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As more teams include remote workers, finding the right video conferencing software and other communication tools is crucial for seamless collaboration. According to the Owl Labs State of Video Conferencing 2019 report, video conference meetings are now the preferred method of communication over email, instant messaging, and phone calls. 

Choosing the Best Video Conferencing Tools for Remote Setups

With so many options available, how do you know which video conferencing tool is best for your remote team? When choosing video conferencing software, keep a few key factors in mind.   

• User Interface (UI)  

Is the interface easy on the eyes? Go for something that’s both visually appealing and easy to navigate.  

• Usability  

Can you learn how to use the tool quickly? Is there good tech support available if you need help? Does the company offer helpful resources like tutorials and training? Find a platform that helps you work productively.  

• Integrations  

Does the software integrate easily with other tools, such as calendar apps? Since you work with countless other software, integration is vital.  

• Value for Money  

Is the software priced appropriately for its features and capabilities? Are the pricing plans transparent and flexible? Keep in mind that the priciest tool isn’t necessarily the most suitable one for your business.  

• Interactivity  

Can attendees engage with your presentation through polls, surveys, or a blackboard? When people can interact with your meeting, you’ll have a productive one.  

• Accessibility  

Does the tool have options for recording, playback, subtitles, closed captioning, screen capture, note-taking, and more? These are all great ways to disseminate information and get your message across.   

• Document Sharing and Collaboration  

Can your team easily share, edit, mark up, and save documents in a collaborative space? Does the tool work well with the video software to enhance the meeting experience and team collaboration? Working together is much easier with a well-designed app.  

• Ease of Search  

Does the software make searching through contacts, chat notes, and call history easy? This feature will help you save a ton of time. 

The Best Video Conferencing Tools for Remote Teams

Communication in the 21st century is taking on a whole new dimension. Let’s take a quick look at the top video conferencing apps and what they offer.  

• Google Meet  

Google Meet is a communication tool that is free to use and integrates well with other Google software like Gmail and Google Docs. While it may not have as many features as paid tools, it’s still an excellent option for small businesses.  

• Whereby  

Whereby is a web-based video communication service popular among companies like Shopify and Trello. The tool offers video calling without the need for downloads or logins, earning the #1 spot for ease of use on G2 Crowd. Whereby integrates with Google Docs, Trello Boards, YouTube, and Slack. One downside is that some integrations are only available for business and pro accounts.   

• Zoom  

Zoom is a cloud-based platform that allows you to host video and audio conferences, webinars, and live chats. It’s user-friendly and has become the go-to for connecting virtually for business and personal purposes. The software offers features like Whiteboard, breakout rooms, recording, and screen-sharing, making collaborations easier. Zoom has four pricing tiers, with the Basic plan being free and allowing up to 100 participants with a 40-minute duration.   

• Microsoft Teams  

Microsoft Teams is a platform for business communication and collaboration. It has chat, video conferencing, and file-sharing features. Teams are organized in channels where they can have one-on-one or group conversations. Users can share their screens, use a whiteboard, and use breakout rooms during meetings. The free version offers unlimited text conversations, one-on-one sessions for up to 30 hours, and group meetings for up to 24 hours. Upgrading to a paid plan provides increased cloud storage, longer meeting durations, and more features.  

• Skype  

Microsoft’s Skype Meet Now provides an easy and quick way to host or join a meeting without an account. With all the features you need, Skype is a great free alternative to Zoom, including audio calling, messaging, screen sharing, and more. Plus, you can chat, share files, send audio or video texts, and create polls after and during meetings. For premium plans, Microsoft Teams offers an integrated approach to messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative features.  

• Livestorm  

Livestorm is a browser-based communication and conferencing platform designed for marketing, sales, customer success, and HR teams to create online events. It offers features like custom landing pages, promotional emails, integrated chat, polls, Q&A functionalities, and an advanced analytics dashboard. With the paid plan, you can integrate with various apps like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive. You can use Livestorm on desktop and mobile without downloading an app. 

Conclusion

Enhance your communication and collaboration with the top video conferencing tools. From connecting with your remote team to discussing project proposals with clients, the above tools can help you achieve your business goals. And to promote your online privacy, make full use of a secure proxy server. There’s never a good reason to ignore the importance of internet security!