What are the best video conferencing software?

With the increase in fixed and mobile Internet speeds 4G and soon 5G, it is becoming more and more common to resort to videoconference. But if some are satisfied with the solutions offered by communication tools general public like Facebook Messenger Where Apple Facetime, there are many softwares with broader or more professional features. Futura has therefore drawn up a panel of the best solutions on the market, whatever the profile and the needs of the user.

Skype

We can’t talk about videoconferencing without mentioning Skype, the most famous software in the field. Launched in 2003, acquired in 2011 by Microsoft, it has expanded its functionality and compatible platforms. If Skype started on Windows only, allowing two parties to communicate through their webcam and their microphone, the latest versions have added some very interesting features. For example, it is possible for users to share their screen, and therefore to present PowerPoint files or to demonstrate the use of software. This is all the more practical as Skype allows group discussions up to 10 people.

Another interesting option is the possibility of recording the conversations in progress, useful for both professional and personal communications, since Skype is often used in a family environment, for example used by grandparents to watch their grandchildren grow up.

The advantage of Skype is that it is not limited to computer-to-computer or mobile-to-mobile communication; Skype offers two solutions for connecting to the traditional telephone network. Thanks to Skype-to-Phone, it is possible to call telephone numbers, geographic as well as mobile, anywhere in the world, for a fee, but the cost of which is much lower than the normal cost of calls, especially when calling from or abroad. And conversely, thanks to the Skype Number, the user can temporarily buy a classic telephone number, French or not, which will be redirected to the Skype software without the caller knowing that it is a Skype number. An ideal solution for people traveling many and who need to remain reachable, even when they are abroad.

The strength of Skype is that it is a multiplatform product. The software is available on computer (Windows, Mac and Linux), on mobile (Android, iOS and Windows 10 mobile), on Xbox One and even on Amazon Alexa.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is certainly not the Mountain View company’s best-known product, yet it doesn’t lack in appeal. Hangouts is the instant chat counterpart of Gmail, the most popular email service on the planet. Who has an account Gmail has a Hangouts account. Here is the first strength of this product.

Google Hangouts groups together under the same name three products for three distinct needs. Google Hangouts is the instant chat service found in the Gmail interface. It is however much more than that, and it is enough to go on the site of Hangouts to realize it. In a simple interface and responsive, we find all his contacts Gmail, a chat system by instant messages, as well as a videoconference system with a user or a group of interlocutors. Nothing to install on a computer, you will have to download theapplication mobile for use on Android or iOS. Google Hangouts therefore has features similar to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, again an invitation must be sent to the user before they can communicate in writing or by video.

But if Google Hangouts is part of this list, it is because it differs from these other two candidates by unique features. The first is Google Hangouts Phone, formerly Google Dialer. Thanks to this tool, the user can, like Skype-to-phone, call telephone numbers physical all over the world, and at a lower cost. The cost is even zero for calls to the United States and Canada in most cases. The feature called Google Voice also makes it possible to obtain a virtual number connected to a physical number (American) and therefore receive calls to their +1 number. Google Voice also has an impressive functionality since voice messages are automatically transcribed into text and sent by e-mail, or by notification in the application, very practical at work or in meetings when you can not listen. his message can still be read.

Finally, the lesser-known version of Hangouts but which should nevertheless interest more than one manager, company director or association manager, is Hangouts Meet, part of G Suite by Google Cloud, the part of Google intended for professionals. G Suite is a set of services that are often free for individuals and that are enhanced and made available to businesses for a subscription. Among G Suite’s services, there is a reworked Gmail that will replace the company’s native messaging service, and thus greatly simplify its administration. Likewise, Hangouts Meet is a boosted version of Hangouts allowing in particular to launch invitations to videoconferences by a simple entry in the calendar (Google calendar) which will automatically send an e-mail (so Gmail), containing a Hyperlink which will trigger the videoconference without any software to install on Pc (on iOS or Android, the installation of an application is still necessary). Google has pushed the integration of its services quite far, and has even opened them to others since using the standards SIP and H.323, Meet video conferences can be joined by Skype for Business users.

Zoom

Aimed at the professional world, Zoom is positioned as a turnkey package for everything related to collaborative work. Thus, Zoom has a very advanced videoconferencing solution, making it possible to communicate as a duo, in a group or even by conference room. Better yet, it is possible to initiate or join a discussion directly from a hyperlink. If the user is browsing with Chrome or Firefox, an extension will then be installed. However, it will be necessary to have the application installed if it is on mobile. Finally, in the event that the user has neither smartphone nor of Tablet, no computer, telephone numbers are available to join meetings using a unique code; in the case of a Premium subscription, the numbers are free and it is even possible to be called. In addition, it is possible to record video conferences in the cloud and review them later.

Another strength of Zoom is its ability to create “webinars”. Mix of Web and seminar, they represent the current trend in matter corporate communication, both internally and externally. This is a one-way videoconference, with communication from attendees to the facilitator via a chat room, often used in question-and-answer sessions at the end of the webinar. Among the other features offered by Zoom, we note, in particular, the advanced options of screen sharing and also the Zoom Desktop application which allows all communication to be centralized, with a channel system very similar to Slack. Zoom Voice replaces the company’s telephone system by completely switching it over to VoIP, including voicemail boxes.

Zoom is therefore professional software intended mainly for companies, and its cost is affected since the amount of the subscription varies from 15 to 20 dollars per month and per user, with specific prices for schools. But there is a free version, if we agree to some sacrifices, for example the duration group videoconferences limited to 40 minutes or the backup from videos only on the host’s computer and not in the cloud. However, this free plan remains a very good opportunity for individuals, small businesses or associations.