Video conferencing has become an integral part of our professional and personal lives, with Zoom emerging as a prominent player in this space. As the digital landscape evolves, so do our needs and preferences for online communication tools. Whether you're reassessing your budget, exploring new platforms, or simply streamlining your subscriptions, you might find yourself considering a change from Zoom.
This guide offers a straightforward, step-by-step approach to canceling your Zoom subscription. We'll navigate the process efficiently, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision and execute it smoothly. Let's dive into the world of subscription management and explore your options beyond Zoom.
Table of Contents
1. Why users might want to cancel Zoom Subscription?
2. Important Considerations Before Cancelling
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling Zoom Subscription
4. What happens after a user cancels their Zoom subscription?
5. Best Alternatives to Zoom for Video Conferencing
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why users might want to cancel Zoom Subscription?
There are several compelling reasons why users might consider canceling their Zoom subscription:
- Cost-saving measures: In today's economic climate, every dollar counts. Organizations might find that Zoom's pricing no longer fits their budget, especially if their video conferencing needs have decreased. Some companies are looking to streamline their expenses, and subscription services are often the first to be reevaluated.
- Feature mismatch: An organization's needs may have evolved, and they might be looking for features that Zoom doesn't offer. Perhaps they require more advanced collaboration tools, better integration with their existing software ecosystem, or specific security features that aren't available on their current Zoom plan. If a company is using only a fraction of their subscription's capabilities, it might make sense to downgrade or cancel. Learn more about Zoom features.
- Performance issues: Users may have experienced technical difficulties that are impacting their workflow. While Zoom generally offers reliable service, issues like poor video quality, audio lags, or connectivity problems can be frustrating, especially if they occur frequently.
- Exploring other options: The video conferencing market is highly competitive, with new players and innovations emerging regularly. Companies might be curious about other platforms that offer unique features or better align with their specific needs.
Important Considerations Before Cancelling
Before proceeding with cancellation, it's crucial for the user to take a moment and consider the following points to ensure a smooth transition:
- Backup data: The user should ensure they've downloaded any important recordings, chat logs, or files stored on Zoom. While Zoom typically retains data for a period after cancellation, it's always better for users to have their own copies of important information.
- Review scheduled meetings: The user should check their calendar for any upcoming meetings or webinars that might be affected by the cancellation. It's important to reschedule these or move them to the new platform of choice to avoid any disruptions.
- Notify the team: If the user is part of a larger organization, they should make sure to communicate the change to all relevant parties. This includes team members, clients, and any external partners who might be accustomed to using Zoom for meetings.
- Understand the billing cycle: The user should be aware of when their current subscription period ends and any potential refund policies. This can help them time their cancellation to minimize any financial impact. We understand contracts can be tricky. So, if the user has 3 months subscription left with their existing tool, they get the first 3 months with Feta free.
- Evaluate alternative solutions: Before canceling, the user should have a plan in place for how they'll handle video conferencing needs moving forward. Whether they're switching to another platform or planning to use free services, it's important to be prepared for the transition. Here's a handy list of Zoom alternatives.
Step-by-Step guide to cancel Zoom subscription
Now, let's walk through the process of canceling your Zoom subscription on:
- Web
- App Store
- Google Play
Web
- Log into your Zoom account at zoom.us.
- Find Plans and Billing from the left navigation menu and click Plan Management.
- You'll see all the plans that are currently active on your account.
- Click Manage on the plan you want to cancel.
- Click on Cancel Plan.
- When prompted, click Cancel Subscription.
- Optional: Check your email for a cancellation confirmation.
App store
- Unlock your iOS device (iPhone or iPad) and locate the Settings app.
- Tap on the Settings app to open it.
- At the top of the Settings menu, you'll see your Apple ID profile. Tap on your name or profile picture.
- In the Apple ID menu, scroll down and tap on "Subscriptions."
- You'll see a list of all your active and expired subscriptions. Find "Zoom" in this list.
- Tap on the Zoom subscription to view its details.
- On the subscription details page, you'll see options for different plans. Scroll to the bottom.
- Tap on "Cancel Subscription" or "Cancel Free Trial" if you're still in the trial period.
- A confirmation popup will appear. Read the information about when your subscription will end.
- Tap "Confirm" to finalize the cancellation.
- You'll see a confirmation message. Your Zoom subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle.
- Optional: Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Apple.
Google Play
- On your Android device, locate and tap the Google Play Store app to open it.
- In the top-left corner of the Play Store, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
- From the menu that appears, tap "Subscriptions."
- You'll see a list of all your subscriptions managed through Google Play. Scroll through this list to find Zoom.
- Tap on the Zoom subscription to open its details.
- On the subscription details page, you'll see information about your current plan and renewal date.
- Scroll down and tap the "Cancel subscription" button.
- Google Play will ask for a reason for cancellation. This is optional, but you can select one from the list provided.
- After selecting a reason (or skipping it), tap "Continue."
- If you're sure you want to cancel, tap "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
- A final confirmation popup will appear. Tap "Yes" to confirm your cancellation.
- You'll see a cancellation confirmation screen. Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period.
- Optional: Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Google Play.
What happens after a user cancels their Zoom subscription?
After successfully canceling their subscription, here's what a user can expect:
- Feature access: The user will continue to have access to their paid features until the end of their current billing cycle. After that, their account will be reverted to the free basic plan.
- Meeting limitations: Once the user's paid subscription ends, they'll be subject to the limitations of the free plan. This typically includes a 40-minute time limit on group meetings.
- Scheduled meetings: Any meetings scheduled beyond the user's subscription end date may be affected. They won't be automatically canceled, but they will be subject to free plan limitations.
- Data retention: Zoom typically retains the user's data for a limited time after cancellation, but it's best for the user to back up anything important before canceling. The exact retention period can vary, so the user should check Zoom's current policies.
- Refunds: Refund policies can vary depending on the user's plan and when they cancel. Generally, Zoom doesn't provide prorated refunds for unused time, but it's worth checking their current terms of service.
- Account status: The user's Zoom account will remain active, but it will just be on the free plan. The user can always upgrade again in the future if their needs change.
After canceling you Zoom subscription, one would be eager to know how to delete Zoom account and uninstall Zoom.
Best Alternatives to Zoom for Video Conferencing
These are the best video conferencing options as an alternative to Zoom: Feta, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, GoToMeeting, Slack Huddle, Skype, Jitsi Meet, RingCentral Video, Whereby.
- Feta
- Google Meet
- Microsoft Teams
- Cisco Webex
- GoToMeeting
- Slack Huddle
- Skype
- Jitsi Meet
- RingCentral Video
- Whereby
Letβs explore each alternative separately.
Feta
Feta is revolutionizing virtual meetings with its AI-enhanced platform that extends far beyond basic video calls. This innovative solution manages the complete meeting cycle, from preparation to follow-up, automating tasks such as minute-taking, project tool updates, and knowledge base creation. By handling these peripheral tasks, Feta allows teams to focus their energy on the core discussion and decision-making processes.
Features:
- AI-powered meeting summaries enhance team coordination
- Live translation and transcription facilitate global collaboration
- Built-in scheduling and agenda management streamline meeting organization
- Effortless integration with common workplace software
- Collaborative tools like digital whiteboards boost interactive sessions
Feta aims to elevate every meeting and make a meaningful contribution towards team objectives by optimizing the entire process and maintaining essential context.
See this fair comparison of Zoom vs. Feta.
Transitioning to a new platform can be challenging, but Feta aims to simplify this process. Users can receive up to three months of complimentary service that matches their existing Zoom plan. To take advantage of this offer, interested parties need only complete a brief online form.
Pricing
Feta is currently offering an exclusive Alpha program to a limited number of users. This program provides a unique chance to experience Feta's cutting-edge collaboration tools firsthand. Participants may benefit from personalized support, customized solutions, and assistance in integrating Feta with existing systems. Interested parties are invited to apply for this restricted access opportunity.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing solution integrated with Google Workspace. It supports up to 250 participants, offers screen sharing, and provides real-time captions. However, Google Meet has several limitations.
The free version restricts group calls to 60 minutes, which can be problematic for longer meetings. It also lacks advanced features like breakout rooms and polling, which are often necessary for interactive workshops or training sessions. The platform offers limited customization options for virtual backgrounds, potentially restricting branding opportunities. Additionally, integration is primarily limited to Google Workspace apps, which can be inconvenient for teams using diverse software ecosystems.
Google Meet is free for personal use with time limits, while business plans start at $6 per user per month. See how Google Meet's pricing compares to Zoom's pricing in Zoom vs. Google Meet pricing.
If Google Meet is not needed anymore, you should look for top Google Meet alternatives.
Check out this honest comparison of Google Meet vs. Feta.
Also check how Google Meet compares to Zoom and Microsoft Teams in, Zoom vs. Google Meet and Google Meet vs. Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform combining chat, video meetings, and file storage. It offers screen sharing, background blur, and seamless integration with Office 365 apps.
Despite its features, Teams has some drawbacks. Its complex interface can be overwhelming for new users, leading to a steeper learning curve. The platform requires a Microsoft account, which limits accessibility for external participants who may not have one. Video layout options are less flexible compared to some competitors, potentially affecting the viewing experience during large meetings.
For organizations using the free plan, file sharing is capped at 100GB per organization, which can be restrictive for teams working with large files or numerous documents. A free version is available, with business plans starting at $4 per user per month.
In case if you interested, here's a well curated list of top Microsoft Teams alternatives.
We have created a very unbiased comparison of Microsoft Teams vs. Feta
Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams, entails how these two apps compares to each other. Also see how Zoom's pricing compares to Microsoft Team's pricing in Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams pricing.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is an enterprise-focused video conferencing and collaboration platform. It provides AI-powered transcription, virtual backgrounds, and gesture recognition.
However, Webex comes with its own set of limitations. The platform's interface is complex, presenting a steep learning curve for new users. Its pricing is higher compared to many competitors, which can be a barrier for small businesses or individual users. The mobile app lacks some features available on the desktop, limiting functionality for users on the go. Additionally, Webex's customer support is often criticized for slow response times, which can be frustrating when immediate assistance is needed.
Webex provides a free plan, with paid plans starting at $13.50 per user per month.
Here's a very truthful comparison on how Feta stacks against Webex in Cisco Webex vs. Feta
We have curated a handy list of top Cisco Webex alternatives.
Zoom vs. Webex, encompasses a very fair comparison between the two.
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a web-hosted video conferencing software. It offers HD video, desktop sharing, and drawing tools.
However, the platform has several limitations. It lacks advanced collaboration features like digital whiteboards, which are increasingly common in modern video conferencing solutions. Unlike many competitors, GoToMeeting doesn't offer a free plan, which can be a deterrent for small teams or individual users looking to try the service. The platform also has limited integration options compared to newer alternatives, potentially complicating workflow for teams using multiple tools. Lastly, its user interface feels dated compared to more modern alternatives, which may impact user experience.
Plans for GoToMeeting start at $12 per organizer per month.
You can also check out top GoToMeeting alternatives.
Zoom vs. GoToMeeting showcases how these two app compares to each other.
Slack Huddle
Slack is primarily a team messaging platform that also offers video call capabilities. It provides a transition from chat to video, screen sharing, and extensive app integrations.
Slack's video conferencing features have several limitations. Video calls are limited to 15 participants in the free plan, which can be restrictive for larger teams. The platform lacks advanced video features like breakout rooms or hand raising, which are often necessary for structured meetings or workshops. Slack doesn't offer a built-in virtual background option, a feature that has become standard in many video conferencing tools. Additionally, video quality can degrade with a large number of participants, potentially affecting the user experience in bigger meetings.
Slack offers a free plan, with paid plans starting at $6.67 per user per month.
Skype
Skype is a telecommunications application that provides video chat and voice calls. It supports up to 100 participants and offers screen sharing and live subtitles.
Skype lacks advanced business features like breakout rooms or detailed admin controls, often necessary for professional settings. File sharing size is limited to 300MB, which can be restrictive when sharing larger files or presentations. Skype doesn't offer end-to-end encryption for calls, which may be a concern for users who prioritize privacy. Users have also reported performance issues with larger group calls, potentially affecting the quality of meetings with numerous participants.
Skype is free for personal use, while Skype for Business is being phased out in favor of Microsoft Teams.
Refer to top Skype alternatives, if you are looking for alternatives to Skype.
Skype vs. Feta, is an honest comparison between the two.
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing platform that offers encryption and requires no account to use. It allows for custom deployments, making it attractive for organizations with specific security or customization needs.
Jitsi Meet comes with several limitations. It requires technical expertise for custom deployments, which can be challenging for less tech-savvy users or organizations without IT support. The platform lacks advanced features like breakout rooms or detailed analytics, which are often necessary for structured meetings or data-driven teams. Its user interface is less polished compared to commercial alternatives, potentially impacting user experience. Jitsi Meet can also be unstable with a large number of participants, which may affect the quality of larger meetings or webinars.
The platform is free to use.
RingCentral Video
RingCentral Video is part of RingCentral's unified communications platform. It provides team messaging, file sharing, and task management alongside video conferencing.
Despite its feature set, RingCentral Video has several limitations. Its pricing point is higher compared to standalone video conferencing solutions, which may be a barrier for organizations solely needing video call functionality. The platform's complex feature set can be overwhelming for simple video conferencing needs, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve. Unlike some browser-based alternatives, RingCentral Video requires download and installation, which can be inconvenient for quick or impromptu meetings. Some users report occasional audio quality issues, which can affect the overall meeting experience.
RingCentral Video plans start at $19.99 per user per month.
Whereby
Whereby is a browser-based video conferencing platform that offers customizable meeting rooms and requires no downloads.
However, it comes with several limitations. Even on paid plans, Whereby has a participant limit of 100, which can be restrictive for larger organizations or webinars. The platform offers limited integration options compared to more established platforms, potentially complicating workflows for teams using multiple tools. Whereby lacks advanced features like breakout rooms or detailed host controls, which are often necessary for structured meetings or workshops. Its free plan is restricted to one user and one meeting room, which can be limiting for small teams or organizations looking to try the service before committing to a paid plan.
Whereby offers a free plan, with business plans starting at $9.99 per user per month.
When choosing among these alternatives, consider factors such as team size, budget, required features, integration needs, and ease of use. Many of these platforms offer free trials, which are helpful in determining which solution best fits your specific requirements.
Each of these alternatives has its own strengths and limitations. When choosing the right platform for your needs, consider factors such as:
- Team size: Some platforms are better suited for small teams, while others excel at large-scale meetings.
- Budget: Pricing structures vary widely, from free options to enterprise-level plans.
- Required features: Consider what's essential for your workflow, such as screen sharing, recording, or breakout rooms.
- Integration needs: If you rely heavily on certain tools, look for platforms that offer seamless integration.
- Security requirements: Some industries may have specific security needs that only certain platforms can meet.
- Ease of use: Consider the technical proficiency of your team and choose a platform that aligns with their comfort level.
Comparison
Alternative | Features | Limitations | Pricing |
Feta | AI-powered summaries, live translation, transcription, scheduling, agenda management, digital whiteboards | In early stage | Exclusive Alpha program |
Google Meet | Screen sharing, real-time captions, integrates with Google Workspace | Free version limits calls to 60 minutes, lacks breakout rooms and polling, limited virtual background customization | Free, business plans start at $6/month |
Microsoft Teams | Chat, video meetings, file storage, screen sharing, background blur, Office 365 integration | Complex interface, requires Microsoft account, limited video layout options | Free, business plans start at $4/month |
Cisco Webex | AI transcription, virtual backgrounds, gesture recognition | Complex interface, higher pricing, limited mobile app features, slow customer support | Free, paid plans start at $13.50/month |
GoToMeeting | HD video, desktop sharing, drawing tools | Lacks digital whiteboards, no free plan, limited integrations, dated interface | Plans start at $12/month |
Slack Huddle | Transition from chat to video, screen sharing, app integrations | Video calls limited to 15 participants in free plan, lacks breakout rooms and virtual backgrounds | Free, paid plans start at $6.67/month |
Skype | Video chat, voice calls, screen sharing, live subtitles | No breakout rooms, limited admin controls, file sharing limited to 300MB, no end-to-end encryption | Free, Skype for Business being phased out |
Jitsi Meet | Encryption, no account needed, custom deployments | Requires technical expertise for customization, lacks advanced features, less polished interface, instability with large groups | Free |
RingCentral Video | Team messaging, file sharing, task management, video conferencing | Higher pricing, complex features, requires installation, occasional audio issues | Plans start at $19.99/month |
Whereby | Customizable meeting rooms, browser-based, no downloads | Participant limit of 100, limited integrations, lacks breakout rooms, free plan limited to one user | Free, business plans start at $9.99/month |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I reactivate my Zoom subscription after canceling?
Yes, you can typically reactivate your subscription by logging into your account and selecting a new plan. Your account remains active on the free plan, making it easy to upgrade when needed.
If you are interested in Zoom's plans, check out our detailed article on Zoom Pricing.
Will I get a refund if I cancel in the middle of the billing cycle?
Zoom's refund policy may vary. Generally, they don't offer prorated refunds for unused time, but it's best to check their current terms of service for the most up-to-date information.
How long will I have access to my Zoom data after canceling?
Zoom usually retains data for a limited time after cancellation, but the exact duration can vary. It's best to back up your data before canceling to ensure you don't lose any important information.
What happens to my scheduled meetings after I cancel my subscription?
Meetings scheduled beyond your subscription end date will still exist, but they'll be subject to the limitations of the free plan. This typically includes a 40-minute time limit for group meetings.
How can I export my data from Zoom before canceling?
Zoom offers options to download meeting recordings, chat logs, and other data. To do this:
1. Log into your Zoom account on the web portal.
2. Navigate to the "Recording" section.
3. Here, you can download any cloud recordings.
4. For chat logs, go to the "Account Management" section and look for an option to export account data.
Host Better Meetings with Feta
The rise of remote work has inundated professionals with virtual meetings, exposing the shortcomings of many video conferencing tools. Users struggle with disruptive updates, unstable screen sharing, and AI features that fail to deliver. Rapid-fire meetings lead to context loss, while disjointed integration fragments the digital workspace.
These "minor" hiccups snowball into major productivity drains. Instead of enabling remote work, these tools often become hurdles, with professionals trapped in a loop of troubleshooting rather than progressing on projects.
Enter Feta: our answer to these common frustrations. This AI-driven platform streamlines meetings, preserves crucial information and offers an intuitive, natural interface.
Feta elevates the concept of video conferencing, serving as a holistic productivity solution. With AI-generated summaries, live transcription, and seamless workflow integration, it boosts team efficiency and simplifies virtual collaboration, allowing professionals to focus on what truly matters β their work.
Migrating from Zoom to the Feta
Embracing a new communication tool can feel overwhelming, but Feta aims to ease that process. They're offering a trial period of up to 90 days at no cost, mirroring your current Zoom package. Claiming this promotional offer is as simple as filling this online form.
Interested in seeing how Feta stacks up against Zoom? We've compiled an in-depth, impartial review of Zoom vs. Feta. This analysis dissects the core functionalities of each service, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
We're now offering early access to a select group of users. Join our pioneer program to experience Feta, free for three months. Ready to experience meetings like never before?