What is web conferencing software?
Web conferencing software allows participants to host or attend meetings via the internet. It is also referred to as online meeting software or video conferencing software.
Best Web and Video Conferencing Software include:
Zoom, BlueJeans, UberConference, Cisco Webex Meetings, Join.me, GoToMeeting, Skype, Adobe Connect, and Lifesize Video Conferencing.
Web and Video Conferencing Software TrustMap
TrustMaps are two-dimensional charts that compare products based on trScore and research frequency by prospective buyers. Products must have 25 or more ratings to appear on this TrustMap.
Web and Video Conferencing Software Overview
What is Web Conferencing Software?
Web conferencing software allows participants to conduct or attend meetings via the internet. This is also known as online meeting software or sometimes simply video conferencing itself. It enables remote meetings based on VoIP, online video, instant messaging, file sharing, and screen sharing.Web and video conferencing tools have become fundamental to how many organizations conduct business. The software enables remote employees, customers, and partners to connect easily and often. Specific uses for web conferencing software include:
- Presentations or webinars
- Conference calls
- Video meetings with multiple participants
- Running product demos and training
- 1-on-1 meetings with remote employees
- Face-to-face customer support
- Enhanced communications
- Reduced travel costs
- Increased efficiency
Web and Video Conferencing Features & Capabilities
Audio and video quality
Web conferencing software should facilitate audio calls and video conferencing. The quality of audio and video is a key factor to consider. Buyers should also consider the bandwidth usage of the software.
Screen sharing
Meeting presenters should be able to share their screens with participants.
Online meetings
Web conferencing software allows users to schedule meetings or initiate impromptu meetings. Participants should be able to easily join meetings—and mute themselves. The ability to record meetings (and save or download recordings) is offered by some, but not all vendors. Buyers should investigate to make sure meeting recordings meet their needs.
Collaboration
Many web conferencing software products include collaboration features such as live chat, audience polling, Q&A, and file sharing.
Security
Enterprises and companies in highly regulated industries will need enhanced security. Security features include user authentication, permissions, and confidential attendee lists.
Mobility
Some web conferencing software products offer a mobile app. This allows easy access to video meetings from a mobile device or tablet. Others allow users to call in from mobile devices (audio-only), or join meetings from a mobile-friendly web link.
Other features include:
- Slideshow presentations
- Meeting scheduling and recording
- Live chatting
- Audience interaction features
- File sharing
Web and Video Conferencing Software Comparison
To compare different web and video conferencing solutions, consider these factors for each product offering:
High-Quality Audio & Video
Audio and video quality is of the utmost importance to web conferencing software. Users want to feel like they’re having authentic face-to-face conversations with other participants, and quality video is a major component of that. Beyond the quality of your webcam or microphone, the software itself can feature tools that enhance the overall quality of your experience such as noise cancellation, auto-mute for non-speaking participants, and settings adjustments for users with low bandwidth.
Screen Sharing
Screen sharing allows users to display their screen with other meeting participants. As online meetings become more collaborative, this is a must-have feature for most buyers. Screen sharing must not only be high quality, but easy to toggle on and off as well. The option of having multiple participants sharing their screen at once is also gaining steam, but not every tool on the market offers this feature. If this is important to your team, be sure to confirm that your preferred tool has this feature before subscribing.
Multi-Device Support
People lead busy lives, so web conferencing software has evolved to keep up with the ever-changing ways in which employees engage with their work. Users want to be able to quickly and easily dial-in to meetings not only from their desktop computers, but from laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Having web conference software with sophisticated mobile application features are a must for many companies. Additionally, for ease-of-use, mobile versions of web conferencing software should compliment the desktop versions and be as congruent as possible to ease implementation and access to meetings for guest users.
Easy-to-Use Interface
Ease of use is essential for online meetings to run without a hitch. Participants need to be able to easily—and quickly—join meetings whether they’re in an office or on the go. Not only that, but for hosts, setting up meetings and managing them must be a simple process as well. A well-designed user interface is key because it facilitates collaboration between participants and ensures that they are engaged. No one wants to spend several minutes figuring out where the “mute” button is or awkwardly fumbling to hang up a call.
Chat
Chat is now ubiquitous, from text messaging to private messages across social media platforms. Web conference participants also want to be able to communicate via text during online meetings. In-meeting chat features are designed not only for note-taking, but for quietly conveying information to the host and other participants without interrupting the flow of the meeting, especially during Q&A sessions. Chat features also allow participants to communicate before and after the meeting, and act as an additional means of collaboration.
Meeting Recording
The reality of online meetings is that not everyone can always participate. This is where meeting recordings come in handy. Ideally, users would have access to unlimited recording, but many web conferencing tools limit the amount of meetings than can be recorded and stored based on file size. Some vendors may limit the number of minutes in a meeting that can be recorded, or limit the available editing features. When searching for web conferencing software, buyers should be mindful of just how often they’d like to record meetings, and if they will need to make extensive edits.
Start a Web and Video Conferencing software comparison
Web Conferencing vs. Video Conferencing
Web conferencing traditionally referred to “one-to-many” interactions. This included presentations, training, and webinars. Individuals could participate via chat or “hand-raising” but the presenter was the key communicator. In contrast, video conferencing traditionally referred to face-to-face interactions between equal participants, typically two people or a small group.
This line between web conferencing software and video conferencing software is blurring. Web conferencing no longer refers just to calls with a single presenter. The term now includes group discussions, 1:1 meetings, and video calls. Most online meeting vendors offer both traditional web conferencing features (e.g., screen sharing, presentations to large groups, meeting moderation) and traditional video conferencing features (e.g., two-way video and audio). The meaning of "video conferencing" has also expanded so that now one can use web conferencing and video conferencing fairly interchangeably and research the same software.
This line between web conferencing software and video conferencing software is blurring. Web conferencing no longer refers just to calls with a single presenter. The term now includes group discussions, 1:1 meetings, and video calls. Most online meeting vendors offer both traditional web conferencing features (e.g., screen sharing, presentations to large groups, meeting moderation) and traditional video conferencing features (e.g., two-way video and audio). The meaning of "video conferencing" has also expanded so that now one can use web conferencing and video conferencing fairly interchangeably and research the same software.
Pricing Information
Free Web and Video Conferencing Software
There are many free web or video conferencing software options available. Some are personal tools, like Skype and Google Hangouts. Others are focused on small businesses, including AnyMeeting, MeetingBurner, Join.me, and Zoom.
Free web conferencing software (and free tiers of paid products) may have some limitations. This includes lower video/audio quality, fewer features, and restrictions on the size of meetings, for example. Paid products typically have more features and better performance and security compared to free web conferencing software. But they can be cost-prohibitive for smaller companies, especially if online meetings are only needed now and then by a few individuals.
Free web conferencing software (and free tiers of paid products) may have some limitations. This includes lower video/audio quality, fewer features, and restrictions on the size of meetings, for example. Paid products typically have more features and better performance and security compared to free web conferencing software. But they can be cost-prohibitive for smaller companies, especially if online meetings are only needed now and then by a few individuals.
Paid Web and Video Conferencing Software
For paid plans, web conferencing software is usually priced per seat by the number of meeting participants and included features. Prices start as low as $15/mo. per host for up to 100 participants, as with the Zoom Pro plan. For enterprise-wide web conferencing software, prices can run into thousands of dollars per month. This includes multiple hosts, virtual meeting rooms, integrations, security & administration, enhanced support, and more.
More Resources
Web and Video Conferencing Products
(1-25 of 90) Sorted by Most Reviews
Zoom is a unified communications platform primarily known for its use as a web conferencing tool. It features HD video and audio, collaboration tools, chat functionality, and an enterprise cloud phone system.
ConnectWise Control is a remote support, access, and meeting solution. With ConnectWise Control, users can utilize remote support and access to repair computers, provide updates, and manage machines. Users can also conduct online seminars and presentations using remote meetings.
BlueJeans is a cloud-based web conferencing and unified communications software with multi-vendor, multi-device interoperability with both mobile and browser integration for businesses of any size. BlueJeans also provides several collaboration tools and integration with commonly used applications.
Webex Meetings is a video conferencing platform provided by Cisco Systems, Inc. with built-in AI and machine learning capabilities to eliminate tasks from users’ plates. It supports team meetings, webinars, online training, real-time technical support, and conference calling.
TeamViewer provides software for both remote management and online collaborations. With TeamViewer, users have access to fully integrated online conference solutions for audio and video communication, including interactive screen sharing and remote access features.
From LogMeIn, GoToMeeting is an online meeting, desktop sharing, and video conferencing software that enables users to connect via the internet. It hosts a suite of online meeting tools, including real-time screen sharing and integrated audio.
Lifesize is a web conferencing platform focused on making video conferencing systems and video conferencing apps work well together, while still being easy-to-use. Their platform incorporates web conferencing software with meeting room devices and wireless screen sharing.
Microsoft Teams combines video conferencing software with team collaboration tools. The communications platform allows MS Office users to conduct conference calls and share files via SharePoint, and join or initiate a group chat.
Skype for Business is part of Microsoft’s 365 suite offering and provides an IP PBX for online messaging and web conferencing. It includes features such as live streaming, dialing into conference calls, and the ability to make, receive, and transfer calls via computer or mobile device.
GoToWebinar is LogMeIn’s webinar and online conferencing solution, and offers features like audience polling and Q&A;, flexible scheduling experiences, and webinar templates. It offers CRM integrations and reporting & analytics tools to help engage clients’ audiences.
Skype (the personal edition) is a free web meeting, video conferencing, and VoIP software. The free version includes audio and video Skype-to-Skype calls, ability to call mobile phones and landlines, paid international calling, and conference calling capabilities for up to 25 people.
Cisco Webex Teams (formerly Cisco Spark) is cloud-based video conferencing system providing collaboration tools enabling teams to create, meet, message, call,
care, whiteboard, share, regardless of geographical location.
Fuze is a cloud-based unified communications platform that includes IP PBX voice service, video conferencing, and collaboration tools such as content sharing and instant messaging capabilities. It also integrates with a wide range of popular CTI, CRM, and click-to-call solutions.
The classic version of Google Hangouts is a communication platform that includes messaging, voice, VoIP, and video call capabilities. It was part of Google’s G Suite offering and integrated with applications such as Gmail and Google+. Users of the classic version of Hangouts will be migrated to the …
Adobe Connect is a web conferencing platform that enables users to create presentations, online training materials, and learning modules. The product is entirely Adobe Flash-based and has several add-ons for customizing its software to suit each users’ unique needs.
UberConference is a web conferencing platform with document management capability that integrates with third-party applications such as Google Drive, LinkedIn, Evernote, and Dropbox. It includes features such as screen sharing, call controls, call recording, and a mobile application.
Join.me from LogMeIn is an audio, video, and web conferencing tool targeted at SMBs. Its software can be used across various devices and includes features such as one-click scheduling, personal links, interactive whiteboards, and presenter swapping.
From PGi, GlobalMeet is a web-based video conferencing platform. It hosts a cloud PBX system and offers capabilities for incorporating team collaboration into video meetings.
Highfive is an integrated hardware and cloud-based software product for room-based video conferencing, wireless projection, and web conferencing. Highfive does not require any downloads, PIN codes, or passwords to use and features unlimited meetings and minutes.
Blackboard Collaborate is an online, collaborative learning platform well-suited for the education industry and corporate learning needs. It includes features such as screen and application sharing, web conferencing, and integration with Blackboard Learn.
From PGi, ReadyTalk is a web conferencing solution that has been discontinued. PGi's new web conferencing solution is called GlobalMeet Collaboration.
Amazon Chime is a communications service from Amazon Web Services with a built-in VoIP solution. Amazon Chime can be used for online meetings, video conferencing, and business calling, and features pay-as-you-go pricing.
Norwegian company appear.in offers their flagship video conferencing platform to small teams, both in a free edition hosting up to 4 guests simultaneously in a session or a paid edition that supports up to 12 simultaneous meeting guests, among other features.
Blizz is a web conferencing software designed for global collaboration. It aides users in connecting with contacts and remote teams through video meetings, instant chat messaging, screen sharing, and conference recording on desktop and mobile from any location.
ClickMeeting is a webinar solution formerly owned by GetResponse, an email marketing software company. ClickMeeting's online meeting and collaboration tools are designed to support the sales, marketing, e-learning, and training needs of business of all sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between webinar and web conferencing software?
The biggest difference between webinar and web conferencing software is size. Webinar software is best for larger group meetings or online events with large audiences of hundreds or sometimes thousands of participants. Web and video conferencing platforms shine brightest when used for sharing ideas and making decisions between remote stakeholders.
What are key features of web and video conferencing software?
A recent TrustRadius survey of 180+ web conferencing users found that these are the top 5 features to keep in mind when looking for a new web and video conferencing platform:
- Screen Sharing
- Multi-Device Support
- Easy-to-Use Interface
- Chat
- Meeting Recording
How can web conferences help businesses?
Web conferencing software is an essential communications tool from which organizations of all sizes can benefit. It helps users meet with clients, customers, and remote employees via the internet using computers, as well as mobile devices like phones and tablets. The highest quality conferencing software will support one-on-one meetings, as well as groups of more than three participants.
How much does web and video conferencing software cost?
There are many free web and video conferencing options available. Some are personal tools while others are focused on small businesses. For paid plans, web and video conferencing software is usually priced per seat by the number of meeting participants and included features. For enterprise-wide web and video conferencing software, prices can run into thousands of dollars per month.