Chances are, you've chatted with a loved one or co-worker on a video call in recent months. Most of us have been avoiding face-to-face conversations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thankfully, technology is keeping us connected in ways our grandparents could have never imagined.
Sure, you could probably get most of your work done with phone calls and email, but don't underestimate the value of human interaction. A study published in Harvard Business Review found: face-to-face requests were 34 more times more effective than emailed ones. The reason? Your body language and facial expressions can help win people over and lead to more meaningful business relationships.
You don't have to run a Fortune 500 company to take advantage of video conferencing. The following is a sample of features offered with free accounts, so there's really something for every organization to choose from. Paid subscriptions unlock even more valuable features, so if you'd like more details about pricing, follow the links posted below.
What You'll Get From a Free Account
Zoom:
Host up to 100 participants
40 minute time limit
Unlimited number of meetings
HD video and voice
Adjustable layouts
Web Conferencing Features- private or group chat, call recording, controls for hosts
Screen sharing available
Group Collaboration Features- screen sharing, whiteboards, keyboard/mouse control, group messages
Security- Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
Virtual background
Conference room integration available
24/7 support available
App is required to host a meeting, but participants can join meetings via web browser
Microsoft Teams (replacing Skype):
Hosts up to 500,000 participants
24-hour time limit
Unlimited number of meetings
Integrated content creation with Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote
Unlimited app integrations with 250+ business apps to choose from, including Adobe, Evernote, and Trello
Adjustable layouts
Screen sharing available
Security- End-to-end encryption with 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
Virtual background
Conference room integration available
Use on any computer or device
Free support limited to the Microsoft Tech Community for Teams forum
Download an app to PC, Mac, or smartphone to use
Skype and Teams are essentially one and the same. Microsoft bought the company in 2011 and is slowly phasing it out. Skype is technically still in use, but Microsoft is encouraging customers to use Teams instead.
Google Meet (formerly Hangouts):
Hosts up to 100 participants
1-hour time limit
Unlimited number of meetings
Screen sharing
Live closed captions (in English only)
Intelligent noise cancellation
Meeting recording
Adjustable layouts
Dial-in phone numbers for US and international callers
All data is encrypted between client and Google
2-step verification
Google Drive storage up to 15 GB per user
Shared drives
Drive file steam
Support is limited to self-help online and community forums
Host or participate in meetings from a web browser or app
WebEx:
Up to 100 participants
Meetings up to 50 minutes
Cloud recording storages
Adjustable layouts
Screen sharing
Chat and notes
Unlimited direct ad group messaging
Interactive whiteboarding
Virtual backgrounds not available yet (reportedly ‘coming soon’)
HIPAA/BAA compliant
End-to-end encryption
Online support only
App required for iPhone/android
Use Google Chrome or Firefox to join from a PC or Mac, but Cisco warns, “do to use Internet Explorer”
GoToMeeting:
Free to attend, otherwise to host, subscriptions are $12+ per month
Unlimited meetings
No time limits on meetings
HD Video
Screen sharing
Dial-in conference line
Call recording
Personal meeting room
Keyboard and mouse sharing
Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption and AES-256 bit encryption, SOC2 certified Data Centers, HIPAA ready
Conference room integration available
Third party app integrations, including Slack and Office 365
Custom backgrounds
24/7 customer care
Join meetings with desktop/phone app or via web browser
Zoho Meeting:
Up to 3 meeting participants (including presenter)
Up to 10 webinar attendees
VoIP/webcam sharing
Screen/application sharing
Basic settings
Remove participants
Mute/unmute participants
Share screen for participants
Webinar registration
Customize registration form
Polls, Q&A, and Raise Hand
Webinar Analytics
Allow to talk
Join or host via web browser or with a desktop or smartphone app
Note: follow the links posted for each service for full information about the features offered.
One Final Note:
Before joining any meeting you’ve been invited to, find out if it requires an app. If so, download it ahead of time. Also, ask if there’s a link you can follow to start the meeting (it will most likely be emailed to you). Be sure to check your camera, microphone and speakers before a meeting to ensure you’re seen, heard and can see and hear your host.
What video conferencing service is your favorite? Let us know what you like about it! Email us at info@aevio.com or comment below.