Video conferencing software has become a cornerstone of modern collaboration, enabling remote teams to connect and communicate seamlessly across distances. The global video conferencing market was valued at over $33 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach more than $60 billion by 2032fortune. For perspective, one 2022 report estimated Zoom at ~55.4% of the market and Microsoft Teams at ~20.9%scoop.market.us. This explosive growth reflects the widespread adoption of cloud video conference solutions that let businesses of all sizes hold meetings from anywhere.
Today’s top tools integrate features like high-definition video, screen sharing, and strong security (encryption) to support hybrid work. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best video conferencing platforms for team collaboration. Each offers a mix of functionality – from free video meeting tools with basic features, to enterprise video conference software with advanced admin controls.
We’ll cover popular options like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, and more, highlighting strengths like security, mobile apps, AI-powered collaboration, and cross-platform support. Whether you need a lightweight, cross-platform video conferencing tool or a full-featured enterprise solution, read on to find the best fit for your team’s needs video conferencing software
Key benefits of using video conferencing software for teams:
- Enables remote collaboration and reduces travel costs.
- Supports high-quality audio/video and screen sharing for effective meetings.
- Offers free video meeting tools (basic plans) and paid plans with advanced features.
- Ensures secure conferencing with encryption, access controls, and compliance features.
- Integrates with calendars, messaging, and project tools for seamless workflow.
- Provides mobile meeting apps (iOS/Android) for on-the-go team communication.
- Leverages AI (transcription, noise cancellation, meeting summaries) to boost productivity.
By combining these features, teams can maintain connectivity across different locations and time zones. Let’s dive into our top picks, comparing features like ease of use, security, integrations, and pricing.
1. Zoom – Best Overall Cloud Video Conference Solution
Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing platforms, widely known for its free video meeting tools and ease of use. It boasts over 300 million daily active users and held about 55.9% of the videoconferencing market as of 2023 This massive user base reflects Zoom’s intuitive interface and rich feature set. In its free tier, Zoom allows meetings up to 100 participants (with a 40-minute cap) and offers HD video/audio and screen sharing. Paid plans remove time limits, increase capacity (up to 1,000 attendees with add-ons), and enable administrative features like role-based permissions and transcription.
Zoom’s collaboration features are impressive: it supports breakout rooms for small-group discussions, virtual backgrounds, and in-meeting chat. For cross-platform use, Zoom works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android – fulfilling the need for cross-platform video conferencing tools. It also provides optional end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for meetings to enhance privacy. The company has invested heavily in AI: Zoom AI Companion can transcribe meetings with high accuracy and generate summaries.
For example, a recent Zoom report found Zoom’s automated transcription had only a 7.4% word error rate, outperforming competitors. This demonstrates how AI-powered conferencing software can improve meeting productivity by providing clear transcripts and action items video conferencing software
Key features: Free plan (up to 100 participants), HD video, virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, screen sharing, meeting recording, optional encryption, mobile apps.
Pros: Very easy to start/join meetings; rich feature set; widely adopted. Cons: Free version has time limits; advanced features require paid plans.
Visit Zoom to learn more or start a free meeting.
2. Microsoft Teams – Best Enterprise Video Conference Software
Microsoft Teams has become the go-to video conferencing and collaboration app for organizations that use Office 365. It fully integrates with Microsoft 365 (Office) apps like Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive, making it ideal for enterprise teams. In 2022, Teams held about 20.9% market share (behind Zoom)scoop.market.us. Teams can support extremely large meetings – up to 10,000 participants in view-only broadcasts and 300 active video participants in a call. It includes many advanced features such as live captions, meeting recording, and the ability to schedule webinars video conferencing software
Security and management are a strong point for Teams. It uses Azure Active Directory for SSO, enforces multi-factor authentication, and adheres to enterprise compliance standards (AES-256/TLS encryption, data loss prevention, conditional access, etc.). Teams also offers an enterprise-only “Teams Premium” tier with enhanced security controls and AI features like meeting link protection. As part of Microsoft’s ecosystem, Teams fits well for companies already using Windows and Office tools video conferencing software
A standout advantage is Microsoft’s AI integration. Teams now includes Intelligent Recap (in Teams Premium), which uses AI to generate full transcripts and summaries of meetings. For example, Intelligent Recap can highlight key discussion points and action items automatically. Teams also offers features like language translation in calls, and its recent updates include meeting co-organizers and analytics. The UI supports persistent chat channels alongside video calls, making ongoing collaboration smooth.
Key features: Deep Office 365 integration, unlimited chat, cloud storage, breakout rooms, webinar hosting, advanced admin controls, AI-driven meeting recaps and analytics. Microsoft offers a free tier (limited features) and paid plans through Microsoft 365 subscriptions video conferencing software
Pros: Seamless integration with Microsoft Office; extensive enterprise video conferencing software management; supports very large meetings. Cons: Can be complex for new users; full features require paid subscription.
Explore Microsoft Teams for business communication and conferencing.
3. Google Meet – Best Free Video Meeting Tool
Google Meet (formerly Hangouts Meet) is a simple yet powerful online meeting software tool from Google. It’s included free with all Google accounts (Consumer Gmail or Google Workspace). In its free mode, Google Meet supports up to 100 participants and meetings up to 60 minutes long. Paid Google Workspace subscriptions (starting at $6/user/month) raise these limits (up to 150 or 250 participants depending on plan) and remove meeting duration limits. All plans include live captions, polling, and screen sharing with integration into Google’s suite of apps.
Google Meet’s appeal is in its accessibility. It runs directly in web browsers (no download needed), and also has free mobile meeting apps on Android and iOS. Anyone with the meeting link can join with a Google account, even from Gmail or Google Calendar. Basic meeting features include adjustable layouts, real-time noise cancellation, and up to 1080p HD video. Meetings are encrypted in transit and at rest, and Google offers optional end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for additional privacy.
As a collaboration tool, Google Meet integrates tightly with Google Calendar and Gmail. You can schedule meetings in Google Calendar with a click, invite participants via email, video conferencing software and add Meets to events. This tight integration makes Meet ideal as a free video meeting tool for teams already in the Google ecosystem. Its interface is minimalistic, which many find easier than more complex software.
Key features: Up to 100 participants (free), HD video/audio, screen sharing, live captions, no-download browser access, calendar integration, optional encryption.
Pros: Very user-friendly; works well on any platform; video conferencing software no cost for basic use. Cons: Lacks some advanced enterprise features; higher limits require Google Workspace subscription.
Learn more or start a call on Google Meet.
4. Cisco Webex – Most Secure Conferencing Software App
Cisco Webex is a long-standing enterprise video conference solution known for its robust security and feature set. It’s often favored by large companies and regulated industries (healthcare, government) due to compliance features. Webex Meetings supports hundreds of participants (depending on plan) and integrates with Cisco’s hardware devices (conference room cameras and phones) for professional meeting rooms.
Webex emphasizes security: it offers end-to-end encryption, FIPS 140-2 certified cryptography, and FedRAMP certification for government usegem.team. Features like locked meetings, attendee authentication, and AI-based threat detection further protect sessions. For companies with high security needs, Cisco Webex is considered one of the most secure video conferencing platforms availablegem.team.
On the collaboration side, Webex has embraced AI. The Webex Assistant can live-transcribe meetings, generate summaries, and even translate speech in real time video conferencing software. For example, Webex’s AI Assistant provides real-time summaries, highlights action items, and can translate conversations into different languages on the flywebex.ai. Teams using Webex benefit from integrated polling, Q&A, and digital whiteboards for brainstorming. The interface supports full HD video and advanced audio (Webex uses AI noise removal by default).
Key integration is another strength: Webex works with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and even Slack or Teams via plugins. It offers both cloud and on-premise deployment, giving enterprises flexibility between cloud video conference solutions and managed hardware. As an AI-powered conferencing software, Webex continues to lead with features like real-time language translation and meeting highlightswebex.ai.
Key features: End-to-end encrypted meetings, lobby/security controls, AI Meeting Assistant, HD video, virtual backgrounds, support for large webinars (1000+ users), mobile apps, calendar integrations.
Pros: Industry-leading security and compliance; advanced AI features for meetings; reliable video quality. Cons: Higher cost for full feature set; steeper learning curve than simpler tools video conferencing software
Check out Cisco Webex for enterprise conferencing.
5. GoToMeeting – Reliable Online Meeting Software
GoToMeeting (by GoTo, formerly LogMeIn) is a veteran online meeting tool focused on simplicity and reliability. It’s designed for SMBs and enterprises alike, offering clear audio and video conferencing for teams. GoToMeeting lets hosts schedule meetings easily, and attendees join with a browser or the GoToMeeting app (no hassle of downloads). It provides features like HD voice, screen sharing, drawing tools, and virtual whiteboards to collaborate in real time.
GoToMeeting supports up to 250 participants (depending on plan) and includes collaboration features like meeting transcriptions and recordings. Security is solid: meetings are encrypted with AES-128 and can be locked with passwords. It integrates with calendars, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and more, streamlining scheduling and reminders. The GoTo ecosystem also includes GoToWebinar and GoToTraining for large virtual events and training sessions.
One highlight is its stability: users often praise GoToMeeting for consistently reliable connections and clear audio. Mobile apps allow joining on the go, with screen-sharing support. The interface is straightforward for beginners, though less flashy than some competitors video conferencing software
Key features: High-definition video, unlimited meeting durations, one-click screensharing, meeting recording/transcription, cloud dial-in numbers, integrations with Outlook and Slack, mobile apps video conferencing software
Pros: Stable and reliable connections; easy scheduling; dedicated webinar/training modules. Cons: Interface is more utilitarian; fewer “modern” features; can get costly for large teams.
Find more at GoToMeeting.
6. BlueJeans – Collaboration-Focused Video Conference Software
BlueJeans (now part of Verizon) targets enterprise users who need high-quality video and voice. It stands out with Dolby Voice audio for crystal-clear sound, and its Command Center provides real-time analytics on meeting performance. BlueJeans Meetings supports up to 150 participants (depending on plan) and offers features like breakout rooms, smart meeting recaps, and whiteboarding.
BlueJeans provides a consistent experience across devices, including desktop and mobile apps (iOS/Android). It also has modes for large events and town halls through BlueJeans Events and Primetime (supporting thousands of viewers). Security is enterprise-grade with AES-256 encryption and compliance controls. Additionally, BlueJeans integrates with Outlook and Slack for easy scheduling, and offers interoperability with Microsoft Teams calls.
For team collaboration, BlueJeans includes agenda creation and polling/Q&A tools. Its interface is clean and modern, focusing on ease of joining (no downloads needed for attendees). The recent BlueJeans Smart Meetings add AI-powered transcription and highlights to improve productivity after meetings video conferencing software
Key features: Dolby Voice audio, meeting recording/transcription, AI-powered highlights, large meeting support (webinars/town halls), analytics dashboard, integrations (Office 365, Google Calendar, Slack).
Pros: Excellent audio/video quality; intuitive UI; useful analytics. Cons: Smaller market share; plans can be pricey for large user bases.
Explore BlueJeans for business video calls.
7. Slack Huddles – Integrated Team Communication Video App
Slack is best known as a team messaging platform, but it also includes built-in voice and video calling. Slack’s Huddles feature allows small groups to start an instant, informal video chat right within a channel or DM. This makes Slack a contender for organizations that want lightweight video without leaving their chat environment. Slack supports up to 15 participants in a huddle (with screen sharing and emoji reactions).
As a team communication video app, Slack excels at integrating messaging, files, and quick calls. If your team already uses Slack for chat, using Huddles can streamline collaboration. The free version of Slack includes Huddles, but recording or large meeting features require a paid plan. Security-wise, Slack uses industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest, and offers advanced controls on enterprise tiers video conferencing software
For broader conferencing needs, Slack also offers integrations with Zoom and Webex (you can launch Zoom calls from within Slack, for example). However, Slack’s native video is more suited to quick catch-ups than formal meetings. Its mobile apps allow joining calls on phones, making it a handy cross-platform solution.
Key features: Instant voice/video huddles within channels, screen sharing, live captions, integrated with Slack channels/chat, simple UI.
Pros: Seamless within Slack; great for ad-hoc discussions; free tier available. Cons: Not designed for large webinars; fewer standalone conferencing features.
Learn more at Slack. (Slack Huddles video calls are included in Slack’s platform.)
8. Zoho Meeting – Budget-Friendly Secure Conferencing Tool
Zoho Meeting is part of Zoho’s suite of business apps and offers affordable online meeting and webinar capabilities. It’s a free video meeting tool for small teams – the free tier includes up to 3 participants for unlimited meetings, with screen sharing and in-meeting chat. Paid plans are very cost-effective, supporting more attendees and local dial-in numbers.
A standout aspect of Zoho Meeting is security. All audio and video transmissions use SSL (TLS 1.2) and 128-bit AES encryption – an industry-standard practice. Meetings can be secured with waiting rooms or passwords, and hosts have controls to mute or remove participants. Zoho also offers HIPAA compliance for healthcare and FedRAMP compliance for government use on certain plans.
In terms of features, Zoho Meeting includes screen annotation, polls, Q&A, and automated meeting minutes. It has mobile apps for both Android and iOS, so teams can join via smartphone or tablet. Integration is available with Zoho Calendar, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Outlook. Zoho’s interface is straightforward and browser-based (no download needed), making it easy to adopt on a budget video conferencing software
Key features: Free plan (3 users), HD video, screen sharing/annotation, meeting recording, secure meeting locks, mobile apps, browser-based access, calendar integrations.
Pros: Very affordable; strong security (encryption and SSL/TLS); easy scheduling. Cons: Smaller user base; fewer advanced features compared to big players.
Check out Zoho Meeting for budget-friendly video conferencing.
9. Jitsi Meet – Best Open-Source Video Conferencing Software
Jitsi Meet is a free, open-source platform that anyone can use without an account. It’s a cross-platform video conferencing tool that runs in a web browser and also has mobile apps. Teams can create a meeting room on-the-fly by visiting the site (no signup required) or by setting up their own Jitsi server video conferencing software
In Jitsi Meet, users get many core features at no cost: HD video, audio, chat, screen sharing, and even basic recording (to Dropbox or local disk). By default, Jitsi uses WebRTC with encryption during transmission. End-to-end encryption is available with certain configurations (self-hosted).
Jitsi is favored by privacy enthusiasts and developers, since you can self-host it for full control over data. Its interface is simple and supports dozens of participants (the limit depends on your server’s power). There are also integrations available, such as embedding a Jitsi meeting on a website or using it inside Slack.
As it’s entirely free and open-source, Jitsi Meet is a great option for teams that don’t want to invest in a proprietary tool. It covers basic collaboration needs like chat and raising hands, but lacks some advanced business features like attendance tracking or large webinar modes video conferencing software
Key features: 100% free, unlimited users (subject to server limits), in-browser and mobile apps, screen sharing, chat, optional end-to-end encryption (in custom deployments).
Pros: No cost; open-source and self-hosted option; simple to use. Cons: Lacks dedicated support; feature set is basic; performance depends on hosting.
Learn more on Jitsi’s site or try Jitsi Meet instantly.
10. Discord – Free Cross-Platform Voice/Video Chat App
Originally built for gamers, Discord is increasingly used by teams for its robust voice, video, and screen-share features. It’s a free video meeting tool that emphasizes community and simplicity. Discord servers can support hundreds of members, with voice channels that allow up to 25 people to video chat simultaneously (even more with a Nitro subscription). Basic Discord usage (chat, voice/video) is totally free, and servers can remain active with features like threads, custom emojis, and bots.
Discord offers crisp voice quality and group video calling (including screen sharing in 720p or higher). It’s cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and web) so anyone can join. Security on Discord includes SSL/TLS encryption, though it’s not typically used for highly sensitive corporate meetings. That said, for informal team catch-ups, brainstorming, or social hangouts, Discord is a great team communication video app with minimal friction.
Some teams use Discord alongside other tools: for example, running a Zoom call while having team chat on Discord. Discord’s Nitro subscription adds perks like higher video resolution and larger file uploads, but the free plan is generous for most uses.
Key features: Unlimited free voice/video channels, screen sharing (up to 1080p), persistent text chat with file sharing, custom server roles and permissions, integrations (YouTube, Twitch, etc.).
Pros: Completely free; easy to use for groups; excellent voice stability. Cons: Not designed for formal meetings; lacks scheduling and transcription features.
Find Discord and create a server for your team.
Conclusion
Choosing the right video conferencing software for your team involves balancing features, cost, and ease of use. Each of these 10 platforms from Zoom’s all-around usability to Microsoft Teams’ enterprise integration, Google Meet’s free accessibility, and Slack’s chat-focused convenience – offers a unique mix of collaboration tools. When making your choice, consider factors such as expected meeting size, security requirements, and whether you need advanced functions like AI-generated summaries or webinar hosting.
As remote work and hybrid teams remain the norm, investing in video conferencing software that fits your workflow is more important than ever. If security is paramount, platforms like Cisco Webex or Zoho Meeting provide encrypted, compliant environmentsgem.team. If you need completely free, accessible tools, Google Meet, Jitsi, or Discord can get your team started quickly. For large enterprises, Microsoft Teams or Zoom (with enterprise plans) deliver scalability and professional features. No matter which you pick, modern video conferencing can keep teams connected and projects moving forward.
We hope this guide helps you find the ideal video conferencing solution for your team. Give one of these tools a try – many offer free versions or trials. And if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with colleagues on social media. Feel free to leave a comment below and tell us: which is your favorite video conferencing software, and why?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is video conferencing software? Video conferencing software enables real-time, face-to-face meetings over the Internet. It typically includes video and audio transmission, instant messaging, screen sharing, and collaboration tools like virtual whiteboards. This technology helps teams connect from different locations, making communication more interactive and saving time and travel costs.
Which video conferencing tools are free for teams? Many popular platforms offer free plans. For example, Zoom allows meetings up to 40 minutes with 100 participants, Google Meet is free with a Google account (up to 100 people), and Microsoft Teams has a limited free tier. Open-source Jitsi Meet and community apps like Discord also provide completely free video chat. These free video meeting tools usually have some restrictions (meeting length, participants) but are great for small teams or casual use.
How do I choose a secure video conferencing software? Look for tools that use strong encryption and authentication. Platforms like Cisco Webex and Zoho Meeting emphasize security (end-to-end encryption, TLS/AES protocols)gem.team. Use features like waiting rooms, meeting passwords, and multi-factor authentication to protect your calls. Always ensure your software is up to date and educate your team on security best practices.
Can I use video conferencing software on mobile devices? Yes. All major providers offer mobile meeting apps. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and others have free mobile apps for iOS and Android that include video, audio, and chat. These mobile meeting apps (free) versions typically include the core features needed to join and participate in meetings. This cross-platform support ensures team members can connect from phones or tablets when away from their desks.
What features should I look for in team collaboration video conference software? Key features include high-quality audio/video, screen sharing, chat, and meeting recording. Look for support for breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and real-time captions. If your team uses specific software (like Google Calendar or Slack), check for integrations. Advanced tools might offer AI meeting recaps or live polls. Finally, ensure it works on all platforms your team uses (Windows, Mac, mobile) and fits your budget (free vs enterprise plans).
