What makes a perfect online
meeting app?
When it comes to web conferencing software, there are loads of different factors to consider. Some apps might focus on audio quality, while others prioritize the look and feel of the meeting space. So what are the components that make the app really great?
In our opinion, it's a combination of all things - great audio quality, crisp visuals, powerful features, intuitive design, and top-notch web security.
Supreme audio quality
If you can't hear the person you're talking to, or they can't hear you, the meeting is pretty much pointless. That's why it's crucial to make sure that the video conference app you'd like to use supports HD audio. This will ensure that both you and your participants will get the best possible sound quality. Moreover, many apps now offer the feature of background noise cancellation. It's really handy when hosting a conference in a noisy environment.
Crystal-clear video
In order to ensure a great experience for all meeting participants, it's essential to use high-quality video, preferably Full-HD or HD, clear and crisp. This will help you avoid any frustrating glitches or lag times during your conference calls. After all, during an important meeting or negotiation, it's not really comfortable to see a pixelated version of your interlocutors.
Tools for engaging video meetings
It should also offer features, which won’t let you get bored while taking part in a conference, like whiteboarding, a pack of 3D backgrounds, private and group chat, cloud recordings, touch-up tools, and more. Such features are the key to making your virtual meetings as effective as they would be offline.
User-friendly interface
Whether you want to hold a 100-person webinar or arrange a virtual job interview, online meeting software with a user-friendly interface is a must. This means that the platform you choose should be easy to navigate and understand, with self-explanatory buttons and icons, and a visually pleasing design. Otherwise, users will quickly become frustrated and abandon the app.
High-end security tools
Any company whose business is somehow connected to the Internet and remote work understands that security should be its top priority. When it comes to web-based meeting platforms, that’s especially true. To ensure the safety and privacy of your team and clients, a good web security protocol is essential. Other measures that can be taken to beef up web security for an online meeting app are strong passwords and authentication measures, data encryption, waiting rooms, and single sign-on (SSO).
Other useful components:
- Presenter tools: screen sharing, whiteboard, participant control
- Task and project management
- Cloud storage for recordings and other files
- Integration with popular business apps, like Google Drive, Office 365, Slack, Asana, and others you use
- Branding and customization
Most popular online meeting apps:
1) Microsoft Teams
Free version:
- Yes
Paid plans start at:
- $4 per user/month
Teams is a cloud-based chat and video conferencing app for teams. With it, you can easily connect with co-workers to chat, share files, and collaborate on projects. A free plan allows arranging video conferences with up to 100 people at once.
Compatibility:
Teams is a part of the Office 365 subscription and is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and the web.
2) RingCentral
Free version:
- Yes
Paid plans start at:
- $10.99 per user/month
RingCentral is one of the leading providers of cloud-based phone systems and unified communications solutions for businesses of all sizes. This company delivers a full suite of voice, video, and team messaging solutions that allow employees to work from anywhere.
Compatibility:
The app is available on any mobile, tablet, and desktop, as well as on popular phone systems.
3) Zoom
Free version:
- Yes
Paid plans start at:
- $14.99 per license/month
Zoom is a video and web conferencing service that was founded in 2011. The company has since garnered much success and is now favored by businesses and educators for its powerful and useful features, including HD video and audio, live chat, screen and file sharing. Zoom is also known for its reliability and has been lauded for its customer service.
Compatibility:
The app is compatible with Apple, Android, Linux, and Windows devices.
