A business will know they’ve hit the big time when their company name becomes a Generic Trademark. This occurs when a brand, “because of its popularity or significance, has become the generic name for, or synonymous with, a general class of product or service, usually against the intentions of the trademark’s holder.”
source: Wikipedia
As of March 2020, we now live in a world that no longer Skypes or Facetimes, rather we Zoom. The video conferencing platform became so popular overnight that it failed early on, has had to cope with weekend calls that are up 2000%, but its lack of focus on security became headlines around the world.
Zoom wasn’t first, it might not even be best, but it is now ubiquitous in our need for video conferencing.
However there are alternatives to Zoom that you perhaps haven’t considered.
Here’s a quick list with an analysis of each below:
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Hangouts Meet
- BlueJeans Meetings
- GoToMeeting
- Zoho Meeting
- Cisco WebEx
- Join.me
- Intermedia AnyMeeting
- Slack
- Zoom
1. Microsoft Teams
If you’re already a Microsoft Office 365 user then Microsoft Teams really is the choice for your business.
Microsoft Teams is the successor to the insanely popular Skype and is tightly integrated into the Office 365 ecosystem.
Individuals can sign up for the free version of Microsoft Teams using their own personal email address, with a bunch of features like 300 call members, guest access, one on one calls and group video/audio calls. You also get 2GB storage space for files, screen sharing capabilities and document collaboration.
When you’re running Teams as part of your workplace solution, it becomes the most viable alternative to Zoom on the market. Teams members get 1TB each of data storage, can schedule meetings directly from Outlook, record meetings and collaborate on documents in real time.
Microsoft Teams now can replace your traditional phone system with the use of Cloud Calling. Give us a call today to see how we can transfer your phone system across to Microsoft Teams.
Check out our guide on how to use Microsoft Teams which is one of the leading alternatives to Zoom.
2. Google Hangouts Meet
As it is with Microsoft users, if your business is already in the Google ecosystem then Google Hangouts Meet is the platform for your business (despite its mouthful of a name).
Google Hangouts Meet is the business version of Google Hangouts, which is available to G Suite subscribers. People note on the Google platform are able to join in a meeting easily as well.
The service works best in Google’s internet browser, Chrome, and you can also add in phone users as well.
You can do everything you’d expect from an Enterprise video conferencing solution with call recording and document sharing coming as standard.
3. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting includes a video conference solution that doesn’t require a user to download any application. Simply go to the link you’ve been sent and it’ll load in your browser.
Whilst GTM does integrate back into other systems, its one compelling feature only is in-browser video.
4. Slack
Slack changed the way that people communicated across teams and had a goal of removing the need for internal emails. And within software development circles, it absolutely rules.
So it makes sense that if you’re already using Slack’s collaboration tools you might already utilising some of the limited video calling options.
The Slack app is where the more powerful feature set can be found such as the ability to draw on screens and share screens.
5. Zoho Meetings
Zoho’s flagship product is Zoho One, a full suite service that ties together sales, marketing, accounting HR and operations. Zoho Meetings adds tools for webinars and online meetings with some low price points to enter.
You get both browser based and app based options with the ability to dial in via a phone or use your computer’s audio.
If you’re already a Zoho user then given the way this integrates with that system, this is definitely worth considering as one of the alternatives to Zoom.
6. Cisco WebEx
One of the oldest players in the market, founded in 1995 and acquired by Cisco in 2007, WebEx is an enterpris stalward.
Free plans for up to 3 users offering full HD, screen sharing and mobile connectivity are available. These free plans are capped at 40 minutes in length and there are paid for plans aplenty available on top of this.
Webex is a legacy player with a firm grip in some industries. Expect that to change in the coming months as one of the alternatives to Zoom.
7. Join.Me
The video conferencing option for businesses on a really tight budget.
Audio meetings with screen sharing for up to three people are free. In addition, it includes a unique interface that puts all participant pictures in a bubble that bounces around the screen.
It’s owned by LogMeIn, who also own GoToMeeting, so it’s unclear how much longer Join.Me will survive by itself. Until then, enjoy seeing your face bounce around the screen.
8. Intermedia AnyMeeting
AnyMeeting was started in 2007 and was acquired 10 years later by Intermedia when its user base hit 1 million.
Today you’ll only really see AnyMeeting if you’re already using the Unified Communications package from Intermedia. So you get video and voice calls all through the same system.
There’s integration available with productivity tools like Microsoft, Google and Slack and a range of plans depending on how many participants you have.
9. BlueJeans Meetings
The company founder came up with the strange company name because they wanted video conferencing to be “as comfortable and casual as your pair of jeans.”
Unfortunately that’s where the fun stops with BlueJeans because there’s not a lot of features available that are any different to what you can get anywhere else. It’s not one of the most compelling alternatives to Zoom.
10. Zoom
After reading through this article of alternatives to Zoom, you’re probably questioning why we have Zoom on this list.
It’s unclear at this stage why Zoom suddenly shot to become the default however it probably marketed itself well enough at the right time. Its December 2019 successful IPO was unintentionally well timed and it has now become a global force in video conferencing. Although recent security and privacy concerns have tarnished that reputation somewhat.
With a mix of browser or app-based calls, it’s a smart choice for any business. However it will no doubt be fighting an uphill battle in the months ahead due to the competitive offerings from Microsoft and Google, who both offer viable alternatives to Zoom.
