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Online meetings are no longer a luxury. As the world moved to remote work, virtual meetings became the norm, and every office needs a reliable platform to host them. But with so many online meeting tools out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and end up choosing the wrong one.
Choosing the right online meeting tool is critical for the success of your virtual gatherings. A good tool should be user-friendly, offer a range of features, have excellent video and audio quality, and, most importantly- be reliable.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 online meeting tools for Windows 11/10 and compare them in detail to help you pick the one that best suits your needs.
Video Tutorial:
What is an online meeting tool?
An online meeting tool is a digital platform that lets you host meetings, webinars, or video conferences remotely, using your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. These tools allow you to connect with people from different parts of the world and have face-to-face conversations virtually. They provide features like screen sharing, recording, chat, and audio and video conferencing.
Top 7 Best Online Meeting Tools for Windows 11/10
1. Zoom
Zoom is arguably the most popular online meeting tool on the market, with over 300 million daily participants. It’s known for its ease of use, comprehensive features, and excellent video and audio quality. With Zoom, you can host unlimited meetings, webinars, or video conferences, and get valuable add-ons for a reasonable fee. It’s compatible with all desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
Pros:
- Host up to 1000 participants on a single call
- Screen sharing, whiteboard, and breakout room options available
- Affordable pricing, with a free basic version
Cons:
- Susceptible to security risks like "Zoom-bombing."
- Participants need to have a stable internet connection
- Pricing structures can be confusing
2. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a powerful video conferencing platform that’s integrated with the Microsoft Office 365 suite. It offers outstanding collaboration features and excellent video and audio quality. Microsoft Teams is highly scalable and ideal for large enterprises and businesses of all sizes.
Pros:
- Integration with Office 365
- Collaboration features like project management tools and group chat
- Can host up to 10,000 participants.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Complex setup and management
- Not suitable for small businesses who only need video conferencing tools
3. Google Meet
Google Meet is a powerful video conferencing tool that’s free and easy to use. It offers top-notch features like screen sharing, live captions, and background blur. Google Meet is widely used by individuals and businesses of all sizes.
Pros:
- Excellent video and audio quality
- Integrates with Google Calendar
- Free version available for personal and casual use
Cons:
- Advanced features only available with G-suite subscription
- No breakout rooms available
- Limitation on the total length of the call with the free version
4. Skype
Skype is one of the oldest online meeting tools available, offering video and audio conferencing features, screen share, and chat. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 and has since been integrated into the Office 365 suite. Skype can be used on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Supports up to 50 participants
- Compatible with all devices
Cons:
- Limited features compared to other tools on the list
- Security vulnerabilities in the past
- Difficult to use for meeting large groups of people
5. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a powerful business tool that’s suitable for small to medium enterprises that need video conferencing for up to 250 participants. It offers features like recording, transcription, and screen sharing.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Easily scalable
- Comprehensive features
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some of the other tools on the list
- No free version available
- Limitation on the maximum number of participants
6. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is a secure online meeting platform that offers end-to-end encryption, making it an ideal choice for businesses with strict security concerns. It supports up to 1000 participants and offers a range of features like screen sharing and virtual backgrounds.
Pros:
- End-to-end encryption
- Supports up to 1000 participants
- User-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some of the other tools on the list
- Participants need a good internet connection
- Limited customization options
7. BlueJeans
BlueJeans is a business-level video conferencing platform that offers a range of features like high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds. It’s suitable for both small and large enterprises and can support up to 150 participants.
Pros:
- High-quality video and audio
- Seamless screen sharing and virtual background integration
- Comprehensive feature list
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to some of the other tools on this list
- Difficult to navigate for new users
- No free version available
Comparative Table of the Best Online Meeting Tools
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-use | Value for money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Yes | Varies depending on plan | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Varies depending on plan | No | No |
| Google Meet | Yes | Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Skype | Yes | Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| GoToMeeting | Yes | Varies depending on plan | Yes | No |
| Cisco Webex | Yes | Varies depending on plan | Yes | No |
| BlueJeans | Yes | Varies depending on plan | No | No |
Our Thoughts on the Best Online Meeting Tools
The right online meeting tool varies from business to business, depending on the specific needs and budget. However, out of the seven tools we reviewed, Zoom stands out as the most versatile, affordable, and user-friendly platform. They offer an array of features and flexible pricing options for businesses of all sizes.
Microsoft Teams comes in as a close second, with excellent features that integrate seamlessly with the Office 365 suite. It’s the perfect option for businesses looking for a complete productivity suite that includes video conferencing tools.
Google Meet is the best choice for businesses that only need basic video conferencing features and an affordable, easy-to-use platform.
FAQs for the Best Online Meeting Tools
Q1: Can I record the meetings with Zoom?
A: Yes, Zoom offers a built-in recording feature that you can use to capture sessions and store them for future reference.
Q2: Is it necessary to download the software to use all the online meeting tools?
A: Yes, most online meeting tools require you to download the software to use them fully.
Q3: How do I share my screen using online meeting tools?
A: Screen sharing is a prominent feature of all online meeting tools. The exact process varies depending on the specific platform you choose. Most online meeting tools offer a "share screen" option that you can select with a single click.
Q4: Can I use any online meeting tool without an internet connection?
A: No, you must have a stable internet connection to use online meeting tools as they are hosted on cloud-based servers.
Q5: Which online meeting tool is the most secure?
A: Security is essential when it comes to online meeting tools. In our opinion, Cisco Webex stands out as the most secure video conferencing tool as it uses end-to-end encryption and other security measures to ensure safe and secure meetings.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right online meeting tool for your business is critical. It can mean the success or failure of your virtual meetings. However, with hundreds of available options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We hope that our comprehensive guide to the 7 best online meeting tools for Windows 11/10 helps you make an informed decision.