Faces frozen in wacky positions, weird audio glitches, and the dreaded “Hello, can you hear me?” If you recognized these as hallmarks of a horrible video call, you’re right.
For remote and hybrid teams, these issues aren’t just minor annoyances, they’re productivity killers. After all, video is the primary way for distributed teams to communicate, and choosing the right team communication tools can mean the difference between clearly communicated feedback and misunderstood instructions.
The video conferencing platforms in this curated list are built to help remote and hybrid teams collaborate and innovate. Find out how they keep communication flowing, plus strategies for using video to maximize hybrid and remote team connection and productivity.
1. Loom
While Loom isn’t a traditional video conferencing tool, it lets you easily communicate with teammates both synchronously and asynchronously.
With just a few clicks, you can record your screen and webcam to share ideas and feedback, break down complex topics into easily understandable explanations, and send personalized team updates. Coworkers can view your video recordings right away or at a later time, making Loom a great way to keep distributed teams connected around the globe.
Features:
- Personalized messages: Add a personal touch to your conversations that goes beyond text or a few emojis. Use Loom to record your webcam along with your screen and capture nonverbal cues and tone of voice.
- Loom AI: Use Loom’s built-in AI to speed up communication with automated video summaries and titles, plus AI-generated written messages to send with your video.
- Automated workflows: Use Loom AI workflows to turn your most important videos into documents, step-by-step processes, and bug reports to ensure your communications are always clear and accessible.
- Comments and emojis: Video viewers can continue the discussion by leaving a comment or sharing their appreciation with an emoji reaction.
- Automatically polished videos: Loom comes with easy-to-use editing tools that automatically remove pauses and filler words and always choose the most optimal video and audio settings. If you still have changes to make, edit your video by editing the transcript.
Pros:
- Loom eliminates the need for real-time meetings, freeing up time for your team to focus on projects and boosting productivity.
- The mix of screen and webcam recording—plus Loom AI’s ability to convert videos to written documents—make it easier to explain complex ideas.
- Personalized video messaging fosters a more personalized connection with coworkers.
- You can encourage continued collaboration and feedback through time-stamped comments and emoji reactions that viewers can leave on Loom videos.
Cons:
- There aren’t any real-time communication features that are valuable for brainstorming or urgent discussions.
- Loom’s free version has a limit of 25 total videos of up to five minutes each.
Pricing: Loom offers a free plan, and paid plans start at $12.50 per user per month when billed annually.
Looking for an app to replace Zoom? Compare Loom vs. Zoom to find out how your team can benefit from Loom’s remote-friendly collaboration and communication features.
Try Loom for Free Today2. Switchboard
Switchboard combines virtual meetings with whiteboards, file sharing, and feedback to keep projects moving forward.
Features:
- AI assistant: Use Switchboard’s AI to brainstorm new ideas and summarize video meeting updates.
- Persistent rooms: Share a meeting room link once and let teammates access it at any time—the link stays the same so you can collaborate asynchronously.
- Virtual whiteboard: Add links, docs, apps, PDFs, videos, and other file types to Switchboard’s virtual whiteboard.
Pros:
- Persistent video conference rooms and support for numerous shared file types power both real-time and asynchronous collaboration.
- Switchboard integrates with any browser-based app, including Google Calendar, Jira, Canva, Google Analytics, and more.
- Your team can use multiple communication modes, including text-based chat, comment threads and annotations, and video calls.
Cons:
- The free plan limits saved room history to 15 days.
- You must have a stable internet connection to use Switchboard.
Pricing: Switchboard offers a free plan, and paid plans start at $10 per user per month when billed annually.
3. Whereby Meetings
A browser-based video conferencing tool, Whereby provides a simple approach to face-to-face communication and collaboration.
Features:
- Colocation tech: Removes echoes and other audio issues when meeting participants join from the same location.
- Screen sharing: Share your screen or view the shared screens of up to 24 other people for easier collaboration.
- Browser notifications: Don’t miss when someone joins your meeting room or requests to join, thanks to notifications that pop up even when you’re not viewing Whereby.
Pros:
- You can easily integrate with existing collaboration apps including Miro, Trello, and Google Docs.
- Whereby works in your browser, so there’s no need to download software or wait for updates to finish before joining your meetings.
- Support for hybrid teams with colocated teammates allows everyone to meet without special video conferencing hardware.
Cons:
- Whereby Meetings relies on WebRTC, which means using Safari or a VPN may cause issues.
- There’s no support for audio-only calls.
Pricing: Whereby Meetings offers a free plan, and paid plans start at $8.99 per month for one host.
4. Zoom Workplace
Zoom continues to add new features to its already comprehensive online meetings toolkit, including Zoom AI, whiteboards, and Zoom Mail.
Features:
- Interactive components: Inspire better collaboration with polls and Q&As, whiteboards, and breakout rooms where small groups can leave the bigger meeting room to chat.
- Full productivity suite: Includes must-haves like Zoom Mail and Calendar alongside video calls, documents, notes, and text chat.
- Employee engagement tools: Add Workvivo to keep employees connected with features like an activity feed, newsletter, chat, and meeting invites.
Pros:
- Scalable plans are available for all teams, from small teams and businesses all the way up to enterprises.
- The free plan is packed with features, including notes, 100-attendee meeting max for up to 45 minutes each, whiteboards, email, and calendar.
- Zoom continuously adds new feature updates and enhancements.
Cons:
- Updating the software can be disruptive and time-consuming.
- Sharing your screen, setting up breakout rooms, and other actions aren’t always intuitive.
Pricing: Zoom Workplace offers a free plan, and paid plans start at $13.32 per user per month when billed annually.
Is Loom or Zoom better? Find out which tool offers the best solutions for your team in the Loom vs. Zoom guide.
5. Google Meet
Already using Google apps like Docs and Gmail? Then it’s easy to hop on Google Meet for a video call.
Features:
- Browser-friendly: Join and host video conference calls directly in your browser without having to download extra software—teammates just need an invite code.
- Meeting activities: Create breakout rooms, co-present with a teammate, poll attendees, or use Q&A to ask a question and gather feedback.
- Google Workspace integrations: Launch Google Meet directly from Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Jamboard when you’re using the Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser.
- Gemini AI: Integrate with Google’s Gemini AI for automated summaries and action items.
Pros:
- Your team can easily revisit recorded meetings in Google Drive.
- Google Meet removes background noise when you’re presenting to ensure crystal clear audio.
- Google Meet captions video calls in real time and pairs video tiles so everyone can follow along, even participants with sign language interpreters.
Cons:
- Meetings max out at 100 participants.
- You’ll need a paid plan for advanced features like breakout rooms, polls, and translated captions.
- Purchasing plans can be confusing due to a variety of options and prices.
Pricing: Google Meet offers a free plan, and paid plans start at $6 per user per month.
6. Remo
If you’re looking for a way to replace all-hands meetings, webinars, and conferences with interactive virtual experiences, Remo is worth a look.
Features:
- In-app activities: Engage meeting attendees with polls and Q&As that allow all teammates to participate, even if they’re not hosting the call.
- Lead generation: Host virtual conferences, collect leads with in-app CTAs, and check performance metrics on engagement, reach, and ROI.
- Live or prerecorded: Free up your time by hosting prerecorded or semi-live meetings, or engaging in real time—it’s your choice.
Pros:
- There are a variety of customizable virtual spaces, including meetings, conferences, and trade shows.
- Whiteboards, Q&As, and polls help you engage teammates.
- You can swap between presentation and networking modes, one-on-ones, and discussion groups.
Cons:
- Remo is pricier than other video conferencing platforms.
- Since it’s primarily designed for large events, Remo may lack internal collaboration features.
Pricing: Remo’s virtual conferencing platform starts at $299 per month. Remo also offers remote virtual office spaces, which start at $120 per month for 25 users when billed annually.
7. Skype
Skype may be known for one-on-one calls, but it also supports meetings for up to 100 attendees.
Features:
- Inclusive meetings: Invite anyone to your meeting, even if they don’t have Skype software or an account.
- Recordings: Choose to record your call and rewatch it at any time during the next 30 days to summarize next steps and talking points.
- Phone calls: Call a landline or mobile number, send text messages, and get your own Skype phone number to field incoming calls on your laptop or smartphone.
Pros:
- Skype subtitles your video calls in real time to avoid misunderstandings caused by unclear audio or weak internet connections.
- Skype doubles as an online video conferencing solution and an international calling solution.
- Your team can collaborate better with screen sharing and in-call messages.
Cons:
- Skype lacks advanced meeting features and controls, like built-in whiteboards, polls, and breakout rooms.
- You can only host up to 100 meeting participants.
Pricing: Skype is free to use, though you’ll need a subscription or pay-as-you-go Skype credits to call landlines or mobile phone numbers. Prices depend on the location you’re calling.
Honorable mentions
8. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a full-featured video conferencing solution that offers everything from collaborative annotations to virtual event support for up to 1,000 people. It also integrates with other Microsoft apps, including Outlook, Whiteboard, and PowerPoint.
However, many users complain about it using large amounts of computer memory, a clunky interface, and broken meeting links.
Pricing: Microsoft Teams offers a free individual plan, and paid plans start at $4 per user per month when billed annually.
9. GoTo Meeting
Many users like GoTo Meeting’s simple approach to video conferencing. It doesn’t require teammates to download software to join a meeting and includes sharing tools for your screen, keyboard, and mouse. GoTo Meeting also features breakout rooms and drawing tools, but it may lack advanced collaboration features.
Users also note that the interface feels dated, and the emoji reactions and attendee limit feel restrictive.
Pricing: Paid plans start at $12 per organizer per month when billed annually.
10. Cisco Webex
Webex Meetings combines video conferencing with unique collaboration features like whiteboards, screen sharing, and interactive polling. Additional accessibility features, including voice optimization, real-time translation, and Apple CarPlay integration, help everyone on your team participate in meetings.
However, its steep pricing may deter smaller teams and businesses, plus users report slow connections, a clunky UI, and audio issues.
Pricing: Webex offers a free plan, and paid plans start at $12 per license per month when billed annually.
What to consider when choosing a video conferencing platform
Imagine this: It’s 9:58 a.m. and you’re frantically logging into your video conferencing app, trying to join an important client meeting. But the app can’t detect your microphone and it says you need to update the app before you can join the meeting.
Sound familiar? Choosing high-quality video conferencing software with the following features can help you avoid these issues.
Audio and video quality
Look for a video call app that supports HD video and audio for clear communication. Options to join by phone or your laptop can help you avoid hardware issues like speakers that refuse to work.
Built-in collaboration
Along with screen-sharing capabilities, look for video collaboration software that allows you to annotate or share ideas in a virtual whiteboard. The ability to upload or share files is also helpful for providing teammates with relevant resources.
Other types of collaboration tools that can boost productivity include polls and Q&As. These interactive elements keep meeting attendees engaged, giving them a chance to participate instead of spending an entire hour-long meeting passively listening.
Meeting management
Tools that help you schedule meetings, invite coworkers, record and transcribe meetings, and present are essential. These make it easier to gather everyone together, share the mic, and revisit important takeaways at a later date.
Accessibility
Ensure everyone has equal access to your meetings with features like live captions and translations. Nonverbal communication tools like in-meeting chat and emoji reactions help everyone feel included.
And while it may not seem critical, options to blur your background or cancel out background noises also improve accessibility by minimizing distractions.
Finally, mobile apps for Android and iOS provide flexibility so that everyone can join the video chat even if they’re on the go.
How to pair Loom with your video conferencing tools for better remote work outcomes
The best way to empower your hybrid and remote teams is to use video communication platforms that play nicely with your existing tech stack—including your video conferencing platform of choice.
Why use more than one communication tool? It gives your team flexibility.
Your employees are 75% more likely to watch a video than read an email, which makes video highly effective for important messaging. But text chat is still helpful. Gallagher’s 2024 State of Internal Communication report found that employees consider chat the most effective for collaboration—right alongside one-on-one video tools.
Here’s how to pair Loom video recordings with your video conferencing apps and text chat to give your employees the flexibility to communicate the most efficient and effective way.
Add Loom to existing workflows
Loom fits into your existing workflows and plays nicely with any other tools your team already uses, such as project management software or client management tools. This not only helps teams pick up the new software more quickly, it also increases future productivity by driving efficiency.
For example, Loom’s screen recording tools pair with productivity apps like Jira and Slack as well as video conferencing apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. With the click of a button, Loom AI turns your video message into a Jira ticket, Slack message, or team process document.
Share recordings to reduce context switching
Providing your team with a choice of internal communication tools reduces the need for context switching, or leaving their current mindset and workflow to hop on a video call.
Context switching can lead to Zoom fatigue and lowered productivity, but offering alternatives like Loom recordings lets your team collaborate when it works best for them, preserving their flow state and maximizing their productivity.
Let Loom AI do the work for you
Loom AI automatically generates video summaries and titles for you so you don’t have to rack your brain trying to think of how to recap your video message. And you don’t have to worry about re-recording your video either. Loom AI cleans up any pauses or filler words so your first take is your best take.
AI features like automated transcripts and real-time translation can also improve accessibility so everyone gets an equal chance to collaborate.
Encourage everyone to participate
Use Loom to your advantage by screen sharing documents, whiteboards, and graphics while you narrate. Share your Loom recording and invite viewers to leave time-stamped comments to ask questions or leave feedback. They can also add emoji reactions to engage with your video content.
This also works for recorded Zoom meetings. Import your Zoom cloud recordings to Loom, then share them with an instantly generated link. This lets anyone who missed the meeting catch up and leave comments if they have follow-up questions.
Keep hybrid and remote teams connected with Loom
It may seem as if there aren’t many video conferencing apps to choose from if you’re managing a remote or hybrid team. But outside-the-box solutions, like Loom screen recording tools, offer a way for teams to connect asynchronously.
Loom is flexible enough to complement more traditional video conferencing platforms or chat apps like Slack. Find out how you can use Loom to record video messaging and boost team alignment and productivity by trying the free app today.
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