project collaboration, and remote work communication. Its rich feature set can be overkill if you just need simple video calls, but for enterprise-grade collaboration, Teams is a top choice.

2. Google Meet

Google Meet (formerly Google Hangouts Meet) is Google’s answer to Zoom and comes bundled with Google Workspace. It’s a user-friendly, browser-based video conferencing tool that works great for those in the Google ecosystem.

Features:

With Google Meet, you can launch meetings straight from your browser – no additional software needed. It supports screen sharing, tiled layouts, breakout rooms, live captioning, and integration with Google Calendar for easy scheduling. Meet’s interface is clean and straightforward, and it supports up to 100 participants on the free plan (with a 60-minute limit) and up to 250 participants on certain paid plans.

Paid tiers also add useful features like meeting recordings and attendance tracking. Meet has strong integration with Gmail and other Google apps, making joining meetings via a Calendar invite or email link extremely convenient.

Pricing:

Google Meet is free for everyone with a Google account (100 participants, 1-hour limit per meeting). For advanced features, it’s included in Google Workspace subscriptions. For instance, the Business Starter plan (around $6/user/month) raises meeting length to 24 hours and adds admin controls, while higher tiers (Business Standard, Plus, Enterprise) support larger meetings (up to 250 participants) and extra features. Notably, Google’s paid plans are generally affordable, and even enterprise plans aren’t as pricey as some competitors.

Use Case:

Best for small businesses, schools, and personal use especially if you already use Gmail/Google apps. Google Meet is praised for its simplicity and accessibility – just click a link to join, no downloads or complex setup. While Meet doesn’t have all of Zoom’s high-end webinar features and max capacity (Zoom supports up to 1,000 with add-ons, whereas Meet maxes out lower), it’s a fantastic everyday meeting tool. If you value ease of use and tight Google integration over advanced bells and whistles, Meet is an excellent Zoom alternative.

3. Skype

Before Zoom became synonymous with video calls, Skype was the go-to platform for online meetings and chats. Owned by Microsoft, Skype remains a reliable choice for video conferencing, especially for smaller groups and personal use.

Features:

Skype supports video calls with up to 50 participants for free. It offers HD video and audio, one-click call links (via Skype’s Meet Now feature), screen sharing, call recording, live subtitles, and even built-in chat with emojis during calls. Skype also allows voice calls to regular phone numbers (with credits), making it versatile for international communication. The interface is user-friendly and available across desktop, web, and mobile. One unique perk is Skype’s background blur and fun video filters/lenses for more engaging calls.

Pricing:

Skype is free for personal use. You can use nearly all its features without paying a dime. There’s no paid “premium Skype” for meetings – Microsoft’s strategy is to transition businesses to Teams for advanced needs. (Skype for Business has essentially been retired and merged into Teams.) Costs on Skype only come into play if you use it for calling landlines/mobile phones or sending SMS, which require purchasing credits or a subscription.

Use Case:

Best for personal calls, small team meetings, and anyone who needs a familiar, easy solution. Skype is still widely used among friends and family, as well as some small businesses. It doesn’t offer the in-depth collaboration features of newer tools, and it’s not built for huge webinars or classes. However, for basic video chats and conference calls, Skype is dependable and simple, without the 40-minute time limit that Zoom’s free plan has. If you need a casual Zoom alternative that just works across devices, Skype is a solid pick.

4. Jitsi Meet

If privacy and cost are top concerns, Jitsi Meet is a standout choice. Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing platform that lets you launch secure video meetings for free, with no account required.

Features:

Jitsi is remarkably feature-rich for a free tool. It supports unlimited meeting duration and an unlimited number of meetings. There’s no formal participant limit (practically, it can handle dozens of people, though very large meetings may strain it). Calls are protected with end-to-end encryption by default. You get features like screen sharing, YouTube video sharing, text chat, the ability to kick/mute participants, and even fun extras like tile view and speaker stats. Jitsi now offers advanced options like streaming to YouTube and adding password protection to meetings. It works on web (just share a meeting URL) and has mobile apps. Because it’s open-source, tech-savvy users can self-host Jitsi on their own server for full control.

Pricing:

100% free and open source. There are no paid tiers. You can use the public Jitsi servers at meet.jit.si at no cost, or run your own instance. This makes Jitsi extremely appealing for those on a budget or organizations that want to avoid subscription fees. Despite being free, it competes well with paid services on core functionality.

Use Case:

Best for privacy-conscious users, educators, and nonprofits, or anyone needing free unlimited meetings. Jitsi is often cited as one of the most secure Zoom alternatives since it doesn’t even require registration and offers strong encryption. It’s great for quick, on-the-fly meetings – just go to the website, create a room name, and share the link. Because it lacks the extensive infrastructure of big commercial platforms, you might experience occasional quality hiccups with very large groups. But for most standard meetings and online classes, Jitsi provides a reliable, no-frills video conferencing experience with no time limits.

5. Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex is a veteran in the video conferencing space, widely used by enterprises and institutions worldwide. Webex offers a robust set of features geared toward professional meetings, webinars, and online events – making it a formidable Zoom competitor.

Features:

Webex supports high-quality video and audio (with background noise reduction) and is known for its reliability. A notable advantage is its scalability: Webex can handle large events with up to 100,000 attendees in webcast mode, and standard meetings can go into the hundreds easily. Key features include screen sharing, virtual whiteboards, breakout sessions, live polling, Q&A, and an AI-powered meeting assistant that can provide real-time transcription and translation. Webex also integrates with a ton of third-party apps and offers enterprise-grade host controls and security – for example, locked meetings and robust encryption options. It’s a full-featured platform for everything from daily team huddles to large webinars.

Pricing:

Cisco Webex offers a free plan that allows meetings up to 100 participants (with a time limit around 50 minutes)​. Paid plans start at about $14.50 per host/month for the Starter plan. The business and enterprise plans cost more but raise participant limits (up to 200 on Business, and even 1000+ on Enterprise) and add storage, advanced admin controls, and webinar capabilities. Webex’s pricing is comparable to Zoom’s, although the free tier is a bit more generous in participant count.

Use Case:

Best for large companies, organizations with high security requirements, and webinar hosts. Webex has long been favored by enterprises and educational institutions for its reliability and security. If you run large all-hands meetings, online conferences, or need features like simultaneous interpretation or hardware integration (Cisco meeting devices), Webex is ideal. It might be more complex than Zoom for casual users, but recent updates have improved its interface. For those who need a scalable, secure Zoom alternative that can grow to thousands of participants, Webex is a top contender.

6. GoTo Meeting

GoTo Meeting (by LogMeIn, now GoTo) is a well-established online meeting solution known for its simplicity and dependable performance. It’s often mentioned in the same breath as Zoom due to its long history in the web conferencing market.

Features:

GoTo Meeting provides all the standard video conferencing features: HD video and audio, screen sharing, dial-in phone numbers, and meeting recording. It stands out for its reliability – meetings on GoTo are easy to start with one click and rarely suffer from stability issues. Features like drawing tools on screen shares, a mobile “commuter mode” (which uses less data), and integrations with Outlook and Google Calendar make it convenient for business users. GoTo Meeting also offers personal meeting rooms/links and cloud recording with transcripts. While it doesn’t have flashy new features like built-in virtual backgrounds or AI assistants, it focuses on doing the core job well: letting people meet online without hassle.

Pricing:

GoTo Meeting does not have a permanent free plan (aside from a limited-time free trial). Paid plans start at $12 per organizer/month (billed annually) for the Professional plan. This entry plan supports up to 150 participants per meeting​. The next tier is the Business plan at around $16/organizer/month (annual billing), which allows up to 250 participants and adds some admin features. Enterprise plans can go higher (with options for up to 3,000 in webinars via their GoToWebinar product). All paid plans allow unlimited meeting duration.

Use Case:

Best for small to mid-sized businesses needing a reliable, straightforward Zoom alternative for team meetings. GoTo Meeting is often praised for its ease of use – attendees can join via a web link or the lightweight app without confusion. It’s a good choice if you find Zoom’s interface overwhelming or simply want a proven platform that prioritizes stability. While GoTo may not be as popular in mainstream conversations, it has a loyal user base in the business world. It’s especially useful for sales calls, internal meetings, and recurring training sessions where you want something that just works every time. The downside is the lack of a free version, so it’s less suitable for casual or one-off use compared to free alternatives.

7. RingCentral Video

RingCentral Video is the video conferencing component of RingCentral, a company known for cloud phone systems. Previously called “RingCentral Meetings” (built on Zoom) and now reimagined as a standalone product, RingCentral Video offers a unified solution for video, chat, and phone integration.

Features:

With RingCentral Video, you get HD video conferencing with all the expected features: screen sharing, team messaging during meetings, file sharing, and whiteboard annotations. One advantage is that it’s part of a broader unified communications platform – so if your company uses RingCentral for telephony or messaging, the video meetings tie in seamlessly. It also includes AI-driven features like live meeting summaries and automatic follow-up tasks, which can boost productivity. Security is solid, with enterprise-level encryption and moderator controls. RingCentral Video can integrate with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and CRM systems, making scheduling and contacts management easier. It’s accessible via browser or RingCentral’s apps.

Pricing:

RingCentral offers a free tier for its video meetings (RingCentral Video Pro). The free plan supports up to 100 participants per meeting and was known for allowing very generous meeting durations (reports vary: some sources say 40 minutes for 3+ people, others mention up to 24 hours)​. Regardless, it has no hard 40-minute cutoff like Zoom’s free plan. Paid plans come in two forms: Video Pro+ (around $11.99/month) which adds 200 participant capacity and more storage, and the more comprehensive RingCentral MVP packages (starting around $19.99/user/month) that include phone, video, SMS, and fax in one. Businesses often choose MVP if they want an all-in-one communication platform.

Use Case:

Best for businesses that want an integrated communications solution or already use RingCentral for phone/chat. If you’re looking to consolidate services (phone system, team messaging, and video meetings in one app), RingCentral is a perfect fit. It’s also a strong Zoom alternative for growing companies that need scalability and advanced admin controls. Keep in mind that as a Zoom alternative for pure video conferencing, RingCentral Video is very capable, though its paid plans can be pricier than some standalone video services if you don’t need the extra features. For security-conscious organizations and those valuing integration (e.g., syncing video meetings with your business phone system and contacts), RingCentral Video is a top contender.

8. Chanty

Chanty is a bit different from the other tools on this list – it’s primarily a team chat and collaboration app (a lightweight alternative to Slack) that also includes video calling features. We include Chanty as a Zoom alternative for teams that want a unified platform for both messaging and face-to-face communication, especially small teams on a tight budget.

Features:

Chanty provides text chat (individual and group), audio/video calls, and task management in one place. For video conferencing, you can start a one-on-one or group video call directly from a chat conversation. It also offers screen sharing during calls. While it may not support huge webinar-style meetings, it covers the basics for team video meetings. Beyond calls, Chanty’s strength is in team collaboration: you have threaded conversations, a Kanban board for tasks, file sharing, and unlimited searchable message history – even on the free plan. It integrates with productivity tools like Google Drive, Trello, and Asana. The interface is clean and easy to learn, with a focus on simplicity.

Pricing:

Chanty has a Free plan for teams of up to 10 users (with unlimited messages and public conversations). This free tier includes limited audio/video calling capabilities – you can have unlimited one-to-one calls, but group calls may be limited in participant count (often up to the same 10 users). The Business plan is very affordable at $3 per user/month, and it allows group video calls, screen sharing, and higher usage limits (along with priority support and some admin controls). Compared to Zoom’s pricing for teams, Chanty is one of the most budget-friendly options out there.

Use Case:

Best for small teams and startups that need a combined chat+video tool for internal collaboration. If your primary need is day-to-day team communication (text and tasks) and only occasional video meetings, Chanty can replace the combination of Slack + Zoom for a fraction of the cost. It’s not designed for large external meetings or webinars – the video calls are more of a supporting feature to the chat. So, it wouldn’t be the right choice for, say, an online event or a client webinar. But for keeping a remote startup team connected without juggling multiple apps, Chanty is a hidden gem. It’s a Zoom alternative in the sense that you might not need Zoom at all if your team is using Chanty for everything.

9. Livestorm

Livestorm is a powerful video communications platform tailored for webinars, workshops, and virtual events. If you’re specifically looking for a Zoom alternative for things like marketing webinars, online courses, or large interactive meetings, Livestorm deserves a close look.

Features:

Livestorm is browser-based, meaning hosts and attendees join via a web link (no downloads). It’s optimized for engagement: you can run live polls, Q&As, and share calls-to-action during sessions. There’s also built-in event registration pages, email reminders, and post-event analytics – features geared towards webinars and online events rather than just simple meetings. You can host on-demand webinars or schedule automated webinars (where parts of the webinar are pre-recorded but with live Q&A).

Livestorm supports interactive features like participant upvoting on questions, and you can have multiple presenters on screen. It also integrates with CRM and marketing tools (like HubSpot, Salesforce) to funnel attendee data to your systems. For general meeting needs, Livestorm has the basics (screen sharing, recording, etc.), but its real strength is rich webinar functionality and a user-friendly interface for attendees.

Pricing:

Livestorm offers a free plan (with limitations) – you can host an unlimited number of events, but each session is capped at 20 minutes and 10 live attendees on the free tier​. This is mainly for trying out the platform. The Pro plan starts at $99/month, which includes up to 100 live attendees per event and unlimited event duration. Higher plans allow more attendees (up to 500 or 1,000) and add features like personalized training and premium support. It’s worth noting Livestorm’s pricing is on the higher side, focused on business users – you’re paying for the marketing and engagement features. However, for companies that rely on webinars for leads or training, the ROI can be worth it.

Use Case:

Best for webinars, virtual conferences, online classes, and marketing events. Livestorm can certainly handle standard team meetings, but it’s really built to shine in events where audience interaction and analytics matter. If you find Zoom’s webinar add-on too limited or lacking interactivity, Livestorm is a breath of fresh air. It’s used by marketers for product demos, by HR teams for virtual job fairs, and by educators for live courses. Attendees often find Livestorm sessions more engaging (thanks to the polls, beautifully designed interfaces, etc.). For everyday internal meetings, Livestorm might be overkill (and expensive). But as a Zoom alternative for hosting scalable events and webinars with a polished feel, Livestorm is one of the best in the business.

10. Lark

Lark is an all-in-one collaboration suite developed by ByteDance (the company behind TikTok). It combines messaging, cloud docs, storage, and video conferencing into a single platform. As a Zoom alternative, Lark stands out by offering more than just meetings – it’s trying to be a one-stop productivity hub.

Features:

On the video conferencing front, Lark supports video meetings with screen sharing and recording, much like Zoom. But alongside that, Lark includes a robust chat app (with channels and private messages), a built-in cloud office suite (docs, spreadsheets, calendars), and task management. Think of it as a blend of Slack, Google Workspace, and Zoom in one. Video meetings on Lark can host a large number of participants – up to 100 in the free version and as many as 500 participants in a meeting on higher plans​.

Meetings can run up to 24 hours, and you get features like participant hand-raising and collaborative document editing during calls. One of Lark’s coolest features is real-time co-editing of documents while on a video call, making remote collaboration very fluid. The interface is modern and the integration between chat, calendar, and meetings is seamless (e.g., a calendar event generates a meeting link, and files shared in chat can be pulled into meetings easily).

Pricing:

Lark offers a generous free plan (often called the “Basic” or “Starter” plan) that includes video meetings, 200 GB of cloud storage, and up to 50 team members – all for no cost. The free tier allows plenty of functionality, including 100-participant meetings, which is great for small organizations​. For more advanced needs, Lark’s pricing isn’t transparently listed on their site for all regions; they mention an Enterprise plan with custom pricing. Some sources indicate there’s a Standard plan with higher limits (500 meeting participants, more storage, advanced admin controls) which would likely be paid per user, but you need to contact sales. ByteDance has positioned Lark very competitively, often providing a lot for free to attract users (for example, historically free 500 participant meetings, though that could be promotional). Essentially, you can get started with Lark’s core features free, and only pay if you need large scale or special enterprise features.

Use Case:

Best for teams that want an integrated suite (chat, docs, and video in one) and are open to trying a newer platform. Lark could replace a whole stack of tools (Slack + Zoom + Google Drive) which is appealing, especially for startups and remote teams. As a Zoom alternative, it’s excellent for internal meetings and collaboration, since you have context (chats, files) right alongside your calls. It’s also worth considering for education – a teacher could have class materials and video lessons in the same app. Keep in mind, because Lark does a lot, there may be a learning curve if you only care about video meetings. Also, being a relatively new product, some companies might be cautious about support or data residency. But overall, Lark offers impressive value and could be the future of how all-in-one platforms compete with standalone video services.

11. Whereby

Whereby (formerly appear.in) is a lightweight video meeting tool known for its ease of use. With Whereby, you literally open your web browser, share a link, and start talking – no downloads or logins required for guests. It’s a fantastic Zoom alternative for simple, secure meetings, especially for small groups.

Features:

Whereby’s defining feature is its simplicity: meetings run entirely in the browser. You create a permanent meeting room link (e.g., whereby.com/YourRoom) that you can reuse anytime. Participants just click the link and join – no app install, no sign-up needed. Despite being simple, it offers useful features like screen sharing, recording (in paid plans), text chat, and even YouTube video sharing in-room. You can customize your room with a background image or logo (nice for branding). Whereby supports breakout groups for side discussions and has emoji reactions for quick feedback. It’s also privacy-focused (originating in Norway with strong privacy laws) – all meetings are encrypted, and they explicitly state they don’t track or sell your data.

Pricing:

Whereby has a Free plan that gives you one meeting room for up to 4 participants with a 30-minute time limit per meeting. This free tier is perfect for quick one-on-one chats or huddles with a few people. The Pro plan is $8.99 per month and allows you to host meetings with up to 100 participants (though note that only 12 video feeds can be active at once on screen). Pro also removes time limits and enables recording and multiple rooms. There’s a Business plan for larger needs (priced per user, with features like multiple hosts and larger room sizes up to 50 in beta). Compared to Zoom, Whereby’s pricing is straightforward and one of the more affordable options for small teams (a ~$9/month flat fee, not per participant or host).

Use Case:

Best for freelancers, small teams, and educators who want hassle-free video meetings. Whereby is often the top pick for people who meet with external clients or colleagues who might not have a certain app installed – since it requires nothing but a browser, it removes a lot of friction. It’s also great for telehealth consultations or recruiting interviews for the same reason. For any scenario where ease of joining is critical and meetings are relatively small, Whereby shines. Its free version is a bit limited in capacity, but Pro is cheap if you routinely have group calls. It may not be suitable for very large meetings or complex webinars (100 is the cap, and it’s optimal with even smaller groups), but as a user-friendly Zoom alternative with no downloads, Whereby has a loyal following.

How to Choose the Right Zoom Alternative

With so many options on the table, how do you decide which Zoom alternative is the best fit? Here are some tips to guide your decision based on your specific needs:

1. Consider Your Meeting Purpose and Size:
Are you primarily doing one-on-one calls, team meetings, or large webinars? Different tools excel in different scenarios:

• For large meetings or webinars (hundreds of attendees), look at enterprise-grade platforms like Webex or Livestorm which are built to handle big crowds with Q&A, polling, and stable streaming. Microsoft Teams with a webinar add-on or Zoom itself with webinar licenses also fit here, but alternatives like Livestorm offer more interactivity for event audiences.
• For small team meetings and collaboration, a lightweight tool like Google Meet, Whereby, or Skype may be more than sufficient (and easier to use). If your team also needs persistent chat and project features, an integrated tool like Microsoft Teams, Chanty, or Lark can add value beyond just video calls.
• For education and online classes, consider ease of use for students and interactive features. Google Meet is popular in schools (integrates with Google Classroom), while Microsoft Teams has an education version. If you need features like breakout rooms and whiteboards, ensure the alternative supports them (Zoom and Webex do; some simpler tools might not). Open-source solutions like Jitsi or specialized education platforms like BigBlueButton (not in our top 11 list, but worth mentioning) can be great for online classrooms with whiteboard and quiz features.

2. Identify Must-Have Features:
Make a list of the critical features you need that prompted you to look beyond Zoom. For instance:

• Security/Privacy: If end-to-end encryption or data privacy is a top concern, tools like Jitsi (open source encryption) or Webex (enterprise security) might be preferable. Microsoft Teams and Google Meet also have strong security track records in business settings. Ensure the alternative has features like waiting rooms, meeting passwords, and host controls if you need them.
• No Time Limits (Free): Tired of Zoom’s 40-minute cutoff? BlueJeans Basic (by Verizon) offers free unlimited meeting time for up to 25 people. Jitsi also has no time limits, and RingCentral Video’s free plan allows longer sessions than Zoom’s free tier. If you want a free solution for casual or community use, these are attractive options.
• Ease of Access: If you frequently meet with external clients or less tech-savvy folks, a no-download option like Whereby or a widely known one like Skype can reduce friction. Browser-based tools (Meet, Jitsi, Whereby, Livestorm) mean guests can join with one click.
• Collaboration Tools: Do you want built-in collaboration during meetings (like co-editing docs, persistent chat channels, etc.)? Teams and Lark shine here with deeply integrated collaboration. If you just need screen sharing and chat, nearly all platforms have that. But if you need things like a shared canvas/whiteboard or meeting transcription, check which platform provides it (Zoom added a whiteboard; Webex and Teams have whiteboards; some others might need third-party integrations).

3. Account for Your Workflow and Integrations:
Think about the other software you use daily. The best Zoom alternative might be the one that fits into your existing workflow with minimal disruption:

• If your company runs on Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive), using Google Meet will feel natural – schedule in Google Calendar, links are added automatically, etc. Similarly, Microsoft Teams is a no-brainer if you use Outlook and Office regularly.
• If you manage projects in Slack or a similar tool, you might prefer an option that integrates with it. (For instance, you can start Zoom or Webex calls from Slack; Microsoft Teams has its own chat app though.)
• Some platforms come with unique ecosystem perks. Apple users might consider FaceTime or Webex (optimized on iOS) for small meetings, while open-source enthusiasts might lean toward Jitsi or even hosting their own server for full control.
• Don’t forget about hardware: if you have conference room systems, certain platforms like Zoom, Webex, and Teams work with dedicated hardware. Others like Whereby or Google Meet work on any device with a browser but may not have specialized hardware support. Match the tool to the devices and environment you plan to use.

4. Budget and Scaling Needs:
Zoom’s pricing can add up, especially for webinars or large teams. Assess the pricing of alternatives:

• Free vs Paid: If you can manage within free plans (e.g., Google Meet’s free 1-hour meetings or Skype’s free usage), that’s a big cost saver. For longer-term use, many businesses find value in paid plans for reliability and support.
• Paid plan value: Compare what you get for the price. For roughly $15/user, Zoom, Webex, Teams, and others offer similar meeting sizes. But some services might give more recording storage or include webinar functionality in that price. For example, Zoom charges extra for webinars, whereas Livestorm’s base plan, while expensive, includes a lot of webinar features by default.
• Scalability: If you anticipate your online events growing, choose a platform that can grow with you. It might be worth investing in an option that supports live streaming or very large audiences (Webex, Teams Live Events, or specialized webinar platforms) to avoid switching later.
• Total cost of ownership: If you’re a business, consider if bundling services saves money. Microsoft 365 including Teams might be cheaper overall if you need Office apps anyway. Google Workspace including Meet could be a two-in-one solution for email and video. On the flip side, paying for a separate specialized tool might be worth it if video meetings are mission-critical (like a large webinar series where Livestorm’s features drive better results, justifying its cost).

5. Try Before You Commit:
Most importantly, take advantage of free trials and free plans. Test out a couple of Zoom alternatives with your team or a small group:

• See how the video and audio quality compare.
• Check how easy it is for people to join and use features.
• Try out any unique features (run a poll in Livestorm, or test Drive integration in Meet, etc.) to see if they make a difference for you.
• If possible, run a real meeting or two on the new platform to gauge feedback from participants.

By piloting the alternatives, you’ll get a feel for which platform feels right. Often, user experience and personal preference play a big role. Some folks might love the interface of one tool and dislike another, so gathering input from those who will use it is valuable.

In summary, the right Zoom alternative is the one that aligns with your priorities – be it cost, simplicity, security, or special features. A small freelance team might choose a very different tool than a Fortune 500 company. The good news is that in 2025, there’s likely a perfect fit for everyone; you just need to identify what matters most for your use case.

FAQs about Zoom Alternatives

Q1: What is the best alternative to Zoom?
A: The best Zoom alternative depends on your needs. For business collaboration, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are leading choices. For security and privacy, Cisco Webex and Jitsi Meet stand out. If you host webinars frequently, Livestorm or Webex Events would be ideal.

Q2: Who is Zoom’s biggest competitor?
A: Zoom’s biggest competitors include Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Cisco Webex. Microsoft Teams is often considered the strongest competitor because of its deep integration with Microsoft 365, extensive features, and widespread adoption in large organizations.

Q3: Is there a free alternative to Zoom with no time limit?
A: Yes, several free alternatives have no strict time limits. Jitsi Meet and Skype offer unlimited meeting durations for free. Google Meet also provides free 1-hour group meetings, and unlimited duration for one-on-one calls. Whereby has a very user-friendly free option but limits meetings to 30 minutes and up to 4 participants.

Q4: What are the best free Zoom alternatives (no time limits)?
A: If you’re looking for completely free alternatives without Zoom’s 40-minute cap, platforms like Jitsi Meet, Skype, and BlueJeans Basic offer unlimited meeting durations at no cost.

Q5: Is Google Meet better than Zoom?
A: Google Meet is excellent for simplicity, browser-based access, and integration with Google’s suite. Zoom, however, is better for hosting larger meetings, webinars, and has more specialized features. Choose Meet if your priority is easy integration; choose Zoom for advanced functionality and scalability.

Q6: Can Microsoft Teams replace Zoom for my company meetings?
A: Absolutely. Teams not only replaces Zoom effectively for company meetings but also offers additional collaboration features, integrations with Microsoft Office tools, and robust security. It’s ideal if your company already uses Microsoft 365.

Q7: Which video conferencing platform is the most secure alternative to Zoom?
A: Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Jitsi Meet are among the most secure platforms. Cisco Webex is particularly noted for enterprise-grade encryption and robust security measures.

Q8: What is the best Zoom alternative for webinars and virtual events?
A: Livestorm and Webex Events are top choices for webinars, virtual conferences, and interactive sessions. They provide extensive attendee management, interactive tools, analytics, and excellent audience engagement features.

Conclusion: Explore Your Options and Take Charge of Your Virtual Meetings

Zoom may have been the default choice for many, but as we’ve seen, there is a rich landscape of video conferencing tools out there in 2025. Whether you need more features, better security, cost savings, or just a change of pace, one of these 11 Zoom alternatives is likely a perfect fit for you. From the simplicity of Whereby and the openness of Jitsi, to the integrated power of Microsoft Teams and the webinar finesse of Livestorm, each platform brings something unique to the table.

The key is to align the tool with your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to try a couple of options – most are either free or offer free trials. You might discover that switching to Google Meet or Microsoft Teams streamlines your workflow, or that your webinar engagement skyrockets by moving to a platform like Livestorm. Modern video conferencing is about more than just seeing each other’s faces; it’s about collaboration, interaction, and getting things done remotely in the most efficient way.

Now the ball is in your court. Take the insights from this comparison, identify which platform resonates with your requirements, and give it a spin. Improving your virtual meeting experience can make a world of difference in productivity and satisfaction – for you and all your meeting participants. Good luck, and happy video conferencing!

Ready to upgrade your video meetings? Try out one of these Zoom alternatives and take your virtual collaboration to the next level. You might wonder how you ever managed with just Zoom before! 🚀

Previous

GPT-4.5 New Features: What's Improved Over GPT-4?

Next

How to Choose the Right SaaS Tool for Your Business

Chief Saasologist

Myself Snehil Prakash aka Chief Saasologist of Howtobuysaas. I am a saas marketer, who loves studying evolving software that is bringing change to the world. Share the same with people via howtobuysaas platform.

Related Articles

7 Best Aniwatch Alternatives [Free & Paid]: Top Picks for 2024

Best Z-Library Alternatives: Top Picks for 2024

6 Best Semrush Alternatives: Free & Premium [2024]

7 Best Interakt Alternatives To Improve Engagements and Conversions Through WhatsApp