Table of Contents
As the world continues to shift towards remote work, the importance of online meetings has become increasingly apparent. Virtual meetings provide businesses with the opportunity to connect with team members, customers, and partners from anywhere in the world. To facilitate these meetings, various online meeting software solutions have emerged. In this article, we'll explore the best online meeting software options available and how they can benefit different industries, including healthcare, education, non-profits, and small businesses.
Video conferencing is the backbone of online meetings, and the best online meeting software options provide a robust set of features to facilitate seamless virtual collaboration. These features include screen sharing, breakout rooms, polls, transcription, translation, and whiteboards, among others. A comprehensive guide to online meeting software includes description of the best online meeting software solutions available in the market like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, and GoToMeeting.
For small businesses, affordable online meeting software options are a must. Zoom and Google Meet offer free plans with basic features that are perfect for small businesses. For larger businesses, paid plans are available with more advanced features such as custom branding, increased participant limits, and additional security measures.
Online meeting software solutions are also beneficial for remote collaboration. Teams can connect from anywhere in the world and collaborate on projects in real-time, whether it's sharing files, brainstorming ideas, or working on a presentation. Online collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace also provide additional features such as team chat and project management tools to enhance productivity.
The Benefits of Online Meetings
Online meetings have become increasingly popular over the years due to the many benefits they provide. This section will explore the various benefits of online meetings for remote collaboration, team collaboration, virtual events, webinars, customer support, small businesses, healthcare, education, and non-profits. We will also highlight some of the top online meeting software options available.
Remote Collaboration
One of the most significant benefits of online meetings is that they allow for remote collaboration. With online meetings, teams can work together regardless of their location, making it easier to collaborate on projects and share ideas. Video conferencing is an essential tool for remote collaboration, as it allows for face-to-face communication and builds stronger relationships between team members.
Team Collaboration
In addition to remote collaboration, online meetings also allow for team collaboration. Online meetings make it easy for team members to communicate and collaborate on projects, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This is especially important for teams working on complex projects that require constant communication and coordination.
Virtual Events
Virtual events have become increasingly popular due to the pandemic, and online meetings have made it possible to host these events. Online meetings allow attendees to join from anywhere in the world, making it easier to reach a wider audience. Virtual events can be used for conferences, training sessions, and even trade shows.
Webinars
Webinars have become a popular way for businesses to reach their target audience. Online meetings make it easy to host webinars and connect with attendees, making it an effective tool for lead generation and sales. Some online meeting software options offer features like screen sharing, polling, and Q&A sessions, making it easier to engage with webinar attendees.
Customer Support
Online meetings are also an excellent tool for customer support. With online meetings, customers can connect with support teams in real-time, making it easier to resolve issues quickly. Some online meeting software options also offer features like screen sharing and remote control, making it easier to troubleshoot issues.
Small Businesses
Small businesses can also benefit from online meetings. Online meetings make it possible for small business owners to connect with clients and partners regardless of their location, making it easier to expand their network. Online meetings are also a cost-effective way to conduct business meetings and reduce travel expenses.
Healthcare
Online meetings are becoming increasingly important in the healthcare industry. With online meetings, healthcare providers can connect with patients in remote locations, making it easier to provide medical care. Online meetings also make it possible for healthcare providers to collaborate and share patient information, making it easier to provide the best possible care.
Education
Online meetings have become an important tool for education. With online meetings, educators can connect with students regardless of their location, making it easier to provide education to a wider audience. Online meetings also make it possible to conduct virtual classrooms, making it easier for students to attend classes from anywhere.
Non-Profits
Non-profits can also benefit from online meetings. Online meetings make it possible for non-profits to connect with volunteers and donors from anywhere in the world, making it easier to achieve their mission. Online meetings are also a cost-effective way to conduct board meetings and reduce travel expenses.
Online Meeting Software for Small Businesses
Small businesses need affordable and easy-to-use online meeting software that can facilitate communication and collaboration with remote team members and customers.
Affordable Options
With the advancement of technology, we now have several online meeting software options that offer video conferencing solutions. In this section, we will discuss the affordable options available for online meetings that include Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
Zoom
Zoom is one of the most popular online meeting software options available in the market today. It offers a wide range of features that are easy to use, making it a great option for both small and large businesses. The software offers HD video and audio quality, virtual backgrounds, and the ability to record meetings. Zoom's basic plan is free, making it an affordable option for startups and small businesses.
Google Meet
Google Meet is Google's answer to online meeting software options. It offers features such as screen sharing, real-time captions, and the ability to record meetings. Google Meet is integrated with G Suite, making it a great option for businesses that already use Google's suite of products. Google Meet is free for anyone with a Google account, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is another online meeting software option that offers video conferencing solutions. It has features such as screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and the ability to record meetings. Microsoft Teams is integrated with Office 365, making it a great option for businesses that use Microsoft's suite of products. The software offers a free version with limited features, making it an affordable option for small businesses.
Comparison Table
| Software | Free Plan Available | HD Video Quality | Screen Sharing | Virtual Backgrounds | Record Meetings |
| Zoom | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Meet | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Software with Specific Features
GoToMeeting, Skype, and Cisco Webex are three popular online meeting software solutions that offer a range of features to help users connect and collaborate from anywhere in the world.
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is an online meeting software that allows users to schedule, host, and join virtual meetings from anywhere. This software offers a range of features including screen sharing, video conferencing, and recording options. GoToMeeting is designed to make it easy for users to collaborate with their teams, host webinars, and hold virtual events. With its simple and intuitive interface, GoToMeeting is a popular choice for businesses and remote teams.
Skype
Skype is another popular online meeting software that offers video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing capabilities. This software is easy to use and offers a range of features that make it easy for users to connect with others from anywhere in the world. Skype is particularly popular among small businesses and remote teams due to its affordability and simplicity.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is an enterprise-level online meeting software that offers a range of advanced features for large organizations. This software offers video conferencing, screen sharing, and recording options, as well as the ability to host virtual events and webinars. Cisco Webex is known for its security features and is a popular choice among businesses that require high-level security for their virtual meetings.
In terms of features, all three of these online meeting software solutions offer video conferencing, screen sharing, and recording options. However, Cisco Webex offers more advanced features for larger organizations, while GoToMeeting and Skype are better suited for small businesses and remote teams.
Comparison Table
| Software | Video Conferencing | Screen Sharing | Recording | Virtual Events |
| GoToMeeting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skype | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cisco Webex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Online Meeting Software for Virtual Events
Virtual events require online meeting software that can handle large groups of participants and provide the necessary features for event planning and execution.
Large Groups
As more and more companies shift to remote work, the need for reliable and user-friendly online meeting software has never been greater. In this section, we will review and compare three of the most popular online meeting software options: Zoom, Adobe Connect, and On24.
Zoom
Zoom is one of the most well-known video conferencing tools on the market, with over 300 million daily meeting participants worldwide. Zoom offers a range of features, including screen sharing, recording, virtual backgrounds, and breakout rooms for smaller group discussions. With its easy-to-use interface and affordable pricing, Zoom has become a go-to choice for virtual events and large group meetings.
Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect is another popular option for online meetings and virtual events. Adobe Connect offers features such as screen sharing, recording, and polls, as well as customizable layouts for webinars and training sessions. While Adobe Connect may be more expensive than some other options, it offers advanced capabilities for larger organizations that require a high degree of customization and branding.
On24
On24 is a cloud-based platform designed specifically for virtual events, webinars, and webcasts. On24 offers features such as live chat, polls, and Q&A sessions, as well as comprehensive reporting and analytics to track engagement and ROI. While On24 is more focused on virtual events and less on general online meetings, it is a robust solution for large-scale events with multiple sessions and presenters.
Comparison Table
| Software | Features | Pricing |
| Zoom | Screen sharing, recording, virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms | Free - $19.99 per host per month |
| Adobe Connect | Customizable layouts, screen sharing, recording, polls | Starts at $130 per month |
| On24 | Live chat, Q&A sessions, polls, comprehensive analytics | Contact for pricing |
Event Planning and Execution
There are various options available in the market, each with unique features that cater to different needs. In this section, we'll explore three popular online meeting software options that are perfect for event planning and execution: Eventbrite, Hopin, and Brella.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a popular online event registration platform that also offers virtual event capabilities. The software provides a streamlined event creation process and user-friendly registration experience. It also offers robust features for managing attendees, such as check-in and on-site registration.
Eventbrite's virtual event features include video conferencing and live streaming options, making it an excellent choice for hosting webinars and other online events. Additionally, it allows for seamless integration with other tools like Zoom and Google Meet.
Hopin
Hopin is an all-in-one virtual event platform that allows you to create and host online events with ease. Its features include live streaming, video conferencing, and networking capabilities, making it an excellent choice for larger events. Hopin also offers interactive features like breakout sessions and Q&A sessions, enhancing attendee engagement.
One of Hopin's standout features is its customizable event templates, which allow for easy event branding and customization. It also provides detailed analytics and reporting, making it easy to measure the success of your event.
Brella
Brella is a virtual event platform that emphasizes networking and engagement. Its features include video conferencing, live streaming, and networking capabilities like chat and matchmaking. The platform also offers customizable branding options and a user-friendly interface, making it easy for attendees to navigate.
Brella's networking features are its standout feature, allowing for easy connection between attendees and exhibitors. It also provides detailed analytics and reporting, making it easy to track attendee engagement and measure event success.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Eventbrite | Hopin | Brella |
| Video Conferencing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Networking Features | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
| Event Branding | Limited | Customizable | Customizable |
| Attendee Management | Robust | Robust | Basic |
| Analytics & Reporting | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
| Breakout Sessions | No | Yes | No |
| Q&A Sessions | No | Yes | No |
Online Meeting Software for Healthcare
Healthcare professionals can use online meeting software for virtual appointments, consultations, and training sessions.
Secure Communication
The use of online meeting software for secure communication has made it possible for healthcare professionals to connect with their patients virtually, making healthcare more accessible and convenient.
Three online meeting software that are widely used in the healthcare industry are Doxy.me, SimplePractice, and TheraNest.
Doxy.me
Doxy.me is a web-based telemedicine solution that allows healthcare providers to connect with their patients through video conferencing. It is easy to use and does not require any downloads or installation. Healthcare professionals can use it to schedule appointments, take notes, and send reminders. Additionally, it offers end-to-end encryption and HIPAA compliance to ensure the security and privacy of patient information.
SimplePractice
SimplePractice is an all-in-one practice management platform that offers online scheduling, appointment reminders, electronic billing, and video conferencing. It is designed specifically for mental health professionals but can be used by healthcare providers in any field. SimplePractice is also HIPAA compliant and offers secure video conferencing for virtual appointments.
TheraNest
TheraNest is another practice management software that offers online scheduling, electronic billing, and secure video conferencing for virtual appointments. It is designed for mental health professionals but can be used by healthcare providers in any field. TheraNest is also HIPAA compliant and offers secure end-to-end encrypted video conferencing to ensure patient confidentiality.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Doxy.me | SimplePractice | TheraNest |
| Video Conferencing | Yes (with end-to-end encryption) | Yes (with end-to-end encryption) | Yes (with end-to-end encryption) |
| HIPAA Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Scheduling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Billing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Practice Management | No | Yes | Yes |
| Designed for Mental Health | No | Yes | Yes |
Training Sessions
Online meeting software has become a vital tool in the healthcare industry, especially for training sessions. In this section, we will discuss three of the best online meeting software for healthcare: VSee, Chorus, and Zoom for Healthcare.
VSee
VSee is a video conferencing tool designed specifically for the healthcare industry. It provides a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform for healthcare professionals to conduct online meetings, share documents and collaborate in real-time. VSee offers an easy-to-use interface and is known for its high-quality video and audio.
Chorus
Chorus is a web-based video conferencing tool designed for healthcare providers. It offers features such as screen sharing, file sharing, and real-time collaboration. Chorus is also HIPAA-compliant, ensuring that patient data is protected during online meetings.
Zoom for Healthcare
Zoom for Healthcare is another popular video conferencing tool that offers HIPAA-compliant features. It provides a platform for healthcare providers to conduct virtual consultations, online training sessions, and telehealth appointments. Zoom for Healthcare offers advanced features such as screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds.
Comparison Table
| Features | VSee | Chorus | Zoom for Healthcare |
| HIPAA-compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| File Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Recording | No | No | Yes |
| Virtual backgrounds | No | No | Yes |
Online Meeting Software for Education
Online meeting software can be used for remote learning, virtual classrooms, and online tutoring sessions.
Virtual Classrooms
With schools and universities shifting to virtual classrooms, the need for online meeting software has become more significant than ever. In this section, we'll discuss three popular online meeting software options for education: Blackboard Collaborate, Canvas Conferences, and Microsoft Teams for Education.
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate is a web conferencing tool designed specifically for online education. It offers interactive features that allow teachers to conduct live classes, record sessions, and manage student participation effectively. It's compatible with various learning management systems, making it easy to integrate into existing virtual classrooms.
Canvas Conferences
Canvas Conferences is an online meeting software that enables educators to engage with their students through video conferencing. It's an all-in-one solution for virtual classrooms, allowing teachers to hold live classes, record sessions, and facilitate discussions. Canvas Conferences also provides a chat feature for real-time messaging and file sharing, making it easy for teachers to connect with their students.
Microsoft Teams for Education
Microsoft Teams for Education is a comprehensive communication and collaboration platform for schools and universities. It includes features like video conferencing, chat, file sharing, and collaborative workspaces. Microsoft Teams for Education allows educators to create and manage virtual classrooms and conduct live classes, making it a popular choice for online education.
Comparison Table
| Features | Blackboard Collaborate | Canvas Conferences | Microsoft Teams for Education |
| Video Conferencing | Yes | Yes (mentioned) | Yes |
| Chat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| File Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Recording | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tutoring Sessions
With the shift to remote learning, online meeting software has become essential for facilitating virtual classroom sessions and tutoring sessions. In this section, we will discuss three of the top online meeting software options for education: WizIQ, BigBlueButton, and Zoom for Education.
WizIQ
WizIQ is a cloud-based online meeting software that is designed specifically for educational institutions. It offers a wide range of features that make it an excellent choice for virtual classroom sessions and tutoring sessions. Some of its key features include:
- Virtual classroom: WizIQ's virtual classroom allows teachers to conduct online classes with live video, audio, and chat features. It also allows teachers to share presentations, documents, and videos with students in real-time.
- Whiteboard: WizIQ's whiteboard feature allows teachers to create interactive presentations and annotate images and documents during the online class.
- Recording: WizIQ allows teachers to record their online classes, which can be useful for students who miss the live session or need to review the material.
BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton is another popular online meeting software that is designed for online learning. It is an open-source platform that offers a range of features for virtual classroom sessions and tutoring sessions. Some of its key features include:
- Video conferencing: BigBlueButton offers high-quality video conferencing capabilities, which allow teachers to conduct online classes with live video, audio, and chat features.
- Screen sharing: BigBlueButton allows teachers to share their screen during online classes, which can be useful for showing presentations, documents, and videos.
- Breakout rooms: BigBlueButton's breakout rooms feature allows teachers to split their online class into smaller groups for more focused discussions or group work.
Zoom for Education
Zoom for Education is a version of Zoom that is designed specifically for educational institutions. It offers a wide range of features that make it an excellent choice for virtual classroom sessions and tutoring sessions. Some of its key features include:
- Virtual classroom: Zoom for Education's virtual classroom allows teachers to conduct online classes with live video, audio, and chat features. It also allows teachers to share presentations, documents, and videos with students in real-time.
- Recording: Zoom for Education allows teachers to record their online classes, which can be useful for students who miss the live session or need to review the material.
- Polling: Zoom for Education's polling feature allows teachers to create polls during the online class, which can be useful for engaging students and assessing their understanding of the material.
Comparison Table
| Software | Virtual Classroom | Whiteboard | Video Conferencing | Screen Sharing | Recording | Breakout Rooms | Polling |
| WizIQ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| BigBlueButton | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Zoom for Education | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Online Meeting Software for Non-Profits
Non-profits can use online meeting software for fundraising events, virtual meetings, and collaboration among teams.
Fundraising Events
When it comes to hosting fundraising events for non-profit organizations, the importance of using online meeting software cannot be overstated. Not only do these tools provide a cost-effective solution, but they also enable remote attendance, which is becoming increasingly relevant in the current global climate. In this section, we will explore three of the top online meeting software tools for non-profits: CauseVox, Give Lively, and DonorPerfect.
CauseVox
CauseVox is an online fundraising platform that offers a suite of tools for non-profit organizations to host fundraising campaigns. One of its main features is its peer-to-peer fundraising tool, which enables supporters to create their own fundraising pages and share them with their network. CauseVox also offers an event management tool, which includes a video conferencing feature for hosting virtual events.
Give Lively
Give Lively is another fundraising platform that offers a range of tools for non-profit organizations. One of its key features is its donation processing system, which enables organizations to accept donations online. Give Lively also offers an event management tool, which includes a registration system for hosting virtual events. While Give Lively does not have a built-in video conferencing feature, it can easily integrate with third-party video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Google Meet.
DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect is a comprehensive donor management system that enables non-profit organizations to manage their fundraising efforts. Its event management tool includes a registration system for virtual events, as well as a feature for creating custom event pages. DonorPerfect also integrates with third-party video conferencing tools, making it easy to host virtual events.
Comparison Table
| Software | Peer-to-Peer Fundraising | Donation Processing | Event Management | Video Conferencing |
| CauseVox | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Give Lively | No | Yes | Yes | Integration only |
| DonorPerfect | No | Yes | Yes | Integration only |
Collaboration Among Teams
When it comes to online collaboration, non-profits require specialized tools that fit their unique needs. Fortunately, there are several online meeting software options that cater to non-profit organizations and their teams. In this section, we will focus on three popular tools: Trello, Asana, and Slack.
Trello
Trello is a popular online meeting software that allows non-profit teams to collaborate on projects and tasks in real-time. It is an excellent tool for managing workflows, project management, and assigning tasks. Trello allows non-profit teams to create boards and lists, assign tasks to team members, and track progress through a user-friendly interface.
Asana
Asana is another excellent online meeting software option for non-profit teams. It is an all-in-one collaboration tool that enables teams to organize tasks, manage projects, and communicate seamlessly. Asana provides features such as project tracking, team collaboration, and timeline management, making it an ideal choice for non-profit teams that require a comprehensive tool.
Slack
Slack is a communication platform designed to improve team collaboration and productivity. It is an excellent tool for non-profit teams that require constant communication between team members. Slack allows non-profit teams to create channels for specific projects, teams, or departments, and share files, messages, and other important information in real-time.
Comparison Table
| Online Meeting Software | Key Features |
| Trello | Workflow management, task assignment, real-time collaboration |
| Asana | Project tracking, team collaboration, timeline management |
| Slack | Communication platform, real-time messaging, file sharing |
Conclusion
When it comes to online meetings, virtual meetings, or video conferencing, there are numerous software options available for small businesses, healthcare, education, and non-profit organizations. Online meeting software has become a necessity for remote collaboration and team collaboration.
Web conferencing software, video conferencing software, and virtual meeting software are all part of the online meeting solutions available in the market. The best online meeting software provides easy-to-use online meeting tools and online collaboration software. These tools enable efficient communication and team collaboration, making remote meetings as productive as in-person meetings.
Some of the online meeting software provides features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, polls, transcription, translation, whiteboard, file sharing, and scheduling. These features make the online meeting software suitable for webinars and virtual events. Affordable online meeting software is also available in the market.
When it comes to online meeting software, there are many options to choose from. Conducting a video conference call using video conferencing software once can provide a better understanding of how effective these tools can be for remote collaboration. When searching for online meeting software comparison or online meeting software for non-profits, it is important to consider the features that are most important for the organization's needs.
FAQs
What is online meeting software?
Online meeting software is a virtual platform that allows people to connect and communicate with each other in real-time via the internet. It enables users to hold virtual meetings, webinars, and presentations, share screens, collaborate, and communicate with each other from different locations.
How does online meeting software work?
Online meeting software works by enabling users to connect to a virtual meeting space over the internet. Users can join the meeting by clicking on a link provided by the organizer or by using a meeting ID and password. Once the participants are connected, they can interact with each other through audio, video, and chat features.
What are the benefits of online meeting software?
Online meeting software offers several benefits, such as increased productivity, reduced travel costs, improved collaboration, and flexibility in terms of scheduling meetings. It also allows people to connect from anywhere in the world and helps in organizing and managing meetings efficiently.
What are the different types of online meeting software?
There are several types of online meeting software available in the market, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, and Cisco Webex. These software vary in terms of features, pricing, and suitability for different types of meetings.
What features should I look for in online meeting software?
Some essential features to look for in online meeting software are video and audio conferencing capabilities, screen sharing, recording options, and chat functionality. Other features that can be useful include whiteboarding, file sharing, virtual backgrounds, and integration with other apps.
Can I use online meeting software on my phone?
Yes, most online meeting software providers offer mobile apps that allow users to join meetings and interact with other participants from their smartphones or tablets.
Is online meeting software secure?
Online meeting software can be secure if the appropriate security measures are implemented, such as end-to-end encryption, password protection, and user authentication. However, there have been instances of security breaches in some online meeting software, highlighting the need to ensure that security features are up to date.
How much does online meeting software cost?
The cost of online meeting software varies depending on the provider, features, and number of participants. Some providers offer free plans with limited features, while others offer paid plans with more advanced features and increased capacity. Prices can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per month.
Can I share my screen during an online meeting?
Yes, screen sharing is a common feature offered by most online meeting software providers. It allows participants to share their computer screen with others in the meeting, making it easier to present information, collaborate on projects, or troubleshoot issues.
Can I record an online meeting?
Yes, many online meeting software providers offer the option to record meetings. This feature can be useful for people who want to review the meeting later or share it with others who were unable to attend.
How many people can join an online meeting?
The number of people who can join an online meeting varies depending on the software and the plan chosen. Most software providers offer different plans with varying capacities, ranging from a few participants to thousands.
How do I choose the best online meeting software?
To choose the best online meeting software, consider your needs and requirements, such as the number of participants, the features required, and the budget. Research different providers, read reviews, and try out free trials before making a decision.
Do I need to download software to use online meeting software?
Most online meeting software can be used through a web browser without downloading any software. However, some providers may require users to download a plugin or app to access certain features or improve performance.
