Zoom
Video conferencing platform for meetings, webinars, and virtual events.
Video Conferencing
Free tier
Overview
Zoom became synonymous with video calls during the pandemic. It offers meetings, webinars, phone, chat, and virtual events. The free tier allows 40-minute group meetings.
Strengths
- Industry-leading video and audio quality
- Reliable even on poor connections
- Universal — everyone knows how to use Zoom
- Strong webinar and events features
Weaknesses
- Free tier limited to 40-minute group calls
- Security concerns have been raised
- Becoming bloated with features
- Another standalone tool when alternatives are built into existing platforms
Pricing estimate
$133
/month
$1600/year
Free 40-min group meetings
Quick info
- Category
- Video Conferencing
- Starting price
- $13.33/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes — Free 40-min group meetings
- Open source
- No
- Best for
- Any size
- Founded
- 2011
Last updated 2026-04-12
Top alternatives to Zoom
1
Google Meet
Free tier
Video conferencing built into Google Workspace with screen sharing, recording, and live captions.
2
Microsoft Teams
Free tier
All-in-one communication platform with chat, video meetings, and Office 365 integration.
3
A
Around
Free
Lightweight video calling tool with floating bubbles, noise cancellation, and minimal screen space.
Zoom comparisons
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Zoom vs Google Meet
Google Meet is the free option; Zoom charges $13.33/user/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
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Zoom vs Whereby
Whereby is the free option; Zoom charges $13.33/user/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
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Zoom vs Around
Around is the free option; Zoom charges $13.33/user/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
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Zoom vs Riverside
Zoom is built for teams that prioritize reliable, high-quality video calls. Riverside is built for podcasters and creators recording high-quality video. Pick the one that fits.
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Zoom vs Jitsi
Jitsi is the free option; Zoom charges $13.33/user/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
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Zoom vs Daily.co
Daily.co is the free option; Zoom charges $13.33/user/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
More Video Conferencing tools
Google Meet
Video conferencing built into Google Workspace with screen sharing, recording, and live captions.
Whereby
Browser-based video meetings with no downloads required — share a link and people join instantly.
A
Around
Lightweight video calling tool with floating bubbles, noise cancellation, and minimal screen space.
Riverside
Studio-quality recording platform for podcasts and video with local recording and AI transcription.
Jitsi
Free, open-source video meeting solution with no account required and self-hosting option.
Daily.co
Video calling API and SDK for building custom video experiences in web and mobile apps.
Stay sharp
New video conferencing tools, price changes, and honest takes — weekly.