The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the work landscape, and many of the changes that have occurred as a result of the pandemic still persists in the new normal. One of which is remote working.

With remote work, it’s more important than ever to stay in touch with colleagues and clients. That’s why meeting online has become part of daily life for many of us — but which platform is best to use? We’ve combed through the vast array of options out there to come up with this comprehensive list of our favourite free online meeting platforms & tools that can help make staying connected easier (especially on a budget). Read on for powerful applications that will maximize collaboration and power up your productivity.

Online meetings have become the new normal for many businesses, allowing them to collaborate and stay connected with colleagues around the world. Advanced collaboration tools like document-sharing, screen-sharing, and task management can help make the remote experience feel just like a physical meeting.

What to look for in a virtual conferencing platform

Top 14 Free Online Meeting Platforms & Tools (2026)

The video conference industry saw a 500% increase in buyer activity since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This is also evident in the boost of corporate spending, with 67% of companies having increased their budget for video conferencing in 2020.

With so many video conferencing apps out there today, it can be a daunting task to find the one that best suits your needs. To avoid sorting through the endless variety of offerings available and navigating obscure marketing jargon, we’ve detailed the features most important for any prospective user looking for an effective online meeting platform.

High-resolution video quality & best sound quality

The best online meeting software should have high-definition visuals and crystal-clear sound, allowing meeting participants to feel as if they’re in the same room.

Strong security

Look for a platform that offers secure encryption and data protection features to keep your conversations confidential and private.

Easy setup & use

Find an intuitively designed platform that allows you to easily join and host meetings with minimal setup time.

Integrations & compatibility

Choose a platform that’s compatible with other apps, allowing for simple integration of different services and devices.

Data storage & sharing capabilities

Look for an online meeting app that enables meeting attendees to store, share, and access important documents quickly and securely.

Screen sharing

Desktop sharing is a must-have feature for any online meeting software. This allows participants to share their desktop, documents, or applications with the group in real-time.

Meeting capacity

Consider the size of the group you’ll be meeting with — some video conferencing software are better suited for small groups, while others can accommodate hundreds or even thousands of participants.

Built-in recording & streaming

Look for a platform with built-in recording and streaming features, allowing you to save important meetings for later reference or stream them live to remote audiences.

Best online meeting platforms

Top 14 Free Online Meeting Platforms & Tools (2025)

From interactive whiteboards to breakout rooms, we have rounded up the best online meeting apps for you and your team.

1. Zoom

Zoom is a video communication platform that allows users to participate in video conference calls and webinars. It can be used for online meetings, video chat, and screen sharing and is available on a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Some of the key features of Zoom include the ability to host large meetings with up to 1,000 participants, support for virtual backgrounds, and the ability to record meetings and save them to the cloud. Zoom also offers a variety of tools for collaboration, such as the ability to share your screen, co-annotate documents, and use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions.

In recent years, Zoom has become widely popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it has allowed people to stay connected and work remotely.

Top paid feature: You can livestream your Zoom Meetings to Facebook, Twitch, Instagram, and YouTube.

2. Google Meet

Google Meet is part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity tools, which also includes Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar.

Some of the key features of Google Meet include the ability to host large meetings with up to 250 conference participants, support for live streaming to up to 100,000 viewers within a domain, and the ability to record meetings and save them to Google Drive. Google Meet also offers a variety of tools for collaboration, such as the ability to share your screen, co-annotate documents, and use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions.

Top paid feature: The noise cancellation feature filters out background noise to help limit distractions during a call.

3. Skype

Skype is a video communication platform that allows users to participate in video and audio calls, as well as instant messaging and screen sharing. Released in 2003, it was one of the first platforms to offer video calling over the internet and has remained popular over the years.

Skype can be used on a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones, and is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It offers both free and paid plans, with the paid plans offering additional features such as the ability to make calls to phone numbers, support for larger group calls, and the ability to record calls.

Some of the key features of Skype include the ability to make high-definition video calls, support for real-time translation of calls, and the ability to send and receive text messages, photos, and files. It is also possible to use Skype to call regular phone numbers, although this usually requires the purchase of a subscription or credit.

Top paid feature: Skype offers voicemail so you can receive messages even when away.

4. Cisco Webex

Some of the key features of Cisco Webex include the ability to host HD Video Meetings with up to 1000 meeting participants, support for virtual backgrounds, and the ability to record meetings and save them to the cloud. Cisco Webex also offers a variety of tools for collaboration, such as the ability to share your screen, co-annotate documents, and use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions.

In addition to its video conferencing capabilities, Cisco Webex also offers a range of other communication and collaboration tools, such as team messaging, file sharing, and project management. It is often used by companies to facilitate remote work and collaboration among distributed teams.

Top paid feature: Real-time translation from English to over 100 different closed-captioned languages.

5. Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open-source video conferencing solution that you can use for free. It is available on a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones, and can be used in web browsers or through native mobile and desktop apps.

Some of the key features of Jitsi Meet include the ability to host meetings with up to 75 participants, support for screen sharing and co-annotation, and the ability to record meetings and save them to the cloud. Jitsi Meet also offers end-to-end encryption to ensure the privacy and security of its users.

Jitsi Meet is designed to be easy to use, with a simple interface that allows users to join or start a meeting with just a few clicks. It is often used by organizations and individuals who are looking for a secure and privacy-focused alternative to proprietary video conferencing platforms.

Our favourite feature: Jitsi is 100% open source and freely available to use and develop with. They also host and run meet.jit.si as a free service.

6. Toasty

Toasty is a free and simple-to-use meeting platform that helps you engage meeting participants in meaningful conversations. In this platform, hosts can pre-plan an agenda, connect people with collaboration tools, and invite participants to the session.

Some of the key features of Toasty include the ability to host meetings with up to 50 participants, support for video and audio calls, and the ability to record meetings and save them. Toasty also offers a variety of tools for collaboration, such as real-time polling and whiteboard drawing.

Our favorite feature: Toasty is 100% free and we love its built-in timer that can help you keep meetings brief and to the point.

7. Lifesize

If you are looking for a seamless, cloud-based meeting experience with stunning 4K quality, Lifesize is for you. Lifesize is a company that provides video conferencing and collaboration solutions for businesses. Their products include video conferencing hardware and software, as well as cloud-based video communication services. Lifesize aims to make it easy for people to connect and collaborate with each other, no matter where they are located. They offer a range of products and services designed to help organizations improve communication, increase productivity, and reduce travel costs.

Top paid feature: You can live stream to up to 10,000 viewers per event with Lifesize Enterprise

8. Jami

Jami (formerly known as Ring) is a free and open-source video conferencing tool and communication platform that is designed to be secure, private, and decentralized. It allows users to make voice and video calls, exchange text messages, and share files with other Jami users. Jami uses a peer-to-peer network to connect users, which means that calls do not pass through centralized servers. This allows for greater privacy and security, as well as the ability to use the platform even when internet access is limited. Jami is available for a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Our favorite feature: Jami is free and for unlimited use but we love that no personal information needs to be provided when creating an account.

9. Talky

Talky is a web-based virtual meeting software that allows users to hold real-time video and audio conversations with multiple people. It is designed to be simple and easy to use, with no need to create an account or download any software. Users can join a Talky room by simply visiting a web page and clicking on a link. Talky offers a range of features, including screen sharing, the ability to invite people via a link or email, and the option to use a custom background. It is compatible with most modern web browsers and can be used on desktop and mobile devices.

Our favorite feature: Talky doesn’t sell ads, resell your information, or keep track of what you do online. Plus, it’s free!

10. Whereby

Founded in privacy-friendly Norway, Whereby is a video conferencing platform that allows users to hold online meetings, webinars, and video calls with colleagues, customers, and clients. It offers a range of features to facilitate communication and collaboration among meeting participants, including screen sharing, the ability to record meetings, and integrations with other tools such as Google Calendar and Slack. Whereby is designed to be simple and easy to use, with no need to create an account or download any software?

Top paid feature: You can host meetings with up to 200 participants with Whereby’s Business Plan. It is perfect for larger companies that hold town hall meetings.

Intermedia AnyMeeting

Intermedia AnyMeeting is a cloud-based video conferencing and webinar platform designed for small businesses and organizations. It allows users to host and attend unlimited meetings, webinars, and video conferences from any device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Some features of Intermedia AnyMeeting include high-definition video and audio, screen sharing and collaboration tools, recording and playback of meetings and webinars and integration with popular productivity tools like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Intermedia AnyMeeting offers several pricing plans to suit the needs of different organizations, including a free plan for small teams and a paid plan for larger organizations with more advanced features.

Top paid feature: You can capture meeting notes (like action items and next steps) in real time, and all notes are automatically sent to participants after the meeting.

12. Ringcentral Meeting

RingCentral Meetings is a video conferencing and online meeting platform that allows users to connect with each other from anywhere, using any device. It is part of the RingCentral suite of communication and collaboration tools for businesses.

Some features of RingCentral Meetings include high-definition video and audio, screen sharing and annotation tools, scheduling and calendar integration, recording and playback of meetings, mobile app for iOS and Android devices, and integration with popular productivity tools like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

RingCentral Meetings offers several pricing plans to suit the needs of different organizations, including a free plan for small teams and paid plans with more advanced features for larger organizations.

Top paid feature: You can get popular CRM integrations with Salesforce, Zendesk, and more.

13. Zoho Meeting

Zoho Meeting is a secure online meeting platform and webinar solution that helps people find new ways to collaborate and work remotely with efficacy. It is part of the Zoho productivity suite of tools for businesses which includes Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects. With Zoho Meeting’s free edition, you can conduct free online meetings with screen-sharing, and video conferencing, and use moderator controls like muting and removing participants.

Top paid feature: You can store webinars in the Zoho Cloud, where the file can then be downloaded in MP4 format and/or streamed from a browser. Each organizer can store up to 25 session recordings.

14. Click Meeting

ClickMeeting is an easy-to-use webinar and video conferencing tool that allows users to create, host and attend engaging online meetings, webinars, presentations and trainings. It offers features such as screen sharing, recording, collaboration tools, polls, surveys and file sharing.

ClickMeeting is designed to be easy to use and can be accessed from any device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Top paid feature: You get a dedicated account manager to empower you with customized solutions, to help with configuring and personalizing your webinar account, and assist with any technical issues.

Advantages of Virtual Meeting Platforms

In the digital age, business organizations are increasingly using virtual meeting platforms to overcome the limitations of in-person interactions and bring teams together from around the globe. With their unique design, a wide array of features and flexible scheduling, virtual meeting platforms are revolutionizing how companies communicate with their clients and employees alike. Some of the benefits of using online meeting platforms include:

Increased collaboration and productivity

Virtual meeting platforms enable teams to collaborate in real time, increasing their productivity and efficiency.

Reduced travel expenses

Companies can save significant amounts of money by eliminating the need for employees to travel for meetings or seminars

Accessibility from any device

Many virtual meeting platforms are accessible from any device with an internet connection, including computers, and tablets.

Improved communication between team members, clients, and customers

Online meeting platforms improve communication and collaboration between team members, clients and customers. This allows companies to quickly respond to concerns and provide timely feedback on projects.

Easy integration with other popular productivity tools

Virtual meeting platforms are often integrated with other popular productivity tools, such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, making it easier to collaborate on projects

Disadvantages of video conferencing tools

We’ve all experienced the hype around virtual meeting platforms in the past few years because they often are an easy, time-saving solution for remote teams. But what are their drawbacks?

Lack of in-person interaction

Virtual meeting platforms do not provide the same level of in-person interaction that traditional meetings would. This can prevent teams from forming strong connections and making progress as quickly as possible.

Security risks

Online meeting platforms can be vulnerable to security threats, such as hacking, data breaches, and other malicious attacks. They also require users to share sensitive information, including passwords and login credentials, which can put them at risk of having their identity stolen.

Limited accessibility

Virtual meeting platforms are not always accessible to everyone. Some users may not have access to the platform or may lack the technical skills needed to participate in a virtual meeting. This can limit the effectiveness of these platforms.

High costs

Many virtual meeting platforms come with a high subscription cost, which may not be suitable for all businesses. Moreover, some features may require additional costs, such as extra storage space or access to premium features.

The rise of hybrid meetings

Top 14 Free Online Meeting Platforms & Tools (2023)

As more businesses adopt virtual meeting platforms, many are now opting for a hybrid approach that combines in-person and remote meetings. By combining these two types of meetings, companies can take advantage of the best of both worlds – enabling teams to collaborate in real-time while also staying connected with their remote colleagues.

Overall, virtual meeting platforms enable businesses to collaborate remotely and keep their teams connected, regardless of their location.

Using virtual meeting platforms can help organizations stay agile and adapt quickly to an ever-changing environment. They provide a convenient way to communicate with teams and clients from anywhere in the world. With the right platform, businesses can increase their collaboration and productivity, reduce costs, and improve communication.

They offer great advantages, but also come with some drawbacks that should be considered when choosing the right platform for your business needs

Book a meeting room at Mobo Co for your virtual or hybrid meetings

At Mobo Co, we understand how important it is for businesses to stay connected and collaborate remotely. That’s why we offer a range of meeting rooms that can accommodate virtual or hybrid meetings. Our spaces are equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure that your team stays productive during the entire session.

Mobo Co’s South Brisbane meeting rooms have a number of benefits, including:

Access to the latest technology and meeting room equipment
Flexible meeting room hire packages to suit your needs
Professional meeting room spaces that create a great impression
Friendly and experienced team to assist with your meeting arrangements
On-site and off-site catering options, including a rooftop restaurant
Basement parking and easy access to public transport

Mobo Co’s meeting room hire is the perfect solution for businesses looking for professional meeting space in South Brisbane Contact us today to find out more.

Keep reading: How to Run an Effective Meeting to Maximise Productivity