Are you tired of doing all your meetings with Zoom or Google Hangouts? We get it! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of alternative virtual meeting platforms we know you’ll love. So let’s get straight into it! But first, let’s start with some definitions.
What is a virtual meeting platform?
A virtual meeting platform is a software application that enables remote communication and collaboration between users in different locations. The platforms provide various features such as audio and video conferencing, file sharing, whiteboarding, and screen sharing.
There are many virtual meeting platforms available, but Zoom and Google Hangouts are the most popular. However, there are other options available that offer different features and benefits. But before we get to our list of best virtual meeting platforms, let's understand why you should or shouldn't use Zoom or Google Hangouts.
Zoom: Full Review
Zoom is one of the most popular virtual meeting platforms. It offers HD video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing. Zoom also has a webinar feature that allows you to host live events with up to 10,000 attendees.
There are several reasons why Zoom is so popular. First, it's very easy to use. You don't need any special training to use Zoom - just create an account and download the software. Second, Zoom is very reliable. The platform is known for its high-quality audio and video, and it rarely experiences technical issues.
Finally, Zoom is affordable. The basic plan is free, and paid plans start at just $14.99 per month.
There are a few downsides to Zoom, however. First, the platform has been known to be not very secure. There have been several reports of Zoom "bombing," where uninvited guests join your meeting and disrupt it. Zoom has taken steps to improve security, but the issue is still a concern.
Second, Zoom can be a bit resource-intensive. If you're using an older computer, you may experience lag or other performance issues.
All in all, Zoom is a great virtual meeting platform, but it's not perfect. If you're looking for an alternative to Zoom, check out one of the options below.
Google Hangouts: Full Review
Google Hangouts is another popular virtual meeting platform. It offers video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing. Google Hangouts also has a chat feature that allows you to send text messages to other users.
There are several reasons why Google Hangouts is so popular. First, it's very easy to use. You don't need any special training to use Google Hangouts - just create an account and download the software. Second, it integrates with other Google products. If you're already using Gmail or Google Calendar, using Hangouts will be a breeze.
Finally, Google Hangouts is free. There are no monthly fees or per-minute charges - you can use the platform as much as you want without spending a dime.
There are a few downsides to Google Hangouts, however. First, the platform doesn't offer as many features as some of the other options on this list. For example, you can't host webinars or record meetings.
Second, Google Hangouts isn't available for mobile devices. If you want to use the platform on your phone or tablet, you'll need to download the Hangouts app - which is separate from the regular Google Hangouts platform.
Google Hangouts is a great way to virtually meet with people, but it's not the only option. If you're looking for something different, take a look at some of the suggestions below.
Now that we've discussed the two of the most widely used virtual meeting platforms in the industry, let's take a look at some of the alternatives you might want to try out:
Best Virtual Meeting Platforms for 2022
There are many virtual meeting platforms available, but Zoom and Google Hangouts are the most popular. However, there are other options available that offer different features and benefits. Here are some of the best virtual meeting platforms for 2022:
1. Podcastle
Podcastle is a new virtual meeting platform that's quickly gaining popularity. It offers HD video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing. You can also record your meetings and save them for later playback.
There are several reasons why Podcastle is so popular. First, it's very easy to use. You don't need any special training to use Podcastle - just create an account and download the software. Second, Podcastle is very reliable. The platform is known for its high-quality audio and video, and it rarely experiences technical issues.
Finally, Podcastle is affordable. The basic plan is free, and paid plans start at just $11.99 per month.
2. Discord
Discord is a popular voice and text chat app for gamers. It's also become a popular platform for business users. Discord offers video and audio conferencing, screen sharing," with this "Discord screen share is a widely used feature among gamers; however, it also offers other required features to business users like video and audio conferencing.
Although Discord was initially made with gamers in mind, today it can serve as a powerful communication tool for pretty much any topic that comes to midd!
It is a free voice and video chat software that allows you to create a community or hang out with your friends. It's perfect for creating a community or having a virtual hangout with your friends since it has both voice and video chat support, which is similar to chatting with your pals. Discord servers are invitation-only, so it's simple to limit who can participate in discussions.
For $100 a year, Discord offers an upgraded version of their product called Nitro. This membership gives you access to HD video calls, larger file uploads, advanced emojis and profile pictures, as well as the ability to support your favorite servers.
3. Cisco Webex
Webex is a user-friendly virtual meeting platform that includes screen sharing, breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and live polling. The ‘real gesture' emojis are also fun; if you do a real-life thumbs-up sign in front of your computer, the AI converts it into an emoji reaction. Another great Webex feature is that its system integrates nicely with Apple's iPad for live illustration. Meeting recordings are emailed to participants (but it may take up to 24 hours with Webex).
But keep in mind that though Webex does work as a browser-only platform, some features are only available in-app, like emoji reactions and polling.Another required download is Cisco Webex Productivity Tools, which is used for meeting creation when Webex is integrated with other collaboration tools.
Webex users are limited to 10GB of cloud storage for meeting recordings (although this is a negotiable limit with the Enterprise plan). To use Webex, you got to pay $25/month per a single user.For enterprise plan packages, contact the sales team!
A Quick Sum Up
There are many virtual meeting platforms available, but Zoom and Google Hangouts are the most popular. However, there are other options available that offer different features and benefits. Here are some of the best virtual meeting platforms for 2022:
1. Podcastle
2. Discord
3. Cisco Webex
Do you have a favorite virtual meeting platform? Let us know in the comments below!
