The best video conferencing software of 2025: Expert tested

Zoom gained a huge following in 2020 and is still one of the top performers in the video conferencing software space.

Zoom provides almost everything you want in an end-to-end encrypted HD video conference platform. You can join from a dedicated desktop suite, mobile app, or web browser. Breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, collaborative whiteboards, screen sharing, video recording, messaging, and even an artificial intelligence companion are all available to enhance productivity. 

Amid Zoom’s explosion in popularity during the pandemic, it also came under fire for security issues, but the service now regularly performs security updates and has also implemented role-based controls. 

Zoom still offers a free version, but it comes with a caveat — free users are limited to 40-minute meetings.

Also: The complete Zoom guide: From basic help to advanced tips and tricks

I’ve been using Zoom consistently through the years, having become acquainted with the software throughout the pandemic. I can see why so many customers are pleased with it, considering how user-friendly Zoom is, not to mention the wide range of tools and features on offer. 

Outside of free connections and use, Zoom offers a range of individual and paid plans and many bolt-ons and additional services. An individual plan allows you to host up to 100 participants, starting at $13.33 per month per user. Zoom’s Business plan, priced at $18.32 per month per seat for 10 users minimum, can support up to 300 — with more capacity on offer if you add the Large Meeting bolt-on. 

Zoom features: High capacity meetings | Collaborative tools | Interactive whiteboards | Messaging | AI | Paid plans available | Free version | Bolt-ons available 

Microsoft Teams, tech giant Microsoft’s video conferencing software, is another popular option for businesses — large or small — around the globe. Many customers are happy with the service, but some said they have experienced occasional technical issues and unexpected crashes. 

Recently, Microsoft added its AI CoPilot assistant functionality to the platform, which I would consider more of a Microsoft 365 productivity suite feature than a dedicated, standalone product. 

But what does it offer beyond AI? Standard subscriptions offer meetings with up to 300 participants, guest access, breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, AI notetaking, recordings, live captions, and cloud storage.

Free accounts cap meetings at 100 participants. In addition, last month, Microsoft announced plans to shut down its video call app Skype and focus on its free Teams plan.

Microsoft 365 Personal, the service’s individual plan, starts at $10 per month. Companies will want to explore Microsoft’s business plans, starting at $4 per user per month.

Microsoft Teams features: Up to 300 participants | Messaging | Breakout rooms | Virtual backgrounds | AI-generated meeting notes | CoPilot | Free or paid plans 

If you need a video conferencing solution for short, casual meetings and you like Google’s ecosystem, you should explore Google Meet.

Google Meet prizes simplicity above all else — receive an invitation, open the link in your browser, check your mic and camera, and away you go. If you’re already using Google Workspace tools, adopting Meet makes sense. 

It’s important to note this web-based option is the most compatible with the Google Chrome browser. Google account holders can invite up to 100 participants and hold one-hour meetings for free. 

Also: Google Meet’s AI action items and caption history just changed the meeting game

Customer reviews indicate that Google Meet is a great option for ad-hoc and smaller meetings, and as a frequent user, I agree. However, some would like to see more advanced features on offer.

You can use Google Meet for free, and Workspace plans start at $7 per seat per month. If you need to host meetings with up to 150 participants, you will need to consider signing up for the Business Standard plan, priced at $14 per seat per month. 

Google Meet features: 150+ participants (100 free) | Video recording | AI | Transcription | Live streaming | Google Workspace integration | Breakout rooms | Free or paid options

Years ago, I admit, I would have to stifle a groan whenever a client scheduled a meeting using Cisco WebEx software. It was buggy, clunky, and downright unpleasant to use. But times have changed and so has Cisco’s approach to web conferencing, which now makes it a solid recommendation for large businesses. 

Cisco WebEx has an excellent video conferencing option suitable for enterprise use. There is a plethora of advanced features available, including messaging, AI assistance, local and cloud recording, collaboration tools, calendar integration, interactive whiteboards, and live polling. 

You can also use WebEx for free, with up to 100 attendees in 40-minute meetings. Pricing for businesses begins at $12 per seat per month, or $144 per user annually. Custom enterprise plans are also available.

Cisco WebEx features: 100 – 1000+ attendees | Local and cloud recording | Collaboration tools | Screen sharing and annotation | Noise cancelation | AI | Virtual backgrounds | Free and paid plans 

If you’re on the hunt for a video conferencing software solution with intuitive notetaking and presentation tools, consider GoTo Meeting. 

This option works well on browsers, mobile phones, or through your desktop PC, positioning itself as a solution for remote and hybrid workers. You can easily share your screen and take notes, as well as discuss and annotate presentations. Transcriptions and cloud storage are also available.

A helpful Commuter Mode also reduces bandwidth if you need to attend a meeting on the road. 

While many users report that GoTo Meeting is a solid option for basic meetings and calls, others have complained of poor customer support.

Free accounts are limited to meetings with 100 participants. Professional plans start at $12 per user per month.

GoTo Meeting features: 100 – 250+ participants | Collaborative tools | Calendar integration | Screen sharing | Note taking | Free and paid plans