Video conferencing went on to become one of the most essential forms of communication these days. Applications like Zoom have positioned themselves as one of the most popular free video conferencing applications, but at the same time, one of the most vulnerable since a large number of security flaws have been found in recent weeks. This guide will give you the best recommendations for alternatives to Zoom, so you can organize your business and private meetings more safely.
Security and privacy are not the main features of Zoom. It is very simple to use and you don’t need too many prerequisites to organize a meeting. But its increasing use has exposed them. Millions of people around the world are vulnerable to theft of Windows credentials, tampering with camera and microphone usage permissions, among many other holes.
Although the company has focused efforts to safeguard the platform from so many holes, its reputation is no longer the same. As we know, prevention is better than regretting any cyberattack, whether during work tasks or in the middle of family gatherings. Here are some recommendations if you don’t want to use Zoom.
The best alternatives to Zoom
Jitsi Meet
Of all the alternatives to Zoom that we have tried, it can be considered as the most practical and complete. Likewise, it offers us a solution with data encryption in transport, so that we can be more calm in relation to security and, above all, the privacy of our videoconferences. The best thing about this platform is that you can access all its features without having to create an account and of course, without having to pay a subscription.
You simply need to access the official Jitsi Meet page. At the first moment, you will notice that you can organize a video conference with no more steps than entering the name you want to give it. Then just click GO .
In a few moments, the meeting will be started and you will have all the shortcuts and functionalities you need. You can manage the uses of the microphone, the camera, share the screen with your presentations or programs, do live streaming and more.
By sharing access to your meeting, you have the option of adding a password so that access to it has a little more security. For the latter, we recommend using passwords with some difficulty, especially if they are sensitive topics.
For a better use of the tool, when you start using it, a suggestion will appear to install an extension for the Google Chrome browser. Thus, you will be able to integrate your calendars from Google Calendar and Office365. Therefore, you have the option of logging in if you need a more detailed follow-up of the meetings and you can even obtain transcripts of them.
Skype Meet Now
Once again, Microsoft appears in the ring with its video conferencing platform. Skype is one of the oldest and has a high level of acceptance and use, especially in corporations. This, as a result of the implementation of office automation packages like Office 365, which of course includes the use of Skype for Business to organize meetings at any time and place.
Skype Meet Now is a feature that is accessible through the “Meet Now” button on one side of the application. A good point to consider is that the maximum number of participants can vary, depending on the platform and device that is being used.
On the other hand, there is a feature that allows you to organize conference calls without anyone needing to create a Microsoft account or install the application. It is only necessary to generate a link that you can share with whoever you want and they can join the call. The link does not expire, and if you have the Skype application installed on your mobile, you can join meetings created through Meet Now quickly.
The interesting thing is that it is possible to take advantage of Skype functionalities such as presenting the screen, blurring the background of the place where you are and the recording of the meetings. The latter is very helpful if you are organizing an online class or an important business meeting where there may be people who did not manage to attend.
Cisco Webex
The Webex company was acquired by Cisco several years ago. Since then, this video conferencing solution has been widely accepted by companies. You have the possibility to try a free plan and, depending on the case, you can go to a plan that requires a subscription that is paid monthly. However, the free plan already provides you with essential functionalities to be able to set up occasional meetings, especially if they are for work reasons.
You can create a free account , either with a personal or a corporate email. Once you have completed the steps for creation, it will be possible to test Cisco Webex from the web. You will also have the option to download the application so that from there you can manage your meetings.
This Cisco alternative allows you to have a personal meeting room, where you can quickly start a video conference. In it you can organize meetings that will take place both on the day and in the future. In any case, you must have a Cisco Webex account to be able to access the meetings.
As well as the other solutions we discussed, you can share your full screen, one of the browser tabs you are using or a particular program you want to show.
Talky
It is a very simple Zoom alternative, especially for those casual meetings or small business meetings. As well as some of the solutions we already share, it allows you to organize video conferences in minutes and without many steps. You need to enter the official Talky portal to give your meeting a name and you can start.
Before starting the meeting, make the configuration of your webcam, speaker and microphone.
The interface is simple and intuitive, you can easily share the link to the meeting, taking into account that the meetings have a capacity of up to 6 people .
The security and privacy of our communications, more than ever, is a priority. Zoom is one of the evidences that a functional application may not be well seen by a large number of users. Especially, if it is characterized by leaving all users very vulnerable. We are sure that some of these suggestions will be very useful so that we can stay connected in times as difficult as this.
