8 Best Free Video Conferencing Software in 2024

Ping! Another meeting invite lands in your inbox. You cringe, remembering the last video call when your audio dropped out halfway through your slide deck. Video conferencing has become as essential as caffeine, but the wrong video platform can leave you looking and feeling embarrassed. 

Whether you're a startup founder pitching to investors, a teacher wrangling a virtual classroom, or simply trying to catch up with your team without looking like a pixelated ghost, the right video platform can make or break your day.

But if you’re worried you need to pay a premium for a good video conferencing solution, we’re here to help.

From over 350 products listed on G2’s category page, we’ve curated a list of the top eight free video conferencing solutions. They offer high-quality video and audio, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable connections. 

Whether you're looking to host a quick catch-up with your team, a virtual client meeting, or an online class, these free video conferencing tools handle it all. Our list includes the standout features of each solution, their pros and cons, and reviews from real G2 users who have tried and tested them out.

How did we select and evaluate the best free video conferencing software?

At G2, we rank software solutions using a proprietary algorithm that considers customer satisfaction and market presence according to authentic user reviews. Our market research analysts and writers spend weeks testing solutions against multiple criteria set for a software category. We give you unbiased software evaluations – that's the G2 difference! We don’t accept payment or exchange links for product placements in this list. Please read our G2 Research Scoring Methodology for more details.

Top 8 free video conferencing software of 2024

The free video conferencing software list below contains real user reviews from the best free video conferencing software category page. Please note that in the context of this list, software that requires payment after a free trial is considered free. 

To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Facilitate online video and audio communication
• Enable hosts to customize meeting settings and easily invite participants
• Provide essential functionalities like screen sharing and chat within each video conference
• Include recording options for future playback or presentation purposes

This data was pulled from G2 in 2024. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity. 

1. Zoom Workplace

Zoom is a household name synonymous with video conferencing today, but its capabilities extend far beyond basic meetings. Zoom Workplace offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance collaboration and productivity.

Its free tier offers a respectable set of features for individuals and small teams. You can hold 40-minute meetings with up to 100 participants and get three editable whiteboards, chat, notes, mail, and calendar application tools. It provides a solid foundation for basic video conferencing needs for casual meetings, online classes, or family gatherings. 

What users like best:

"As someone who's used it all: MS Teams, Slack, Discord, Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom – the last is the best, by far. Zoom is the most accessible web conferencing platform on the market; it's easy and free to use, you can download it quickly on practically any device, and video/audio quality remains high. I use Zoom daily for internal and external meetings, and I also find that the reporting analytics are far superior to other platforms. When we reach out to customer support, we usually get the issue resolved within 1-2 business days, which is also much faster than other similar services."

- Zoom Workplace Review, Angie P.

What users dislike:

"The recent scrutiny of security and privacy concerns discouraged me a bit from using the Zoom platform so relying on this virtual platform requires a lot of attention. Moreover, the issues of poor audio and video quality sometimes interrupt a smooth session."

- Zoom Workplace Review, Poorvaa M. 

2. Webex Suite (Webex Meetings)

Cisco offers Webex Meetings, a solid video conferencing platform, as part of its Webex suite. Its free plan includes all basic functionalities like screen sharing, file sharing, whiteboard, and rudimentary chat. Additionally, you can record and share meetings. You can access meetings on mobile using both the Webex app, which includes chat and file-sharing apps, and the Webex Meet app, which works specifically for meetings. 

What users like best:

"Webex App is a great platform that can be used for audio and video conferencing, be it internally with colleagues or externally with networks and clients. So far, I haven't had any problems with the usability of this app. It's really easy to use and seamlessly allows you to schedule, join, and manage the meetings regardless of the number of attendees that would be joining the call. It's got really cool features to allow you to collaborate with team members, be it screen sharing, chat, or file sharing." 

- Webex Suite Review, Nimra C.

What users dislike:

"The only thing that they should take care of is that it uses too much internet and isn't effective while working on mobile data. Many conferencing apps such as Google Meet and Zoom use less data and provide a more seamless video experience with low-speed internet, but Webex Meetings lags in this aspect." 

- Webex Suite Review, Abhay P.

3. GoTo Meeting

GoTo Meeting has been a staple in the video conferencing industry for years, known for its reliability and ease of use. 

The free plan lets you host meetings of up to 40 minutes for three people, share your screen, and access in-meeting chat on mobile and desktop browsers. 

The GoTo Meeting free version is suitable for individuals or very small teams that only require infrequent, short video calls. You can also sign up for the GoTo Meeting Business 14-day trial, which offers more features at no cost. 

What users like best:

"One of the standout features of GoToMeeting is its exceptional video conferencing capability. The platform provides high-definition video and crystal-clear audio quality, creating an immersive meeting experience that closely replicates face-to-face interactions. This superior video quality ensures that the participants can communicate in the meeting without any problem. So that they can engage fully in meetings and presentations regardless of any geographical region." 

- GoTo Meeting Review, Gautam S.

What users dislike:

"There are occasional problems with audio, such as not being able to hear other attendees or the other attendees not being able to hear you." 

- GoTo Meeting Review, Sana R.

4. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams has evolved from a simple workplace chat application into a robust collaboration hub, and its video conferencing capabilities are a cornerstone of this growth. It's part of the Office 365 suite, which includes a wide range of productivity and team collaboration applications. 

Teams offer a free plan similar to Google Meet, where you can host unlimited 60-minute meetings with up to 100 participants without a recording feature. But unlike Google Meet, which excels as a dedicated video conferencing tool, you can chat and messaging features on Teams that can help teams collaborate outside video calls, but all in a single platform. 

So, if you are looking for a more holistic software that supports both synchronous (video calls) and asynchronous (chat, messaging) collaboration, go for Microsoft Teams.

What users like best:

"It is the best tool for internal and external communication. The chat option allows for quick internal communication between individuals and groups. The Team Meeting option is the best video conferencing tool for both internal and external meetings with clients. It is easy and seamless to use, and I love the "share screen" option for sharing presentations and training. The calendar tool allows you to keep everything organized with calendar reminders to keep you on task."

- Microsoft Teams Review, Steve M.

What users dislike:

"Sometimes, it has performance issues, like lagging during video calls or slow loading times for files or screen sharing."

- Microsoft Teams Review, Tejas B. 

5. Google Workspace (Google Meet)

Most of us have reliable access to the Google Workspace suite, which has helped make Google Meet one of the most popular video conferencing platforms. With a clean interface and straightforward controls, both the tech-savvy and the newbies appreciate its user-friendliness. Send meeting links, use them across devices, share screens, chat with meeting participants, get live captions, and trust that all your data will stay secure. 

Anyone with a Google Account can host a 60-minute video meeting with up to 100 people any number of times. Small businesses and enterprises can try Google Meet for free for 14 days.

Please note that free Google Accounts users cannot record meetings. 

What users like best:

"The thing I like the most is its integration with Google Meet, Gmail, and Calendar. As an employee, most of my tasks are related to these applications only, and finding it in one place really makes them accessible. And these applications are easy to use."

- Google Workspace Review, Shabnam S. 

What users dislike:

"You can´t hide the user's face module totally, and sometimes when you are looking at a share screen, you cannot see it properly because it appears very small. The security is not great because sometimes we have an uninvited guest in the conference room, but it is not a very common issue. I don´t need to use the support, but it is not easy to find any way to contact support if you have any issue with the platform." 

- Google Workspace Review, Javier P.

6. join.me

GoTo Meetings has taken over the reins at join.me, a simple free video conference tool that offers a space for casual video chats, brainstorming sessions, or short presentations. 

What users like best:

"join.me gives you a browser and mobile application for video conferencing and sound conferencing. Clients receive mail once they plan a call, and they can orchestrate a period as indicated by their practicality. They can join through one tap, join video and sound calls, and share their screens."

- join.me Review, Gaurav B.

What users dislike:

"If you have a large meeting, it may be a bit unstable; it's difficult to know if the problem is with the connectivity or the platform itself. Mobile applications don't provide the same experience as online apps. You may be ejected from a conference while other participants remain in the same meeting. To make the content sharing function more dependable, an ability to mix users utilizing video on their computer and audio on their phone would be quite handy."

- join.me Review, Marie S.

7. Dialpad AI Meetings

Dialpad AI Meetings, offered by well-known VoIP service provider Dialpad, is a cloud-based video conferencing and collaboration platform. It enhances the meeting experience using AI functions. Its free plan allows you to host unlimited sessions with a 45-minute time limit for up to 10 users. Dialpad has audio recording, virtual backgrounds, emoji reactions, meeting rooms, and host controls.

What users like best:

"It is easy to use and easy to figure out. I had not used it and did not have any training, but I was able to jump in, set up meetings, and go. I was even able to teach others how to use it. It has the same features that Zoom and GoTo Meetings have."

- Dialpad AI Meetings Review, Misty A.

What users dislike:

"Sometimes, the screen gets blurry or freezes. Screen sharing can be confusing. Sometimes, people get kicked out of meetings unexpectedly."

- Dialpad AI Meetings Review, Fanny E.

8. Slack

Most of us recognize Slack as a team communication and collaboration platform, but its free plan includes one-on-one video and audio calls that can be initiated from the chat interface. It’s proven to be convenient for quick, ad hoc video calls within small-ish teams.

What users like best:

"I must say, the platform has been incredibly helpful and has made remote communication with my colleagues a breeze. It truly provides a sense of ease and comfort. I highly recommend giving it a try!” 

- Slack Review, Chriselda L. 

What users dislike:

"I was disappointed with Slack’s performance and reliability. It often crashed, froze, or lagged, which disrupted my work and communication."

- Slack Review, Lea L.

Comparison of the best free video conferencing software

If you feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information about free video conferencing platforms, this comparison table will help you with the most essential aspects:

All plans here are billed annually.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on free video conferencing software

Q. What features should I look for in free video conferencing software?

A. Consider features like ease of use, participant limit, meeting duration, screen sharing, recording options, integration with other tools, and basic security features.

Q.  What are some popular free video conferencing tools?

A. Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Webex Meetings, Zoom, and Skype. Each offers their own distinguishing features; evaluating your specific needs puts you on the path toward choosing the right one.

Q. Can I use free video conferencing software for business meetings?

A. Yes. However, if your business requires advanced security, longer meeting times, or higher participant limits, a paid plan might be more suitable.

Q. Is there a participant limit for free video conferencing software?

A. Free plans usually stick to a participant limit, which can range from 2 to 100 participants. If you need space for more, a paid plan is the right choice.

Q. Are there any time limits on meetings with free video conferencing software?

A. Yes, typically ranging from 40 minutes to an hour.

Q. Can I host webinars with free video conferencing software?

A. Yes, with some free video conferencing apps, but they may have restrictions on the number of attendees, time, and interactive features. Take a look at a webinar software platform that has comprehensive capabilities for your seminar’s purpose, including higher participant numbers and advanced engagement tools.

Free to call, easy to connect

We’ve covered a range of video conferencing tools here, each with its pluses and minuses. Whether you need something for casual catch-ups or professional meetings, a platform out there that fits your bill. So, think about the number of participants you expect, how often you plan to meet, and which features matter most to you. From there, you’ll be able to make an informed choice for a solution that will keep your online meetings smooth, productive, and free. 

Take the next step toward successful virtual collaboration. Learn about best practices for virtual collaboration with this free G2 guide and get the best out of your team.