The 5 Best Video Conferencing Software Platforms for 2020

Zoom

Zoom is a heavy hitter in the video conferencing world because of the many options included in every plan. Zoom is the ideal web meeting software for users who want to simply and effectively connect with customers and clients remotely. It also has Chrome and Linux OS support for increased flexibility and secure socket layer (SSL) encryption to guarantee secure communications.

All Zoom plans include:

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is designed for seamless efficiency and collaboration. It integrates with Office applications like Word and SharePoint, and its design and infrastructure make it exceptionally interactive. The company has also made it possible to integrate Skype for Business into Microsoft Teams.

This program was designed as a response to the growing number of collaboration tools, like Slack, that have dominated the market in the last few years. Microsoft Teams is a catch-all chat tool for the workplace, but its video conferencing option is just as compelling and powerful. Users can launch video conferences directly from their chats.

GoToMeeting

Even though GoToMeeting no longer dominates the video conferencing space, it remains a highly polished remote meeting software with a long list of features that would satisfy the needs of most business environments.

This user-friendly software has a few important advantages over its competitors, including its polling and “raise a hand” features. Furthermore, GoToMeeting allows unlimited video meetings and secures these meetings with end-to-end encryption.

All GoToMeeting plans include:

Skype for Business

Packaged with Microsoft Office 365, Skype for Business is likely already familiar to many users. The business version takes the free, standard platform’s capabilities to the next level.

Skype can also easily integrate with Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook.

By adding an enterprise package, meeting leaders can host up to 250 participants over a secure connection. Upgrading to Online Plan 2 adds HD video and audio calling, a 50GB mailbox and up to 1 TB file storage and mobile technical support.

While integration exists for Microsoft Teams, no evidence suggests Microsoft plans to discontinue Skype for Business in favor of its newer product.

Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex is an excellent video collaboration software for online training, webinars and remote support. In particular, it’s excellent for businesses that have legitimate security concerns. This teleconference software features Transport Layer Security (TLS), third-party accreditations, encryption, firewall compatibility, single sign-on and secure scheduling options.

Cisco Webex includes seamless integration with Outlook and the ability to use it across different platforms including Mac, Windows and iPads. What’s more, Cisco Webex is part of an ecosystem of interoperable solutions for working remotely. It allows you to add specialized functionalities for training, remote technical support or webinars.

All Cisco Webex plans include: