Video Conferencing Software
Options for every size meeting, call and budget.
With the sudden change to working from home, several companies want you to know about their video calling solutions. Because there is no perfect solution, we've put together this page showing the most popular options currently available.
On this page you'll see the following things.
- Name of the companies (in alphabetical order).
- Link to their website.
- Brief description of the product from the company website.
- PROS and CONS of the product as provided by PC Magazine.
- Link to the most recent, full review of the product from PC Magazine.
We suggest you look at each product, read the PC Magazine reviews and consider what's best for your particular application.
CyberLink
With U, you can meet face-to-face with anyone from anywhere around the world. We've deconstructed video meetings and kicked out all the problems and hassle, leaving you to experience an entirely new, frustration-free way to go about your business.
LINK: https://u.cyberlink.com/products/umeeting
PROS
- Affordably priced.
- Intuitive interface.
- Comes bundled with CyberLink U Messenger service.
- Virtual Makeup improves on-camera appearance.
CONS
- Encryption only available on top-tier plan.
- Only PC users can record meetings.
- Does not support dial-in via a traditional telephone line.
PC MAGAZINE REVIEW:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/cyberlink-u-meeting
Facetime (Apple Devices ONLY)
Connect with family and friends around the world with FaceTime. Make audio and video calls from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to other iOS devices or even a Mac. Features • Reach contacts using their phone number or Apple ID. • Make both video and audio calls.
LINK: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380
PROS
- Generous free account
- Competitively priced paid plans
- Stellar performance
- Rich features for hosts and participants
- Easy to use
CONS
- No toll-free dial-in numbers for the US or the UK
PC MAGAZINE REVIEW:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/facetime-for-iphone
GoToMeeting
Instantly join, host or manage a video, audio or web meeting from a conference room, your desk or a remote location via your Mac, PC or mobile device.
LINK: https://www.gotomeeting.com/
PROS
- Simple user interface.
- Easy to create meetings.
- Can use a custom URL to access conference room.
- Free plan available.
- Commuter mode.
- Trial doesn't require credit card.
- Meeting transcription.
- 25 video feeds.
CONS
- Lacks advanced meeting options such as polling.
- Webinar features require getting GoToWebinar.
PC MAGAZINE REVIEW:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/gotomeeting
Microsoft Teams
Meet with anyone, anywhere. Host online meetings—1:1, teams, live events up to 10,000 people—with consistent experiences across platforms.
LINK: https://products.office.com/en-US/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
PROS
- Highly customizable
- Tightly integrated with other Microsoft Office apps
- Plentiful integration options
- Included with Office 365 business accounts
CONS
- Only convenient to use in a Microsoft-centric environment
- Compartmentalized design gives an air of formality and rule-following that may inhibit open dialogue
PC MAGAZINE REVIEW:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-teams
Skype from Microsoft
Skype is for connecting with the people that matter most in your life and work. It's built for both one-on-one and group conversations and works wherever you are – via mobile, PC, Xbox and Alexa. Skype messaging and HD voice and video calling will help you share experiences and get things done with others.
LINK: https://www.skype.com/
PROS
- Group and one-to-one free video calling.
- Good sound and image quality.
- Real-time translation.
- Inbound phone numbers.
- Low-rate calls to mobile phones and landlines.
- Screen sharing.
- Messaging with photo and video sharing.
- Bots for serious and fun tasks.
CONS
- SMS is outbound only; users can send, but not receive.
PC MAGAZINE REVIEW:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-skype
Webex from Cisco
Video conferencing is as simple and seamless as meeting in person. With the Webex mobile app, you can meet absolutely anywhere. Hosting is easy and joining is easier—simply click on your link to join. You can even learn about the people you’re meeting for the first time, with instant access to participants’ background and company.
LINK: https://www.webex.com/
PROS
- Free plan available.
- Minimal voice and video lag.
- 25 simultaneous video feeds.
CONS
- "Call Me" plan has additional cost.
- Only one presenter per license.
PC MAGAZINE REVIEW:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/cisco-webex-meetings
Zoom
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems.
LINK: https://zoom.us/
PROS
- Generous free account
- Competitively priced paid plans
- Stellar performance
- Rich features for hosts and participants
- Easy to use
CONS
- No toll-free dial-in numbers for the US or the UK
PC MAGAZINE REVIEW:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/zoom-meeting
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4/6/2020
