10 Best Zoom Alternatives for 2025
Zoom really became a lifeline for many of us during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether working from home, attending virtual classes, or just catching up with family and friends, Zoom quickly became the tool we relied on to stay connected. The easy setup, reliable performance, and ability to handle everything from small meetings to big webinars made it a top choice for millions across the globe.
But as we move into 2025, leaving traces of the pandemic life behind, more people are looking for the best Zoom alternative. Whether it’s concerns about security, the search for new features, or just wanting something different, there are plenty of reasons why Zoom is no longer the only option on the table. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best Zoom alternatives offering better features.
Why do you need a Zoom alternative?
Although it may be the most well-known brand in the video conferencing industry, Zoom is not a panacea. It has limited capabilities on the free plan, isn't very flexible, and can be unstable during peak hours, according to many customers. Consider looking into alternatives to Zoom if you need more customisation options, better workflow integration, or more robust security for important meetings.
Whether you're managing hybrid teams, conducting webinars, or teaching online, there's a platform that will meet your demands. With the correct Zoom alternative, meetings may be more of a win, less of a chore, and save time. Collaboration can also increase.
What to consider when choosing a video conferencing solution
Choosing the best video conferencing app goes beyond simply going with the most popular or affordable one. Finding a technology that works well with your team's workflow, communication, and collaboration is key. The following are the primary considerations:
Ease of Use: No matter your team's level of technical expertise, a top Zoom alternative should be intuitive and easy to use. Less time spent onboarding and fewer disturbances during calls are results of an intuitive UI. Try to find platforms that don't force you to download anything, have simple interfaces, and make it easy to do things like mute, share your screen, and talk.
Collaboration Features: Beyond simple video conversations, the top video conferencing software provides a lot more. Check for tools that let you share your screen, create virtual whiteboards, create breakout rooms, share files, and communicate while you're in a meeting. Teams can use these collaboration capabilities to work together in real time, share ideas, and brainstorm. Sharing notes, conducting polls in real-time, and integrating with project management software are all features that some platforms provide.
Integrations: Your team probably already makes use of a set of collaboration platforms such as Trello, Slack, Asana, Google Workspace, or Microsoft 365. These should work without a hitch with your Zoom alternative. That way, you won't have to switch between apps only to organise meetings, get chat notifications, or access shared files.
Security: At this time of increasing cyber dangers, security is essential. Ensure that the video conferencing app you choose has robust authentication options, end-to-end encryption, and transparent privacy policies. Verify that the platform satisfies all applicable regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, if your business is subject to such oversight.
Scalability: It is important that your Zoom alternative can accommodate your current team size as well as future expansion. While some platforms are more suited to smaller groups or one-on-one conversations, others can handle hundreds of people at a webinar or conference. Keep an eye on the platform's load performance, particularly the audio and video quality.
Pricing: There is a set amount of money that every company must stay inside. Look at the different price points and see what's offered on the free and paid plans. While some services provide extensive free tiers, others charge for features like recording, breakout rooms, and longer call durations. Seek out value, not merely cost.
Support: In the event that an issue arises prior to or during a major meeting, you will require prompt assistance. Investigate the available customer service channels, such as live chat, phone, email, and dedicated account representatives. In times of technical difficulty, a helpful support staff can be a lifesaver.
Video Quality: An important meeting can be ruined by a hazy image or distorted sound. Even on slower connections, the top platforms prioritise HD video and audio stability. Noise cancellation and adjustable bandwidth are additional features that some systems provide.
Customization: Companies should take branding into consideration when holding client meetings, webinars, or courses. You may personalise meeting rooms with your logo, corporate colours, or vanity URLs on several video conferencing platforms. Further customisation and integration can be achieved with the use of other companies' APIs.
A good Zoom alternative should simplify your life, in a nutshell. All while ensuring the security of your data, it should streamline communication, enhance collaboration, and adapt to the specific dynamics of your company.
Microsoft Teams
With its strong integration with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams is a robust collaboration package that integrates video conferencing, chat, file sharing, and project management. If your company uses Outlook or another Office program, this is a great choice for hybrid teams that want a centralised hub for secure communication, dependable video conferencing, and effortless productivity.
Key Features
Get real-time transcription, live captions, and AI-driven insights during meetings.
Automatic breakout room assignments and easy movement between rooms.
Automatic integration with Office apps like Word, Excel, and OneNote for easier collaboration.
Provides detailed reports on team collaboration features and meeting engagement.
Allows businesses to add their logos and personalize meeting settings.
Cons
The interface can feel overwhelming for new users, especially for smaller teams or casual users.
While the free version is decent, some features like meeting recordings and more advanced admin controls are only available in paid versions.
Pricing Structure
Free plan with limited features.
Paid plans start at $4/user/month if billed annually; otherwise, $4.80 for the Microsoft Teams Essentials plan, with higher pricing for the Business Standard and Business Premium tiers.
Google Meet
With Google Meet, you can have basic web-based video chats integrated with Google products like Gmail and Calendar. Users within the Google ecosystem seeking a dependable solution with fast setup and no downloads will find it suitable. It may have simple features, but it's great for regular team meetings and check-ins because it's quick, secure, and easy to use.
Key Features
Includes automatic transcription, background noise reduction, and live captioning.
A Zoom alternative for Google Workspace users to collaborate on Docs, Sheets, and more.
Strong encryption and enhanced security features.
Seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar, Gmail, and other Google tools.
Cons
The free version lacks some advanced features like breakout rooms and webinar hosting.
While effective for meetings, it needs more depth of collaboration tools (e.g., whiteboarding) found in some alternatives.
Pricing Structure
Free plan available with basic features.
Paid plans start at $6 per user/month for Google Workspace Essentials, and higher plans include more features like recording and admin controls.
Gem Space
Gem Space is an innovative, all-in-one Zoom alternative for communication that combines voice chat, video conferencing, and messaging. A single workplace with branding, integrations, and flexibility is what hybrid and remote teams are looking for. A promising alternative for teams that prioritise efficient communication and new ideas, it is currently in its early stages of development.
Key Features
Custom AI bots can provide virtual assistance.
Allows unregistered users to join meetings as a guest.
AI-powered translations and transcribed events, messages, and more.
Smart search and recommendation systems make UI very simple and intuitive.
Create personal spaces like a social media platform for a more well-rounded experience.
Cons
Breakrooms are less advanced as the other alternatives to Zoom.
The overlap of social circle and work may not be the best for some users.
Pricing Structure
Free for users of all capacities.
Airmeet
Zoom alternative for webinars, summits, and online conferences are just a few examples of the exciting virtual events that Airmeet can offer. Strong analytics, networking lounges, and booths for attendees are all part of it. Because of its emphasis on events, it isn't the best choice for regular meetings but is great for holding interactive, big-scale digital events for professionals.
Key Features
Provides interactive booths, virtual lounges, and networking options tailored for large events.
Users can brand their event spaces with logos, themes, and custom event URLs.
Participants can join smaller discussions during events, with the ability to “move” between rooms.
Includes interactive features like polls, Q&A, and live reactions.
Cons
The free version is limited in terms of features and event capacity.
It is best suited for large events not ideal for smaller, informal meetings.
It is the most expensive of the Zoom alternatives available so far.
Pricing Structure
Free plan available for small events.
Paid plans start at $199 per month for the Pro plan, with custom pricing for enterprise solutions.
Whereby
Zoom alternative for video conferences, Whereby allows you to hold meetings right in your web browser. The app isn't required, and the interface is simple and uncluttered. Thanks to its reliable security features and permanent meeting links, it is ideal for small teams, freelancers, and consultants. Easy, discrete, and perfect for short, business-related calls devoid of technical jargon and interruptions.
Key Features
No downloads or complicated setups—just a link to join the meeting.
Users can customize their meeting room with their logo and colors.
Provides customizable breakout rooms that can be set up before or during meetings.
Offers password protection, meeting lock, and encrypted calls.
Integrates with Google Calendar and Slack for easy scheduling.
Cons
The free plan is restricted to a single room and doesn’t support features like recording or unlimited meeting duration.
It is not ideal for large-scale conferences or events.
Pricing Structure
Free plan available with limited features.
Paid plans start at $8.99 per month for the Pro plan, with higher pricing for Business and Enterprise options.
Webex by Cisco
Zoom alternative for excellent video quality, Webex, developed and maintained by Cisco, is a secure online meeting tool ideal for large organisations. It has features including real-time collaboration, CRM connectors, layout customisation, and high-definition video. A top-tier solution for enterprises requiring high performance and secure communications, while its user interface can be complicated for small teams.
Key Features
Real-time transcription, meeting insights, and automatic action item generation.
Webex allows for personalized breakout rooms and offers whiteboarding and screen sharing for collaborative work.
Perfect for hosting large webinars and virtual events, with detailed analytics for tracking participant engagement.
Webex provides top-notch security features, including end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication.
Cons
The platform can be overwhelming, especially for casual users or smaller teams.
The additional features may not justify higher pricing tiers for smaller organizations.
Pricing Structure
Free plan available with limited features (up to 100 participants).
Paid plans start at $12 per month for the Starter plan, with higher pricing for Business and Enterprise plans.
Zoho Meetings
As part of the Zoho Office Suite, Zoho Meetings allows users to host webinars and conduct video conferences at a reasonable price. It enables branding, analytics, browser-based meetings, and screen sharing. Because of the intuitive design and tight integration with other Zoho products, it is ideal for small enterprises that are already using Zoho tools.
Key Features
Zoom alternative for secure video calls with strong encryption
Screen sharing and recording
Broader custom branding options than most Zoom alternatives.
Webinar hosting features with built-in audience tools
Real-time chat integration
Cons
Limited AI features
Fewer integrations than larger platforms
It can only accommodate up to 250 members
Pricing Structure
Free (with optional premium features)
Subscriptions start at $1/month for added tools
BigBlueButton
When it comes to online education, BigBlueButton is your best Zoom alternative for a free and open-source video conferencing solution. It has tools for polls and quizzes as well as breakout rooms and shared whiteboards. Despite the technological setup required, it is perfect for educational institutions, training providers, and schools that desire a personalised, interactive learning experience with complete customisation.
Key Features
Offers a powerful whiteboard feature, real-time collaboration on documents, and chat integrations.
Customizable breakout room features for group work.
Provides closed captioning, real-time translation, and other accessibility features.
A great option for organizations that want more control over customization and deployment.
Cons
May need some of the more polished user interfaces of paid platforms.
Fewer integrations than larger platforms like Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.
Pricing Structure
Free (open-source) option available.
Paid plans are available through third-party hosting providers, and prices vary based on the number of users and features. Starts from $65 for 50 users.
Jitsi Meet
The open-source video conferencing software Jitsi Meet prioritises user privacy and is available at no cost. For full command, you have the option to host your own server. Users and developers who are concerned about privacy and looking for a Zoom alternative with a stripped-down option, free from tracking and vendor lock-in, will love it.
Key Features
Jitsi allows full customization of the platform, from UI to integrations.
Includes real-time transcription, noise cancellation, and background blur effects.
Features end-to-end encryption and self-hosting options for added control over data security.
Provides flexible breakout room options for more interactive meetings.
Cons
While highly customizable, it might feel a bit raw compared to other, more polished platforms.
Hosting your own Jitsi server requires some technical expertise.
Pricing Structure
Free (open-source) for self-hosting.
Paid hosting plans are available through third-party providers, with costs depending on the number of users and features.
Discord
Discord is a platform that prioritises community and combines audio, video, and chat. It’s the perfect Zoom alternative for hosting less formal but more sociable virtual spaces, it has features like bots for automation, permanent chat channels, and screen sharing that make it perfect for informal collaboration and community participation.
Key Features
A simple, intuitive interface with the ability to create customizable servers and channels for text, voice, and video communication.
It offers voice and video calls, screen sharing, text chat, and file sharing across different channels.
Allows the creation of different voice/video channels for smaller group discussions, similar to the other Zoom alternatives’ breakout rooms.
Includes interactive features like live reactions, polls, and bots for automation.
Offers two-factor authentication (2FA), server-level permissions, and robust user management.
Completely free, with an optional Discord Nitro subscription for premium features like better video quality and additional customization options.
Cons
Better suited for casual meetings, gaming communities, and team collaboration rather than formal business settings.
Lacks some of the advanced features that larger enterprises may need (like advanced reporting or webinar hosting).
Pricing Structure
Free with robust features.
Discord Nitro subscription costs $9.99 per month, offering additional perks like improved video quality and custom emoji packs.
A Final Word
As you can see, there are at least 10 Zoom alternatives out there that offer better, newer features. However, ultimately, what works for you is a call you need to make based on your requirements. So, sit down with your team, discuss the features you are looking for, and choose the best Zoom alternative for you. Hopefully, it fits your budget constraints.