Top 5 Video Conferencing Apps for Windows

Video conferencing is getting easier every day. You can remotely connect with your family, friends, workmates, and clients in the comfort of your home. Video conferencing software sector has improved in terms of functionalities to support multiple users at once. It means companies looking forward conducting their meetings don’t need to gather at one location anymore. It will help save on the resources used.

Elements of a Top Video Conferencing App

Landing a productive and yet an easy to use Video conferencing app has proven to be difficult to many. Therefore, we have outlined features you can consider when choosing.

• The meeting hosts should be able to invite members or change the conference guidelines. 
• Have the capability to offer online video and audio communication.
• It should support video and audio recording features.
• Allow screen sharing and chat options.

There are free apps offering limited features best for personal use in reaching friends and family. However, you have to go for premium apps for official communication. Whether you are looking for a free or paid video conferencing app for your Windows computer, here are the options you can consider.

Top 5 Video Conferencing Apps for Windows

Conducting a face to face video chat is not currently an issue. However, getting the most suitable option to use can be tricky. Most video conference apps lack essential tools. For instance, if you need to record a video meeting, you need an app that got impeccable resolution and other support tools. Considering all the factors, here are the best options we recommend.

1. Zoom Meeting

If you are looking for a professional, free video conferencing app, then Zoom is for you. It supports up to 100 participants on the free version with a limited meeting duration. On a paid plan, hosts can hold a meeting with up to 1000 participants.

Users can share their notes over the screen, files, and search history from the archive. Meetings conducted can be saved either locally or in the cloud capable of being accessed at any time. Hosts can schedule the meetings to take place at a later time or invite users while the meeting is ongoing. Besides, it keeps the meetings and shared files securely using the 256-bit encryption feature.

Unlike most other apps, Zoom allows you to create your online room where you can conduct your meetings at any time. No need to begin meetings set up all over again. In case you don’t have Video access capability, you can join via telephone call-in option.

Zoom Meeting is supported on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

2. Skype

Skype is another video conferencing software that has been available for long. Skype is supported to make video calls in Windows Xbox One, and Mac. On Android, iOS, and Linux, it is only supported for voice calls.

For personal plans, users can make up to 10 video calls, and 25 voice calls all free. However, for the business plan, you can run a meeting of up to 250 participants, with each participant paying $2 per month. To use Skype or join a video, you must have the latest version. Also, it supports screen sharing, sending files and contacts, as well as adding new participants to the conference. For it to run in your Windows device, your device should have the DirectX 9.0c video card.

Other basic requirements are a webcam, microphone and speakers and a stable Internet connection.  

Microsoft Teams is a new team collaboration tool part of Office 365 package. You can consider using Teams instead of Skype if you have a Office 365 subscription and want to handle communication with bigger teams.

3. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting is the best option if you’ve all your contacts you need to call. You can make a conference call instantly. However, its free plan supports only voice calls. To make video calls, you can opt for the paid plan that allows you up to 14 days trial period for up to 50 participants.

It comes with Professional, Business, and Enterprise plans that are inclusive of premium features. Unlike other conferencing apps, it supports meeting recording and transcription, therefore, breaking any possible language barrier. Just like Zoom, it allows the creation of conference rooms with all professional video conferencing tools. Also, you can start an online meeting while on the go without necessarily using your computer.

Using the GoToWebinar, users can host events for social media in real-time or save for future sharing. GoToTrainig will allow you to conduct training to your workforce remotely for the smooth running of your business.

4. Google Meet

Google Meet, formerly Hangouts, is another top video conferencing app for Windows that should not be exempted. It is entirely free and supports up to 100 participants. However, for the advanced G Suite, its paid. Google Meet is web-based and quick to access for users with Google accounts. However, for Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and other browsers, you require the Hangouts plugin.

It supports up to 720p HD video hangouts that you can share a link for participants to join. However, on Android and iOS, it requires a downloadable Google Meet application in which you can make calls instantly from your saved contacts.

Due to its wide array of interconnected apps from Google, you can share and edit documents on Google Drive, broadcast the meeting to friends, and play games. You can also add members during the session. Hangout on Air feature helps users conduct their webinars and share them on the go or save for later sharing. However, Hangout on Air is ad-supported, meaning it may not look fancy as you would expect.

5. Cisco Webex

Webex is another video conferencing app that does complete this list. Its interface is easy to navigate despite the number of features it supports. It ranks high among the first video conferencing software to be released.

Unlike other conferencing apps, it supports up to 100 participants in a meeting and with unlimited meetings in the free plan. In case you need a storage platform, it offers 1GB for the paid plan and the sharing ability.

Just like other top conferencing apps, it supports HD videos, screen sharing, and creation of a meeting room using the Webex app. It is supported on Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and wearable gadgets.