11+ Best Virtual Meeting Software (Free & Paid) [2023]
Virtual meetings have become the norm–and in some cases the only way meetings are held–for many businesses, schools, and organizations. This change in the landscape of both work and life was only made possible by virtual meeting software.
Virtual meeting platforms use live streaming technology to connect individuals in real time. But, not every virtual meeting software will be the right fit for all use cases: some may be better for one-way streaming webinars, while others can help you build an inclusive online community that fights loneliness.
The best virtual meeting platforms provide a customized experience that meets the goals of your meeting. The software should make your life simpler – and enhance the experience for both hosts and attendees.
This article will review some of the best virtual meeting software options, their pros and cons, and what tools they provide.
Virtual Meeting Software vs. Video Conferencing Software vs. Online Meeting Platforms
There are a lot of words used to describe face-to-face meetings online. One prevalent phrase is virtual meeting software, which is a platform where you can hold meetings. There are usually a lot of tools involved, and the meetings can expand into events and conferences.
You could also use the terms video conferencing software and online meeting platforms. At the end of the day, all of these phrases provide online tools and spaces for people to connect virtually.
Many of these platforms are used in the business world and for workplaces that offer a hybrid or remote situation. But they can also be useful any time you need to connect and communicate with a team or a few individuals.
One of the main benefits of these platforms is that they provide tools that allow you to not only communicate but also keep track of projects. For instance, if you are working on a group project, you can usually share documents and include private chats.
Some virtual meeting software options cater more to business professionals, while others are a bit more relaxed. The option you choose will depend on the tools you need and the type of groups you are trying to connect.
Best Virtual Meeting Software
Before settling on meeting software for your business, you’ll want to compare the best available options. You can weigh the pros and cons as well as evaluate your budget for this area of your business.
Here are some of the best virtual meeting software options (free and paid) for you to consider!
AllTakes
AllTakes isn’t your typical virtual meeting software. Instead of just about getting as many attendees as possible, this platform focuses on truly deepening online connections by providing an inclusive and warm meeting environment.
Whether it’s for professional business meetings, family gatherings, or group events, AllTakes provides their distinct virtual meeting option: the Roundtable.
Roundtable is a video conferencing platform perfect for community meetings, webinars, workshops, online conferences, 1:1 meetings, and more. It hosts meetings in a circle structure, with all individuals in portrait orientation, to emulate a dynamic, open, and engaging real-world meeting.
Key Roundtable Features:
Connected Video Conferencing: The circle meeting arrangement mimics real-life seating arrangements, encouraging communication, participation, and growth.
Easy Engagement: Attendees can send custom expressions, raise hands while staying in the same spot, and easily share audio and video.
Add Music: Choose tracks that match your event (meditation, dance, etc.) and add them as your meeting welcome music, during transitions, or as attendees leave.
Breakout Rooms: Breakout rooms can be created in seconds during the meeting. You can easily assign specific people to each room or participants can choose a room to join, just like they would in real life.
Panel Views & Fireside Chats: Spotlight multiple attendees on the screen at once for intimate talks and discussions.
Pros:
The user interface is intuitive to set up and manage–no more digging through confusing settings to get to what you need
Replaces a myriad of tools, including Zoom, MailChimp, and chat tools so you can focus on community building
Provides a communal feeling, making it easy for new members to participate and contribute
Free 60-min sessions through RoundTable
Ideal for coaches, community builders, and event organizers who want to manage their communities
Responsive customer service that is always willing to help
Cons:
Not the best fit for one-way webinars looking to stream to thousands of attendees
If you are looking for a personalized and warm virtual meeting software platform, AllTakes is your best option. This platform helps people find communities aligned with their values and passions and activities that bring them purpose and joy.
2. Google Meet
Google Meet is a virtual meeting software that’s part of the Google Workspace suite. Users can host meetings, presentations, and workshops via video and audio calls. The platform integrates with Google Calendar and the rest of the Google Workspace applications.
Key Features:
Screen sharing and chat features
Simple Google Workspace integration
Transcribing & recording options
Attendance and meeting tracking
Pros:
Can be used across different devices
Unlimited number of meetings
Offers a free version
Cons:
Limited meeting host features
No in-app whiteboard
There isn't a waiting room to join meetings
The free version’s meetings are limited in length
Pricing:
Basic: Free
Business Starter: $6/user/month
Business Standard: $12/user/month
Business Plus: $18/user/month
Enterprise: You’ll need to contact their sales team for a quote
3. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a virtual meeting software that includes business features for remote conferences. It provides tools like custom team settings so that team hosts can control meetings and communication. The software also allows you to schedule meetings in advance or have them spontaneously.
The GoToMeeting paid version provides more extensive tools that allow more customization with how you use the platform and the amount of people that can access it.
Key Features:
Instant and scheduled meetings
The desktop app provides additional tools like GoTo Connect and GoTo Assist
Video transcriptions
Pros:
Free version
All-in-one conference solution
Record meetings and sessions
Co-organizers can be added to meetings
Cons:
Tool limits to the free version
It can be complicated to organize
Less granular setting options
Pricing:
Basic: Free
Professional: $12/organizer/month
Business: $16/organizer/month
Enterprise: Custom plans
4. Zoom
Zoom is a popular cloud-based video communications platform that offers a variety of features through its video and audio conferencing software, including meeting recording, screen sharing, and the ability to host large meetings. It also offers products for in-person meetings, online events, and contact center management.
Key Features:
AI companion that summarizes meetings and drafts messages
VoIP phone system and contact center support
Email and calendar management with an appointment scheduler
Pros:
Unlimited number of monthly meetings
Private and group chats
Free version
Meetings can be joined by phone
Cons:
Invasive customer data policies
More expensive than other software options
Uninvited people joining Zoom meetings
Pricing:
Basic: Free
Pro: 149.90/year/user
Business: $199.90/year/user
Business Plus: $250/year/user
Enterprise: No pricing information on site at this time
5. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is an interactive platform created by Microsoft. In addition to its video conferencing option, it also offers file storage and sharing so that group members can easily exchange information.
Key Features:
Can host 300 users at a time
Provides sharing tools for group members
Backups and stores important files
Pros:
All workplace tools in one place
Various communication modes
Live event streaming
Cons:
Can be challenging to learn and navigate
Unauthorized device security risks
Unreceived and unread notification errors
Pricing:
Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4/user/month
Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6/user/month
Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month
6. Skype
Skype is used to make video calls on mobiles, desktops, and tablets. Skype also provides options for sharing messages and files and making one-on-one group calls with team members.
This meeting software also provides smart messaging and call recording. Skype also has features that allow for private conversations and screen sharing for better meeting communication.
Key Features:
Instant messaging
Screen sharing tools
Multiple member or individual calls
Pros:
Wireless hotspot network access
Video calls and audio calls
Personalized voicemail messages
Cons:
Limited free features and the free version has ads
Very few features for businesses
Difficult to use with poor internet connections
Pricing:
United States Subscription: $2.99/month
North America Subscription: $5.94/month
India: $6.79/month $5.94/month
7. Cisco Webex
Webex by Cisco is a virtual meeting software developed by Cisco Systems. Users can host virtual meetings, webinars, training, and hybrid events. Cisco Webex also supports basic features like screen sharing, meeting recording, chat, and hosting large-scale interactive meetings.
Key Features:
Cloud calling
Meeting recording
In-person and virtual event hosting
Webinar management
Audio and video conferencing
Pros:
Free version
High-quality security & privacy
Simple user interface
Helpful meeting management tools like whiteboards and mouse control
Cons:
Call quality complaints
Less personalization than other platforms
Pricing:
Basic: Free
WebEx Meet: $14.50/license/month
WebEx Suite: $25/license/month
WebEx Enterprise: Price Not Available
8. BlueJeans
Bluejeans is a Verizon product that can host virtual meetings, conferences, webinars, and other events. It also provides conference room systems, which use existing system hardware to make traditional meeting spaces digital.
Key Features:
Content sharing
Virtual meeting chats
Calendar syncing
Pros:
Host up to 1,000 attendees
Content sharing capabilities
Calendar synchronizing
Cons:
Latency issues
Fewer options for file sharing
Recording quality problems
Pricing:
BlueJeans Standard: $9.99/host/month
BlueJeans Pro: $13.99/host/month
BlueJeans Enterprise: Pricing not listed online
9. ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting allows users to host online meetings, live webinars, and large virtual events, as well as offer product demos and online courses and training. Users can even set up the option of hosting a paid webinar and automated webinars for your attendees.
Key Features:
Meetings and webinars
Creating Online courses and training materials
Hosting product demos to gain leads
Virtual events with up to 10,000 attendees
Pros:
Free trial
Suitable for most devices
You can automate some of the setup process
Cons:
Not completely user-friendly
No CTA option to add to webinars
Pricing:
Trial: Free
Live: $26/month
Automated: $42/month
Custom: Custom Pricing
10. ZohoMeeting
Zoho Meeting is a reputable virtual meeting software that supports online meetings, webinars, managing and collaborating on team projects, and more.
Zoho Meeting also allows for live streaming for those looking for something more laid back and less formal.
Key Features:
Sessions recording and live streaming
Online whiteboard
Chat features
Pros:
Desktop and mobile-friendly
Free version
Provides file sharing
Cons:
Requires a plugin to be installed
Difficult user interface
Pricing:
Basic: Free
Meeting: Standard: $1/per host/month
Meeting: Professional: $3/per host/month
Webinar: Standard: $8/per organizer/month
Webinar: Professional: $16/per organizer/month
11. Slack
Slack’s core functionality is its organized messaging channels, enabling asynchronous collaboration across departments, locations, and different organizations. However, channels can also host video meetings and the platform allows for audio calls and screen sharing.
Key Features:
Video clip recording
Users can make channels for specific projects, topics, or teams
Businesses can create external messaging channels
Pros:
Free version
Easy to set up and use
Provides integrations with other major tools
Cons:
Limited virtual meeting tools
Per user fee after 10,000 messages
Overwhelming number of notifications
Pricing:
Basic: Free
Pro: $7.25/month
Business+: $12.50/month
Enterprise Grid: Pricing Not Available
Choose the Best Virtual Meeting Software
The best virtual meeting software significantly enhances remote collaboration, improves communication, and helps make virtual meetings as efficient and productive as possible.
But, the best virtual meeting software for a B2B enterprise may not be the best platform for a coach scaling his or her offerings.
So, what are you looking for? Is it an easy-to-use software that encourages engagement, interaction, and collaboration? One that creates truly authentic and connected virtual meetings? And that’s easy to use and manage? Then AllTakes is the solution for you.
AllTakes Roundtable video conferencing is designed to eliminate meeting fatigue once and for all. Whether you’re hosting a book club, business meeting, or one-on-one therapy, AllTakes virtual meeting software is a breath of fresh air.
