On the surface, most web conferencing platforms seem similar since they all provide a way to connect people over the internet. However, that’s not entirely true as each provider has its own approach. Not only do they offer distinct features, but different levels of security as well. Therefore, before you take out your credit card, it’s essential to compare the web conferencing platforms you’re interested in to find the one that answers your needs best at the most competitive price.
| Main Features | GoToMeeting | BlueJeans | Microsoft Teams |
| Logo |  |  |  |
| Rating |  | | |
| Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
| Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site |
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free Trial | Free Trial |
| Coupons | Coupons | Coupons | Coupons |
| Audio Support |  | | |
| Video Support | | | |
| Chat Support | | | |
| Video Quality | HD | HD | HQ |
| Maximum Resolution | 1920 x 960p | 1280 x 720p | 1080p |
| Encryption | AES-128 | AES-256 | SRTP |
| HIPAA Compliance |  | | |
| Features | GoToMeeting | BlueJeans | Microsoft Teams |
| Maximum Attendees | 250 | 100 | 250 |
| Whiteboard | | | |
| Polls | | | |
| Screen Sharing | | | |
| Remote Control | | | |
| Meeting Recording | | | |
| Mobile Recording | | | |
| Maximum Recording Length | 2 hours | 25 hours | Unlimited |
| Meeting Transcription | | | |
| Meeting Lock | | | |
| Devices | GoToMeeting | BlueJeans | Microsoft Teams |
| Windows | | | |
| macOS | | | |
| Linux | | | |
| iOS | | | |
| Android | | | |
| Browser | | | |
| Pricing | GoToMeeting | BlueJeans | Microsoft Teams |
| Cheapest Monthly Price | $12/mo | $9.99/mo | $0.00/mo |
| Free Trial | 14 days | 7 days | 30 days |
| Money-Back Guarantee | | | |
| Available Payment Methods | GoToMeeting | BlueJeans | Microsoft Teams |
| Visa | | | |
| Mastercard | | | |
| American Express | | | |
| PayPal | | | |
| Wire Transfer | | | |
| Bitcoin | | | |
| Customer Support | GoToMeeting | BlueJeans | Microsoft Teams |
| 24/7 Support | | | |
| | | |
| Live Chat | | | |
| Phone | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Community | | | |
| About | GoToMeeting | BlueJeans | Microsoft Teams |
| Headquarters | Massachusetts, U.S. | U.S. | Washington, U.S. |
| Founded | 2004 | 2009 | 2017 |
| Languages | EN, ES, DE, FR, PT, IT | EN, FR, SP, DE, JP | EN, DE, ES, RU, AR, JP |
Web Conferencing Software Buying Guide
It’s easy to understand why web conferencing is essential nowadays: not only are companies able to hold meetings anywhere without incurring steep travel costs, but their employees can be more productive while working together. However, with so many companies jumping on this trend, it might be difficult to understand which product works best for you. Unfortunately, there isn’t an answer for everyone, and finding the right solution for you takes some time and effort. With our five-step guide, you’ll know in no time which web conferencing platform to get.
1. What Is the Best Web Conferencing Software for You?
Web conferencing platforms come in all shapes, forms, and prices, so the very first step you should take is to understand what features you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for the very basics such as live chat or screen sharing, there’s no need to invest in top-tier plans, and you might even find these features for free. That being said, there are various advanced features that you may want to keep in mind.
A whiteboard, for example, is the perfect tool to get an idea across: it lets you scribble annotations while presenting a PowerPoint or your screen. There are even web conferencing platforms that allow you to co-annotate with other participants. Different web conferencing software providers also offer distinct levels of security, which is something fundamental to consider.
2. Find and Compare Web Conferencing Solutions
While it may be enticing to try out all the web conferencing software platforms on the market before deciding, this can be time-consuming and counterproductive. Instead, we advise you to go over articles showcasing the top providers in the industry. From there, check some comparisons where companies are placed side by side – it’s the best way to understand the differences between then. Although most web conferencing software platforms seem similar on the surface, they cater to different target audiences, and therefore come with some different features that may or may not be worth your investment.
Depending on your company’s business model, using a web conferencing platform that follows the required legal guidelines might be essential. However, not all companies are compliant with the same ones. For example, some web conferencing software providers are GDPR compliant, while others are even HIPAA compliant. By reading some comparison articles, you’ll start to understand which web conferencing platforms are more interesting for you. While it may not be enough to shortlist the options to only one, you’ll finish this step with only a few that deserve a closer look.
3. Read Reviews of Web Conferencing Software
Now that you’ve shortened your list to just a couple of web conferencing software providers, it’s easy to find more information about each one. While top lists and comparison articles are a perfect start, they usually don’t provide as much detail about each platform as reviews do. These are ideal for understanding everything about the companies you’re interested in. Reviews don’t only go into more detail about the features provided: they also mention how reliable the customer service is, how easy it is to set up the software, and other information that’s essential when deciding on a web conferencing software platform.
4. Sign Up for a Free Trial
Online products usually offer a way to test their services for free, and web conferencing software is no different. Whether it’s by offering a limited free plan that you can use forever or a free trial that you can take advantage of for a certain period of time, there’s always a way to test web conferencing software at zero cost. When it comes down to it, experiencing the software by yourself is the best way to understand which product works best for you.
5. Make Your Purchasing Decision and Use Coupons!
Now that you’ve found the perfect web conferencing software for you, it’s time to make a purchase. But first, you should be aware that there are always ways to save money. Some companies provide discount rates for customers who commit to longer subscription models, others have temporary promotions on their website, and others provide prospects with specific coupon codes.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
Our side-by-side comparison articles are the perfect way to find the best web conferencing software platform for you. They place companies against each other so you can understand where they differ in the tiniest detail.
- Livestorm vs WebinarJam Comparison
- BigMarker vs GoToWebinar Comparison
- BlueJeans vs Zoom Comparison
- Microsoft Teams vs GoToMeeting Comparison
- Microsoft Teams vs Zoom Comparison
- BlueJeans vs GoToMeeting Comparison
- Demio vs GoToWebinar Comparison
- GoToWebinar vs Zoom Comparison
- BlueJeans vs Microsoft Teams Comparison
- ClickMeeting vs GoToMeeting Comparison