Video conferencing tools have been a vital part of organizational architecture for many years. Their usefulness predates the COVID-19 pandemic, where they truly rose to prominence, as they have been instrumental in helping businesses thrive in increasingly global marketplaces.
Today, video conferencing tools have an ever-greater array of uses and benefits, meaning that, whatever the size of your organization and whatever it does, their use is invaluable.
This article discusses the main benefits of video conferencing tools, how you should go about selecting one, and the top 10 video conferencing tools to look out for in 2024 based on reputation, features, pricing and customer reviews.
What are video conferencing tools?
Video conferencing tools allow people to conduct virtual meetings and calls online, via video and audio. As such, they’re great for virtual teams or ones that are based in different locations.
Modern video conferencing software is dynamic and offers lots of different features, such as file sharing, screen sharing and in-app enhancements that can make a virtual meeting really come alive.
Why does your team need video conferencing in 2024?
After becoming a household name during the pandemic, video conferencing tools have continued to be popular with small and large businesses alike. Here are the three main reasons why you need video conferencing capability in 2024:
Cost efficiencies
We’re seeing a challenging operating environment in 2024, with inflation and political uncertainty driving up overheads. Operating remote teams and streamlining communication is a way to keep these costs low — and while video conferencing software requires outright investment, it can save money in the long run.
Flexible working
In 2024, the importance of offering flexible and remote working is greater than ever before. Top talent values flexible working patterns, and video conferencing tools allow them to operate at their best, anywhere in the world.
Integration with other digital tools
With lots of other digital collaboration software on offer, video conferencing presents a way for organizations to enhance their digital footprint, combining digital storage, digital project management and virtual meetings to drive operational synergies.
The 10 best video conferencing tools
There are plenty of video conferencing tools to choose from, and each one has its own particular traits that make it suitable for different needs and audiences. Here’s a list of the best video conferencing options for 2024.
1. Google Meet
RATING
4.8/5
Google Meet is a browser-only video conference app, with standard capacity for 100 attendees, mobile functionality and plenty of in-built options to make your video calls come alive.
It’s pitched as a plug-and-play software option and is relatively easy to use. It can be used in unison with Google Workspace for advanced functionality and add-ons.
Pros
- Comes with productivity services and other app add-ons
- Comprehensive free version that will be suitable for many users
- Browser-only interface makes it an easy-to-use option
Cons
- Layout can be clunky to use
- Business features require a Google Workspace membership
- Not the best option for larger meetings
Pricing
As well as the free option, Google Meet offers three premium plans: Business Starter ($6 per user per month), Business Standard ($12 per user per month), and Business Plus ($18 per user per month).
2. Microsoft Teams
RATING
4.7/5
Microsoft Teams has grown from its collaboration-based premise to an all-in-one resource for any organization’s business needs. If you’re already using Microsoft products, then Teams will be the perfect choice for you.
As a video conferencing resource, Teams offers plenty of features, robust security, and integration with file sharing and Microsoft Office tools.
Pros
- Versatility and seamless integration with Microsoft Office products
- Excellent security and compliance features
- Highly customizable and adaptable to your own needs
Cons
- Can be too dependent on the Microsoft product ecosystem
- Can be complex and difficult to access for new users
- Can be slow or laggy on some devices
Pricing
The Teams Essentials plan costs $4 per user per month, while the 365 Business Basic plan costs $6 per user per month, and the 365 Business Standard plan costs $12.50 per user per month, with increasing levels of Microsoft products included.
3. Zoom One
RATING
4.6/5
Zoom has rebranded from a simple video conferencing app during its pandemic heyday to a more comprehensive suite of communication tools today, called Zoom One.
This offers the standard video conferencing functionality, plus a host of other tools, including calendar integration, 24-hour support and the Zoom AI Companion, which offers meeting transcription and translation.
Pros
- Fully secured with end-to-end encryption
- Reasonably priced
- Easy and flexible to use
Cons
- Some inconsistent functionality with third-party integrations
- Web-based program can be confusing to use
- Hard on battery life, as it requires a lot of processing capacity
Pricing
Zoom One offers a free, limited service, with the Pro plan starting at $13.32 per month and a Business plan starting at $18.32 per month, if billed annually.
4. ClickMeeting
RATING
4.5/5
ClickMeeting is a web-based video conferencing option. It offers lots of features aimed at making the hosting of large virtual events for any reason straightforward, allowing you to focus on what you want to say, not how you want to say it.
Using ClickMeeting doesn’t require any installation, making it a simple and convenient option for attendees to use.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive webinar options such as polls, analytics and customization
- Can handle a large number of attendees with ease
Cons
- Limited integration with third-party tools
- Paid plans can be more expensive and more complicated to understand than competitors’
- More susceptible to technical issues such as lag, compared to other video conferencing options
Pricing
30-day free trial option. ClickMeeting’s Live package costs $32 per month, while the Automated AI-driven option costs $48 per month. Costs do vary based on the number of attendees you need.
5. Webex by Cisco
RATING
4.7/5
Webex is one of the original video conferencing software providers. It’s used by many Fortune 500 companies, and it offers video meetings, webinars, file sharing and productivity services.
It boasts comprehensive security options that make it a favorite for clients who are looking for a flexible and secure video conferencing provider.
Pros
- Surprisingly scalable for such a renowned service
- Strong security features such as end-to-end encryption
- Comprehensive integration capabilities
Cons
- High cost for premium features
- Can struggle on low-bandwidth devices
- Cloud storage is limited to 10GB
Pricing
The Free plan offers meetings up to 40 minutes long for up to 100 attendees, while the Webex Meet plan costs $144 per user per year and the Webex Suite plan comes in at $270 per user per year.
6. GoToMeeting
RATING
4.6/5
GoToMeeting is a versatile video conferencing service that is a good all-rounder, offering plenty of features and ease of use for a reasonable price (though it’s not the cheapest option on the market).
The service offers great basics such as a dependable and straightforward video call offering but doesn’t have some of the features its competitors offer.
Pros
- A straightforward and intuitive user interface
- High-quality audio and video
- Paid plans have plenty of features
Cons
- GoToMeeting’s demo plan is limited compared to its competitors
- Virtual backgrounds are a paid add-on
- No virtual whiteboard option
Pricing
No free option, with its Professional plan costing $14 per organizer per month, and its Business plan costing $19 per organizer per month. However, demo options are available.
7. Zoho Meeting
RATING
4.5/5
Zoho Meeting offers a competitively priced video conferencing option, making it perfect for small businesses, freelancers or entrepreneurs who are looking for a general-purpose, no-frills video conferencing service that does what it needs to do.
It’s fully compatible with the Zoho suite of business software applications.
Pros
- Affordable pricing, and the free version offers conferences of up to 100 attendees
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- AI transcription options
Cons
- Requires use (and pre-purchasing) of the Zoho suite for best results
- Complicated download requirements
- Limited advanced features
Pricing
As well as a free edition, there are five pricing levels at $1, $3, $7.50, $19 and $66 per user per month.
8. RingCentral Video
RATING
4.4/5
RingCentral Video is a great option for remote teams due to its voice-over-IP technology. No software or account is needed to join calls, meaning that it’s easy to use and offers attendees streamlined connection.
Packed full of features such as HD video, meeting recording, screen sharing and third-party integration, it’s one of the most flexible video conferencing services out there.
Pros
- Integrated platform with RingCentral Office suite
- High-quality audio and video
- Plenty of call options on the cheaper plans
Cons
- Number of tools can be overwhelming or confusing for some users
- VoIP can occasionally cause technical issues
- Some features are still missing, such as Q&A moderator tools
Pricing
No free plan, with the Core package costing $30 per user per month, the Advanced package costing $35 per user per month, and the Ultra package costing $45 per user per month. All options include the AI assistant.
9. CyberLink U Meeting
RATING
4.3/5
CyberLink U Meeting offers a fairly standard video conferencing service, with many of the options and add-ons that its competitors offer. It provides HD video and decent security options.
Its unique selling point is its PerfectCam, a virtual makeup assistant that can retouch your appearance while you’re on video calls. It’s a great choice for image-conscious professionals who want to look their best during meetings.
Pros
- PerfectCam available on all paid plans
- Clean and simple user interface
- Generous two-week trial period for paid plans
Cons
- Basic free plan can only host 25 attendees for 30 minutes
- Complicated pricing for advanced plans
- Video quality not the best
Pricing
Free plan available. Pro 50 costs $9.99 per host per month, and Pro 100 costs $14.99 per host per month.
10. Intermedia AnyMeeting
RATING
4.4/5
Intermedia AnyMeeting is a clean and modern-looking video conferencing service that’s packed full of features and cutting-edge technology, such as AI support.
Its video conferencing functionality is simple to use and offers plenty of options and flexibility, making it perfect for small and medium-sized businesses.
Pros
- AI virtual assistant that can transcribe meetings
- Clean and user-friendly interface
- Great collaboration features such as screen sharing and file sharing
Cons
- One of the pricier options to choose from
- Fewer technical support options than some other choices
- Some limitations when it comes to branding and customization options
Pricing
No free plan, with its Lite plan costing $48 per user per month for up 100 attendees, its Pro plan costing $128 per user per month for up to 250 attendees, and its Enterprise plan costing $298 per user per month for 1,000 attendees.
How to choose the right tool
With so many options on offer, choosing the right video conferencing tool can be a more challenging task than it might initially seem. Here are five key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right tool for your business:
- Compatibility: Ensure the tool is compatible with your existing systems and that everyone in the organization can use it.
- Cost: Check if the tool’s pricing structure is aligned with your budget, factoring in premium features and paid add-ons that you will need to sign up for.
- Ease of use: Ensure the tool is easy for people of varying technological capabilities, and that its interface is simple and smooth to run.
- Functionality: Ensure the tool has the features that your organization needs, such as virtual whiteboards and breakout rooms.
- Security: Ensure the tool has a host of security features that meet your legal needs, such as end-to-end encryption, firewalls and password protection.
Final thoughts
When it comes to selecting a video conferencing tool in 2024, you’re truly spoiled for choice. Our top 10 video conferencing options cover many different bases, such as some being better for large meetings, others that are better for small businesses, and those that provide flexibility and multifunctionality.
Whatever video conferencing software you choose, you must ensure it aligns with the needs of your organization, so carefully assess your needs and undertake plenty of research on the top video conferencing options before you invest in one, making use of free trial periods where possible.
Doing your homework in this regard will ensure your team makes full use of the video conferencing software you choose, guaranteeing maximum return on investment.
Got any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments section below.
This article is a complete update of an earlier version originally published on March 14, 2018.