Webex meetings have gained recognition as a video conferencing solution, but for many users, its complexities overshadow its features. From installation challenges to navigating clunky interfaces, the platform often falls short of expectations. This guide explores what is Webex meeting, its features, drawbacks, and step-by-step instructions for using it effectively. If you're searching for alternatives, this article will also highlight better options.
From hosting large-scale virtual events to managing daily team collaborations, choosing the right platform impacts your productivity. We'll examine the core capabilities of Webex meetings, common user challenges, and whether it truly delivers the experience modern teams need.
What is a Webex Meeting?
A Webex meeting is an online collaboration platform offering video conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing. Designed for businesses and individuals, it tries to connect teams and foster collaboration. Its features include robust security, Webex meeting recording, and interactive tools like polls and Q&A sessions. However, despite its feature-rich interface, users often criticize its unintuitive design and frequent technical glitches, which can make the platform frustrating to navigate.
For many users, the question remains: “What is Webex meeting and why should I choose it over alternatives?” While it provides tools for hosting online sessions, its steep learning curve often deters new users. The platform requires extensive setup for optimal functionality, which can be time-consuming for those unfamiliar with its systems. Many users prefer simpler alternatives that emphasize usability and efficiency.
Webex positions itself as a professional-grade solution for virtual communication, catering primarily to enterprise-level needs. Webex compatibility with various devices and integration with third-party tools like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace adds value. However, these features are sometimes overshadowed by the platform’s tendency to overcomplicate basic tasks such as scheduling or joining a meeting. These integrations also come with a lot of hassle, learn more about Webex integrations.
Another common issue is the inconsistent experience across different operating systems. For instance, while Windows users might enjoy relatively smooth functionality, Linux users often face challenges in installation and operation, further complicating the user journey. These limitations highlight why many professionals question whether Webex is the right tool for their needs.
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How to set up a Webex Meeting?
Creating a Webex meeting or scheduling a Webex meeting is a simple process with the following steps involved:
- Log in to your Webex account.
- Click on the "Schedule a Meeting" option from the dashboard.
- Fill out the required details, such as meeting title, date, time, and participant email addresses.
- Customize settings like meeting passwords or participant permissions.
- Save the meeting to generate an invite link.
- Share the invite link or email invitation with participants.
How to join a Webex Meeting?
- Join Webex Meeting by number: Enter the meeting number provided in the invitation into the Webex app or browser.
- Join Webex Meeting from browser: Click on the invitation link and follow the prompts to join without downloading the app.
- How to join Webex Meeting by phone without app: Dial the number shared in the invitation and input the meeting ID when prompted.
- How to join Webex Meeting by phone: Use the Webex app for better functionality or simply dial in for audio-only access.
How to cancel Webex Meetings?
Canceling a Webex meeting is a straightforward process, but it requires different steps depending on whether the meeting is scheduled or ongoing.
Cancel a scheduled Webex Meeting
- Log in to your Webex account and navigate to the "Meetings" tab.
- Locate the scheduled meeting you wish to cancel.
- Click on the meeting to open its details.
- Select the "Cancel Meeting" option and confirm your choice.
- A notification will be sent to all participants informing them of the cancellation.
Cancel an ongoing Webex Meeting
- During the meeting, access the meeting controls at the bottom of the screen.
- Click on "End Meeting."
- Confirm whether you want to end the meeting for all participants or leave it running for others.
- If you select "End Meeting for All," the meeting will be terminated immediately.
Webex Meeting features
While Webex Meetings offers various collaboration tools - from screen sharing to transcription services - many users find Webex Meeting features more frustrating than helpful. Despite targeting a wide range of users, from business teams to educators, the platform's inconsistent performance and complex interface often hinder rather than help.
Here's what you need to know about Webex's key features:
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
| Webex Screen Share | Enables effective presentations and collaboration by sharing screens during meetings. | Frequently reported lag and glitches disrupt the flow of presentations. |
| Webex Whiteboard | Provides a virtual space for brainstorming and collaboration. | Outdated interface, syncing issues, and limited cross-platform integration. |
| Webex Transcription | Automatically generates written records of meetings for easy review. | Inconsistent accuracy, struggles with accents and terminology, and limited editing tools. |
| Webex Hand Gestures | Adds interactive non-verbal communication with AI-recognized gestures. | Poor recognition in low light, false detections, and unreliable functionality. |
| Webex Chat | Facilitates real-time messaging, file sharing, and link sharing during meetings. | Outdated interface and lack of advanced formatting or third-party integrations. |
| Webex Recording | Captures video, audio, and shared content for playback and sharing. | Not available on free plans, storage limits, and accessibility issues with cloud recordings. |
| Webex AI Assistant | Provides real-time highlights, action items, and automated summaries for meetings. | Inconsistent accuracy in summarizing complex discussions and identifying action items. |
| Webex Spaces & Connect | Serves as a persistent environment for team collaboration and integrates customer engagement tools. | Unintuitive interface for spaces; high technical expertise needed for Webex Connect. |
| Webex Attendance Report | Tracks engagement metrics like attendance duration and activity levels. | Complex process for accessing data, less robust analytics tools compared to competitors. |
| Webex Network Requirements | Ensures smooth performance with specific network requirements. | Requires high-speed internet; less accessible for regions with poor network infrastructure. |
| Webex on Android | Extends functionality to mobile devices for on-the-go participation. | Unstable performance, crashes, delays, and missing desktop features. |
| Cisco Webex Extension | Simplifies scheduling and joining meetings through browser integration. | Frequent compatibility issues, disruptive updates, and challenges during installation. |
Webex Meeting Pricing
| Plan | Features | Price |
| Free Plan | Host meetings up to 40 minutes, up to 100 participants, screen sharing, personal room. | $0 per user per month |
| Meet Plan | All Free Plan features, meetings up to 24 hours, up to 200 participants, 10 GB storage, advanced noise cancellation, closed captions, cohost privileges, secure lobby, live polling and Q&A by Slido. | $14.50 per user per month |
| Meet + Call Plan | All Meet Plan features, business phone number, unlimited local and domestic long-distance calling, international calling (billed per minute), visual voicemail, call from multiple devices, 6-way conference calling. | $25 per user per month |
| Enterprise Plan | All Meet + Call Plan features, up to 1,000 participants, unlimited cloud recording storage, FedRAMP authorized security. | Custom pricing; contact sales |
Learn more about Webex pricing plans.
What is Webex personal room?
A Webex personal room is a dedicated, always-available meeting space linked to your Webex account. It is for recurring sessions or quick meetings without the need for scheduling. However, its lack of advanced customization options limits its utility for more complex needs.
How to create a personal room in Webex?
- Log in to your Webex account and navigate to the "Preferences" section.
- Click on the "Personal Room" tab and review default settings.
- Customize the personal room name and URL to make it easily identifiable.
- Save the changes and share the personal room link with collaborators.
- Use this link for recurring or impromptu meetings.
While Webex personal room offers convenience, its limited features may not meet the requirements of all users, especially for larger organizations.
Webex test Meeting
A Webex test meeting is a useful tool to ensure your equipment and settings are functioning correctly before important calls. Running a test meeting minimizes the risk of technical glitches during live sessions.
- Visit the Webex website and locate the "Test Meeting" option.
- Click on "Join Test Meeting" to launch a simulated session.
- Test your audio, video, and screen-sharing capabilities.
- Adjust microphone and speaker settings through the app’s menu if needed.
- Ensure stable internet connectivity to avoid disruptions.
- Use this feature periodically, especially when using new devices or setups.
Frequent testing can help identify potential issues in advance, making Webex test meeting an essential practice for regular users.
What users have to say about Webex: Webex reviews
Webex Meeting user reviews are often mixed, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. While its security features receive praise, the platform’s usability and performance draw criticism. Some users commend its integration with enterprise tools and reliability in high-security environments. Others say its comprehensive feature set is somewhat fine and caters to corporate needs.
However, several critical points emerge:
- Complex setup: Many users struggle with installation and configuration, particularly on Linux systems.
- Glitches during meetings: Issues like lag and dropped connections are frequently reported.
- Limited browser functionality: Users accessing via Webex web face restricted features compared to the desktop app.
- Steep learning curve: Navigating the interface can be daunting for new users.
- Inefficient updates: Some updates introduce new issues instead of resolving existing ones.
Although Webex aims to offer a robust platform, these recurring issues often drive users to explore alternatives with more intuitive designs and reliable performance.
Learn more about Webex issues.
Alternatives to Webex Meetings
For those unsatisfied with Webex, here are some of the top Webex alternatives: Feta, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Workplace, Amazon Chime, GoTo Meeting, Adobe Connect, ClickMeeting, Join.me, and Zoho Meeting.
- Feta
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Meet
- Workplace
- Amazon Chime
- GoTo Meeting
- Adobe Connect
- ClickMeeting
- Join.me
- Zoho Meeting
Learn in-depth about top Webex alternatives for a better understanding.
FAQs: Webex Meetings
How to change my name during a Webex meeting?
Open the participant list, click on your name, and select “Rename” to update your display name.
How to change the background in a Webex meeting?
Access the video settings before joining or during the meeting and select a virtual background from the provided options.
How to add a host to a Webex meeting?
Open the participant panel, select the participant, and choose “Make Host” from the options menu.
How to mute the Webex meeting as a participant?
Click on the microphone icon in the toolbar to mute yourself during the meeting.
How to enable chat in Webex meetings?
Open the meeting controls and select “Chat” to activate the chat panel for participants.
How to lock Webex meetings?
Go to the meeting controls and select “Lock Meeting” to prevent additional participants from joining.
What is Webex unverified user?
Unverified users are those who join without signing into a Webex account or verifying their identity.
How to change my name on Webex?
Log in to your Webex account, navigate to “Profile Settings,” and update your name.
How to clear the Webex cache?
Access your device’s application settings, find Webex, and select “Clear Cache.”
How to join a Webex meeting as a guest?
Click on the invite link, select “Join as Guest,” and provide your name and email to enter the meeting.
How to make someone else host before a webex meeting?
During the meeting setup, assign a co-host in the scheduling settings or reassign the role during the meeting.
How to cancel a Webex meeting that has already started?
Open the meeting controls, select “End Meeting,” and choose “Cancel Meeting” to terminate an ongoing session.
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While Webex meetings provide essential tools for virtual collaboration, their usability often leaves much to be desired. With complex installation steps, inconsistent performance, and limited customization, many users seek alternatives. Consider exploring platforms that prioritize user experience, reliability, and innovation over outdated designs. Don’t settle for less; choose a solution that truly meets your needs.
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