Best Web Conferencing Solutions

Work from anywhere with these super cool web conferencing solutions

Whether you're just trying to avoid the long commute or mandated to stay away from the office, you can feel like you are in the meeting with the right web conferencing solution.

Free mobile apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger offer basic audio and video conferencing. But a useful web conferencing solution boasts features that bring you right into the room ... virtually.

There are quite a few professional-grade free and paid options. Some advanced solutions like Cisco WebEx Meetings and Microsoft Teams are great ... if your company is listed on the stock exchange. But they are likely too pricey for many small business owners, entrepreneurs, contractors and independent service providers ... like the rest of us.

We are looking for a solution that's reliable, cost-effective and easy to use. We need a solution that is cross-platform, cross-device and crosses out the needs for specialized hardware or software. And, most importantly, we demand pro features like:

• Screen sharing

• Whiteboarding

• Built-in chat

• Recording and archiving

• File Sharing

• Scheduling

• Optional webinars

And, all this for less than US$15.00 per month, billed annually.

Meet any where, any time, online

So, what works and what doesn't. I've tested a few and consider these five to the best.

5. Google Hangouts Meet

Baked right into G-Suite, Google Hangouts Meet seamless integration with the Google Calendar makes it super easy to set up a video or audio conference call. Popular features like screen sharing and chat are front and centre. Unfortunately, the Google interface leaves a lot to be desired, and you have to pay more for some premium features.

4. BlueJeans

BlueJeans, a disruptive player, makes it super easy to invite participants to jump in on anything ... any smartphone, any browser or any landline. Plus it boasts robust security and optional integration with existing hardware systems like Cisco and enterprise applications like Microsoft Teams and Facebook Workplace.

3. Skype

Easily the most recognized brand name on this list, Skype has been offering VoIP, audio and video conferencing for longer than most. The free app from Microsoft works as well on iOS and Android as it does on Mac and Windows. It's pricey cousin, the previously referenced Microsoft Teams, doesn't play well outside of the Office 365 environment.

Skype even works well in most browsers which means for participants, no app is required. The blurred background and live subtitle feature are, as far as I can tell, unmatched. And, it has lots of basic and premium features built right in.

Wait, why isn't Skype number 1?

2. Zoom

Zoom is especially great for large meetings with a capacity unrivalled by any other service on this list. While the feature-rich, free version lets you host up to 100 participants, it limits your conference time to 40 minutes if you've got three or more.

1. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting has it all ... and all for a price that can't be beat. The free version, even with the time limit, is pretty good. While the paid version is excellent value for money. I found the interface a little confusing to navigate, but soon enough, I'll be a pro, and that won't be an issue.

Looking for something good but simple and free? Check out Join.Me from the same LogMeIn family.