Video Conferencing

Zoom is a video communications platform known for reliable, low-latency video calls that scale from one-on-one meetings to large webinars and virtual events. It became a household name during remote-work adoption and remains a default choice for external client calls and conferences. Beyond core meetings, the Zoom Workplace suite bundles team chat, whiteboarding, and Zoom Phone for VoIP calling, positioning it as a broader collaboration platform rather than just a meetings app. AI Companion, Zoom's built-in assistant, provides meeting summaries, smart chapters, and follow-up task suggestions automatically after calls end.

✦ Best for businesses and remote teams

Google Meet is Google Workspace's video conferencing tool, designed for quick, browser-based meetings without requiring any software installation. It is deeply integrated with Gmail and Google Calendar, so meetings can be started or joined directly from an event invite in one click. Meet includes noise cancellation, live captions, and virtual backgrounds, plus adaptive layouts that automatically adjust the video grid based on the number of participants and who is speaking. For Workspace customers, Meet also offers meeting recording to Google Drive, breakout rooms, and polls, making it a capable option for both internal syncs and larger training sessions.

✦ Best for small teams, google workspace users

Jitsi Meet is a free and open-source video conferencing platform that allows users to hold secure, simple, and scalable video conferences. It can be used as a standalone app or embedded in web applications, providing a flexible and customizable solution for video conferencing needs.

✦ Best for tech-savvy teams and educators

Microsoft retired Skype on 5 May 2025 and now redirects skype.com to Microsoft Teams; new sign-ups are no longer available and this entry is kept for reference. Skype is a versatile telecommunications application that specializes in providing video chat and voice call services between devices. Users can communicate across the globe through internet connections with features designed for both personal conversations and business meetings. Owned by Microsoft, the platform also offers instant messaging, file sharing, and affordable international landline calling options. It remains a staple tool for long-distance communication, remote work collaboration, and virtual family gatherings.

✦ Best for remote workers and families making free international video calls.

The Cisco Webex Network Recording Player is a lightweight desktop utility that lets users open, view, and navigate Webex meeting recordings without needing the full Webex client. It supports both Windows and macOS, providing a seamless experience for enterprise teams reviewing past sessions. Designed for large teams and enterprises, the player integrates directly with Cisco Webex, offering quick access to recorded content, searchable timestamps, and basic playback controls, all at no cost.

✦ Best for webex users reviewing meetings