While Zoom quickly gained popularity during the pandemic, its security and privacy issues may have many looking for alternatives. These alternatives can handle video meeting and conferencing needs just as well or better.
Slack, which is known for instant messaging capabilities, also has a conference calling option. It can hold meetings for up to 50 people. The platform is free to use, but it requires a minimum amount of file storage.
| Have you tried Meetn, the new online meeting platform? It’s turning out to become a decent alternative to Zoom and to the other major platforms. |
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is a free video conferencing app with multiple features, including HD support and video chat. It is easy to use and has many options for customization. It also offers a variety of virtual backgrounds and studio effects. Its privacy tools include a passcode and audio signature. It can be downloaded to a device and used offline.
It can be accessed on most devices, including smartphones, computers, and tablets. It also allows participants to share their screens. However, the number of attendees in a meeting should not exceed 75, as too many people can detract from the quality of the video.
The app is secure and has a variety of privacy tools. All meetings and calls are encrypted using 256-bit TLS encryption, and content is protected with AES-256 encryption. It also supports end-to-end encryption, which can be toggled on and off as needed. Its parent company, 8×8, claims that user data is not logged or sold to third parties.
Slack
Slack has become a powerful workplace communication tool that helps businesses stay organized and efficient. Users can collaborate with clients, freelancers and third-party individuals by using public channels and direct messages. They can also share files with one another.
Slack’s user interface is easy to navigate and has a minimal learning curve. The app allows users to customize the sidebar menu, and starred channels and direct messages appear at the top of the list. Users can also add RSS feeds to keep up with industry news and trends.
Slack is available on desktop and mobile, and it offers an impressive array of features. Its robust integration ecosystem lets users connect the app with almost any application, from dev tools, like GitHub and Jenkins, to business tools, such as Google Analytics and ServiceNow. Its secure data storage, which is better than traditional email, ensures that private conversations and DMs remain protected from prying eyes. In addition, it provides limited file storage and archives older messages.
Discord
Discord is a chat app with text and voice channels, as well as tools for streaming videos. It is popular with video gamers, but it also attracts users with a range of interests and serves many different community needs: students doing homework together, families staying in touch, communities gathering around a game or hobby, and more.
Users can create their own servers or join other communities upon signup. Typically, these are centered on a specific game or topic. Some are private and require invitation, others are open to anyone on the platform. Servers can also feature so-called “NSFW” channels or servers that have explicit language and images (though it is possible to find a server that does not offer this).
Discord features several ways to customize the chat experience, especially for those with visual impairments. For example, the text scaling settings let you set a precise font size and zoom level. You can also tweak the setting for image descriptions and auto-embed links, and change the input sensitivity.
Microsoft Teams
Whether you’re an online teacher wanting to find free video conferencing alternatives for Zoom or just want a new way to communicate with your students, there are plenty of options out there. But, which one is the best? It really depends on the type of work you do, your budget, and the features you need.
If you’re looking for a Zoom alternative that also offers team communication and project management, Microsoft Teams is an excellent choice. It allows users to communicate in different channels, create meeting rooms, and share files. It also has an option to add external participants.
Skype is another popular video conferencing tool that can be used for both one-on-one conversations and meetings. It has a simple interface and is available on multiple platforms. It also encrypts messages and has been certified by Qualys SSL Labs. However, it has some limitations, such as its blurry display and lack of customization. It can be a good choice for teaching adults, but it’s not ideal for young learners.