Cisco Webex compatibility guide: Web, Windows, Mac, and Linux (2025)
In today’s hybrid work environment, video conferencing tools have become the backbone of business communication. However, not all tools are created equal—especially when it comes to cross-platform compatibility. Cisco Webex, a long-standing player in the video conferencing space, offers support across multiple platforms, including Web, Windows, Mac, and Linux. But as technology evolves, so do the demands of modern teams.
By 2025, 75% of businesses will rely on video conferencing tools that deliver consistent performance across all platforms. While Webex has been a reliable choice for many, its compatibility across different operating systems and devices can sometimes fall short of modern expectations.
Similarly, the Webex web version, though convenient, lacks advanced features compared to its desktop counterparts. Webex browser performance varies significantly depending on the browser used.
This guide dives deep into Webex’s compatibility across platforms, highlighting its strengths, limitations, and how modern alternatives like Feta, Teams and Zoom are addressing these challenges. Whether you’re a Webex user or exploring new tools, this blog will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Webex platform requirements
Webex Web browser compatibility
Webex Web is an option for users who prefer not to download desktop apps. However, its performance and feature availability can vary depending on the browser you use.
- Supported Webex Web browsers:
- Google Chrome (Version 65 or later)
- Mozilla Firefox (Version 48 or later)
- Microsoft Edge (Version 25 or later)
- Apple Safari (Version 11.0 or later)
- Key features available across Webex browsers:
- Screen sharing
- Chat functionality
- Meeting recording (limited functionality)
- Webex browser performance considerations:
- Bandwidth requirements: Minimum 1.5 Mbps for HD video.
- CPU usage: Higher on browsers compared to desktop apps.
- Common limitations on Webex Web:
- Lack of advanced features (e.g., virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms).
- Performance lag on older browsers or devices.
Webex Windows compatibility
Webex performs relatively better on Windows compared to other OS versions, but it comes with specific hardware and software requirements.
- Minimum vs. recommended specifications:
- Minimum: Windows 10, Intel Dual-Core CPU, 4 GB RAM.
- Recommended: Windows 11, Intel i5 or higher, 8 GB RAM.
- Hardware Acceleration requirements:
- Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date for optimal performance.
- Installation prerequisites:
- .NET Framework 4.7 or later.
- Latest Windows updates installed.
- Known limitations:
- Issue: Crashes on older hardware.
- Issue: Compatibility issues with Windows 10 LTSB.
Webex Mac compatibility
Webex supports macOS, but its performance can vary depending on your hardware and OS version.
- Supported macOS versions:
- macOS Ventura (13.0) and later.
- Limited support for older versions (requires Rosetta translation for Apple Silicon).
- Hardware requirements:
- Intel-based Macs: Core i5 or higher recommended.
- Apple Silicon (M1/M2): Native support is available in newer versions.
- Performance optimization tips:
- Close unnecessary background apps.
- Update macOS to the latest version.
- Known limitations:
- Higher resource utilization on older Macs.
- Advanced features like noise cancellation might not function as effectively on M1/M2 chips compared to Intel processors.
For example, Webex on Mac often struggles with high resource usage, while Linux users face limited features.
Webex Linux compatibility
Webex’s Linux support is often a pain point for users, with limited feature availability and Webex installation and Webex uninstallation complexities (Learn how to uninstall Webex without hassle).
- Webex Linux-supported distributions:
- Ubuntu (20.04 LTS and later).
- Fedora (32 and later).
- Webex Linux installation process:
- Download the .deb or .rpm package from the Webex website.
- Use terminal commands for installation.
- Known limitations:
- No native ARM support (e.g., Raspberry Pi).
- Limited features compared to Windows and Mac versions.
- Webex Linux community support:
- Forums and user guides for troubleshooting.
Platform | Minimum Requirements | Recommended | Key Limitations |
---|---|---|---|
Web Browser | Chrome 90+ Firefox 90+ Edge 90+ Safari 14+ |
Latest browser versions 4GB RAM 2.0 GHz Processor |
Limited virtual background support Reduced recording options |
Windows | Windows 10 4GB RAM Intel/AMD processor |
Windows 11 8GB RAM Intel i5/i7 or AMD equivalent |
Hardware acceleration needed, Specific driver requirements |
Mac | macOS 10.15+ 4GB RAM Intel/M1 processor |
macOS 12+ 8GB RAM M1/M2 chip |
Rosetta is needed for Intel apps, Some M1/M2 optimization issues |
Linux | Ubuntu 20.04+ 4GB RAM Intel/AMD processor |
Ubuntu 22.04+ 8GB RAM Modern CPU |
Limited feature set, No virtual background, Inconsistent performance |
72% of meetings are ineffective, draining productivity.
Don’t let your standup be one of them...
Get 3 months freeWhat users are saying about Webex compatibility?
Here’s what existing users have to say about Webex’s compatibility:
User Interface
- The macOS app provides a generally smooth and user-friendly experience, on newer Macs but struggles with older versions.
- The web version offers access for quick meetings but has reported inconsistent performance.
Feature consistency
- Virtual backgrounds work better on macOS than on Windows or the web version.
- Breakout rooms are easier to manage on the desktop app compared to the web version.
- Feature availability varies across platforms—users have reported the Windows app to lack some major features.
Performance across platforms
- Webex on Windows was great initially, but recent updates have made it resource-heavy, slowing down my system.
- The web version is convenient but feels sluggish and lacks advanced features like virtual backgrounds.
- Linux support is limited—basic functionality works, but the installation process is cumbersome.
User experience
- Webex on Windows is functional but feels heavy on system resources after updates. Users have faced Webex audio related issues after the recent update.
- Linux support is basic—it works but lacks the polish of other platforms.
- The macOS app delivers a better experience compared to Windows and Linux.
Top Webex alternatives for modern teams
As virtual meeting needs evolve, many teams are exploring alternatives to Webex that offer advanced features, better integrations, and a more seamless user experience.
Here are some of the top Webex alternatives worth considering:
- Feta
- Google Meet
- Microsoft Teams
- GoTo Meeting
- Workplace
- Filestage
- Symphony
- Skype
- Element
- Yac
You can refer to this well-curated list of top Webex alternatives for a better understanding.
Rise above OS compatibility cliché with Feta
While Cisco Webex has been a trusted name in the collaboration space since 1995, its limitations—such as high costs, complex interfaces, and inconsistent performance across multiple platforms often leave modern teams searching for better alternatives where they do not have to worry about compatibility like if webex is for mac or not?
Enter Feta, which is a native web app, so you do not have to worry about compatibility issues, unlike in Webex xD.
Feta - where AI makes your meetings work smarter. While you enjoy our HD video conferencing, Feta also handles everything else, creating instant summaries, and keeping track of tasks via auto-compiling tasks.
Everything connects smoothly with your favourite tools like Linear and Jira, and every conversation becomes instantly searchable through the searchable knowledge base.
With Feta, you can rise above cliched compatibility issues and focus on what is more important.
Migrate from Webex to Feta with zero hassle
Tied up with a Webex contract? No problem. Switch from Webex to Feta, and we’ll match your remaining contract time—zero costs, zero hassle. Just fill out one simple form, and we’ll handle the rest.
Still unsure? Take a look at our Webex vs. Feta comparison and discover why teams aren’t just switching—they’re never looking back.
Over 400+ teams have already transformed their meetings with Feta. Our open beta is live, and we’re excited to welcome your team.