What Free Video Conferencing Options Are Available?

Now more than ever video conferencing tools are playing a critical role in keeping

people and businesses connected.

The Problem

Due to the current global issues there is a restriction on movements, which can only increase in the near future, limiting movement even further. As you cannot travel unless necessary it has started to have an impact on businesses in the last few weeks.

People must adapt to this environment to continue moving forward and find another way to keep communication channels open.

The Solution

Video conferencing! Simple, these solutions has been around a long time but not consumed as a primary form of communication in most industries. Whats great is there are lots of choices with lots of awesome features.

Whats amazing is the leaders in this field all offer free versions of their tools, there are some limitations but as there is so much choice you will be able to find what suits you and your unique requirement.

Video Conferencing Options

Here are some of the best video conferencing tools out there today and they all offer free versions so our recommendation is try to read about them, try a couple and see what works best for you then commit to using it within your business.

Zoom

Zoom is the most popular video conferencing app around and has been a fastest growing app for 4 years running now. This tool is easy to use and can be used on any device.

Pros

• Free plan
• Host up to 100 participants
• Unlimited 1 to 1 meetings
• Unlimited number of meetings
• Online support
• Electronic hand raising
• Screen Recording (Local only on the free plan)

   

  Cons

• 40 mins limit on group meetings (on Free plan)

   

  https://zoom.us

   

  Microsoft Teams

  Microsoft Teams is a great collaboration and productivity tool. Video conferencing is just one part of Teams, it offers so much more to help a team communicate and keep in touch.

  Pros

• Free plan
• Record group meetings
• Instant messenger features
• Create custom channels for persistent communication
• Integrated with Office 365 products

   

  Cons

• No electronic hand raising – This can make larger meetings difficult
• Unable to record one to one sessions

   

  https://products.office.com/en-gb/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software

   

  Google Hangouts

  Google Hangouts is a communication software product developed by Google. Originally a feature of Google+, Hangouts became a stand-alone product in 2013.

  Pros

• Free plan
• Call, video call or message
• Create custom channels for persistent communication
• Integrated with Office 365 products

   

  Cons

• Limited to 10 participants (free plan)
• Screen share and control is basic
• No white boarding is

   

  https://hangouts.google.com/

   

  Cisco Webex

  Cisco Webex the leading enterprise solution which develops and sells web conferencing and video conferencing applications. This is a great meeting platform.

  Pros

• Free plan
• Unlimited meeting times
• Up to 100 participants
• Unlimited meetings

   

  Cons

• No persistent chat capabilities

https://www.webex.com/

Summary

Above are just some of the most commonly used platforms. These tools are feature rich and right now all offer free versions. If your focus is just to enable meetings you may go with Zoom, but if you are looking for a tool to enable greater communication within your business then Teams would be the choice.

Try them all and if you need any further information and use cases for each product send us a message.

Drop us a message or give us a call and we will be in touch to help you gain a better understanding