Rating of the best programs and services for video conferencing for 2020

Humanity has relatively recently acquired the ability to participate in videoconferences in large groups. Many companies quickly adopted this meeting format. Thus, workers can be at their workplaces, at home, or even thousands of kilometers from the meeting place, but at the same time participate in it. But the obvious facts force us to conclude that this technology acquired a decisive development in 2020. A huge number of people are forced to use a variety of developments for video communication, so most manufacturers began to actively develop their creations. Therefore, now the world has a huge choice, but not every product is of high quality. Thus, this issue should be understood in more detail.

Free software for online conferences

Zoom

The service is perhaps the most popular. This has become especially noticeable in recent months, when most companies began to hold meetings with its help. The first thing that led the development to success is the timely reaction of developers to the current situation in the world. They introduced some privileges for schools in some countries, which became the starting point for popularity. In addition, the functionality is also good news. A well thought-out interface allows you to understand the navigation in a short period of time. Another huge plus is the ease of hosting webinars and presentations. So, we can conclude that the product has been thought out to the smallest detail and will be useful in any area of ​​life.

But even such a seemingly ideal creation has its flaws. Confidentiality is the main condition that causes some concerns of users. Quite often, you can come across complaints about data breaches. Another drawback (if I can say so at all) is the ability to set a looped video in the chat. This option was not too lazy to use employees who do not really want to spend their day sitting at a computer.

• One of the most demanded platforms today;
• Thoughtful interface;
• Advanced functionality.

• Weak data protection.

Skype for Business

This development begs for the title of long-liver. It has been actively used for many years, and the manufacturer is constantly improving the quality of service. The add-on "for business" entails the presence of several fundamental differences from the standard version. So, 250 people can participate in the conference at once. Users can make phone calls and share the home screen. Perhaps everyone knows about the shortcomings of this system. For example, the program often freezes, and the indication of the status of the interlocutors is still confusing.The rest of the development is not inferior to more popular novelties that actively use modern technologies.

• Long-term fame;
• Excellent Windows compatibility.

• Compared to previous years, the stability of the system has even deteriorated.

Discord

Previously, the application positioned itself as a free messenger with support for VoIP and video conferencing. Gaming was considered its main focus. Now this service is gaining more and more popularity not only among game lovers, but also in the professional field. A huge advantage of the system over others is its free use. The sound is at a high level, so meetings of any importance are held using the platform. In addition, the development is distinguished by reliable protection against any attacks, so no one can disturb users during important meetings.

Also, the application will be an excellent option for conducting training courses. Previously, it was designed for a maximum of 10 people in a conversation, but more recently this value has increased to 50. It is important to note that during a conversation, participants cannot see each other, instead of an image, basic information about the "subscriber" is displayed. You can use this type of communication both from a computer and from a phone. Users note high-quality sound and clear control.

• Completely free to use;
• Great sounding.

• A large number of different functions, which for the most part are useful only for gamers, and confuse standard users.

Google hangouts

In recent years, the service has lost some of its former glory, but is still popular in certain counties. This is especially true for Android lovers, tk. the gadget is initially supplied with this application. It should be noted that the product does not impress with its functionality. This proves once again the fact that no more than 10 people can join the conference. As for the quality of video communication, it is more and more sad here. Quite often, picture delays are noted, which, in addition to everything else, constantly threatens to disintegrate into pixels. Nevertheless, the service is free and basic functions are present. Therefore, the platform can be safely used in all areas except professional.

• Doesn't require installation on Android;
• The interface is as simple and understandable as possible for an ordinary user.

• Unstable video communication;
• The number of participants is too limited.

MyOwnConference

The service is quite common in the office sector. It is completely tailored for international conferences. Proof of this is the support for 16 languages. Up to 5000 persons can be connected to the video chat upon individual request. The program has a free version, but its full functionality is available only upon payment. The conversation can be recorded if desired. Fast uploading to YouTube is noted. The connection is excellent due to the fact that data services are scattered all over the world. The main disadvantage of the product is that the application does not exist as such. You can work with it only when you enter the online service. It also contains basic information, including the price of tariffs.

• A large number of languages;
• Up to 5000 people can join the conversation.

• There is no mobile application, work is possible only from the official website.

Paid programs for online conferences

TrueConf

The program is considered one of the best aimed specifically at video conferencing. Moreover, the picture can be in 4K format. At first glance, this seems like an unnecessary luxury, but no matter how it is. The fact is that the service is aimed at people involved in business, they often have expensive smartphones with cameras capable of delivering 4K resolution. Therefore, the function is quite in demand in narrow circles, but there is also a nuance here. The network signal must be excellent, otherwise nothing will come out.But not only this function sets the product apart from others. The most advanced version provides for the participation of 1000 people in the conference at once. This is an amazing indicator that allows huge companies to use the service. The program can also make calls to landline phones or record meetings.

• Picture in 4K resolution;
• A large number of conference participants.

• The interface is not understandable to every user, which sometimes causes some problems.

Mind

The application is considered one of the most advanced with extensive functionality. It will be an excellent assistant in work, therefore it is very popular among corporate clients around the world. The program can be tested by the user for a limited time, after which you will have to pay. A separate tariff plan provides a certain number of possibilities. For example, the most expensive version allows up to 500 people to participate in a conference. 4K resolution available. Moreover, an unlimited number of conferences can be held simultaneously, which is not possible in every program. Work is also possible with a mobile phone. You can share your screen if you want.

• Developers strictly control user protection;
• Availability of 4K format.

• There is no free version;
• The interface has not been updated for a long time.

Slack

The program will be an excellent option for both professional activities and training. The world saw the development 6 years ago, but it is still very popular among all segments of the population. Moreover, her services have become even more in demand than, for example, a year ago. Millions of users have appreciated not only the quality and functionality of the platform, but also the intuitive interface. With the help of the product, you can create a group chat, monitor the progress of work on various projects, send files and instantly process information using several devices simultaneously. That said, the application allows you to integrate various applications into the conference, which turned out to be a surprisingly useful option. By the way, 15 users have the opportunity to participate in the video meeting. But this is provided only by a paid subscription. Otherwise, video conferencing is not available, which is considered an obvious disadvantage of the system.

• Works on a large number of platforms;
• Excellent picture and sound transmission;
• The connection is highly stable, there are no glitches or freezes;
• Thoughtful interface;
• A large number of useful functions;
• Subscription at the best price;
• Introducing applications to video chat;
• Sharing the screen with colleagues.

• Online conference is available only with a subscription;
• A small number of participants can simultaneously communicate via video.

VideoMost

The program also provides a free version, but it practically does not have useful functions, so it makes sense to look at paid plans. The development is domestic and is very popular in Russia, despite a lot of flaws. The conference can be attended by no more than 1000 people. When connecting serious equipment, there are no problems, but the nuances are different. Firstly, the interface has long been outdated and it would not hurt to update it. Secondly, there are constant lags and periodic communication delays, and mobile applications sometimes completely glitch. As for the functionality, here the set is the same as that of the main number of similar applications: screen sharing, file exchange and integration with business programs. The manufacturer promises a high level of protection of the communication channel. 4K picture is also supported.

• It is very popular in Russia;
• Extensive functionality.

• Significant shortcomings that affect the quality of service;
• Communication breaks and glitches during a video conference are not excluded.

GoToMeeting

An online service designed for web conferencing is a great solution for everyone. It makes it possible to show a presentation and work in a large group on documentation and projects. The first thing that distinguishes the platform from others is its advanced functionality. During the trial period, which is provided to all beginners, the user can test the system for free and evaluate the level of its capabilities. For further use, a fee is charged in the specified amounts. The developers used a special technology. It provides access to an arbitrary application that is running on the meeting organizer's computer online. No registration required to attend the meeting. You just need to follow the corresponding link and then enter the conference code. Both Windows and Apple developments can be used to work with the application.

• Extensive functionality;
• A trial period;
• Registration is not required when entering the conference.

• The full version is paid only.

What to base your choice on so as not to be mistaken

In 2020, telecommuting tools are emerging and updating surprisingly quickly. Experts predict that functioning in such a mode will become almost the basis of the foundations in the future. Especially often, owners of their own business will have to deal with this, so the question of choosing a quality platform is becoming more and more relevant. Image and sound stability is often the main requirement. It is logical to assume that only paid systems can offer the most effective work. But how much are free software inferior to them? If we take Hangouts development from Google as an example, it becomes clear that such developments are not suitable for professional activities. However, now there are more thought-out brainchildren, which can quite satisfy the basic needs of "office ants". However, experienced users do not recommend saving money when choosing such a product. However, not everything that is dear is good, so even then one should be vigilant.

Is 4K support a necessity?

Today, this resolution is the most fashionable and is supported only by exceptional gadgets and applications. But even those platforms where 4K support is indicated do not always pull the picture to the desired value. There is a second option, where the connection will constantly fail when using this option. Therefore, it is not worth chasing this indicator, because the main task of video communication is far from this. It is better to pay attention to more in-demand things, which in the process of work will become a real necessity.

Office functionality

Before, everything was much simpler, and standard communication was enough. However, technology grows every year, it becomes more and more difficult to work, therefore, the methods of activity need to be expanded. So, additional functions have become in demand, which in their importance are not inferior to the quality of the picture and sound. For example, access to the desktop, synchronization with contacts, joint presentations, and so on, play a huge role. Everything in the modern world will not just be superfluous, but a necessity! That is why it is required to pay attention not only to the availability of such options, but also to the quality of their implementation. An equally important requirement is simplicity and ease of interface design. It is these developments that are most popular in the first place.