It’s been over two years since COVID-19 spread over the world, and while the state of emergency has subsided slightly, many of us are still dependent on video chats to communicate with coworkers, family, and friends. Zoom remains at the top of the list of videoconferencing apps, but there is a slew of other free options for meeting folks online. So, to help you decide, we’ve included a few of the top video conferencing applications, as well as a handful of popular text chat apps that integrate video calling functions.
We have picked apps that can be used without the necessity to download an app, which means it can be used by anyone, anywhere. You may have heard or may even be using some of the applications mentioned in the list, but you can still take a look at the alternatives and try a few others out if you are interested.
Number 1. Zoom Video Conferencing
Zoom has swiftly become one of the most well-known video conferencing apps, with its name becoming synonymous with video meetings. Prior to the epidemic, the firm promoted Zoom primarily for corporate use, although it also offers a free basic version for consumers. Back at the beginning of 2020, presumably due to Zoom’s surprise popularity with non-business customers, there were various privacy and security errors; nonetheless, the company swiftly adopted a number of improvements and updates to address these issues.
The free version of Zoom allows up to 100 participants to meet, however, sessions with more than two people are limited to 40 minutes, which can be somewhat restrictive. Zoom was not giving any special offers for individuals now working from home at the time of writing, but it does have a page offering aid and information to new customers.
What the Free Version offers –
- Maximum participants: 100
- One-on-one meetings: 40-minute time limit
- Group meetings: 40-minute time limit
- Screen sharing: Yes
- Record meetings: Yes
Number 2. Cisco Webex
Webex is a videoconferencing programme that has been available since the 1990s and was purchased by Cisco in 2007. While it has mostly been regarded as a commercial programme and continues to serve businesses, it does feature a rather generous free version that is worth checking out. When the epidemic started, it expanded the freemium version’s functionality from 50 to 100 participants, and you can meet for up to 50 minutes.
What the Free Version offers –
- Maximum participants: 100
- One-on-one meetings: 50-minute time limit
- Group meetings: 50-minute time limit
- Screen sharing: Yes
- Record meetings: No
Number 3. Google Meet
Meet is a very simple and quick way to video chat with coworkers, friends, and family – assuming everyone has a Google account, which is required for both hosts and participants. In reality, Google is encouraging consumers to utilise its Meet videoconferencing tool instead of Zoom, as well as its previously promoted Google Hangouts app. A Meet link can be found in the Gmail app and in every Google Calendar appointment. Meet also includes several interesting features, such as real-time captions.
What the free version offers –
- Maximum participants: 100
- One-on-one meetings: 24-hour time limit
- Group meetings: 60-minute time limit
- Screen sharing: Yes
- Record meetings: No
Number 4. Skype
Since its beta debut in 2003, Skype has been the go-to tool for one-on-one discussions. Its Meet Now feature (accessible by selecting the “Meet Now” icon on the left side of the app) supports videoconferencing; up to 100 individuals (including you) can meet with a liberal 24-hour meeting time restriction.
There is also a different website where you can create a free video meeting without signing up for the service. However, the app has more capabilities, so if you’re good with registering for a free account, you’re better off doing so.
What the free version offers –
- Maximum participants: 100
- One-on-one meetings: 24-hour time limit
- Group meetings: 24-hour time limit
- Screen sharing: Yes
- Record meetings: Yes
Number 5. Zoho Meeting
Zoho provides a diverse portfolio of web programmes ranging from the mundane (such as email, calendars, and notebooks) to business and development (such as finance, HR, and marketing). The free edition of Zoho Meeting formerly only permitted two attendees, but it now supports up to 100. Surprisingly, the free edition includes not only meetings but also webinars (also with a limit of 100 attendees).
What the free version offers –
- Maximum participants: 100
- One-on-one meetings: 30-minute limit
- Group meetings: 30-minute limit
- Screen sharing: Yes
- Record meetings: No
