The use of video conferencing tools has reached an all time high. According to recent reports, the global video conferencing market was worth 14.6 billion dollars in 2021, and is expected to double to reach USD 27.3 billion in the US alone by 2026.
The continual rise of and dependency on video conferencing has much to do with the changing business environment globally. Hastened by the Covid-19 pandemic but showing no signs of receding in popularity, the remote working model has become the new normal. About 16% of companies globally have adopted a fully remote strategy, and many are contemplating a hybrid or fully remote in the future.
In this digital future, companies must choose a first-rate video conferencing app to take care of their business needs and ensure optimal call and video quality. Video conferencing has become an invaluable tool to keep employees connected and work flows efficient.
Read on for a quick comparison of the best video conferencing solution in 2023.
Table of Contents
What is a Video Conferencing App?
A video conferencing app is a software application that enables two or more people to communicate via a video call using their computers and mobile devices over the internet.
It typically includes features to create video and audio meetings and enable communication using multiple built-in features that allow participants to chat, share screens, upload files, record meetings, and much more.
Learn more about: Video conferencing statistics, usage and trends.
Benefits of Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is a great way to communicate, especially in distributed and global teams. The main benefits of using a video conferencing solution are listed below.
Easy to Use
Video conferencing apps are extremely easy to use. Many even allow you to start meetings in just a few clicks, allowing your guests to join the meeting without requiring login details or downloads.
Affordable
Another benefit of video conferencing is its affordability. Many companies offer free trials of their services, so you can try them out without spending a dime. After you’ve decided what you think would work best for you, you can start looking into the costs associated with the service.
Flexible
If you’re working with a remote team, you’ll want to ensure that you can easily share files and documents with everyone involved using a video conferencing program. It will allow you to upload files and share access, making remote collaboration a breeze!
Secure
You might be worried about sending sensitive information over the internet, but video conferencing apps don’t store anything on your hard drive. All data is sent via the internet and is encrypted, so no one else can access it.
Versatile
One of the biggest benefits of video conferencing apps is that they can be used for anything. Whether you’re meeting with a client or conducting employee training sessions, you can use video conferencing to connect with anyone anywhere.
Learn more about: Why businesses benefit from video conferencing.
Key Features to Look out For in A Video Conferencing App
When considering the best video conferencing solution for your business, you must first look at your needs and understand which app gets it all done. Some standard features to look into include:
- Basic features like screen sharing, real-time chat, shareable blackboard, note-taking features, and others
- Excellent background noise cancellation and audio quality
- Exceptional video quality and ability to replace the background
- Use management and access controls
- Unlimited recording and cloud-storage options
- Support for mobile connection, including dial-in for international audiences
- Secure servers and data encryption
- Live streaming and webinar features ensure that the video conferencing app can also be used for your external conferencing requirements.
- Integrations with third-party apps to ensure that your teams can easily integrate the meetings into their calendars, applications, note-taking apps, and more.
Best Video Conference Apps In 2023
Now that we have looked at the benefits and the key features of video conferencing platforms, here is a list of the best meeting apps in 2023:
Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing app founded by Eric Yuan and Robert Scoble. Zoom is a cloud-based service that offers desktop and mobile applications and is one of the most widely used apps globally.
Performance
Zoom uses its proprietary protocol called H.264. This enables high-quality video and audio quality for all meetings.
Features
- HD Audio and Video Meetings
- Cross-platform messaging API
- Calendar Scheduling and sync with Google Calendar and Outlook
- Waiting Room
- Personal Meeting IDs
- Cloud-based Meeting Recordings
- Extensive User Access Controls
- Mobile Support & International Dial-in Numbers
- File Sharing Features
Security & Regulatory Compliance
Zoom offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE), user authentication, region blocking, and passcode functionality, making it highly secure. The app also includes additional security mechanisms like the ability to lock meetings, screen share watermarks, audio signatures, and joining rooms to give hosts complete control over the meetings.
Pricing
- Free – Individual User, 40-minute meetings, 100 attendee limit
- Pro – Starting $14.99 per month
- Business – Starts $19.99 per month
- Enterprise – Starts $19.99 per month
Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing app founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin. It offers desktop and smartphone apps and is one of the easiest to use as it easily syncs with Gmail and Google Calendar.
Performance
Google Meet is widely used in the industry thanks to its no software in-app experience. It is highly reliable and can also cater to many users simultaneously, with a fast interface and excellent audio and video quality.
Features
- Excellent free version for basic requirements
- Easy to use and start meetings
- Can be clubbed with Google Workspace to get video conferencing features and access to a Business Business Suite.
- Security & Regulatory Compliance
- Google data through Meet is encrypted by default and adheres to Internet Engineering Task Force (EITF) standards and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP).
Pricing
Google Meet for personal use is completely free.
For Google Workplace Suite:
- Business Starter – Starts at $6
- Business Standard pack – Starts at $12
- Business Plus – Starts at $18
- Enterprise – Custom Pricing
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is offered as part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite and can host conferences, 1-1 meetings, and live events that allow up to 10,000 participants. All meetings can be recorded, and the app blends perfectly if you have an Office 365 account, allowing you to share files, links, notes, and more.
Performance
Teams offer excellent high-quality video and audio quality. The app recently improved performance by moving from Angular to React HTML/Javascript frameworks, allowing it to consume less CPU and GPU energy.
Features
- Full Microsoft 365 Integrations
- Host up to 10,000 participants
- Schedule Invites
- Live Captioning
- Background Blur Features
- Security & Regulatory Compliance
- Microsoft Teams is part of the organization-wide two-factor authentication, single sign-on through Active Directory, and offers encryption for all data in transit and storage.
Pricing
- Individual – Free
- Microsoft Teams Essential – Starts from $4
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic – Starts from $6
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard – Starts from $12.50
Skype
Skype is a well-known video conferencing app founded by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis. Skype is free to download and use and is also offered as part of Microsoft’s Office 365 Suite.
Performance
A solid choice for basic conferencing requirements, although the app has been known for lags, poor audio quality, and frequent crashes.
Features
- High-quality Audio and Video Calling
- Call Recording & Live Subtitles
- Smart Messaging Features
- Screen Sharing Options
- Ability to call friends with International calling included
Security & Regulatory Compliance
Industry-standard end-to-end encryption as part of Microsoft’s Enterprise suite.
Pricing
Skype offers a lifetime free app that can be used to meet with up to 50 users, while users can switch to Microsoft Teams for additional features (Skype for Business has been replaced by Teams).
GoTo
GoTo (formerly GoToMeeting) is a video conferencing app founded by Jeffrey Bewkes. It is a software as a service (SaaS) product that offers desktop and phone apps. It does not require any downloads and is compatible with any device.
Performance
GoToMeeting promises 99.999% service uptime and is used for 80+ million online meetings annually, making it highly dependable.
Features
- HD Calling and Video
- Screen sharing
- Drawing tools
- One-click meetings
- Breakout rooms
- Toll-free and Call me in about 50+ countries
- Security & Regulatory Compliance
- Highly secure single sign-on, encrypted sessions, meeting locks, and the ability to dismiss attendees.
Pricing
- Professional Plan: $12 per organizer per month
- Business Plan: $16 per organizer per month
- Enterprise Plan: Customized Pricing
Whereby
Whereby is one of the newest web conferencing apps that allows you to set up and join online meetings easily. It’s USP – no app or software download is required.
Performance
Whereby’s meetings are highly reliable since users can connect directly via a browser or phone.
The app is used by over 30,000 companies, including Ogilvy, Hubspot, Netflix, IKEA, Spotify, and Shopify.
Features
- Joining a meeting requires no login or app download
- Ease to share and access as the room link is all your need to get started
- Locked rooms, allowing hosts to choose who can enter and who can’t
- Smart integrations with Trello, Google Docs, YouTube, Outlook, Slack, Miro, and others
Security & Regulatory Compliance
The app is GDPR-compliant, and all content is encrypted, ensuring high security and privacy for all meetings.
Pricing
- Free for use (1 room, 100 participants, unlimited 1-1 meetings, group meetings for 45 minutes)
- Pro Plan: $69.90/year
- Business Plan: $99.90/year per host
The Final Word
Today, video conferencing platforms are more than just a means for internal or external communication; they are also integral for sharing and storing files, remote collaboration, and hosting webinars/live streaming.
The key parameters mentioned in this blog are a common way to compare and determine the ideal option for your needs and can act as the ideal checklist to make decisions. Consider a free trial to understand the features before you start your subscription.
Alternatively, if you are looking to build your own customized video conferencing solution that can be company branded and built to meet your specific use case, talk to QuickBlox. Our ready-to-integrate video conferencing SDKs offer a time and cost-efficient way to secure the perfect video conferencing platform for your business needs.
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