Zoom works great for conference calls, but you’re limited to 100 people and just 40 minutes in the free version. This isn’t always ideal, especially for longer meetings. Luckily, there are a variety of Zoom alternatives that don’t have as many restrictions in their free versions. Plus, some don’t even require people calling in to have an account.
1. Skype
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Alexa, Xbox, Web
Pricing: Free (Skype to Skype) with paid option for Skype to non-Skype
Skype is a completely free conference call solution as long as everyone is a Skype user. It’s ideal for both business and personal use and offers advanced features that many competitors, like Zoom, charge extra for. It’s best suited for users who already use and are comfortable with Microsoft products.
Features
- Unlimited meeting times
- Call recording
- Live subtitles
- Audio and HD video calling
- Private encrypted conversations
- Screen sharing
Cons
- Limited to 100 participants at once
- All users must have a Skype account
2. Jitsi Meet
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium option
Jitsi Meet is one of the more generous free Zoom alternatives. While there is a premium version, the free version is perfect for most conference and group calls. The best part of all is that no one, not even the call host, needs an account to use the service. This makes Jitsi incredibly easy to use. You can even set up your own Jitsi server.
Features
- No account needed
- End-to-end encryption
- Share multiple screens at once
- No call time limit
- HD video calls
- Remote desktop access
- Offers Slack, Google Calendar, and Office 365 integrations
Cons
- Calls are limited to 100 participants
- No call recording
3. Messenger Rooms
Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free
Despite Messenger Rooms being a Facebook product, participants (except the host) don’t need an account to join any free conference call. You’re free to enjoy calls for as long as you want. However, the app does recommend that you use the desktop version if you’re meeting with a larger group so that you can see everyone easier.
Features
- Unlimited call time
- No account needed for participants
- Create rooms from Messenger, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and any Portal device
- Share movies, music, shows, and more
- Apps aren’t needed for participants to join, just a browser window
Cons
- Only available for up to 50 participants at once
- The host must have a Facebook account
- Anyone with the meeting link can join in
4. RingCentral Video Pro
Platforms: Web, Windows
Pricing: Free with premium option
RingCentral Video Pro is one of the more professional free Zoom alternatives. Enjoy virtual backgrounds, active speaker highlighting, and cloud recording. While some features are only available in the premium version, most users will find everything they need in the free version.
RingCentralVideo Pro is different from RingCentral MVP, which includes a business phone system and only has paid plans. If you can’t find the free plan, select the Video tab on the plans page.
Features
- HD audio and video
- Meetings can last up to 24 hours
- Record up to 10 hours to the cloud, with recordings saved for seven days
- Closed captioning
- Participants can join without downloading or signing up (via link, email invite, or dial-in)
- Screen and desktop sharing
- Set meeting passwords
- Host two meetings at once
- AI insights and transcriptions
Cons
- Limited to 100 participants
- Free version limited to 50 minutes
5. FreeConferenceCall
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
Pricing: Free with premium options
FreeConferenceCall aims to be the best Zoom alternative, but without the price tag. However, monthly contributions are welcome to help support development. The free platform supports free conference calls, chats, audio calls, and much more. It’s one of the most feature-rich Zoom alternatives with the fewest limitations.
Features
- International audio calls
- Audio recording and transcripts
- Video conferencing for up to 1,000 participants
- Video recording
- Screen sharing and remote desktop
- Presentation software
- Branded meeting rooms
Cons
- Some features, such as using an 800 number for participants to dial in, require a premium upgrade
6. Lark
Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium options
Lark is a set of business team tools that include video conferencing, messaging, docs, cloud storage, email, and more. However, it’s the video conferencing portion that does well as a Zoom. Of course, getting all the extras for free makes it an appealing option to business teams looking for productivity solutions on a tight budget.
Features
- 60-minute call duration (free) or 24 hours in premium
- Share docs, calendar, and media within calls
- Schedule and join meetings from the calendar or emails
- Collaborative video calls and chats
- Transcription
Cons
- Limited to 50 participants in free version (500+ in premium versions)
- No weekend customer support
7. Butter
Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium options
Butter is one of the more limited options on this list. It’s ideal for one-on-one training and meetings but does have a free conference calling option for larger groups. Where it really shines is in free integrations: it supports breakout rooms, polls, a music player, Google Drive, YouTube, etc. For more interactive calls, Butter may be the best overall option.
Features
- All tools (presentations, polls, breakouts, recaps, flashcards, session planner) and integrations are free
- Set up two different rooms
- Truly unlimited one-on-one sessions (no time limits)
- Group meetings
- AI-generated agendas
Cons
- Group meetings limited to 60 minutes
- 100-participant limit
8. Discord
Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
Pricing: Free with premium option
While Discord may seem like one of the more unusual Zoom alternatives, any group can create their own community and host video calls one-on-one or as a group. However, video conferencing on Discord is only for small groups. You can’t host large calls on here. It’s best for small training groups, meetings, and team chats. If you want to set up your own server, use this guide.
Features
- Create invite-only communities for your team
- Multiple channels for users to chat and/or video chat
- Use voice calls at any time when someone’s status says they’re available
- Start video calls at any time and for any duration
Cons
- Up to 25 participants per video call
- No HD video
Additional Zoom Alternatives
If you don’t need long free conference calls, there are other alternatives you may prefer. All of these have limited call duration, so you’ll need to make sure your calls don’t run over, forcing everyone to join a new meeting. All but one has premium options.
- Google Meet – free for 60 minutes and up to 100 participants.
- Microsoft Teams – free for up to 60 minutes and 100 participants.
- Cisco Webex – free for up to 50 minutes and 100 participants.
- Zoho Meeting – free for up to 60 minutes and 100 participants.
- Dialpad – free for up to 45 minutes and 10 participants. Includes unlimited audio recordings. Starts at $15/user/month for five hour meetings and 150 participants. No premium option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can participants join my video meetings?
This depends on the service you use. Most allow you to send a link via the platform itself, email, or text. You can even post the link on a website or your business’s messaging tool to let participants know about the meeting.
Some services offer dial-in numbers to allow people to join just with their voice if they don’t have mobile data to join a video call.
Do I need special software or tools to use Zoom alternatives?
As long as you have a webcam and mic, you’re all set. If you don’t have a mic, Windows lets you use your smartphone as the mic. Most allow you to use the platform via a web browser, though you can download a desktop or mobile version if you want.
How can I improve voice quality when using video conferencing tools?
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox
