Things may be getting back on track somewhat, but right now, the COVID-19 pandemic on-goes to limit face-to-face meet-ups, and a majority of people are still depending on video calls to get in touch with office colleagues, family, and folks. And for most of us, particularly those who are experiencing financial problems — free is best. Zoom app has been able to secure the top position in the list of videoconferencing apps, but there are a group of video conferencing applications available out there that will enable you to meet others online for free.
We prepared a list of some well-known video conferencing apps. While most of them already provide free versions, some are giving access to additional qualities for people who are presently working from home or who want to get in touch with friends and relatives online.
There are hundreds of apps we have not added to the list, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and FaceTime, that let you make video chats. We have not included them because they need that all participants be members of a particular social network (like Facebook, WhatsApp) or using a particular sort of device (FaceTime, which is for Apple users only).
It is a better idea to try out some apps for yourself to check how well they adjust with your style and those of your friends. This list is a good way to pick.
1. Zoom: The Most Popular Meeting App
Zoom app is the topmost popular videoconferencing app. Its name is speedily becoming synonymous with videoconferencing. Prior to the pandemic hit, the company promoted Zoom majorly for corporate use, but it also gives a free version for individuals. Initially, Zoom didn’t expect its emergent popularity among non-business users. There, were many missteps involving security and privacy; the company quickly introduced a variety of changes and updates to address these issues.
Its free version lets up to 100 users meet, but there is a limit of 40-minute meetings for more than two people, which can be quite limiting. At first, Zoom was not providing any special features for the people working at home, but it runs a page offering help and advice to new users.
FEATURES OF FREE VERSION
Maximum participant limit: 100
One-on-one conferencing: Unlimited time
Group video calls: 40-minute limit
Screen sharing: Allowed
Record meetings: Allowed
2. Skype
Skype is a popular platform for one-on-one communications since the beta version was released in 2003. Its “Meet Now” feature (which can be accessed by tapping on the “Meet Now” button on the left side of the application) enables video chats, and up to 50 people can meet with an abundance of four-hour time limit for meetings.
There is also a particular page that allows you to make a free video meeting without actually signing up for the service. However, you will find more features while using the app, so if you’re fine with signing up for a free account, you’re good at doing that.
FREE FEATURES
Participants Limit: 50 people
One-on-one calls: No time limit
Group conferencing: Four hours/call, 10 hours/day, 100 hours/month
Screen sharing: Yes
Record meetings: Yes
3. Cisco WebEx
WebEx is a video calling app that is being used since the ‘90s; later it was acquired by Cisco in 2007. However, it’s been notably known as a business application and keeps focus on serving companies. It has fair features in the free version that’s worth checking out. Due to the Covid-19, it has pushed the features of its free version from 50 to 100 participants limit, and you can arrange a meeting for up to 50 minutes.
FREEMIUM FEATURES
Participants Limit: 100
One-on-one video calls: 50-minute limit
Group conferencing: 50-minute limit
Screen sharing: Yes
Record meetings: Yes
4. Google Meet
Google Meet provides a very convenient and effective way to video chat with office folks, friends, and family, assuming they all own Google accounts, which is a need for both hosts and participants. Google is not merely making people use its Meet video calling app in place of Zoom but also instead of its own soon-to-be-disappear Hangouts app. (Initially, we had added Hangouts to this list, but its users are now being pushed to use Google Meet app for organizing video meetings.) You can get a Meet link in the Gmail app, and in every appointment you make through Google Calendar.
FREE VERSION FEATURES
Participants Limit: 100
One-on-one video calls: 24-hour limit
Group conferencing: 24-hour limit
Screen sharing: Yes
Record meetings: No
5. Microsoft Teams
Teams app from Microsoft was developed as a competitor to Slack and is a good concept if you’re part of the Office environment. However, the application is notably focused on business use. Microsoft has walked out of its professional concept and unveiled a personal freemium version of Teams, which allows anyone to chat, talk, or create video meetings. You just require to make an account with Microsoft to use teams. At present, because of the pandemic, Microsoft has increased the maximum participants limit from 100 to 300, and also, it has extended the time limit from 1-hour to 24 hours, which offers it an edge over a majority of other free videoconferencing apps.
FREE VERSION FEATURES
Participants Limit: extended from 100 to 300 during the pandemic
One-on-one video meetings: generally, 1-hour limit; extended to 24 hours due to pandemic
Group conferencing: Normally 1-hour limit; extended to 24 hours due to pandemic
Screen sharing: Yes
Record meetings: No
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