Paid vs free video conferencing software
If you’re still unsure about whether you should stick to free video conferencing software or choose a paid plan, then ask yourself a simple question: what will you use it for?
In this guide
A quick guide to finding the best free video conferencing software for your business.
Looking for user-friendly, reliable video conferencing software — and hoping you can get it for free to boot? You’re not alone.
To keep up with the demand, countless software companies have rushed to release new video conferencing platforms with all kinds of additional tools and features. There are so many options when it comes to video conferencing software, we won’t blame you if you don’t know where to begin.
Free video conferencing software is essential if you’re a small business owner or freelancer. To help you find the best option for your business, we’ve put together a quick guide to choosing the best video conferencing software with a free plan.
Getting started is easy with Livestorm. Create and host free virtual meetings in minutes.
If you’re about to host your first online meeting then you probably don’t want to pay big bucks for a premium plan right away.
Most video conferencing services will let you try a free version, but be warned: not all free trials are created equal. Before you hit the sign-up button, make sure your chosen plan can deliver the video conferencing basics.
When it comes to professional video conferencing, there are certain features you can’t go without:
The chat tab is a great place to break the ice, share links, and encourage questions. To keep your virtual events flowing, attendees need somewhere to interact with each other without interrupting the speakers.
Avoid false starts by choosing a user-friendly, browser-based platform. Your events will be seamless every time without the need for extra downloads or installations.
There are all kinds of desirable web conference tools, but at the very least you need screen-share and media sharing capabilities. Your video conferences will also be more dynamic if you can present slides and play video clips without awkward pauses or technical issues.
There’s no point in having a top-of-the-range video conferencing camera if your free software can’t stream in HD. High-quality video is especially important for keeping things slick and professional in client and customer-facing calls.
If you lead a team, they’ll need to be able to set up events too. Ensure the free plan includes multiple accounts so that you can delegate tasks and encourage collaboration.
Perhaps you’re considering transitioning to remote working or you’re just looking for an alternative to Zoom. Whatever the reason, you need free meeting software that checks all the boxes.
You’re probably expecting us to tell you that Livestorm has the best free plan for video conferencing software. Well, we’re not about to disappoint: Livestorm’s free plan is pretty exceptional, but before you roll your eyes, let us tell you why.
Unlike many other video conferencing tools, Livestorm’s free plan has no end date. From the point of sign-up, you’ll have lifetime access with all features included. The free plan is a great way to try out everything Livestorm can offer before you get the ball rolling with bigger audiences.
The unlimited free plan is ideal for forward-thinking small and medium-sized enterprises looking to host interactive online events on a tight budget. The best part? All features are included in the free plan.
Growing business and larger companies will benefit the most from our paid plans, which allow for bigger, longer live sessions with more attendees and hosts. Paid plans also include premium customer support and access to helpful guidance documents, ebooks, and videos.
In short, Livestorm is ideal for anyone with an interest in using video conferencing software to engage new audiences and improve internal communications at their organization.
We don’t like to brag, but you can take it from our fans: Livestorm is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on GetApp, beating Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex.
Ready to start video conferencing? Livestorm has all the features you need for seamless, engaging video calls every time. Get started for free
Getting started is easy with Livestorm. Create and host free virtual meetings in minutes.
Google Meet is ideal for people who work exclusively with Gmail. Freelancers and small businesses wanting to host virtual meetings may also consider this platform.
Microsoft Teams works best for medium-sized and large companies with a need for document collaboration.
WebEx is most suited to medium-sized companies and entreprise clients.
If you’re still unsure about whether you should stick to free video conferencing software or choose a paid plan, then ask yourself a simple question: what will you use it for?
Perhaps all you need is the power to set up a video meeting with a handful of people in attendance at once. In that case, opt for a free plan that will allow you to host smaller calls while maintaining access to important features like screen sharing, chat, Q&A, and recording.
If you’re interested in web conferencing, with longer event times and larger audiences, you’ll be best supported by a mid-tier or premium paid plan. Look out for plans that include multiple speakers at each event so you can book a strong line-up.
Some video conferencing platforms offer usage-based plans for enterprises. If you’re growing rapidly and believe the sky's the limit for what you can achieve with the right video engagement tool: choose a customized video conferencing plan.
An enterprise plan will give you the most flexibility as you grow, as well as dedicated Customer Service Management (CSM), training sessions, and a range of resources to help you create powerful live events.
To put it simply, the best video conferencing software won’t necessarily come free. However, free plans are a great way to test video conferencing platforms before you commit.
If your business is looking to scale quickly, high-quality video conferencing software is a vital asset, not a luxury. To get the most out of your video conferencing platform, it’s worth considering a paid plan.
With a paid plan, you’ll have more features to play with as well as full support from a customer service team. If you’re not already set up for remote working, the right video engagement tool will show you how flexible you can afford to be.
Whether you choose a free or paid plan, your video conferencing software should be easy to use, interactive, and primed to help you achieve your vision.
Create a better experience for your attendees and less stress for your team. You’re just minutes away from building engaging online events.
If you haven’t started video conferencing already, now’s the time. Video conferencing is vital for all modern businesses because it’s flexible, instantaneous, and can connect people over any distance. Video conferencing is a great sales engagement tool, as customers prefer the convenience of meeting virtually rather than face-to-face. Plus, you’ll be able to make live events more dynamic with screen-sharing, presentation slides, and shared media.
Free video conferencing software can be used for webinars and online events, especially if you’re just getting started or expect small attendee lists. However, most free plans will have restrictions on things like the number of live attendees and event length.
You should consider a paid plan if you’re thinking of hosting large events and want the flexibility of multiple hosts and speakers. Paid plans may also include CSM integrations, training, and access to resources that will help you deliver impactful video conferences. It’s worth paying for video conferencing software if you want to harness the power of video engagement to reach new audiences, increase sales, and upgrade your internal communications.
Most free video conferencing plans might have restrictions on event length and the number of live attendees. They might also expire after a certain period and limit your access to user engagement features like screen sharing.
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"We were looking for a simple webinar software that was not over-engineered. If you do a side-by-side feature comparison, Livestorm competes very well with the other webinar players."
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"We were looking for a simple webinar software that was not over-engineered. If you do a side-by-side feature comparison, Livestorm competes very well with the other webinar players."
A Webinar Solution used by the best US companies for their business