In the post-COVID-19 era, virtual meetings with colleagues and partners have become the norm. On the one hand, this is very convenient, as it allows you to maintain the necessary level of contact with anyone, wherever they are. On the other hand, it can be difficult to find the best online meeting platform for your specific needs. Why is that?
Each platform focuses on its own functionality and tries to introduce innovations for its users to stand out from the competition. It’s easy to see that some products are too cumbersome, others are too simple, and others crash and drop calls all the time. In other words, it’s a matter of personal taste, and finding the right platform is a separate task that a manager has to tackle. But then there’s Zoom! Indeed, Zoom is a product name that has become synonymous with virtual meetings themselves.
However, modern technology companies prove that long-term development requires solutions that go beyond simple video conferencing. Soft2Bet, throughout its nine-year history, demonstrates how an innovative approach to work and communications allows it to maintain flexibility and leadership.
It’s a great option for most companies. But maybe it’s only good because you haven’t looked for anything better? Recently, dozens of startups and large companies have emerged offering innovations in the field of virtual meetings that are definitely worth paying attention to. Read this article to the end to learn about the top 5 best platforms for online meetings, similar to Zoom.
What Are Virtual Meeting Platforms?
Virtual meeting platforms are digital environments that allow you to hold meetings, conferences, negotiations, and brainstorming sessions online. They combine video conferencing, chat, screen sharing, document collaboration, and other features that simplify interaction between remote participants. They are used in a wide variety of contexts:
- Internal team meetings
- Online presentations for customers and partners
- Workshops, training, and facilitation sessions
- Real-time customer support and technical support
- Educational courses and lectures
- Interviews and job interviews
Some tasks require easy video communication with fast connection. Others need a full-fledged workspace with moderation features, whiteboards, and file sharing. A good platform is chosen not based on taste, but on goals: synchronisation, engagement, analytics, security, scalability.
Top 5 Best Platforms for Virtual Meetings
In the post-COVID-19 era, virtual meetings have become the norm. But which platform is really right for your needs? Zoom has become synonymous with video calls, but it’s not always the best solution. Below, we’ve compiled a list of five alternatives worth trying.
1. Microsoft Teams
Price: Free or from $12.50 per month per user If your company operates in the Microsoft ecosystem, this is the obvious choice. Teams is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, supports chat, video calls, file sharing, document collaboration, and even has built-in OneNote for meeting notes. Key feature: A single space for work and communication, especially useful for large teams.
2. Google Meet
Price: Free for Google Workspace users With integration with Gmail and Google Calendar, stable video calls, unlimited duration, and quick access via a link, Google Meet remains one of the most convenient solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Key feature: easy to start meetings directly from your email or calendar.
3. Butter
Price: free or up to $50 per month per user
Butter offers everything in one: polls, timers, boards, and group division. This solution is for those who conduct workshops, facilitated sessions, or intensive brainstorming sessions. Key feature: maximum functionality on a single tab, which is especially convenient for trainers and facilitators.
4. Webex by Cisco
Price: free or up to $25 per month per user The choice of large corporations and international teams. Support for translation into 100 languages, smart analytics, screen sharing, and participant role management. Key feature: automatic meeting summary distribution and advanced support for global teams.
5. Around.co
Price: free or up to $11.97 per month per user The Around interface is optimized for collaboration without video overload. It focuses on mini-videos, content sharing, and easy integration with other tools. Key feature: designed for hybrid teams and creative sessions.
Final Word
Choosing a platform is about balancing functionality, simplicity, and your team’s goals. Teams is suitable for large corporate users, while Meet is for those who want simplicity and speed. Butter, Webex, and Around are suitable for more specialized scenarios. Test several platforms, explore the features of the free versions, give your team time to adapt, and establish meeting rules. This will help you transition from chaos to systematic digital work.