Zoom is so ubiquitous in remote workplaces that it has become synonymous with online meetings. However, the 40-minute-per-session limit on the free plan is a significant drawback. If you’re tired of this limitation and want a more flexible platform, exploring Zoom alternatives is necessary. 

In this guide, I’ll explore the best Zoom alternatives, each offering unique features like extended meeting duration, better customization, robust collaboration tools, and ease of accessibility. Whether you are looking for alternatives to Zoom with no time limit on the free plan or simply a platform that suits your organizational needs, I have you covered. 

Key Takeaway: What is the best alternative to Zoom? 

• Google Meet is the best Zoom alternative overall, thanks to its ease of use, native Google Workspace integration, and collaboration features. However, Google Meet lacks advanced customization and branding features. 
• Pumble is the ideal alternative for teams on a budget, as its free plan is inclusive of unlimited message history and unlimited users. This means users can scroll back to important conversations with a few clicks. 
• Jitsi Meet is the best free Zoom alternative for teams that meet frequently. It comes with unlimited meetings, meaning there will be no disruptions due to session time-outs. Moreover, as it’s an open-source tool, users can host it on their servers and have full control over their data. 

What are the downsides of Zoom?

There have been cases of security and privacy concerns with Zoom. For instance, Zoom bombing (unauthorized disruption of meetings) happens when proper precautions, such as passwords, are not put in place. There have also been past criticisms of how user data was handled and shared with third parties. 

End-to-end encryption is also not enabled by default, meaning digitally inexperienced users as well as users who might be unaware of this setting are at risk of having their conversations exposed. 

Even though Zoom is equipped with tools like document sharing, in-call whiteboards, and screen sharing, its collaboration features are not as advanced as those of Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. Zoom lacks native integrations like some competitors, meaning you have to rely on plugins or third-party apps to collaborate with others. 

Our Pick: Google Meet is the Best Zoom Alternative

I found Google Meet to be the best Zoom alternative as it addresses most of Zoom’s documented drawbacks. With this platform, you don’t need an external app to schedule meetings as it natively integrates with Google Calendar. It also seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace apps like Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides. 

In addition to the above-mentioned features, Google Meet is browser-based, unlike Zoom, which prompts users to download its app. You can start a meeting in a single click and share the invite via email or any other medium that suits you. 

Top 7 Zoom Alternatives: Based on Real Testing 

Selecting the Zoom alternative can be overwhelming, but I have done the hard work for you. After testing different platforms, I have identified the 7 best Zoom alternatives that cater to various needs. Whether you want tools with unlimited free meetings, enhanced security, or seamless collaboration, our list can help you find a video conferencing tool that suits your workflow. 

1. Google Meet – Best Zoom Alternative for Ease-of-Use and Accessibility

Pros 

• Integration with Google Workspace
• Browser-based interface that is easy to use
• Supports up to 100 participants on the free plan

Cons

• Limited advanced features compared to paid options

Google Meet is ideal for users looking for an easy-to-use video conferencing tool. It has a straightforward design to minimize confusion. Meanwhile, features like screen sharing, muting, turning cameras on/off, and inviting members are easily accessible during meetings. Moreover, it’s web-based access means you don’t need to download any extra software to set up meetings. 

Google Meet also has seamless Google Workspace integration, so it’s great for teams that already use Gmail and other Google tools for their workflow. For instance, users can start meetings directly in Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Users can also add a Google Meet link directly to Google Calendar appointments. 

With these features, collaboration is more streamlined. Google Meet also offers real-time live captioning through Google’s advanced AI. In comparison, Zoom needs additional configuration for captioning. 

Other Things We Like About Google Meet

• One-on-One Meeting With No Time Limit On The Free Plan: Google Meet enables users to hold one-on-one meetings with a time limit of 24 hours on the free plan , a functionality you don’t get with Zoom. 
• Integration with Google Calendar: Schedule and join meetings effortlessly with Google Calendar.
• Mobile Compatibility: Users can conveniently join meetings on-the-go by accessing Google Meet on their phone web browser or by downloading the Android or iOS app.  

Google Meet is accessible through the free Google Workspace plan. The free plan allows you to hold group meetings of up to 100 participants for 60 minutes. Paid plans start from $7 per user/month for additional features. Start using Google Meet for free today and let your team collaborate more effectively. 

2. Microsoft Teams – Best Zoom Alternative for Microsoft Ecosystem Users

Pros

• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 tools
• 60-minute meeting duration on the free plan
• Offers deep collaboration features

Cons

• Free version is restrictive

Microsoft Teams is a fully integrated collaboration and communication platform. While Zoom primarily focuses on video conferencing, Teams combines video calls with project management, file sharing, and chatting into one platform. This makes it a one-stop hub for workflow optimization. 

The native integration of Teams with other Microsoft products like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint enhances collaboration. You can co-edit documents with other meeting participants in real time, eliminating the switch from app to app. The tool is also scalable, and you can use it for quick small meetings or large ones without compromising performance. 

Other Things We Like About Microsoft Teams

• Longer Meetings on the Free Plan: Meetings on Teams’ free plan can last up to 60 minutes, while Zoom gives you 45 minutes. This means you get 15 minutes more to discuss your agenda without interruptions. 
• Robust Chat Features: Teams comes with chat channels for group discussions, project-specific conversations, and private messages. This ensures that important information is always accessible, even after meetings end.
• AI-Generated Transcripts for Meetings: Premium users can turn on automatic transcript generation for quick recaps.  This makes it easy to review key points, share meeting notes, and ensure that no critical details are missed.

Microsoft Teams has a free plan where you can host up to 100 people, and the meetings last one hour. Paid plans start from $4/month for those who require additional features such as meeting documentation, transcription, and live captioning.  Start a free account to explore Meets’ video conferencing capabilities. 

3. Jitsi Meet – Free and Open-source Zoom Alternative 

Pros 

• Free and open source
• Easy to use and you don’t need to download any software
• Privacy-focused with end-to-end encryption

Cons

• Limited collaboration when compared with other tools

Jitsi Meet is an open-source Zoom alternative that offers users a chance to self-host on their servers. The self-hosting option gives users complete control over data and compliance with strict security policies. This makes it ideal for businesses with sensitive communications like healthcare and financial institutions. 

Additionally, Jitsi offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which is turned on by default for group and one-on-one calls. Thus, all conversations remain private and inaccessible to unauthorized personnel. This encryption, combined with the platform’s self-hosting feature, prevents data leaks, confidentiality breaches, and similar security risks. 

Other Things We Like About Jitsi Meet

• Custom Branding for Meetings: Users can customize Jitsi Meet video conferences by adding their logo, changing colors, and customizing the welcome page. This makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to personalize the user experience.
• Integration with Third-Party Tools: Jitsi Meet works perfectly with Slack, Google Calendar, and Office 365. This enables users to schedule and start meetings directly from their existing workflows.
• Excellent Accessibility: Meeting participants don’t need to download the software to start or join a meeting. This makes it ideal when working with external collaborators. 
• Real-Time Live Streaming: You can live-stream your meetings on YouTube, perfect for hosting webinars or public events without additional tools.

Jitsi is a free web conferencing tool that you can host on your servers or use the web version. However, it has a paid service available by quote, the Jitsi as a Service (JaaS), a fully-managed and scalable video conferencing solution. Start a free account to explore Jitsi Meet’s frictionless meetings.

4. Chanty – Best Zoom Alternative with Unlimited Message History

Pros

• Combines team messaging and video conferencing in one platform
• Intuitive interface that’s easy to learn and navigate
• Unlimited message history

Cons 

• Limited integrations compared to larger platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Chanty is an all-in-one platform for messaging, video calling, and task management. With it, users can facilitate one-on-one or group video calls, voice calls, and live messaging. This unified approach enables users to quickly launch calls from a messaging thread, offering a smooth transition from text-based communication to audio or video calls. 

Additionally, Chanty supports an unlimited message history, meaning uploaded files, conversations, and shared links remain accessible indefinitely. Unlike Zoom, which focuses on real-time meetings, Chanty serves as a knowledge repository where teams can revisit important discussions and messages without losing context. 

Other Things We Like About Chanty

• Teambook: Chanty has a centralized hub that stores shared files, messages, pinned tasks, and conversations in one place. This helps teams access important information without digging into endless chats.
• Built-In Project Management: Convert messages into tasks with due dates and corresponding priority levels without needing an external project management tool. This streamlines workflows as teams can collaborate, chat, and track progress without leaving Chanty.
• Powerful Search Functionality: The built-in search feature allows teams to use keywords and filters to search for messages. This allows teams to quickly refer to past critical messages with a few clicks.  

Chanty has a free plan that offers one-on-one audio calls, video conferencing features, and unlimited message history. Paid plans start from $3/month with unlimited group video calls and screen sharing. Sign up for Chanty today and experience how it can transform your workflow.

5. Pumble – Best Zoom Alternative With Unlimited User Support on Free Plan

Pros 

• Good for team collaboration
• Offers unlimited chat history
• Seamless team messaging integrated with video conferencing

Cons 

• Just three third-party integrations on the free version

Pumble is a communication app with unlimited chat history and powerful search so that teams never lose access to past discussions, files, or messages. Unlike Zoom where messages are tied to the meeting’s duration, Pumble allows teams to retain all conversations indefinitely. This makes Pumble a great alternative to Zoom for businesses that need a long-term reference for collaboration and decision-making. 

Moreover, Pumble supports threaded conversations, keeping discussions and conversations organized and easy to follow. Instead of scattered and chaotic messages, team members can reply directly to a thread and keep related responses in one place. This is particularly important for remote teams working on multiple projects simultaneously, as it reduces clutter and ensures that important messages don’t get buried under new messages. 

Other Things We Like About Pumble

• Unlimited Users on the Free Plan: Pumble’s free plan can accommodate group meetings with unlimited participants. This makes it ideal for facilitating seminars, workshops, and online conferences.
• Channel-Based Communication: Pumble allows users to create private and public channels to keep conversations organized. These channels enable teams to maintain the flow of ongoing discussions. 
• Mentions and Notifications: Users can tag team members with the @mentions feature to grab their attention during conversations and video calls. This makes it easy to address specific team members. 

Pumble has a free plan that allows up to three integrations and offers unlimited chat history. Paid plans start from $2.49/month for advanced features. Get started with Pumble today and enjoy collaboration and seamless video conferencing. 

6. Webex Meetings – Best Zoom Alternative with Zero-Trust Security

Pros 

• Enterprise-grade security
• AI-powered tools like real-time transcription and noise cancellation
• Customizable layouts for personalized meetings

Cons 

• A higher learning curve for beginners

Webex Meetings is a video conferencing solution known for its enterprise-grade security features. The platform uses Zero-Trust Security to provide end-to-end encryption and is compliant with privacy standards like the GDPR and HIPAA, making it ideal for businesses in fields that handle sensitive data. Webex also offers strong identity verification in personal and scheduled room meetings, ensuring that unwanted guests never join your meetings. 

Webex’s AI-driven features on the paid plan enhance collaboration and productivity. Its AI assistant can generate real-time transcripts, translate content in over 100 languages, and even switch off your camera when you walk away. You can also turn on the noise cancellation feature to have crisp audio as you hold your video conferences. 

Webex integrates with third-party apps like Saleforce through Zapier. Top management can oversee users and their devices connected from a central platform. The centralized hub also generates custom analytics that will help users make real-time decisions and long-term plans. 

Other Things We Like About Webex Meetings

• Gesture Recognition: Webex recognizes gestures such as thumbs-up as well as hand-lifting and converts them into on-screen reactions that are visible to everyone in the meeting.  This allows users to react in real time to the discussion without interrupting the current speaker. 
• Automated Meeting Management: The platform has a feature called Webex Assistant, which takes notes, sends follow-up tasks automatically, and highlights key discussions in meetings. This makes it easy to stay productive and organized, ensuring important action items aren’t lost.
• People-Focused Views: The Webex Meetings camera can focus the view on the participants instead of their backgrounds. This keeps their faces centered, minimizing distractions. As a result, virtual interactions feel more natural and personal, improving focus and engagement during discussion.

Webex Meetings has a free plan, Webex Free, that supports unlimited meetings, up to 40 minutes per meeting. Meanwhile, paid plans with AI assistants start from $12/user/month. Start a free account with Webex Meetings today and conduct meetings without worrying about privacy and security.

7. Adobe Connect – Best Zoom Alternative for Educators

Pros

• Persistence rooms for group meetings and classes
• Supports advanced brand customizations
• Multi-dimensional polls to take user feedback

Cons 

• No free plan like its competitors

Adobe Connect is a fully customizable platform that educators and creators can use to host virtual classes and meetings. With it, users can broadcast videos and share presentations. They can also incorporate chats, polls, and storyboards to spice up presentations and make interactions more engaging. 

To further improve meeting experiences, Adobe Connect can be customized to fit your branding. It comes with a drag-and-drop interface and an extensive selection of templates, so you can easily add your own images, logos, and brand colors to meeting rooms.

Lastly, Adobe Connect integrates with apps from Adobe as well as third-party apps. For instance, you can add the Adobe Connect Clock or Countdown Timer to ensure that you tackle everything during the stipulated time. Meanwhile, you can use the YouTube Player to play YouTube videos directly on the Adobe Connect interface.

Other Things We Like About Adobe Connect

• Chat Moderation: Create a Q&A Pod where, as an educator, you have complete control over questions’ visibility, answers, and participants’ identities. 
• Persistent Reusable Rooms: Similar to Zoom, Adobe Connect lets users create a permanent meeting room with a unique URL created by you or assigned by the system. These dedicated online spaces will store any layouts and files shared during meetings and will keep all your settings and permissions intact. This makes it easy to review attendees and previous discussions. 
• Pods: Adobe Connect allows hosts to create Pods to add different functionalities to their meeting rooms. For instance, they can add a Chat pod for real-time messaging, a Quiz pod to administer tests, and a Share pod to enable users to share documents. This can help hosts create interactive storyboards that enhance learner engagement. 

Adobe Connect does not have a free plan. However, you can get a 30-day free trial on its paid plans that start from $190 per year per host. Ready to take your virtual events or virtual classes to the next level? Sign up for Adobe Connect today.

In Conclusion: What’s the Best Zoom Alternative?

Finding the right video conferencing software will depend on your specific needs. However, the best Zoom alternatives offer solutions to common challenges like time limitations in the free plan, accessibility, and usability. 

Google Meet earns its top spot on our list of the best alternatives to Zoom due to its ease-of-use, collaboration features, and native integration with Google Workspace. 

If Google Meet does not meet your needs, you can opt for Jitsi Meet or Pumble. Jitsi is a good choice if you are looking for a free alternative as well as an open-source tool that you can host on your servers. On the other hand, Pumble will be a good fit if you are seeking a platform that combines messaging threads with video calls. 

With these in mind, choosing the best alternative really boils down to your unique business needs. If you have already tried any of the Zoom alternatives above, let us know in the comments. How was your experience with them? Do you have favorite tools that we have missed? 

Beyond choosing the right video conferencing tool, managing digital communications effectively is also important. If your team is feeling overwhelmed by constant messages and notifications, check out our blog on how to overcome communication overload to create a more balanced workflow.

FAQs: Best Zoom Alternative