Looking for a Zoom alternative? You’ve come to the right place.
Zoom is the go-to platform for video conferencing, powering everything from quick team check-ins to large-scale webinars. But it's not the best fit for every team. While it's known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, some users encounter pain points.
Common issues like security concerns, inconsistent video and audio quality, and a steep price for advanced features lead many teams to seek better alternatives. Additionally, the need for a separate app download can be a barrier for new participants.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Zoom alternatives to help you find the perfect tool for your team’s needs.
Why you should consider Zoom alternatives
Zoom has become a household name for video conferencing, making it incredibly easy to connect with colleagues, clients, and friends from anywhere. However, while it excels in simple calls, it may not be the best fit for every team or situation.
Limited free plan
For free plan users, Zoom is a great starting point, but it comes with a major catch: a strict 40-minute time limit on group meetings. Having a free account only can be a significant pain point, especially during longer discussions, presentations, or collaborative work that gets cut short abruptly. This limitation often forces teams to upgrade to Zoom’s paid plan, which may not offer the best value for money.
A narrow focus on collaboration
While Zoom has recently introduced its own version of an all-in-one platform known as Zoom Workplace, which combines chat, meetings, phone, and other features, it still lags behind more mature rivals like Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace in terms of a complete, seamless ecosystem. This means your team still needs to jump between Zoom and other applications, disrupting workflow and productivity.
Security and privacy concerns
Despite improvements, Zoom's past security issues—including "Zoombombing" and data-sharing controversies—have left some users hesitant. While the company has implemented stronger security measures, including end-to-end encryption (E2EE), some users still have privacy concerns about how their data is handled.
Best Zoom alternatives at a glance
Alternatives to Zoom come in all different shapes and sizes. From total workplace collaboration platforms to simple casual calling tools. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the best options:
8 best Zoom alternatives for 2025
1. Lark - For AI-enhanced meetings and collaboration
When it comes to video conferencing, Lark offers everything you’d expect from Zoom—and much more. Its built-in software, Lark Meetings, delivers crystal-clear audio and video for secure one-on-one calls or conferences with thousands of participants. With powerful tools like breakout rooms, polls, live captions, translations, and AI-generated minutes, every meeting stays focused, engaging, and action-driven.
But Lark isn’t just another video conferencing app. It’s a complete collaboration superapp that brings chat, project management, document editing, email, workflows, and more into one seamless platform. Instead of juggling multiple tools, your team can connect, collaborate, and get work done without switching apps—saving time, money, and effort.
Key features:
Seamless video conferencing: Host secure, high-quality virtual meetings with thousands of participants. Keep discussions productive with breakout rooms, polls, reactions, timers, and more features to make discussions engaging.
AI-powered meetings: Stay aligned with automatic transcription, instant translation into multiple languages, and AI-generated meeting notes with action items based on what was discussed during the call—so no one misses key points, even across global teams.
Instant meeting access: Start video calls in chats you're having with colleagues. Either initiate calls immediately or check everyone's free time first and book a meeting. If someone can't make the meeting, don't worry, as there's cloud recording available.
Document collaboration in real time: Use Magic Share to present and co-edit files during meetings. Participants can explore documents at their own pace, ensuring everyone is prepared and aligned—ideal for teams working together on one document or training sessions involving workshops.
All-in-one workspace: With native team chat, calendars, document editing, project management, approvals, performance management, and workflow automations, Lark integrates everything your team needs—no more switching between third-party apps.
Work anywhere: Whether on desktop, mobile, tablet, or web, Lark makes it easy to join meetings, check chat messages, share documents, and complete tasks—ideal for frontline teams, business travelers, online teachers, and more.
Pricing:
Starter plan: Free forever plan that includes 11 powerful tools for up to 20 users. It also comes with 100GB of storage, 1000 automation runs, AI translations, and more.
Pro plan: $12/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. It includes everything in Starter plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 15TB of storage, 50,000 automation runs, and more.
Enterprise plan: Contact sales for custom pricing. Supports unlimited users and includes even more automation runs and advanced security, compliance, and management features.
2. Microsoft Teams - For Microsoft 365 users
Image source: microsoft.com
While the news of Skype's retirement was a significant shift, Microsoft has seamlessly transitioned its video conferencing capabilities into its work collaboration platform, Microsoft Teams.
Teams offers excellent video quality and can support a wide range of meeting sizes, from one-on-one chats to large-scale conferences. Beyond its user-friendly conferencing solution, the platform stands out with its robust collaboration tools, which are designed to boost team productivity.
Key features:
Integrated Office 365 suite: Teams integrates seamlessly with Office 365, especially chat and calendar, to help users manage their meeting schedules easily.
Teams phone: For companies that still require phone numbers to start their business operations, Microsoft Teams also offers business phone services to meet this demand.
Dynamic meeting options: Host various meeting types, from one-on-ones to large virtual events, with features like breakout rooms and custom layouts.
Pricing:
No free plan for businesses, unless you already have a Microsoft 365 plan. Paid plans start at $4 per user per month.
3. Google Meet - For Google Workspace users
Image source: meet.google.com
Google Meet emerges as another excellent alternative to Zoom, known for its simplicity, security, and integration with Google Workspace. It’s a go-to for businesses, educators, and individuals seeking a reliable video conferencing solution that’s easy to use and secure.
This platform is ideal for companies already using Google Workspace, as it offers seamless integration and a familiar interface, reducing the learning curve. Google Meet ensures that all meetings are encrypted and secure, instilling confidence in users.
Key Features:
Seamless integration with Google Workspace: Access and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations easily during meetings.
Enhanced security: All meetings are encrypted, ensuring data privacy and security.
Smart features: Utilize features like live captions and low-light mode to enhance the meeting experience.
Pricing:
Free version available for anyone with a Google account, making it a great free Zoom alternative, but with limited features. Paid plans (Google Workspace) start at $4.
4. Webex Meetings - For high-quality video
Image source: webex.com
Cisco Webex Meetings is a robust platform designed for virtual interactions, offering a blend of video conferencing, online meetings, and team collaboration functionalities. With Webex, users can conduct reliable video conferences, share screens effortlessly, and engage in interactive sessions.
Key features:
Crystal clear calls: High audio and video quality, even if you collaborate remotely.
Automatic transcription: Facilitates productive conversations by transcribing meetings in real time into multiple languages.
Webex meeting center: Simplifies the scheduling, initiating, and conducting of online meetings, requiring a host account for starting a meeting.
Pricing:
Free plan available. Paid plans start at $144 per user per year.
5. Zoho Meeting - For affordable webinars
Image source: softwareadvice.co.uk
Zoho Meeting is a versatile communication platform designed for both online meetings and webinars, making it a practical choice for remote and hybrid teams. Plus, its affordable pricing makes it a cost-effective solution for hosting webinars, giving companies a reliable way to engage larger audiences without overspending.
Key features:
Zoho ecosystem integration: Zoho Meeting is deeply integrated with other Zoho tools and some third-party services.
Screen sharing and whiteboarding: Enables effective presentations and brainstorming sessions.
Interactive features: Such as meeting reactions, hand raising, and the ability to talk feature, enhancing engagement and communication among participants.
Pricing:
Zoho Meeting provides a free plan for basic use. Paid plans start at as little as $1 per host per month.
6. GoToMeeting - For enterprise-grade secure calls
GoToMeeting is a dependable video conferencing tool that provides a variety of features aimed at fostering team collaboration and communication. With GoToMeeting, users can hold video meetings with up to 250 participants, share screens for collaborative efforts, and have unlimited meeting durations, facilitating comprehensive discussions and project advancements.
Key features:
Security: Advanced safety and security features keep video chats and information sharing secure.
Screen sharing and web Audio: Promotes collaborative discussions and presentations.
Cloud storage: Unlimited cloud storage at an affordable price, making it ideal for teams that need robust meeting recording capabilities.
Pricing:
GoToMeeting offers a free plan, ideal if you're looking for a free Zoom alternative. Paid plans start at $12 per user per month.
7. Slack - For impromptu meetings
With Slack, users can initiate quick calls with team members through Slack Calls, making it easy to address urgent matters or brainstorm ideas on the fly. For more casual, real-time collaboration, Slack Huddles let teams drop into lightweight audio or video discussions without the formality of a scheduled meeting. Together, these features provide a convenient and efficient way for teams to connect and collaborate.
Key features:
Quick and easy communication: Robust chat capabilities, including Slack Calls, which allow users to initiate instant audio calls with team members.
Accessible within Slack: Answer calls right within Slack, where you can access your messages directly and instantly on a call.
Cross-platform accessibility: Slack can be accessed on various devices and operating systems, such as mobile or laptop, ensuring flexibility and convenience for users.
Pricing:
Slack offers a free version. However, the free plan only allows huddles for up to two participants. Paid plans start at $8.75 per user per month.
Discord - For community and casual chats
Discord may have started as a gamer’s hub, but it has quickly evolved into a go-to platform for teams and communities of all kinds. With always-on voice channels, video calls, and screen sharing, it gives people a more relaxed, real-time way to connect. Instead of scheduling formal meetings, team members can simply hop into a channel to chat, brainstorm, or catch up—making it feel more like working side by side.
Key features:
Drop-in voice channels: Create spaces where teammates can join or leave conversations freely, no calendar invites required.
Video calls and screen sharing: Talk face-to-face or share your screen to walk through ideas, documents, or presentations together.
Community management tools: Use text channels, roles, and permissions to keep conversations organized, even in large groups.
Pricing:
Most of Discord’s core features are free. Paid plans start at $2.99 per month.
Honorable mentions
While these tools didn't make our list, we still think they're great Zoom alternatives worth considering:
Pumble: Offers simple, reliable high definition video conferencing for teams, integrated with chat and collaboration tools. Ideal for small to medium-sized teams that want quick, seamless video calls without leaving their workspace.
CoScreen: Enables teams to collaborate in real time by sharing individual application windows instead of entire screens. Ideal for pair programming, design reviews, and hands-on collaboration, it keeps workflows private while boosting teamwork.
Jitsi Meet: Open-source video conferencing solution that requires no account to join meetings. Ideal for teams and communities that need secure, flexible video calls with screen sharing, chat, and customizable meeting options.
How to choose the best Zoom alternative
Choosing a new video conferencing tool can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Instead of getting lost in a sea of features, use this checklist to narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for your team's unique needs.
Functionality
Consider what you need your Zoom replacement to do:
Core meeting features: Does the platform offer reliable HD video and audio, screen sharing, in-meeting chat, and an option for voice calls only?
Participant management: How many people can join a call? Are there breakout rooms for small-group discussions and polls to engage the audience?
Collaboration tools: Are there built-in whiteboards, shared notes, or co-editing features? Do you need a tool that provides features such as instant messaging, document editing, task management, and more?
Meeting logistics: Can you record meetings and get automated transcripts? Does it offer AI features such as smart summaries or action-item suggestions?
Integrations: Does the platform seamlessly connect with your existing tools, such as your calendar, CRM (e.g., Salesforce), or productivity apps (e.g., Slack, Microsoft 365)?
User experience
Pay attention to how easy the software is to use:
Ease of access: Can external guests join a meeting with a single click, or do they have to download an app or create an account?
Interface: Is the user interface intuitive and clean, or does it feel cluttered and overwhelming?
Mobile support: Are there high-quality mobile apps that allow your team to join or host meetings on the go?
Security and privacy
Consider the platform’s reputation in terms of safety and how secure it is:
Encryption: Does the platform offer end-to-end encryption to protect sensitive conversations?
Access control: Are there strong security features like waiting rooms and password protection to prevent "Zoombombing"?
Compliance: Is the platform compliant with key data protection regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, if relevant to your business?
Cost and scalability
Your budget today and what you plan to invest in the future are crucial points to consider:
Pricing model: Does the pricing align with your needs? Is it per user, per host, or does it offer a tiered structure?
Free plan: Is there a free plan that meets your basic needs, or will you quickly hit a wall with time or participant limits?
Total cost of ownership: Look beyond the monthly fee. Are there hidden costs for additional storage, advanced features like webinars, or premium support?
Scalability: Can the platform grow with your business? Will it be able to handle more users or larger-scale events like webinars and company-wide broadcasts as you expand?
Why Lark is the best alternative to Zoom
It’s easy to see why Zoom became so popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, when teams and students were forced to work and learn from home. But five years later, businesses have discovered strong alternatives that offer the same features—plus added benefits. Lark stands out as the best example. Here's a look at why more and more businesses are switching to Lark in 2025.
Advanced video conferencing
Whether it's a quick one-on-one or a large video event, Lark Meetings makes connecting with people effortless. Start, schedule, or join meetings directly within chats to keep discussions in context or check everyone's availability in Lark Calendar and schedule an event.
You can personalize your video experience with virtual custom backgrounds, avatars, and touch-up filters. Hosts and co-hosts can easily manage roles, permissions, and security controls for a smooth, secure meeting.
Real-time collaboration is built right in. With Magic Share, screen sharing, and interactive whiteboards, everyone can contribute. Plus, you can record meetings and generate minutes to keep all participants aligned and informed, making follow-ups simple and efficient.
AI-enhanced meetings
Transform your meetings with Lark's AI. You'll never have to worry about missing a detail again, as AI notes are created in real time during your call—no setup required. See live meeting notes alongside subtitles, with auto-translation available in multiple languages. Join a meeting at any time and get caught up instantly.
Lark's AI also generates smart summaries that highlight key points in seconds. You can create detailed summary documents, organize decisions into searchable chapters, and turn discussion points into actionable tasks with owners and deadlines in just one click.
With end-to-end integration, your meetings turn into immediate action. Display tasks in Lark Calendar, assign action items to the right people, or instantly share meeting notes in group chats. This keeps everyone aligned and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
A more complete collaboration platform
Zoom has recognized the need to expand beyond video calls with Zoom Workplace. However, the platform is still relatively new and lacks many essential collaboration features. Let’s see how it compares to Lark as a true all-in-one collaboration solution for teams.
While Zoom Workplace offers basic features, it lacks many of the tools businesses need to get work done efficiently. It provides limited project management capabilities and does not support workflow automation or the creation of broader business systems such as CRM or CMS.
Cost-effective
Unlike Zoom, Lark offers significant and measurable value. With a generous free plan, your team of up to 20 users gets access to 11 key features, allowing you to manage your entire team without spending a single dime.
The real difference becomes clear when you compare the paid plans. Lark's Pro plan is a powerhouse for just $12 per user per month, giving you access to advanced features like unlimited message history, 15TB of cloud storage, 50,000 automated workflows per month, and extra features and tools to handle all your work.
In contrast, Zoom's paid plan costs more at $13.33 per user per month and provides fewer features. You'll still need to pay for third-party tools for things like a document collaboration suite and project management, which can lead to thousands of dollars in extra costs.
For a team of 100, relying on Zoom while also paying for tools like Notion and Asana could cost you $25,200 more per year than if you simply consolidated all your tools with Lark.
Final thoughts on Zoom alternatives
When it comes to finding the right Zoom alternative, many platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex, and more offer solid solutions. But Lark stands above the rest. By combining video conferencing with chat, document collaboration, project management, AI-powered features, and approval management in a single intuitive workspace, Lark makes teamwork simpler, faster, and more productive—all while being more cost-effective than Zoom.
Experience the difference—try Lark for free today and see how much your team can save while transforming collaboration.
FAQs about Zoom alternatives
What are the best alternatives to Zoom?
Some of the most popular Zoom alternatives include Lark, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Slack, and Webex. Each platform offers video conferencing alongside other collaboration features, so the best choice depends on whether you want just meetings or a full workplace solution.
Who is Zoom's biggest competitor?
Zoom’s biggest competitor is generally considered to be Microsoft Teams, since it combines video meetings with chat, file sharing, and integration into Microsoft 365. However, platforms like Google Meet and Lark are quickly gaining traction as strong rivals, especially for teams looking for seamless collaboration beyond just calls.
Why don't people use Zoom anymore?
Many businesses still use Zoom, but some are moving away from it due to a few common pain points:
Security and privacy concerns raised in recent years made some companies cautious.
Competitors like Lark and Teams provide an all-in-one workspace that reduces the need for multiple apps, saving time and cost.
What are some popular free Zoom alternatives?
If you’re looking for a free option, Google Meet and Lark’s free plan are excellent choices depending on what you need. Google Meet is simple and integrates well with Gmail and Google Calendar, while Lark provides not only one-on-one calls, but also chat, documents, project management, and more for up to 20 users—at no cost.
Why did Zoom rename itself to Zoom Workplace?
Zoom renamed itself to reflect its shift beyond video calls into a full collaboration platform. The rebrand highlights new tools like chat and productivity features, positioning Zoom as an all-in-one workplace solution rather than just a video conferencing app. However, as a new solution, its feature list still lags behind the likes of Lark, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace.
What are the best open-source alternatives to Zoom?
For open-source enthusiasts, Jitsi Meet and BigBlueButton are among the top choices. Jitsi Meet is simple, secure, and requires no downloads, while BigBlueButton is designed with online learning in mind, offering tools like breakout rooms, polls, and whiteboards. Both give you flexibility and control over your meeting data.
What are the best apps like Zoom for mobile users?
The best Zoom alternatives for mobile users include Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. However, Lark stands out with its mobile-first design, seamless video calls, real-time collaboration, and built-in AI meeting notes, making it one of the top choices for iOS and Android users.
