This page includes a list of the best virtual meeting platforms.
Virtual meeting platforms are video applications and software that bring people together over the internet. Usually, this software includes a form of video conferencing, as well as tools like chat, reactions and screen sharing. Examples of this software include Zoom, Webex, Google Meet, Lifesize and Jami. These apps are also called “online meeting platforms.”
This software is similar to virtual event platforms, and can help with virtual team engagement and facilitating team building activities virtually.
Specifically, this list includes:
- online meeting software
- virtual meeting apps
- virtual conference software
- corporate meeting app software
Here’s the list!
List of virtual meeting platforms
Video conferencing capabilities bring virtual teams together in real time. From the ubiquitous Zoom to less-known Jitsi Meet, these virtual meeting apps are ready for you and your remote team to try.
1. Zoom
Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that is infamous for being easy to use. You can invite anyone to a Zoom meeting with a URL, even if your attendees do not have a Zoom account. Once team members click on the URL, they will instantly join a virtual room with the rest of the team. Registered users can host meetings with up to 100 people using the free version of Zoom’s software. Coupled with fun features like breakout rooms, Zoom is ideal for hosting meetings, games and activities with virtual teams.
Here is a list of fun games to play on Zoom, and the top Zoom apps.
Learn more about Zoom.
2. Google Meet
Google originally developed Google Meet as a virtual meeting platform for the company’s enterprise customers. However, with Zoom’s surge in popularity, Google decided to offer Meet as a secure alternative. Meet can host gatherings of up to 250 participants, and also offers nifty additions like live captions and anti-abuse features. If data security is a priority for your business, then Meet is right for you, as long as everyone has a Google Account.
Here is a list of games to play on Google Meet.
Start using Google Meet.
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3. Skype
Acquired by Microsoft in 2011, Skype was the original household name for video calls. However, due to consumer complaints and the emergence of Zoom as noted on ZDNet, Skype is no longer the only or primary option for meetings. Skype is mounting a comeback with video conferencing, making it the perfect time to revisit the familiar software with a cute ringtone. The app now offers meetings for up to 50 participants accessible by a generated link. No registration or download required.
Check out Skype.
4. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is online meeting software originally intended for businesses. With its intuitive controls and tight security, Webex has long helped businesses stay connected. By signing up for Webex’s free plan, you can host virtual meetings or games with up to 100 people for any duration. This feature contrasts with Zoom, which limits your meeting time to 40 minutes if three or more people are in your meeting. Therefore, by choosing Webex, you won’t have to worry about time limits for your next online meeting.
Here is a list of games to play on Webex.
Visit Cisco Webex for more information.
5. Jitsi Meet
For an open source platform option you can customize, consider Jitsi Meet for your next virtual meeting. Secured by strong encryption, this virtual conference software does not cost anything, require you to register, or limit the number of people you can invite to meetings. With such flexibility, Jitsi Meet offers endless possibilities for you and your team to hold virtual meetings, online conferences and more.
Discover Jitsi Meet.
6. Toasty
Toasty is a virtual meeting platform that empowers any meeting host to engage their audience and drive collaborations in online meetings and workshops. The app has built-in activities like icebreaker questions, conversation cards and polls. It also features an interactive meeting agenda which the host sets before-hand and allows all participants to follow along with the schedule and activities; knowing what will happen and when is a great way to keep attendees participating. Toasty is built on AWS and Jitsi, which provides for secure, stable and easy-to-access connections.
Learn more about Toasty.
7. Lifesize
Lifesize’s virtual conferencing software is a great alternative for teams seeking high quality 4K video, numerous integrations, and a secure experience. Once you sign up for a free account, you can hold unlimited online meetings with up to 25 people each. Like Zoom, you setup meetings with a shared link, making Lifesize simple to use. Lifesize is optimal for remote team building activities due to its focus on high definition video, which makes it feel like your team members are in the room with you.
Find out more about Lifesize.
8. Jami
Jami’s signature peer-to-peer and end-to-end encryption should satisfy even the most security-aware members of your team. Due to Jami’s distributed architecture, data travels quickly and securely without passing through servers, leading to improved video experience and continuous service. While Jami’s developers have only hosted virtual meetings with up to 16 people, you are free to try Jami with larger groups, as long as you run the meeting from a device with strong computing power and bandwidth.
Uncover Jami.
9. Talky
The most simple of the online meeting software options on this list, Talky does not require any downloads. Instead, the site generates a unique room URL, which you share with your team. The only features Talky has are locked rooms and screen sharing, which should be a relief to less technologically-savvy team members. Just keep in mind that Talky only allows for up to six people per room, making it an ideal choice for small virtual meetings or conference calls.
Learn more about Talky.
10. Whereby
For the most personal of team building experiences, Whereby’s four-person meetings are yet another software option. Working directly from your browser, Whereby does not require any additional downloads or registration from your team members. You can even play YouTube videos, which is perfect for any virtual activities that require shared video, such as collective stretches with Yoga Norman.
Try out Whereby.
Final Thoughts
Virtual meeting software is an important tool to connect and work with remote teams. These platforms allow you to use video to chat and collaborate, as well as support useful functionality like chat, breakout rooms and screen shares.
Now that you are familiar with the best virtual platforms for meetings, you can check out our list of fun video conference games and this one with free online team building games to play on your next team call.
We also have a guide to making virtual meetings fun, list of virtual game night ideas and ideas for all hands meetings. Plus a list of virtual event companies.
Plus a list of tips for improving virtual team communication.
Jessica Chen