Top 8 Zoom alternatives for video and conference calls in 2026

What are the top Zoom alternatives?

The top Zoom alternatives are Zoho Meeting, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, GoToMeeting, Jitsi Meet, Eyeson, and Cisco Webex.

• Each tool supports video calls, screen sharing, and team chat.
• Options range from fully free to paid plans for large teams.
• A backup tool keeps meetings running when Zoom has issues.

Remote work is here to stay. In fact, an article from Forbes says the setup is not going anywhere. Tech giants like Microsoft, Facebook, and Shopify let staff work from home for good.

Outsourcing firms like SixEleven also use many platforms to keep projects and daily work on track.

With the right communication and teamwork tools, businesses can run their daily work well. So these apps have become key to remote work success.

One vital tool for remote teams is video conferencing. Teams use it for meetings, team building, interviews, and training.

Zoom is one of the most popular video platforms. However, every team should keep a few Zoom alternatives on hand. So when Zoom has technical issues, work does not stop.

Below, you will learn about eight top Zoom alternatives that remote teams can use. First, we give a quick look at Zoom, its uses, and how it works.

Top Zoom alternatives that you can use for your next online meeting

How does Zoom work?

Zoom is a popular video platform that firms use to connect with remote workers. So it runs on laptops, tablets, desktops, and phones.

Before we explore the eight Zoom alternatives, let us look at its other uses. Besides video calls, Zoom also offers these features:

• Screen sharing
• Instant messaging
• Mobile dial-in
• Built-in audio and video tools
• Transcripts and meeting recording

Zoom also comes with two-factor authentication. In addition, it uses AES 256 encryption, which is compliant with CCPA and GDPR.

Top eight Zoom alternatives (with features and pricing) for 2026

To help remote teams pick the right Zoom alternatives, here are eight strong options. For a wider view, you can also compare these online collaboration tools.

Zoho Meeting

Unlike Zoom, Zoho Meeting puts a big focus on your privacy. So it uses advanced end-to-end encryption. It also lets you host video meetings with ease.

Zoho Meeting’s features:

• Record virtual meetings.
• Raised-hand and poll tools to keep people engaged.
• The basic plan allows up to 100 people per meeting.

Zoho Meeting also has advanced tools. For example, you can lock meetings and mute distractions as a moderator.

Zoho Meeting’s pricing:

For pricing, Zoho Meeting has three plans. So it offers a Free plan, Meeting (starts at $3 per month), and Webinar (starts at $19 per month).

Google Meet

Google Meet, once called Google Hangouts, is built for business use. It also works well for online classes. Better yet, it is free for anyone with a Google Workspace account.

Google Meet’s features:

• Screen sharing.
• Preview screen to check audio, camera, and mic before you join.
• Up to 100 people per meeting, with 16 visible at once.
• Host controls, such as mute or remove a participant.

Google Meet’s pricing:

For pricing, Google Meet has two plans. First, there is the free plan. Meanwhile, the other is Google Workspace Essentials, at $8 per user per month.

Microsoft Teams

First, Microsoft Teams is built for Office 365 users. In short, it is a cloud-based platform where remote teams share files, chat, and meet.

Microsoft Teams features:

• Presentation streaming and screen sharing.
• Up to 250 people in one meeting room.
• Meeting recording.
• Message channels to keep chats organized.

Microsoft Teams pricing:

Besides its Free plan, Teams offers Microsoft 365 Basic Business ($5 per user) and Business Standard ($12 per user). If you weigh it against Slack, this Slack vs Microsoft Teams guide can help.

Skype

Skype was once a popular tool for personal video calls. Meanwhile, its “Skype Meet Now” now works as business video software too.

Skype’s features:

• Screen sharing.
• Blur background during meetings.
• Call recording with live auto subtitles.
• Smart messaging.

Skype’s pricing:

For pricing, Skype has a Free plan and a Paid plan at $2.99 per user per month.

GoToMeeting

Next, GoToMeeting is a web-hosted video tool made for remote teams. In addition, it uses strong encryption to keep users safe.

GoToMeeting’s features:

• Schedule meetings in advance.
• A document collaboration tool.
• File sharing.
• Record meetings in real time.
• The host can pass mouse or keyboard control to anyone.

GoToMeeting’s pricing:

For pricing, GoToMeeting has two plans: Professional ($14 per month) and Business ($19 per month).

Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is an open-source, encrypted video platform. Better still, users do not need an account to join.

Jitsi Meet’s features:

• Chat apps built in for video calls.
• Up to 100 people per meeting.
• Custom URLs.
• Etherpad tool for shared documents.

Jitsi Meet’s pricing:

In short, Jitsi Meet is a completely free video platform.

Eyeson

Eyeson is a cloud-based video tool built for businesses. Unlike some rivals, it needs no download. So people can join a meeting straight from a link.

Eyeson’s features:

• ECO mode, an audio-only option.
• Up to 100 people per meeting.
• Livestream to Facebook and YouTube.
• Video recording.

Eyeson’s pricing:

For pricing, Eyeson has two plans: Pro ($9 per month) and Corporate (custom quote).

Cisco Webex Meetings

Finally, Cisco Webex lets you host group video and audio calls. It also offers live translation for more than 100 languages.

Cisco Webex Meetings features:

• Whiteboard for brainstorming.
• Video recording with transcription.
• Turn shared content into a custom background.
• Personal chat rooms and group chats.

Cisco Webex Meetings pricing:

Besides its Free plan, it has a Start plan ($14.95 per month) and a Business plan ($29.95 per month).

Besides these Zoom alternatives, teams should also line up other collaborative tools. In addition, the right work-from-home software keeps daily tasks moving.

A big part of remote work success rests on the tools you choose. So test a few and build the mix that fits your team. For more on this, see how leaders go about building a remote team.

Key takeaways

• The top Zoom alternatives include Zoho Meeting, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex.
• Free tools like Jitsi Meet suit small teams and tight budgets.
• Paid plans add more seats, recording, and admin controls for large teams.
• Keep a backup video tool so meetings never stop during an outage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free Zoom alternative?

Jitsi Meet is a strong free pick, because it is fully free and needs no account. Google Meet and Zoho Meeting also offer solid free plans.

Why do teams need Zoom alternatives?

A backup tool keeps meetings running when Zoom has technical issues. In addition, some tools fit certain needs, such as privacy or large calls, better.

Which Zoom alternative is best for large meetings?

Microsoft Teams handles up to 250 people in one room. So it works well for big all-hands calls and company events.

Are these Zoom alternatives secure?

Yes, most use strong encryption to protect your calls. For example, Zoho Meeting and Jitsi Meet both offer end-to-end encryption.

How do I choose the right Zoom alternative?

First, list your needs, such as meeting size, budget, and key features. Next, try a free plan and see how your team likes it.