The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a seismic shift in how we work and communicate. As lockdowns swept across the globe, businesses and individuals alike found themselves thrust into a world where face-to-face interactions were suddenly off-limits. This unprecedented situation accelerated the adoption of digital solutions, with online meeting platforms emerging as the lifeline for maintaining professional and personal connections. 

The surge in remote work and distance learning created an insatiable demand for virtual collaboration tools. Organizations scrambled to implement technologies that could replicate the dynamics of in-person meetings, leading to an explosion in the usage and development of video conferencing software.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of online communication, Zoom, a video conferencing tool, also got the propulsion. Because of the pandemic, Zoom's daily users went from 10 million in December 2019 to over 300 million by April 2020. This surge made Zoom associated with video conferencing only.

Zoom

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that enables virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative sessions. Launched in 2011 by Eric Yuan, a former Cisco Webex engineer. The platform offers features for audio and video communication, file sharing, and collaborative work across various devices and operating systems. 

Zoom's main functionality revolves around hosting and participating in online meetings, but it expanded to include additional tools for phone systems, large-scale webinars, and virtual events as remote work has become the new norm for many organizations. As businesses adapt to this shift, they're constantly on the lookout for comprehensive tools that can streamline how their teams connect.

Zoom’s Features

Zoom provides a range of features and services, which includes:

1. Video Conferencing

Zoom's platform facilitates video conferencing, allowing users to join meetings through computers, smartphones, or dial-in options. The service supports high-definition video and audio, and offers features such as virtual backgrounds, appearance touch-up, and noise suppression. A gallery view option allows for viewing multiple participants simultaneously. This feature usually requires camera and microphone permissions. 

Pricing

Basic video conferencing is typically included in the free plan. Premium features are available in paid plans, which have been known to start around $149.90 per year for each license.

2. Screen Sharing:

This feature enables meeting participants to display their screen content to others. Users have the option to share entire screens, specific applications, or portions of their display. Additional functionalities include sharing computer audio, optimizing for video clips, and utilizing a virtual whiteboard. Screen sharing typically requires permission to access the user's display and potentially audio output. This feature is generally available across various Zoom plans, including those without cost.

Pricing

Screen sharing is often included in Zoom's free tier and paid plans.

3. Chat

The platform incorporates chat functionality within meetings and as a standalone feature. Users can exchange text messages, files, and images during calls or outside of active sessions. Zoom provides channels for group messaging and collaboration. This feature requires permissions for file access and notifications. 

Pricing

Basic chat features are often included in all plans. More advanced collaboration tools may be part of higher-tier subscriptions, with some business-oriented plans starting in the range of $199.90 per year for each license.

4. Recording and Transcription:

Zoom offers options for users to record meetings locally or to the cloud, capturing video, audio, and chat content. The platform also provides automated transcription services for cloud recordings. This feature typically requires storage permissions and, for cloud recording, internet access. 

Pricing

Local recording is often available in free plans. Cloud recording and transcription may be premium features. Plans that include cloud recording have been known to start around $149.90 per year for each license, with potential additional costs for transcription services.

5. Webinars and Large Meetings:

Zoom Webinar is designed to facilitate large-scale virtual events, with support for numerous view-only attendees. It includes functionalities for registration, audience engagement, and reporting. For regular meetings, Zoom can accommodate a substantial number of interactive participants. These features require additional permissions for managing large-scale data and attendees. 

Pricing

Webinar capabilities are often priced separately from standard plans. Add-ons for these features have been known to start around $690 per year for each license, with pricing that may vary based on attendee capacity.

Learn more about Zoom webinars.‍

Top 5 Zoom Alternatives

These are the top 5 Zoom Alternatives: Feta, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, Slack

1. Feta
2. Microsoft Teams 
3. Google Meet
4. Cisco Webex
5. Slack

Well, let’s explore each option now one by one.

Feta

Feta is an AI-native video conferencing tool that automates the entire meeting workflow while maintaining relevant context. Unlike Zoom, which operates in silos, Feta handles pre-and post-meeting activities, including MoM, project management tool updates, building a knowledge library, and more with a much better UI/UX. Helping you get more focused work done.

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Summaries: Capture essential points and action items for quick review and improved team alignment.
• Real-Time Translation and Transcription: Overcome language barriers and foster inclusivity in global teams.
• Integrated Calendars and Agenda Planners: Simplify scheduling and keep meetings focused and on track.
• Deeper Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with tools like Google Workspace, Linear, Slack, and your video conferencing app, optimizing your workflow.
• Interactive Collaboration Tools: Use digital whiteboards and document viewers for dynamic brainstorming and idea sharing.

With Feta, every meeting becomes a productive step toward achieving your team's goals. Feta offers a smooth transition from your current tool to Feta even if you have its subscription left, Feta provides first three months free of cost. Just fill out this online form and we will contact you soon.

Pricing

Feta is offering a limited pilot program for select users to test new collaboration features. Participants may receive personalized support and guidance on integrating Feta into their workflows. The program has restricted availability. Interested parties can apply for this exclusive opportunity to try Feta's advanced features and receive customized solutions.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams functions as a part of the Microsoft 365 suite, offering tools for communication and productivity.

The platform's feature set includes video conferencing capabilities for up to 1,000 participants, team discussions in channels, and integration with Microsoft Office applications. It provides chat functionality, file sharing, and document collaboration tools.

Limitations of Microsoft Teams include reported difficulties with search functionality, challenges in notification management, and complexity in file organization. Users have noted a potential learning curve for less technical individuals, and some have experienced performance issues on lower-spec devices.

Regarding pricing, Microsoft Teams offers a free tier with basic features. Paid plans start at $6 per user monthly for Microsoft 365 Business Basic, with the Business Standard plan priced at $12.50 per user monthly.

We have created a handy list of top Microsoft Teams alternatives.

Check out this very honest comparison of Microsoft Teams vs. Feta

Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams, tells how these two platforms compare to each other.

Also check out how Zoom's pricing differs from the one of Teams' in, Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams pricing.

Google Meet

Google Meet is a component of the Google Workspace suite, designed to provide video conferencing solutions.

The platform's features include screen sharing capabilities, real-time captions, and integration with Google Calendar. It tries to offer a user-friendly interface for video meetings.

Limitations of Google Meet include the absence of certain advanced features found in other platforms, such as breakout rooms and AI-powered summarization. The free version imposes restrictions on meeting duration, participant numbers, and recording capabilities.

In terms of pricing, Google Meet is available as part of Google Workspace, with paid plans starting at $6 per user per month.

You should look for top Google Meet alternatives, if you are looking for a Google Meet alternative.

Check out this fair comparison of Google Meet vs. Feta.

Check out how Google Meet compares to Zoom and Microsoft Teams in, Zoom vs. Google Meet and Google Meet vs. Microsoft Teams.

Refer to Zoom vs. Google Meet pricing to see how pricing for both the platforms differ.

Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex provides a set of collaboration tools, used by large enterprises and organizations already bound by Cisco.

The platform's feature set encompasses video conferencing, team messaging, file sharing, and digital whiteboarding. It also incorporates AI features such as noise reduction and virtual backgrounds.

Some limitations of Webex include a user interface that some perceive as less modern compared to alternatives. Users have reported complexities in profile picture configuration and repeated login prompts. There are also certain constraints in areas like conversation history retention and rich content support in messaging.

Webex's pricing structure includes a feature-rich free tier. Paid plans begin at $13.50 per user monthly, offering access to other features and increased participant capacity.

Here's how Feta leads over Webex in Cisco Webex vs. Feta, in an honest and unbiased manner.

We have curated a list of top Cisco Webex alternatives for your benefit.

Also check out Zoom vs. Webex for a better understanding of the comparison between these two platforms.

Slack

Slack is primarily a team communication tool built around a channel-based messaging system.

The platform's features include chat functionality in channels and threads, voice and video calls with screen sharing capabilities, and a wide array of integrations with other tools and services.

Limitations of Slack include less robust video conferencing features compared to specialized platforms. Users have reported occasional service outages, which can disrupt workflows. Some individuals find the user interface counterintuitive, potentially affecting productivity.

Regarding pricing, Slack offers a free tier with basic features. The Pro plan is priced at $3.26 per user monthly, while the Business+ plan costs $5.23 per user monthly.

Comparison

Zoom’s Feature Review 

Zoom has become a ubiquitous tool for video conferencing, but like any widely adopted technology, it has its share of challenges. Here are some key issues users have reported:

• Security concerns:
  • Incidents of "Zoombombing" highlighting vulnerabilities
  • Ongoing skepticism about the platform's security despite implemented measures
• Technical issues:
  • Heavy resource usage leading to battery drain and system slowdowns
  • Audio lags, video freezes, and unexpected disconnections
• Privacy concerns:
  •   Questions about data handling practices and potential unauthorized access
  •  Controversy over data-sharing agreements and call routing through Chinese servers.
  •   Questions about data handling practices and potential unauthorized access
• User experience challenges:
  • Cluttered and overwhelming user interface
  • Steep learning curve for managing large meetings or webinars
• Software management issues:
  •  Frequent updates required for latest features and security patches
  • Frustration in corporate environments with strict software policies
• Pricing and feature accessibility:
  •  Confusion over pricing structure
  • Essential business features often requiring paid subscriptions
• Accessibility limitations:
  • Criticism for falling short of inclusive standards
  • Potential barriers for users with disabilities
• Customer support challenges:
  • Long wait times during periods of rapid growth
  • Inconsistent service quality reported by users

You can check out what issues Zoom users have faced and posted on platforms like - G2, Reddit, Capterra, etc. in That's what you said.

Host Better Meetings with Feta

Remote work has made virtual meetings common, but many video call tools have usability issues. Problems include disruptive updates, screen sharing glitches, and underperforming AI features. Context loss between meetings is a challenge. Poor integration with other workplace tools forces constant app-switching, reducing productivity. These small inconveniences add up, often causing users to spend more time managing technology than working.

That's why we're building Feta—an AI-native video conferencing tool designed to automate the entire meeting workflow while preserving relevant context. Plus, it boasts a sleek, modern UI/UX that you'd expect in 2024.

Feta includes features such as precise AI-generated smart summaries, action items, real-time transcripts, translations, auto-tagged discussions, task management, a searchable knowledge library, and more.

Migrating from Zoom to Feta

Feta acknowledges the challenges of switching to a new platform. To facilitate this transition, they offer a migration deal that includes up to three months of free access, equivalent to the user's current Zoom subscription. This offer can be accessed by completing an online form.

For those interested in comparing features, Feta provides an honest Zoom vs. Feta comparison.

Feta is currently in an early access phase, with a limited number of new users being admitted daily. This presents an opportunity for early adopters to experience Feta's features aimed at enhancing remote collaboration and efficiency.

Interested parties can sign up to potentially participate in this controlled rollout.