Am I audible?
We’ve all been there. Video conferencing should make collaboration effortless, and sometimes, exploring different options can help find the perfect fit.
Zoom is a go-to for many, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. If you need fewer time limits, stronger security, or better integrations, an alternative might suit you better. Whatever the reason, having choices is always a good thing.
With so many options for video conferencing software out there, I wanted to see which ones lived up to the hype, so I put them to the test. I ran meetings, scheduled calls, and pushed different features to their limits to see which platforms truly delivered.
After researching and testing the top 4 Zoom alternatives based on G2 scores and thousands of Video Calls over the years, I’m here to break down what works, what doesn’t, and which one might just be the right fit for you.
*These video conferencing software solutions are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. I’ve also added their monthly pricing to make comparisons easier.
Zoom is a leading video conferencing tool, but it’s not perfect for everyone. These alternatives stand out by addressing specific challenges that some users face with Zoom:
If Zoom lacks in any of these areas, the tools on this list could be a better fit for your specific needs. So, how did I narrow down the best Zoom alternatives?
I started by using G2’s grid reports to identify the top leaders in the video conferencing space. Then, I personally tested the most talked-about tools, hosting team meetings, virtual workshops, client presentations, and even casual online hangouts to see how these platforms performed in different real-world scenarios.
Here are the key questions I used to evaluate these tools fairly:
When I couldn't personally test a tool due to limited access, I consulted professionals with hands-on experience and validated their insights using verified G2 reviews. Additionally, I leveraged AI to analyze hundreds of user reviews on G2, identifying recurring themes—both positive and negative—that might not have surfaced in my testing alone.
The screenshots featured in this article are a mix of those captured during my testing and ones obtained from the vendor’s G2 page. This thorough approach ensures that the tools recommended here aren’t just alternatives to Zoom, but viable solutions for a range of business and personal use cases.
Note: This review is an individual opinion and doesn’t reflect G2’s position about the mentioned software’s likes and dislikes. However, G2’s review data and scores have been used to inform the findings.
G2’s Video Conferencing category consists of products that fulfill the following criteria:
Not all video calls should feel the same. Read on to see how these four Zoom alternatives stack up in my experience.
With over 2,400 reviews on G2 and a 100% satisfaction score, I knew Google Meet was worth testing. It holds a strong G2 Score of 100, making it one of the highest-rated video conferencing tools, especially for businesses already using Google Workspace.
If I were looking for a simple, user-friendly solution that integrates effortlessly with my existing tools, Google Meet would be my first choice. It’s built directly into Gmail and Google Calendar, making it incredibly easy to start and join meetings without extra setup.
From my experience, Google Meet is built for accessibility—no downloads, no complicated setup, just click and connect. When I tested it for team meetings, I appreciated how seamless it was to start a call directly from my Gmail inbox. The real-time captions worked well during a noisy coffee shop call, accurately transcribing conversations. However, I did notice occasional video quality drops when using a low-bandwidth connection, something to be mindful of if you often work in unstable network conditions.
One of Google Meet's biggest advantages is its seamless security features. Google’s security infrastructure ensures end-to-end encryption, protecting meetings from unauthorized access. While not as advanced as Webex in terms of security compliance, it still meets the needs of most organizations.
Google Meet keeps things simple, but it does come with some trade-offs. It lacks some of the advanced features found in more enterprise-focused tools like Webex or Zoom. Additionally, Google Meet’s free version has a 60-minute time limit, which might be restrictive for longer meetings. If you rely on extended meetings or need AI-powered insights, you might find yourself needing an upgrade.
Google Meet offers a free version, but for businesses that need longer meetings, premium plans start at $6 per user/month as part of Google Workspace. For small teams, this is a budget-friendly option, but if you need additional features like extended recording storage or meeting transcripts, you’ll need a higher-tier plan.
Tejas Thakor, IT Engineer in the Education Management industry, shares:
"Google Meet is incredibly easy to use. You can join a meeting by simply clicking or tapping on a link, and there is no need to download any software. This makes it easy to collaborate with people on any device. It is also very reliable. I have never had any issues with the audio or video quality and have always been able to connect to meetings without any problems." Read full review
Deity Puman, Director in the Retail industry, mentions:
“We have been using Zoom before. The only thing I felt Google Meet lacked was some screen sharing limitations.” Read full review
If you need an easy-to-use, no-frills video conferencing tool that integrates with Google Workspace, Google meet is your tool. However, you might find it limiting if you need advanced features like AI-powered transcription, meeting analytics, or extended recording options.
Virtual collaboration is here to stay, learn about the benefits, best practices, and necessary tools.
Webex has earned high praise on G2, backed by over 16,000 user reviews and a flawless 100% satisfaction rating. Its impressive G2 Score of 92 highlights its reliability, making it a solid choice for businesses that prioritize security and advanced collaboration features.
If I were looking for a secure, reliable solution, Webex would definitely be on my radar, especially for enterprises that need an all-in-one collaboration platform. But I also wanted to see whether its extensive feature set justified its reputation or if it had trade-offs that might make me consider other options.
From my experience, Webex isn’t just for video calls but serves as a complete collaboration hub. From one platform, I can chat, call, host webinars, and even record video messages. That level of integration has made my workflow much smoother.
I tested Webex’s noise cancellation by joining a call in a busy café, and it completely filtered out the background chatter, making my voice crystal clear. That said, syncing with Microsoft Outlook can sometimes be unreliable, causing occasional scheduling issues. In my tests, 3 out of 10 calendar invites failed to sync properly.
Some of the AI-powered enhancements have been game-changers for me. For instance, Meeting highlights automatically summarize key points, making it easier to follow up on action items. Similarly, Live transcription was a lifesaver when I needed to reference a conversation but forgot to take notes. One-click scheduling and seamless device switching make collaboration easier.
However, I will admit that frequent updates can sometimes disrupt workflows.
Security is a major strength. Webex ensures sensitive meetings stay private with end-to-end encryption. I’ve used Webex for everything from team check-ins to confidential client meetings, and it has never let me down. Hosting client meetings on Webex reassured me, knowing that end-to-end encryption safeguarded our sensitive discussions.
Webex can feel overwhelming at first because of its feature-rich interface. At first, it felt like an overcomplicated Swiss army knife, but once I got past the learning curve, the tools actually made my life easier. The ability to switch devices mid-call without dropping audio was a surprise hit for me—super useful when jumping from my laptop to phone.
Webex offers a free plan, which is great for smaller teams. But to unlock its real potential, premium plans start at $15/month per user.
Jorge Mendoza, Logistics Coordinator in the Mid-Market (51-1000 employees):
"For me, Webex Suite stands out for its simplicity. I enjoy the screen sharing functionality, the security features that bolster privacy and data management, the easy-to-navigate interface, and the audio and video quality that make meetings and video conferences really nice." Read full review
Robert Yparraguirre., Network Administrator in the Mid-Market (51-1000 employees):
"The main thing I don't like about WebEx is when they push out major updates to the GUI and don't give you a heads-up! I've been using their software for over 10 years now, and still, to this day, I can't share my screen and get rid of all toolbars and icons from the screen." Read full review
Even if you're attending meetings via a screen, there are some virtual meeting etiquette and best practices you should follow. Read to learn more.
After using Microsoft Teams, I can see why it’s a go-to choice for businesses already in the Microsoft ecosystem. The integration with Microsoft 365 is seamless—I could schedule meetings in Outlook, collaborate on files in OneDrive, and jump into video calls within similar integrated platforms. The ability to switch between chat, video conferencing, and file sharing without juggling multiple apps was a definite plus.
With over 10,500 reviews on G2, a 100% satisfaction rating, and a strong G2 Score of 96, it’s clear that plenty of others feel the same way.
From my experience, Microsoft Teams is more than just a video conferencing tool; it is a full-fledged collaboration hub. The persistent chat, file storage, and deep Microsoft 365 integration make it incredibly efficient for team-based projects. However, Teams can feel sluggish at times, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.
One of the strongest aspects of Microsoft Teams is its security and enterprise-level compliance. With end-to-end encryption, data loss prevention, and advanced admin controls, it’s well-suited for businesses that require strict security measures.
That being said, Teams does have its downsides. It can be resource-intensive, causing lags on lower-end devices, and navigating between different Teams and channels can sometimes feel clunky. Additionally, users have reported that identifying themselves repeatedly when logging in can be frustrating.
Microsoft Teams offers a free version, but to unlock advanced features like webinar hosting and larger meeting capacities, premium plans start at $4 per user/month as part of Microsoft 365.
Murillo Lucena Bau, System Engineer in the Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.), shares:
"The quality of video and audio calls is consistently good, even with large groups, and screen sharing is smooth and reliable. I also appreciate the ability to create separate channels within each team for different projects or topics, keeping conversations organized and easy to follow. The platform’s real-time editing in files and simultaneous collaboration tools have boosted our productivity significantly." Read full review
Mohit Yadav, Senior Software Engineer in Information Technology and Services (Enterprise, >1000 employees):
"No doubt MS Teams is a super cool app, but on old devices, it might lag. For newbies, the interface is kinda too overwhelming—takes some time to get a hang of it. At times, notifications are not received, and features like breakout rooms might glitch here and there." Read full review
Ultimately, Teams is great for Microsoft 365 users, but if simplicity is your priority, you might find a more streamlined option on this list.
Take virtual collaboration to the next level with VR Conferencing.
I’ve always seen Slack as a go-to for team messaging, but its quick video calling has been a useful addition. While it’s not as feature-packed as dedicated video conferencing tools, it’s great for lightweight meetings and check-ins. The seamless integrations make collaboration easy, and with over 2,000 reviews on G2 and a strong G2 Score of 90, it’s clear that many teams feel the same way.
If I were looking for a chat-first tool that allows for spontaneous video calls, Slack would be an excellent choice. The ability to quickly switch from messaging to video within a channel makes team collaboration seamless. However, its video call quality doesn’t match dedicated conferencing tools like Zoom or Webex.
I tested Slack’s channel system during a product launch to coordinate between marketing and development teams, ensuring real-time updates and seamless collaboration. Implementing Slack reduced our internal email traffic by 40%, making communication more efficient.
One limitation I noticed was the free plan’s message history cap, which made it difficult to retrieve older conversations. However, upgrading to the standard plan resolved the issue and provided the necessary archive for our team’s needs.
Slack’s integrations have been a game-changer for me. I get project updates directly in Slack channels through Trello and Asana, which eliminates unnecessary back-and-forth between platforms.
The Huddle feature has been especially useful for spontaneous voice chats that feel just like quick office discussions, keeping remote collaboration smooth and natural.
I tested Slack’s mobile app while traveling and found it reliable for staying connected, ensuring I never missed critical updates.
Preetam Singh, Customer Support professional in the Computer & Network Security Industry, shares:
"It's easy to connect with our team members whenever needed. We have several options to set our status as Active, Inactive, or Out of Office, so you can choose how you want to update it. This feature also allows us to send notifications to colleagues who are currently offline. Communication with co-workers is simple, whether through calls or video calls, which include screen-sharing capabilities. This makes it easier for us to understand our work." Read full review
Vahagn Sargsyan, Founder and CEO in the Software Industry, shares:
“Slack can be overwhelming with constant notifications, making it hard to focus on other tasks. Additionally, the cost can be high for smaller teams or startups. It could also benefit from better video call quality as it doesn't always match the reliability of other dedicated platforms.” Read full review
So, if your team relies heavily on chat communication and quick video calls. However, if you need full-featured video conferencing, Slack might not be enough.
Back in the day, “Skyping” wasn’t just a verb—it was the way to stay connected. Whether it was late-night catch-ups with friends across the world or quick business calls that saved me from expensive international charges, Skype was always there.
I still remember the signature ringtone, the little “online” dot that let me know someone was available, and the first time I used video chat and thought, Wow, this feels like the future. It made long-distance feel closer, remote work possible, and casual conversations effortless.
And while my go-to video conferencing tools have changed, I can’t ignore the impact Skype had. It paved the way for everything we rely on today, proving that video calls could be as easy as picking up the phone.
And now, even Microsoft is acknowledging the end of an era. In a recent announcement, they confirmed that Skype’s legacy is officially being folded into Microsoft Teams. While Skype isn’t disappearing overnight, it’s clear that its time as a leading video conferencing tool has come to a close.
It is going away. But that doesn’t erase what Skype did first—and for that, it’ll always have a place in video conferencing history.
So, here’s to Skype, the OG. Thanks for the memories.
Some platforms offer airtight encryption for private conversations, others blend effortlessly into your workflow, and a few just keep it simple and get the job done. How do you find your match? Test a few. See what clicks. Stick with what makes your meetings seamless.
At the end of the day, the right video conferencing tool is the one that fits your needs best—whether that’s stronger security, smoother integrations, or just something that lets you hop on a call without a hitch. Explore, experiment, and find the alternative that keeps you and your team connected without the unnecessary hassle.
Of course, my individual review alone about Video conferencing is not the only one to consider.
Apart from thousands of reviews by verified users on G2 for video conferencing, you can read this test of the best video conferencing software before you make the purchase.
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