You have probably heard of Zoom, Webex, and OpenMeetings, but which one is best for your online meetings? We compare the top three and make a decision based on our experience using them. Zoom is the most popular app for online meetings, and it has taken steps to improve privacy and security. But how is it different from the other two? This article will provide you with an overview of their strengths and weaknesses.
Zoom
The interface for Zoom is simpler and more intuitive than that of the GoToMeeting desktop application. In-meeting features include big toggles for audio and video, buttons for screen sharing and chat, and a virtual raising hand. Despite the streamlined and straightforward user interface, Zoom has some annoying annoyances. While the GoToMeeting desktop application is clunky, Zoom keeps customization options out of sight and out of the way.
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Screen sharing is also an important feature of Zoom, allowing participants to see each other’s screens. You can share the entire screen or a portion of it. Moreover, you can share the content on your computer, including websites and videos. Screen sharing works across platforms, so you can easily share your documents, whiteboards, and other content. Another nice feature of Zoom is that it lets you control the size of each participant’s screen.
Webex
Whether you’re looking for a video conferencing service or a simple online meeting solution, Webex Meetings will provide you with both. The Webex interface is similar to other services you’re likely to use while conducting a phone call. A clear dashboard includes options for Start Meeting, Plan Meeting, and Join Meeting. Standard meeting features include attendees, agenda, and recently viewed files. You can also add custom functions, such as date and duration, as well as add passwords and agenda items.
Both Zoom and Webex have their advantages and disadvantages. Zoom offers more features and is more affordable, with a free plan that allows up to 10 video participants. Webex offers state-of-the-art security, which is essential if your meeting is confidential. Webex also allows you to control who enters the meeting. However, some companies may stick with Webex for security and familiarity. If you want to host your next online meeting without any hassle, Zoom is the way to go.
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is an instant messaging, voice calling, and video conferencing software tied to a Gmail account. You can arrange meetings with other users and invite as many as 150 people to participate. Hangouts is optimized for casual settings and therefore, is not ideal for professional use. It is, however, free and easy to use, and it has a good reputation among users. Users can invite up to 50 people for video calls, although the service does not allow users to use their microphone or camera.
The video feed is the most prominent part of both applications. Google Hangouts is free with a Gmail account, but Zoom is more sophisticated and requires a premium subscription. Besides being free, Hangouts is also part of G Suite. It supports multiple participants and includes an embedded calendar invite link. Additionally, it syncs with your Gmail contacts, allowing you to chat on the go with the person you’re meeting.
OpenMeetings
There are several reasons to use OpenMeetings instead of other web conferencing solutions. The open source software is designed to be easy to use for everyone, regardless of experience level or skill level. Its features include video and audio conferencing, document editing, and whiteboard collaboration. The software uses HTML5, Flash, and Red5 media servers as its foundation. It also offers four audio/video options and supports multiple camera resolutions.
The OpenMeetings platform also offers video and screen sharing, whiteboard capabilities, and chat. Users can also record and share sessions. Other features include file and screen sharing, collaboration, and instant messaging. OpenMeetings is free to use and requires no hosting. Users can schedule meetings and invite participants, share documents and screen images, and edit and collaborate on whiteboards. OpenMeetings also supports multiple organizations and users.
Slack
If you’ve ever participated in a virtual meeting, you know that there are many advantages of face-to-face meetings. These meetings help you connect and foster better teamwork. In addition to eliminating the stress and hassle of travel, they also let you collaborate in real time. There are many types of meetings you can hold, from short, collaborative chats to full-fledged meetings. Depending on your needs, you may find that Slack is a better option for your team.
When it comes to security, Slack and Zoom are equal in many ways. Both services protect sensitive information. During an online meeting, Slack encrypts audio and video. Zoom, on the other hand, does not hold any identifiable information about users. However, users must upgrade to enterprise plans before they can use Slack to organize meetings. For businesses, Slack offers enterprise-grade security. For example, Slack’s enterprise plan supports up to 500,000 members. Businesses should choose this plan if they require centralized control and customizable policies.