Zoom is an online video teleconferencing software program that runs under the Zoom Video Communications company. Although it started its operations in 2012, the platform only became prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The software offers its users the ability to conduct meetings online. This feature is useful for both personal and professional users.
Zoom was under development in 2011. However, it only launched its software in 2012. Initially, it could host only 15 users. However, its first stable version came out in 2013, which supported 25 user meetings. Zoom accumulated various users during its lifetime before the pandemic. However, it saw substantial growth in its customers after ht e pandemic struct. The company reported it had gained 2.22 users in 2020 alone.
Currently, Zoom supports video teleconferencing in all prevalent operating systems. It has a free version for users that want to use its services for a short time. However, it also offers various paid packages. The paid packages remove several limits and provide several other features that the free version lacks.
The company behind Zoom reported revenues of $2.7 billion in 2021, with an operating income of $660 million. Its net income was $672 billion. The company also employs over 4,400 employees as of 2021. When it comes to the video teleconferencing market, Zoom is among the top names in the industry. However, the market is competitive with various competitors and alternatives existing.
Zoom attracts competitors from some major names in the technology industry. In addition to that, the platform also faces competition from platforms that provide video call features. Although those companies do not focus on video teleconferencing features, they act as a decent alternative to Zoom. The list of top ten Zoom competitors and alternatives is as below.
1. Skype
Skype was once one of the most prominent names in the video and voice calls industry. However, the company lost relevance due to significant competition and lack of innovation. Nonetheless, the company has begun its resurgence as a decent video calling alternative. On top of that, it has launched Skype Meet Now, a feature that allows video teleconferencing for free.
Skype Meet Now allows users to host meetings with up to 50 participants. These meetings are free, and anyone can join them using the Skype app. Due to being an established name and working under the Microsoft brand, the company poses a significant threat to Zoom. Although it does not offer more advanced features, it is still a decent alternative to Zoom.
2. Google Meet
Google is one of the biggest names in the technology industry. The company specializes in providing a search engine to the world. However, it also participates in various other markets. Google has offered its users the ability to voice and video call online before. These features were a part of its Hangout app, integrated into users’ Google account.
However, Google realized the market for video teleconferencing was growing substantially. Therefore, it launched Google Meet, a faster version of its Hangout app. This app focuses on business meetings and conferences rather than personal users. However, it does not have a free version and users have to pay to use its features.
3. Microsoft Teams
Similar to Google, Microsoft is also a big name in the technology industry. The company, primarily known for its operating system Windows, is also active in several other markets. Microsoft also realized the potential in the video teleconferencing industry and launched its own version. This version, known as Microsoft Teams, integrates within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Microsoft Teams includes all the features that users expect from Zoom and other competitors. The app has a free trial period. However, it is primarily a paid service. It also integrates with Office 365, giving businesses better integration. Through this app, Microsoft also indirectly competes with its Skype Meet Now feature.
4. Slack
Slack isn’t Zoom’s competitor in a traditional sense. However, it does offer video conferencing, making it an alternative to Zoom. Slack primarily focuses on organized chat rooms and features similar to Internet Relay Chat. However, it also offers voice and video calls to its users, although not as specialized as video teleconferencing apps.
On top of its basic features, Slack also integrates Zoom and various other alternatives on this list. It is primarily a free app. However, users can also get its paid plans to enjoy more advanced features. Slack is more well-known among gamers. However, it includes all the basic features that most teleconferencing apps provide.
5. Discord
Another app similar to Slack is Discord. Discord is a VoIP, instant messaging and digital distribution platform. Like Slack, it is well-known among gamers. However, it also includes video teleconferencing features, including video calls and screen sharing. Discord is primarily a free app. Users can also pay to get Discord Nitro, which enables premium features.
Discord does not compete in the same market as Zoom and some other names on this list. However, it does provide a decent, free and fast alternative to users. Some Zoom users also switched to Discord due to the lower limits and better services. However, its existing user base does not use it for video teleconferencing.
6. Cisco Webex
Cisco Systems is a well-known name in the technology industry. The company specializes in networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and other technology products and services. It also owns various subsidiaries, one of which includes Webex. Cisco Webex is a company that primarily develops and maintains web conferencing and video conferencing applications.
Cisco Webex has a free version and a paid version as well. Apart from that, it has several other features that make it one of the top competitors in the teleconferencing market. When it comes to competition, Webex is one of the primary competitors that threaten Zoom’s business. Webex also gains significantly from the substantial expertise that its parent company Cisco brings.
7. GoToMeeting
LogMeIn is a software provider that provides its customers with various solutions. One of these includes its well-known web-hosted service GoToMeeting. Unlike some other competitors on this list, GoToMeeting is not a standalone application. However, it works on all major operating systems due to it being web-based.
GoToMeeting is a popular choice among users for its simplicity and ease of use. The software also comes with various other tools that make it easier for users to collaborate online. It has several plans, allowing users to get the best features that suit their budget. LogMeIn also operates GoToWebinar, which is a webinar tool.
8. Zoho Meeting
Zoho Corporation is an Indian multinational company that specializes in web-based business tools. The company offers many solutions to its users. One of these tools includes Zoho Meeting, the company’s answers to the video teleconferencing industry. It is a part of its collaboration suite that facilities online meetings and webinars.
Zoho Meeting is easy to use and provides users with a straightforward user experience. It also includes encryption services, making it safer and more secure. For users that already use Zoho’s collaboration services, this app is the choice for online meetings and webinars. The app has a free trial available. However, it is primarily a paid app.
9. Blizz by TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a well-known remote access tool. The app gets over 400,000 downloads every day. On top of its remote access tool, it also facilitates online meetings. However, that only includes sharing screen features. Like some other names on this list, TeamViewer also entered the video teleconferencing market through its Blizz app.
Blizz by TeamViewer is a video conferencing tool that offers video and voice calls, instant messaging, screen sharing and much more. The app has a free plan, although it comes with limited features. On top of the free version, it has several paid plans, which users can get based on their needs. Although relatively a new name, Blizz has the potential to serve as a decent alternative to Zoom.
10. Whereby
Whereby is another competitor and alternative to Zoom. Although relatively less complex, it offers users the ability to create and join meetings. Whereby is web-based, which makes it different from some other names on this list. However, it also means that it is accessible through all major platforms and operating systems.
Whereby has a free version, which supports only four users per session. However, it also has paid plans for increasing the limits. Whereby doesn’t require guests to sign up, which makes it great for webinars. The app has all the basic features that users need for hosting meetings. Overall, it is a great alternative to Zoom.
Conclusion
Zoom is a company that caters to the video teleconferencing market. Similarly, The software offers users the ability to host and join online meetings. Zoom gained a substantial number of users due to the pandemic. However, it also attracted competition due to its popularity. Some of Zoom’s competitors and alternatives are listed above.
