10 Best Video Conferencing Tools for Remote Teams [2025 Updated]
Remote work means endless video meetings. These 10 video conferencing platforms help teams meet face-to-face virtually—with the reliability, features, and quality needed for productive remote collaboration.
Why Video Conferencing Is Essential for Remote Work
Video conferencing transformed from a nice-to-have to an absolute necessity for remote work. Seeing colleagues' faces, reading body language, and having real-time conversations builds connection and trust that text chat can't replicate. Whether it's daily standups, client presentations, or company all-hands, video meetings are the closest thing to in-person collaboration when your team is distributed.
Face-to-Face Connection
Build relationships and maintain company culture with visual communication.
Better Collaboration
Screen sharing, reactions, and real-time feedback accelerate decision-making.
Global Reach
Connect with anyone, anywhere—no travel required.
⚠️ Warning: Video Call Fatigue Is Real
"Zoom fatigue" is a documented phenomenon. Staring at screens for hours, seeing yourself constantly, maintaining eye contact with a camera, and processing multiple faces creates cognitive overload. Combat this by: scheduling shorter meetings, turning cameras off when not needed, taking breaks between calls, using audio-only when appropriate, and most importantly—using tools like DeskBreak to remind you to step away, stretch, and rest your eyes regularly.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Type | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Video Conferencing Platform | Free - $19.99/host/month | Feature-rich video meetings for all team sizes | ★4.6 |
| Google Meet | Video Conferencing (Google Workspace) | Free - $18/user/month (included with Workspace) | Teams already using Google Workspace | ★4.5 |
| Microsoft Teams (Meetings) | Unified Communication Platform | Free - $12.50/user/month (included with Microsoft 365) | Organizations using Microsoft 365 | ★4.5 |
| Webex | Enterprise Video Conferencing | Free - $26.95/host/month | Large enterprises needing security and compliance | ★4.4 |
| Discord (Voice/Video) | Community Voice & Video Platform | Free - $9.99/month | Casual video calls and always-on voice | ★4.6 |
| Whereby | Simple Browser-Based Video Calls | Free - $9.99/host/month | Simple, no-download video meetings | ★4.5 |
| Jitsi Meet | Open-Source Video Conferencing | Free (open-source, self-hostable) | Privacy-focused teams and self-hosting | ★4.3 |
| GoToMeeting | Professional Video Conferencing | $12 - $16/organizer/month | Professional meetings and webinars | ★4.4 |
| Around | Video Calls Reimagined for Collaboration | Free - $12/user/month | Remote teams wanting less intrusive video | ★4.5 |
| BlueJeans | Enterprise Video Meetings (Verizon) | $9.99 - $13.99/host/month | Enterprises needing reliable, high-quality video | ★4.3 |
Detailed Reviews
1. Zoom
Overview
Zoom became the de facto standard for video conferencing during the remote work revolution. It offers reliable, high-quality video and audio, supports up to 1,000 participants, and includes features like breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and recording. While it faced security concerns in 2020, Zoom has since strengthened its security significantly. It remains the most feature-complete and user-friendly video platform for remote teams of all sizes.
Best For
Feature-rich video meetings for all team sizes
Key Features
- ✓HD video and audio quality
- ✓Up to 1,000 video participants
- ✓Breakout rooms for small group discussions
- ✓Virtual backgrounds and filters
- ✓Screen sharing with annotation
- ✓Cloud recording and transcription
- ✓Waiting rooms and meeting passwords
- ✓Mobile, desktop, and web apps
Pros
- +Industry standard—everyone knows how to use it
- +Excellent video and audio quality
- +Rich feature set (breakout rooms, polls, reactions)
- +Reliable even with poor internet
- +Strong mobile experience
Cons
- −40-minute limit on free plan for 3+ participants
- −Past security concerns (though improved)
- −Can be expensive for large teams
- −Zoom fatigue is a real phenomenon
- −Host controls can feel restrictive
Pricing
Zoom meetings can keep you glued to your screen for hours. DeskBreak helps by reminding you to stand, stretch, and rest your eyes between video calls. Schedule 5-minute wellness breaks between back-to-back Zoom meetings.
2. Google Meet
Overview
Google Meet (formerly Hangouts Meet) is Google's video conferencing solution, deeply integrated with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Workspace. It's simple, reliable, and works directly in your browser with no downloads required. While it lacks some of Zoom's advanced features, Meet excels at simplicity and seamless integration with Google's ecosystem. If your team already uses Google Workspace, Meet is included at no extra cost.
Best For
Teams already using Google Workspace
Key Features
- ✓Works in browser (no download required)
- ✓Deep Google Workspace integration
- ✓Live captions and transcription
- ✓Screen sharing and recording (Workspace)
- ✓Breakout rooms (Workspace plans)
- ✓Noise cancellation
- ✓Low-light mode
- ✓End-to-end encryption for select plans
Pros
- +Included with Google Workspace
- +No app installation needed (browser-based)
- +Simple, clean interface
- +Excellent calendar integration
- +Good performance and reliability
Cons
- −Fewer features than Zoom
- −Requires Google account for full features
- −Recording only on paid Workspace plans
- −Limited customization
- −Basic breakout room features
Pricing
Google Meet's browser-based approach means you're staring at a screen all day. Use DeskBreak's Chrome extension to get break reminders between your Google Calendar meetings—your eyes and back will thank you.
3. Microsoft Teams (Meetings)
Overview
Microsoft Teams is an all-in-one platform combining chat, video meetings, file collaboration, and apps. Its video meeting features rival Zoom's, with features like Together Mode (puts participants in a shared virtual space), breakout rooms, and meeting recordings. For organizations already using Microsoft 365, Teams is included and provides seamless integration with Office apps, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Best For
Organizations using Microsoft 365
Key Features
- ✓HD video for up to 1,000 participants
- ✓Together Mode virtual backgrounds
- ✓Breakout rooms
- ✓Meeting recording with transcription
- ✓Live captions and translations
- ✓Background blur and effects
- ✓Integration with Outlook and Calendar
- ✓Unified chat + video in one app
Pros
- +Included with Microsoft 365
- +All-in-one solution (chat, video, files)
- +Together Mode is innovative
- +Strong for large enterprise meetings
- +Good security and compliance features
Cons
- −Interface can feel bloated
- −Requires Microsoft account ecosystem
- −Video quality can vary
- −Notification management issues
- −Resource-intensive on some devices
Pricing
Teams' Together Mode is fun but still means hours on camera. Use DeskBreak's Microsoft Teams integration to send break reminders directly in your Teams channels, encouraging the whole team to rest together.
4. Webex
Overview
Cisco Webex is an enterprise-grade video conferencing platform known for reliability, security, and compliance features. While it's been around longer than Zoom, Webex modernized significantly in recent years with a cleaner interface and consumer-friendly features. It's the go-to choice for large corporations, government agencies, and regulated industries that need robust security, but it works well for small teams too.
Best For
Large enterprises needing security and compliance
Key Features
- ✓Up to 1,000 participants (some plans up to 100,000)
- ✓End-to-end encryption
- ✓Noise removal and background blur
- ✓Breakout sessions
- ✓Real-time translation (100+ languages)
- ✓Recording and transcription
- ✓Webinar mode for large events
- ✓Strong admin and security controls
Pros
- +Enterprise-grade security and compliance
- +Excellent audio quality
- +Reliable for large meetings
- +Strong admin controls
- +Good for regulated industries
Cons
- −More expensive than competitors
- −Interface less intuitive than Zoom
- −Fewer consumer-friendly features
- −Slower to adopt new trends
- −Feels corporate/formal
Pricing
Webex's enterprise security is important—so is employee wellness. Long, formal video meetings can be exhausting. DeskBreak reminds your team to take breaks, reducing meeting fatigue and improving engagement.
5. Discord (Voice/Video)
Overview
Discord started as a gaming platform but has become popular for remote teams that want more spontaneous, casual video communication. Its voice channels allow teams to hang out in an always-on voice room (like being in an office), and its video calls feel less formal than Zoom. While it lacks enterprise features like breakout rooms and advanced admin controls, Discord's casual vibe and excellent audio quality make it great for creative teams and startups.
Best For
Casual video calls and always-on voice
Key Features
- ✓Always-on voice channels
- ✓Video calls up to 50 participants (Nitro)
- ✓Screen sharing with low latency
- ✓Go Live streaming
- ✓Minimal interface during calls
- ✓Push-to-talk and voice activity detection
- ✓Mobile, desktop, and web apps
- ✓Completely free for unlimited users
Pros
- +Completely free with unlimited usage
- +Best-in-class audio quality
- +Casual, spontaneous feel
- +Voice channels feel more natural than scheduled calls
- +Great for gaming and casual teams
Cons
- −Not designed for formal business meetings
- −Lacks enterprise security features
- −No breakout rooms or advanced features
- −Limited to 50 video participants (even with Nitro)
- −Professional appearance concerns
Pricing
Discord's always-on voice channels create great presence—but sitting in voice all day can be draining. Set a timer with DeskBreak to take regular breaks from your Discord sessions, even if you're just listening.
6. Whereby
Overview
Whereby is a beautifully simple video conferencing tool that works entirely in the browser with no downloads or accounts required for participants. You get a permanent meeting room (whereby.com/yourname) that you can use anytime, making it feel more like an office space than a temporary meeting. It's perfect for consultants, coaches, and small teams who want video calls without the complexity of Zoom or the enterprise focus of Teams.
Best For
Simple, no-download video meetings
Key Features
- ✓Browser-based (no downloads)
- ✓Permanent meeting rooms
- ✓Custom branding (paid plans)
- ✓Screen sharing and recording
- ✓Breakout groups (paid plans)
- ✓Virtual backgrounds
- ✓Knock to enter (waiting room)
- ✓Simple, beautiful interface
Pros
- +No app required for participants
- +Simple, elegant interface
- +Permanent rooms feel professional
- +Great for client meetings
- +Privacy-focused (Norway-based)
Cons
- −Limited to 100 participants (Business plan)
- −Fewer features than Zoom
- −Free plan only supports 4 participants
- −Can struggle with poor internet
- −Small team behind it
Pricing
Whereby's simplicity is refreshing—pair it with DeskBreak's simplicity for wellness. Before and after your Whereby meetings, take a moment to stretch, breathe, and reset. Quality over quantity in both meetings and movement.
7. Jitsi Meet
Overview
Jitsi Meet is a completely free, open-source video conferencing platform. You can use the free public instance at meet.jit.si (no account needed—just visit the URL and start a meeting), or host your own Jitsi server for complete data control. While it lacks polish compared to commercial tools, Jitsi is a solid choice for privacy-conscious teams, organizations that can't use cloud services, and anyone who wants a no-strings-attached video solution.
Best For
Privacy-focused teams and self-hosting
Key Features
- ✓100% free and open-source
- ✓No account required (public instance)
- ✓Self-hostable for data control
- ✓End-to-end encryption
- ✓Screen sharing and recording
- ✓Live streaming to YouTube
- ✓Works in browser (no downloads)
- ✓Mobile apps available
Pros
- +Completely free forever
- +No vendor lock-in
- +Self-hosting option for privacy
- +No account required for participants
- +Open-source and transparent
Cons
- −Performance can be inconsistent
- −Basic interface and features
- −Quality depends on server load
- −Limited support (community-based)
- −Fewer features than commercial tools
Pricing
Jitsi's open-source ethos aligns with transparency in wellness too. DeskBreak can be self-hosted just like Jitsi, giving privacy-conscious teams control over both their communication and health data.
8. GoToMeeting
Overview
GoToMeeting is a veteran video conferencing tool from LogMeIn, designed for professional business meetings and webinars. It emphasizes simplicity, reliability, and professional features like dial-in options, meeting locks, and presenter controls. While it's been surpassed in popularity by Zoom, GoToMeeting remains a solid choice for organizations that value stability and straightforward features over cutting-edge innovations.
Best For
Professional meetings and webinars
Key Features
- ✓Up to 250 participants
- ✓Dial-in audio options
- ✓Meeting lock and controls
- ✓Screen sharing with drawing tools
- ✓Cloud recording
- ✓Transcription
- ✓Outlook and calendar integrations
- ✓Mobile apps
Pros
- +Very reliable and stable
- +Good for formal business meetings
- +Strong dial-in audio quality
- +Professional appearance
- +Simple to use
Cons
- −More expensive than competitors
- −Dated interface
- −Fewer modern features (no reactions, filters)
- −Smaller user base than Zoom
- −Limited free trial
Pricing
GoToMeeting's reliability is great for important client calls—but don't let back-to-back meetings ruin your health. Use DeskBreak to schedule 5-10 minute breaks between meetings to stretch and refocus.
9. Around
Overview
Around takes a radical approach to video calls—instead of large video squares, participants appear as small, floating circles on your screen. This allows you to see each other while still having room for your work. Around is designed specifically for remote teams who have too many video calls and want a less exhausting, more collaborative video experience. It's ideal for pair programming, design reviews, and all-day working sessions.
Best For
Remote teams wanting less intrusive video
Key Features
- ✓Small floating video bubbles
- ✓Always-on-top window mode
- ✓Noise and echo cancellation
- ✓Low bandwidth requirements
- ✓Screen sharing without taking over
- ✓Reactions and emoji
- ✓Recording and clips
- ✓Mac, Windows, iOS apps
Pros
- +Less intrusive than traditional video calls
- +Great for all-day collaboration
- +Innovative UI reduces fatigue
- +Low bandwidth usage
- +Fun, modern approach
Cons
- −Limited to smaller teams (12 participants)
- −Unconventional approach may not suit everyone
- −Smaller ecosystem and user base
- −Not suitable for large formal meetings
- −Requires app installation
Pricing
Around's floating bubbles reduce screen fatigue—but you still need physical breaks! Even with Around's innovative UI, your body needs regular movement. Use DeskBreak to complement Around's mental fatigue reduction with physical wellness.
10. BlueJeans
Overview
BlueJeans (owned by Verizon) is an enterprise video conferencing platform that emphasizes interoperability—it works seamlessly with traditional conference room systems, other video platforms, and legacy hardware. It's popular in large corporations that have existing video infrastructure and need everything to work together. While less known than Zoom or Teams, BlueJeans offers excellent video quality and enterprise features.
Best For
Enterprises needing reliable, high-quality video
Key Features
- ✓Up to 150 participants (standard)
- ✓Works with conference room systems
- ✓Dolby Voice audio quality
- ✓Smart Meetings (AI-powered highlights)
- ✓Recording and transcription
- ✓Screen sharing and whiteboarding
- ✓Live streaming and events
- ✓Strong security and compliance
Pros
- +Excellent audio and video quality
- +Great interoperability with hardware
- +Good for hybrid office/remote setups
- +Reliable and stable
- +Strong enterprise support
Cons
- −More expensive than alternatives
- −Smaller user base
- −Fewer modern consumer features
- −Requires Verizon business relationship for best support
- −Interface feels dated
Pricing
BlueJeans' Dolby Voice makes calls crystal clear—but even the best audio can't prevent sitting fatigue. Schedule breaks between your BlueJeans meetings with DeskBreak to maintain energy and focus throughout your day.
How to Choose the Right Video Conferencing Tool
1. Consider Your Ecosystem
- Google Workspace users: Google Meet is included—start there
- Microsoft 365 users: Teams is included with excellent meeting features
- No existing suite: Zoom is the most feature-rich and widely adopted
- Privacy-focused: Jitsi Meet (open-source, self-hostable)
- Budget-conscious: Discord (free) or Whereby (simple and affordable)
2. Meeting Size & Type
- Small team meetings (under 10): Any tool works; choose based on simplicity (Whereby, Around)
- Medium meetings (10-100): Zoom, Meet, Teams all excel
- Large all-hands (100-1,000): Zoom, Teams, Webex designed for this
- Webinars/events (1,000+): Zoom Webinar, Teams Live Events, Webex Events
- Casual/spontaneous: Discord voice channels, Around
3. Feature Requirements
Essential features for most teams:
- Breakout rooms: Zoom, Teams, Meet, Webex (critical for workshops)
- Recording: All major tools offer this; check cloud vs. local storage
- Transcription: Zoom, Teams, Meet, Otter.ai integration
- Virtual backgrounds: Zoom, Teams, Meet, Whereby
- No downloads required: Meet, Whereby, Jitsi (browser-only)
4. Security & Compliance
- Healthcare/HIPAA: Zoom (with healthcare add-on), Webex, Teams
- Finance/SOC2: Zoom Enterprise, Teams, Webex, BlueJeans
- Government/High-security: Webex, Teams (GovCloud), self-hosted Jitsi
- End-to-end encryption: Zoom (E2EE), Jitsi, Webex
5. Budget Constraints
- Best free options: Discord (unlimited), Google Meet (60 min), Jitsi (unlimited)
- Best value: Included with Workspace/365 (Meet or Teams)
- Premium features needed: Zoom Pro ($14.99), Whereby Pro ($6.99)
- Enterprise scale: Negotiate volume pricing with Zoom, Teams, or Webex
6. User Experience
- Easiest for non-technical users: Zoom (everyone knows it), Whereby (no downloads)
- Best mobile experience: Zoom, Teams, Discord
- Most innovative UI: Around (floating bubbles), Teams (Together Mode)
- Least intrusive: Around, Discord voice channels
💡 Pro Tip: Use What You Already Pay For
If you're already paying for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, use Meet or Teams before adding Zoom. They've improved dramatically and offer 90% of what most teams need. Only pay for Zoom if you specifically need its advanced features (better breakout rooms, webinars, etc.). Avoid tool sprawl—consolidate where possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Back-to-back meetings: Schedule 5-10 minute breaks between calls
- Always-on video: It's okay to turn cameras off for some meetings
- Recording everything: Not every meeting needs to be recorded
- Too many participants: Large meetings should have defined speakers/agenda
- Ignoring audio quality: Invest in decent microphones—audio matters more than video
- No meeting-free days: Protect deep work time from video calls
Related DeskBreak Resources
Communication Tools
Team chat platforms to complement your video meetings.
Break & Wellness Tools
Combat video call fatigue with regular break reminders.
DeskBreak Reminders
Get break reminders between your video meetings.
Eye Strain Test
Check if video calls are affecting your eye health.
DeskBreak for Remote Workers
Complete wellness solution for video-heavy remote work.
Blue Light Glasses
Protect your eyes during long video call days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zoom remains the most feature-rich and user-friendly option for most teams. However, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams have improved dramatically and are now competitive alternatives—especially if you already pay for Workspace or 365. Use Meet/Teams if they're included in your subscription; only pay for Zoom if you need specific features like advanced breakout rooms, webinars, or better integration ecosystem. For casual teams, Discord or Whereby might be simpler and cheaper. There's no single "best"—it depends on your needs and existing tools.
Combat video call fatigue by: (1) Schedule breaks—end meetings 5 minutes early (25/50 min instead of 30/60), (2) Audio-only when possible—turn cameras off for some meetings, (3) Hide self-view—seeing yourself constantly is exhausting, (4) Reduce screen size—don't go full screen, (5) Take physical breaks—stand, stretch, look away from screen between calls, (6) Limit meeting days—have some meeting-free days, (7) Use DeskBreak—get reminders to move, rest eyes, and recharge between video calls. Most importantly: not every meeting needs to be a video call.
Use Teams if you have Microsoft 365—Teams video meetings are now excellent and tightly integrated with your workflow. Use Zoom if: you need best-in-class breakout rooms, run webinars, need 500+ participants, or your clients expect Zoom. Don't use Slack's video—Slack Huddles are fine for quick chats but not for formal meetings; they partner with Zoom anyway. Most teams should consolidate on one video platform (usually whatever comes with their productivity suite) rather than juggling multiple tools.
Discord offers the most generous free plan—unlimited video calls with up to 25 participants, perfect audio quality, and no time limits. However, it has a casual gaming vibe. Google Meet is best for professional use—60-minute limit but feels business-appropriate. Jitsi Meet is completely free and open-source with no limits, but quality varies. Zoom's free plan (40-minute limit for groups) works for small teams. For permanent meeting rooms with no downloads, try Whereby free (up to 4 participants).
Audio matters more than video. Most laptop cameras are fine (720p-1080p is plenty), but built-in microphones are often poor. Invest in: (1) Decent headphones with mic (Apple AirPods, any decent headset)—solves echo issues, or (2) USB microphone ($50-100 like Blue Yeti, Samson) for better sound quality. Only upgrade your camera if you do lots of presentations or your current one is truly bad. Good lighting (facing a window or ring light) improves video more than an expensive camera. Start with headphones + good lighting—that's 80% of the improvement for 20% of the cost.
Yes, but be strategic. Common multi-tool setups: (1) Teams for internal + Zoom for clients (since clients often expect Zoom), (2) Discord for casual + Zoom for formal, (3) Meet for most meetings + Zoom for webinars. However, avoid juggling too many—it creates confusion and fragmentation. Most teams should pick ONE primary tool and stick with it for 90% of meetings. Only add a second tool if there's a specific need (webinars, client expectations, etc.).
Hybrid meetings are challenging. Best practices: (1) Everyone on their own camera—even in-office people join individually from laptops, not conference room, (2) Use meeting owl or quality conference camera if conference room necessary, (3) Assign a remote facilitator to watch chat and ensure remote voices are heard, (4) Record meetings for those who can't attend live, (5) Rotate meeting times if spanning time zones. The key: prevent a "two-tier" system where in-office people have better experience than remote.
No. Record selectively: training sessions, client presentations, important decisions, all-hands meetings where people can't attend live. Don't record: casual catch-ups, brainstorming sessions, one-on-ones, or meetings with sensitive topics. Recording changes behavior—people are less candid when recorded. Also consider: recordings create work (someone needs to watch/summarize them), storage costs, and privacy concerns. Better approach: take good notes and use meeting summaries (AI tools like Otter.ai) rather than full recordings for most meetings.
Video Calls Are Important—So Are Breaks
Video conferencing keeps remote teams connected, but back-to-back calls can harm your health. DeskBreak reminds you to take breaks between meetings—stretching, resting your eyes, and recharging for your next call.
Last Updated: January 2025 • We regularly review and update our recommendations to ensure accuracy.