We have gathered six fanstastic alternatives to web conferencing for those looking to move away from Zoom or are looking to consider a wider range of options.
Zoom is experiencing a security scandal, their plummeting stock and hackers showing pornography to children in schools have not helped them. It is the unfortunate price paid for lack of security. We do not hold Zoom accountable for it; the real criminals are the ones who penetrate these vulnerabilities for their illegal means. Schools and other government institutions find themselves between a rock and a hard place. We want to help, and preparing this list, we hope does just that. Have a look at highly secure and free Zoom alternatives that you can use today for video conferencing online.
1. blizz by Team Viewer
6 alternatives to Zoom for web conferencing in 2020
highly secure and robust Zoom alternative
TeamViewer has the highest security standards in the business, and technically the standard free TeamViewer software does come with some meeting features with options of presentation, video or call. But that has a limit of 1 person for the free-tier. Blizz by TeamViewer, on the other hand, was explicitly designed for presentation and conferences in mind. Tight end to end encryption and up to five participants, not including the organizer, for the free tier. That is very generous. You have three other paid-tiers to choose from; core, crew and company with the largest paid-tier allowing up to three hundred participants watching your presentation. Participants are allowed to connect in via a wide array of mediums, like mobile, tablet and desktop of all operating systems. Truly a versatile alternative to Zoom.
2. Cisco WebEx
6 alternatives to Zoom for web conferencing in 2020
The perfect Zoom alternative for teachers
Another company that has as high a standard in security, maybe even more, is CIsco. Their flagship online video conferencing solution is one of the most versatile tools we have seen on the market today. You can share not only your screen, but you can also share your files and application view. You also have a whiteboard to show all of your participants, making this solution a perfect Zoom alternative for schools especially. The best part is Cisco Webex's free tier --- Up to hundred participants can join your organized meeting/video conference and for an unlimited period. Cisco Webex has lifted their fifty participants and forty-minute limitation on their free-tier in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect this promotion is not indefinite, best take advantage of it while you still can!
3. Google Hangout
6 alternatives to Zoom for web conferencing in 2020
For the Google Fans
Google has an extensive list of applications that is not only powerful but free to use. We do sometimes wonder if they are spreading themselves a little too thin managing these solutions. Which could be the reason they gave up on Google+.
Google Hangouts and Google Voice may seem similar and have a few functional overlaps, like voice calls and messaging. Google Hangout differentiates itself with its screen-sharing functionalities which offer a group chat of up to ten people for free! And with Google's vast infrastructure, we don't expect you to experience much lag when using this product at all. Google Hangouts is not to be confused with Google Hangout Meets; the latter is a professional version packaged with G Suite subscribers. For Google Hangouts, the current limit is twenty-five people on a video call at once. But for Google Hangouts Meet, now renamed Google Meets to avoid confusion, allows up to two hundred and fifty participants on one call. So if you want to host a two hundred fifty person video call, you need a G Suite account to do so. Participants require a standard free google account at least to participate.
4. Skype for Business
6 alternatives to Zoom for web conferencing in 2020
Tested, reliable and proven
Skype has packaged itself in a very similar manner as Google Meet has. Minus the name confusion. The free Skype tier allows up to twenty-five participants in its video call. However, the subscribers of Office 365 Business plan get to enjoy the full two hundred and fifty person conferences, as long as you use Skype for Business. So if you are a small business already running on office business plan, this is the obvious choice to make. Quality and reliability are strengths they have in their arsenal from years of experience in the field for sure.
5. Facebook Live
6 alternatives to Zoom for web conferencing in 2020
Great for broadcasting a live conference
Imagine a solution that can broadcast to a limitless number of people, for free. Facebook live is used all over the world for influencers to broadcast what they are doing, live sports matches, online auctions and retail shops showcasing their products live. What we don't see it often used for is live conferences. With the option to broadcast for four continuous hours per session, scheduling and a custom audience; this makes a perfect recipe for business conferences or online classes. Imagine a school that had students without a computer at home could quickly gain access to classes streamed on Facebook live via a cheap smartphone or tablet.
6. Youtube Live
6 alternatives to Zoom for web conferencing in 2020
Powerful video servers at your service
Our final alternative to Zoom is quite similar to our earlier example, Facebook Live. Youtube has one of the most robust content delivery networks for videos on the planet. So Youtube live would be an excellent choice for live conferences and classes to stream in mass. Videos can be streamed as scheduled without waiting for all the participants to join in. Audiences can be controlled by sharing a private link. You can post questions live while classes are occurring. All of these various options does make you think, what is the fascination with Zoom? Hopefully, this helpful guide has opened your mind to a few more options you can take into consideration before your next video conferencing, meeting or class needs. Have a great day.
Thank you for reading '6 alternatives to Zoom for web conferencing in 2020' and have a beautiful day from IT Block. IT Block is a local IT support services company based in SIngapore and we are happy to share our knowledge with the world.
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