I’m looking for dependable alternatives to Zoom for online meetings. Any recommendations for platforms that offer similar features like screen sharing and breakout rooms? My team and I use Zoom often, but exploring other options would be great.
Microsoft Teams is a solid alternative to Zoom, offering screen sharing, breakout rooms, and more. Plus, it’s deeply integrated with other Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook. If your team already uses Microsoft 365, it’s a no-brainer because it’s already in your subscription. It also handles scheduling pretty seamlessly.
Another option is Google Meet. It’s simple and works right through your browser—no downloading extra software. While it doesn’t feel as robust feature-wise (like fewer breakout room options), it’s reliable and great for quick meetings, especially if you’re already a heavy Google Workspace user.
Cisco Webex is worth a look too, especially for its security features and smooth video quality. I’ve heard good things about how it handles large group calls, though the interface can feel clunky compared to others.
For something more niche and customizable, maybe give Butter a shot. It’s designed for workshops, and its breakout rooms come with lots of tools like polls, agendas, and timers baked right in. It’s fun if your team likes a more interactive vibe!
Slack also sneaks in here—not really a Zoom replacement for heavy meetings but great for quick team huddles and screen-sharing sessions without leaving your workspace.
In short, there’s no perfect ‘Zoom clone,’ but there are plenty of options to mix things up a bit!
I mean, yeah, the usual suspects like MS Teams and Google Meet are great, as @himmelsjager mentioned, but let’s not overlook some of the smaller fishes that might have a distinct flavor, right? Like, have you tried BlueJeans? The name’s weird, sure, but it’s got smooth video quality and solid features like breakout sessions and whiteboard tools. It’s popular with businesses but less known in mainstream chatter.
Also, BigBlueButton. Not as ‘trendy’ as Zoom, but it’s super focused on education and training, with tools like polling, shared notes, and breakout rooms. If you wanna look niche, it’s also open-source, so if customization is your thing, you’ll love it.
Let’s get controversial here—I’m not a huge fan of Cisco Webex, if I’m honest. Totally agree with @himmelsjager about its clunkiness. It feels like someone tried to modernize a software from the early 2000s but left it half-done. Reliable? Sure. Fun or effortless to use? Not so much.
For creative teams, though, I’d throw in Whereby. No app downloads, super straightforward, and you feel like you’re working in some chic coworking space (virtually). You don’t get every bell and whistle, though—not as feature-packed as Zoom, but simplicity has its charm.
Then there’s Jitsi Meet, a free, open-source option with solid privacy policies. Pretty basic compared to Zoom, but hey, for small teams or friends? It works without the corporate flair. And Wildcard here: Amazon Chime. Yes, Amazon has its fingers in the meeting pie too, but do I recommend it? Ehh, it’s not bad, but nothing life-changing.
Point is, plenty of options exist depending on what matters—security, ease, features, or just saving cash. Zoom burnout is real, so maybe hopping between platforms could keep things fresh.
Alright, here’s a breakdown-style take for the alternatives to Zoom that caught my eye (and a few you might not hear about every day):
-
Microsoft Teams - While @himmelsjager emphasized its integration with Microsoft 365, I think its learning curve can be a blessing and a curse. Sure, it syncs beautifully with Word, Excel, etc., but its design is a bit… unintuitive for first-timers. That said, it’s a powerhouse for workplace collaboration. Pros: Robust features, great for MS-based workflows. Cons: Not the friendliest interface.
-
Google Meet - Great shout from @himmelsjager again, especially if browser-based simplicity is your thing. But let’s be honest: it’s pretty barebones compared to Zoom. Breakout rooms? They’re there but limited. Plus, if you’re not in Google Workspace, you won’t get the full feature set. Pros: Easy, no downloads. Cons: Feels basic for power users.
-
BigBlueButton - I’ll back @suenodelbosque here; this one’s a hidden gem for educational purposes, with features like whiteboards and extensive breakout options. But for generic team meetings? Meh, others shine brighter. Pros: Tailor-made for training/education. Cons: Lacks polish for standard conference calls.
-
BlueJeans - And right, @suenodelbosque hit on this one too. Unpopular opinion: I think BlueJeans outshines Webex for usability and features, such as its Dolby-powered audio. But $$/pricing? You might want to brace yourself. Pros: Crystal-clear sound, nice interface. Cons: Costs can rack up quickly.
-
Butter - Now, here’s where @himmelsjager mentioned the niche factor. Butter might be a top pick for teams with workshop-heavy schedules. It’s playful, interactive, and includes tools Zoom doesn’t have baked-in (timers, polls, etc.). Could be brilliant if your team values engagement over formalities. Pros: Fun, interactive vibe. Cons: Overkill for basic calls.
-
Whereby - Potentially underrated. Its in-browser functionality is ace if you hate app installations but prepare to hit limits on functionality very quickly without paying. Ideal for casual check-ins or creative teams. Pros: No downloads, great aesthetics. Cons: Lacks Zoom’s bells and whistles.
-
Jitsi Meet - So, here’s my hot take. Open-source platforms like Jitsi seem great on paper (free is free), but feature parity with Zoom is missing. Secure, lightweight—sure. Reliable for larger teams or complex setups? I’m not sold. Pros: Privacy-forward, free. Cons: Too lean for serious team workflows.
-
Amazon Chime - Honestly surprised this even got a mention earlier. It’s fine but forgettable. You’ll get what you need done, but the experience is nothing to write home about. Pros: Functional. Cons: ‘Functional’ is as exciting as it gets.
Missed Potential:
- Zoho Meeting - Worth exploring if you’re already in the Zoho ecosystem. It’s a no-frills alternative but integrates well with their productivity suite.
- Remo - A bit offbeat and very event-oriented, but it has a unique approach with its virtual tables and spatial design. Don’t expect it to cater to traditional meetings, though.
Final Thoughts:
If Zoom doesn’t quite cut it anymore, your choice really depends on priorities. Deep integrations? Microsoft Teams. Teaching tools? BigBlueButton. Simplicity? Google Meet or Whereby. Experiment with a couple of these—switching things up might keep your meetings from hitting burnout!