When group members want to come back collectively, in-person conferences aren’t at all times the proper reply. However neither is spending numerous hours on the cellphone or sending electronic mail after electronic mail. And, as distant work continues to rise, you want an answer that plugs the rising hole.

That various to energy-sapping communication is a web-based assembly platform that goes past video chat alone.

With the proper platform, you can’t solely schedule and begin on the spot conferences but in addition profit from productiveness options like display screen sharing, group chat, assembly transcripts, and extra.

On this information, we spherical up the highest on-line assembly platforms in the marketplace. Whether or not you’re conducting brainstorming classes, shopper conferences, coaching occasions, or giant conferences, you’ll discover a tailor-made platform that matches your wants.

What Is a Digital Assembly Platform?

A digital assembly platform is a software program resolution that allows groups to collaborate and talk on-line, eradicating the necessity for in-person gatherings.

Powered by cloud expertise, these platforms present video conferencing mixed with instruments to boost engagement, productiveness, and assembly administration.

Individuals be a part of conferences remotely through an app or internet browser, with the session hosted solely on-line.

These platforms transcend fundamental video conferencing to supply strong instruments that drive engagement and improve productiveness earlier than, throughout, and after conferences.

Options might embrace display screen sharing, interactive whiteboards, polling, breakout rooms, Q&A and chat, assembly recordings, and extra.

Why Use a Digital Assembly Platform

Adoption of devoted digital assembly options has skyrocketed for 3 key causes:

• The pandemic pressured an instantaneous shift from in-office to on-line collaboration. With out the power to convey individuals collectively bodily, firms quickly deployed platforms like Zoom, Webex, and Microsoft Groups.
• Research present distant groups might be simply as or much more productive with the proper instruments. Digital conferences empower organizations to entry expertise globally with out being restricted by geography.
• Youthful, digital-native staff grew up socializing, studying, and collaborating on-line. They anticipate that very same seamless expertise with office expertise.

Gartner predicts that solely 25% of enterprise conferences will happen in particular person by 2024, pushed by the demand for distant work and altering office demographics.

The demand for versatile distant work and the doorway of millennials and Gen Z into management roles is accelerating a rising pattern.

Shifting ahead, the workforce will grow to be more and more dispersed, making scalable and interesting digital conferences important to an organization’s success.

Prime 12 Digital Assembly Platforms (2024)

• Nextiva
• Google Meet
• Zoom
• Microsoft Groups
• Cisco Webex
• GoTo Assembly
• Skype
• Slack
• Lifesize
• Jitsi
• Zoho Assembly
• Tella

The Prime 5 Digital Assembly Platforms In contrast

1. Nextiva

In the event you’re searching for a fast setup and an easy-to-use interface, Nextiva supplies simply that alongside a strong suite of options to make your conferences productive. 

Outdoors of video conferences, you additionally get a cloud cellphone system, which lets you make and obtain calls over the web. In some instances, your groups or sure people might want audio-only conferences. 

You possibly can flip off the video with the clicking of a button to cater to every particular situation — be it low bandwidth or shy teammates.

Nextiva’s key options

Nextiva presents a collection of sturdy on-line assembly options, together with:

• HD video and audio conferences powered by one of many business’s most dependable networks
• Strives for 99.99% uptime with 24/7 monitoring for reliable conferences
• Display-sharing and file-sharing capabilities which can be safe and encrypted
• Built-in group chat accessible inside and outdoors of conferences
• Scheduling and becoming a member of conferences, webinars, or dwell streams from a unified utility
• Enterprise cellphone app to make calls and entry assembly options from your online business quantity
• Immediate convention function to immediately begin an impromptu assembly through group chat

Pricing

Select from our Necessities plan (beginning at $17.95 monthly) to entry audio and video conferences; cellphone system performance, together with voicemail and toll-free numbers; and limitless web fax. 

As you progress as much as the Skilled plan (beginning at $21.95 monthly) and the Enterprise plan (beginning at $31.95 monthly), add functionalities like auto attendant for intuitive name flows, with room to develop with different options like name recording, app integrations, and single sign-on.

Distinctive perks

Nextiva presents digital name middle software program, superb for small companies to function a gross sales or assist group with out paying big-business costs. 

Whereas the service is filled with superior performance like interactive voice response (IVR), name monitoring, and name queues, the combination between your cellphone system and name middle units Nextiva aside.

When brokers dealing with prospects have a direct connection to your product specialists, all the pieces flows higher, and prospects get a greater expertise.

As an extension of your enterprise cellphone system, it’s also possible to ship and obtain SMS and MMS messages utilizing Nextiva. Finish-to-end encryption is supplied as customary, guaranteeing the safety of your messages.

Greatest for

Nextiva is a perfect digital assembly and communication platform for small companies searching for an easy-to-use resolution requiring minimal setup to shortly host, schedule, and be a part of conferences.

With dependable HD video powered by a community delivering 99.99% uptime, Nextiva permits seamless collaboration for distant groups. The platform uniquely integrates a full-featured cellphone system permitting name facilities to attach brokers and back-office employees on buyer calls.

Firms trying to allow versatile distant work via a safe and reliable conferencing device can profit from Nextiva’s out-of-the-box capabilities to have their group up and working in minutes.

Additional Studying: How Integrating UCaaS & CCaaS Improves Buyer Expertise

2. Google Meet

While you consider Google, you in all probability consider looking on-line. Nevertheless it additionally supplies a digital assembly platform known as Google Meet. The truth is, Google Meet is now a part of Google’s wider productiveness suite named Google Workspace (previously G Suite).

Key options

A few of Zoom’s digital assembly options embrace;

• Video conferences for as much as 100 contributors in entry-level Enterprise Starter plan
• Entry to full Google Workspace apps (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Voice, Slides)
• Cloud storage included, with extra storage in increased pricing tiers
• Non-compulsory add-on for Google Voice cellphone service

Pricing

You will get a free 14-day trial of Google Workspace if you wish to take a look at its video conferencing capabilities. 

Plans begin at $6 per consumer monthly for fundamental entry. At $12 per consumer monthly, you get extra cloud storage and open conferences with as much as 150 contributors. At $18 per consumer monthly, you get open conferences with as much as 500 contributors, much more cloud storage, and enhanced safety settings.

Enterprises should get a customized quote for enhanced assist, implementation, and safety administration.

You will get a free 14-day trial of Google Workspace if you wish to take a look at its video conferencing capabilities. 

Distinctive perks

As Google has owned YouTube since 2006, Google Meet means that you can stream your conferences immediately and on to YouTube, without having for third-party integration.

Greatest for

Google Meet is a perfect video conferencing resolution for groups already utilizing Gmail, Drive, Docs, and different Google Workspace apps who need seamless integration with an adopted toolset.

Its easy and intuitive interface permits quick on-line conferences with out complexity, whereas encryption ensures safety for purchasers with stringent compliance wants.

3. Zoom

Whereas on-line conferences empower distant collaboration, some conditions nonetheless name for in-person, face-to-face gatherings when doable. Hybrid platforms like Zoom facilitate each digital and bodily occasions.

As one of many first digital assembly platforms to react to a distant work-first world, Zoom continues so as to add options to make it aggressive with a few of the finest video conferencing suppliers available in the market.

It’s the paid plans the place Zoom’s innovation has been centered because the pandemic, nonetheless. 

There was (and nonetheless is) an enormous name for digital occasions. Zoom continues to host its personal annual occasion, Zoomtopia, utilizing its personal resolution alongside an in-person session. 

Key options

Zoom presents loads of options past simply video calls, together with:

• Zoom conferences with a 40-minute time restrict and 100 contributors for the free tier
• Built-in mail, calendar, messaging, and whiteboard instruments
• Greater pricing tiers permit extra attendees, longer conferences, and superior options like AI Companion
• Prime-tier plans add enterprise capabilities — cloud storage, customized domains, translated captions

Pricing

As was the attraction throughout the pandemic, you may nonetheless get free entry to Zoom for 40-minute conferences.

While you go for a paid plan, you lower your expenses with a yearly subscription. Costs begin at $149.90 per yr per consumer and develop to $199.90 and $250.00, respectively.

The upper the pricing tier, the extra performance you get. Do remember that, for smaller companies, it’s unlikely you’ll use the options on the high finish of the dimensions.

Distinctive perks

Zoom was one of many first digital assembly platforms to pioneer breakout rooms. The flexibility to run a number of classes away out of your core assembly is in style for companies internet hosting digital occasions. These workshop environments present nice sources of creativity and schooling in the proper palms.

Zoom additionally began the pattern of utilizing digital backgrounds and has continued to innovate with filters and blurring choices. Whereas some suppliers have performed catch-up, Zoom continues to supply this consumer-style really feel to its enterprise platform.

Greatest for

Zoom is finest for firms planning occasions which have a necessity for digital attendance in addition to in-person.

In the event you’re planning a convention and providing various kinds of tickets (in-person and on-line), Zoom is main the best way in hybrid occasions.

As digital assembly platforms should do extra than simply present a gathering expertise, that is the place Zoom has chosen to excel.

4. Microsoft Groups

Microsoft Groups is the alternative platform for Skype for Enterprise. Beforehand, conferences and real-time messaging occurred over Skype.

A number of months after the corporate acquired Skype, Microsoft Groups is now the popular digital assembly platform for Microsoft customers.

Key options

A few of Microsoft Staff’s key options embrace:

• Video conferences with built-in group chat and on-line calling capabilities
• Choices accessible so as to add full cellphone system performance
• Excels with giant conferences:
  • Reside translated captions in 30+ languages
  • AI noise cancellation
• Open and collaborate on Microsoft paperwork (Phrase, PowerPoint, Excel) inside Groups
• Whiteboarding and annotation instruments

Pricing

Microsoft Groups presents a free model for residence customers with restricted performance.

The Groups Necessities package deal ($4 per consumer monthly) supplies fundamental assembly and chat performance for companies. Microsoft’s licensing then adjustments to incorporate all of your Microsoft apps. This turns into a special dialog from simply shopping for a digital assembly platform.

Converse to your Microsoft administrator, in case you have one, to verify their necessities get factored in, too.

Distinctive perks

With Apple CarPlay enabled you may ship Groups messages with Siri for iOS utilizing voice recognition. Moreover, in case your automobile is smartphone-enabled, you may ask Siri to begin your assembly or use the middle console to learn aloud and ship messages.

Microsoft Groups is one in every of few apps that means that you can be a part of, and even host, conferences from the motive force’s seat.

Greatest for

Microsoft Groups is finest for giant companies who’re already utilizing Home windows and the Microsoft suite of instruments for productiveness. 

In the event you already use apps like SharePoint, OneNote, Lists, and so forth., integration into Groups is a win-win for customers and directors. 

5. Cisco Webex

Cisco purchased Webex in 2007 and has, over time, turned Webex into its foremost digital assembly platform.

As one of many oldest video conferencing instruments on this checklist, it could be shocking that Cisco solely went all in on video conferencing software program in current instances.

The dimensions of Cisco’s legacy shopper base has made migration and innovation between merchandise comparatively troublesome.

Key options

A few of Cisco Webex’s key options embrace:

• Video conferences with built-in messaging and on-line calling
• Add-on choices for exterior cellphone system capabilities
• Host conferences with as much as 1,000 contributors (relying on license)
• Options like name recording, group chat, display screen sharing
• Greater tiers add capabilities embrace closed captions, co-hosting, and dwell polling

Pricing

You possibly can join 40-minute conferences with as much as 100 attendees without cost.

For something above this, you should transfer to the $14.50 Starter plan, $25 Marketing strategy, or customized Enterprise plan. As you progress up the pricing tiers, you unlock extra assembly contributors and better security measures.

Distinctive perks

A brand new addition to the Webex function set is the acknowledgment that you simply’ve left your desk.

In case you have an emergency youngster scenario or have to rush to the door when working from residence, Webex auto detects you’ve left and can blur your display screen. There’s no want to attend for an okay time to excuse your self, and everybody is aware of you’re quickly away.

Greatest for

Internet hosting large-scale video conferences is Cisco’s factor. 

Its legacy of kitting out convention rooms, levels, and occasions stays true with its digital assembly platform.

Most of Webex’s prospects are enterprises with giant conferences, now with digital and distant attendees. As such, they’re already utilizing Cisco’s room gear and benefitting from Cisco’s skilled providers.

6. GoTo Assembly

GoTo Assembly began out life as a spin-off of a distant entry device, noticed success as a webinar device (GoTo Webinar), and has most just lately gone via a merger with LogMeIn.

Combining the function units of each GoTo and LogMeIn, the newest model of this digital assembly platform comprises video conferences, audio conferences, and in-session messaging. It’s additionally an honest Dialpad various with its collaboration performance.

Key options

GoTo Assembly’s key options embrace:

• Browser-based conferences with breakout rooms, noise suppression, dial-in audio
• Recording, transcription, annotation, display screen sharing, digital backgrounds
• Safety: single sign-on, capability to dismiss attendees, end-to-end encryption (coming quickly)

Pricing

GoTo Assembly has two foremost pricing tiers however is billed per assembly organizer relatively than per consumer.

Because the standalone assembly product doesn’t embrace group collaboration providers like enterprise messaging or cellphone methods, pricing tiers are $12 per organizer monthly and $16 per organizer monthly. The principle distinction is the attendee cap: 150 and 250, respectively.

There’s a customized Enterprise choice that features bulk shopping for webinars, cellphone, and assembly options.

Distinctive perks

GoTo Assembly now helps you to convert a slide you’re presenting right into a PDF to share with assembly attendees. If somebody asks for a duplicate of the slide deck, you may ship them a read-only model in only a few clicks with out leaving the assembly.

Greatest for

Medium-sized companies searching for a standalone digital assembly platform.

If the broader suite of collaboration providers, like calling and messaging, isn’t a part of your want, GoTo Assembly supplies a easy choice.

7. Skype

Have you ever used Skype for household or private calls?

It’s a serious comfort for individuals with household and mates overseas who don’t need to incur an costly invoice making worldwide calls. Extensively used as a free VoIP app, Skype makes communication accessible for everybody.

Whereas shopper apps like FaceTime and WhatsApp have confirmed extra in style for one-to-one calling in current instances, Skype may very well be thought of an choice for small companies with fundamental assembly wants.

Key options

Skype presents the next key options:

• Schedule and be a part of on-line conferences
• Display sharing, digital backgrounds
• Options like name recording, hand elevate, reactions
• Presence indicators, on the spot messaging
• Choice to order cellphone quantity for calling, SMS/MMS messaging, and conferences

Pricing

Making Skype-to-Skype calls is free. This presents itself as a sexy digital assembly platform for any enterprise. However, whereas this function set has progressed from a one-to-one video name together with your nan, Microsoft’s deal with enterprise conferences lies firmly in Microsoft Groups.

Skype’s cell and landline performance works on a pay-as-you-go credit score foundation. You should purchase credit of $5, $10, or $25 to top-up your account for cell and landline calls.

Distinctive perks

You should use the identical Skype account to your private and enterprise lives.

If you need all of your contacts in a single platform, Skype might be the place the place you meet everybody.

Greatest for

Solopreneurs or groups of two or three searching for an inexpensive choice to make video calls with exterior contacts, like suppliers and freelancers.

8. Slack

Slack’s focus is asynchronous communication. Its unique and core performance is messaging, however not the moment form.

Slack is arguably the pioneer of asynchronous messaging, particularly in enterprise. Having long-lasting contextual messages that don’t disappear means you may ship a message on Monday and return to the dialog on Thursday.

Some customers, nonetheless, recommend Slack is just too overwhelming for them.

With fixed notifications, as companies begin to depend on messaging, most of these customers usually tend to want a digital assembly platform the place video conferencing is the core operate. That stated, there’s nonetheless the power to begin video and audio conferences inside Slack.

Key options

Listed here are a few of Slack’s key options.

• Huddles: impromptu video or audio classes in channels/chats
• Huddle options: display screen sharing, dwell captions, invite hyperlinks
• No built-in assembly scheduling
• Integrations accessible with third-party video platforms to begin conferences in Slack

Pricing

As Slack doesn’t have its personal digital assembly software program, selecting a pricing choice is all the way down to the messaging facet of your collaboration expertise.

In case your aim is to allow asynchronous messaging throughout your online business, the Free plan features a 90-day message historical past and one-to-one and group calls. 

This can be superb for companies that want impromptu assembly performance however don’t have to schedule conferences.

Distinctive perks

Slack’s message threading expertise is among the many finest within the collaboration market. The flexibility to select up conversations the place you left them, change between messages with out dropping the context, and arrange customized notification schedules is a productive method of working for these messaging first.

Greatest for

Firms searching for an asynchronous messaging choice with minimal want for digital conferences.

If the possibility of you scheduling a gathering is low, Slack supplies a very good various to the usual video conferencing platform.

9. Lifesize

Lifesize, just lately acquired by Enghouse Methods, supplies video conferencing and assembly room options. These are sometimes coupled and embrace {hardware} parts like webcams and convention telephones.

Key options

• Normal video/audio conferencing
• Display/file sharing, dwell streaming, assembly recording
• Standout functionality to combine {hardware} and software program for “within the room” expertise for distant contributors via sensible 4K video expertise

Pricing

Lifesize’s assembly options are break up into Plus and Enterprise packages, ranging from $14.95.

Recognizing its goal market can have nuances like in-room configuration, you should request a quote together with your precise necessities to get plan pricing.

Distinctive perks

Lifesize focuses on assembly room interoperability. This implies you’re in a position to run Lifesize assembly room {hardware} utilizing different platforms like Microsoft Groups or Zoom.

This may differ from website to website or workplace to workplace.

Greatest for

Companies able to put money into new assembly room gear have already got a digital assembly platform.

In case your foremost want is {hardware}, Lifesize supplies a brand new in-room expertise built-in together with your present software program.

10. Jitsi

Owned by 8×8, Jitsi is the standalone digital assembly providing from the VoIP and contact middle supplier. 

The core performance behind Jitsi is its webhooks and APIs that assist you to create your personal model expertise and nearly construct your conferencing resolution. As such, it’s a specialist digital assembly platform created with builders in thoughts.

Key options

• Open supply platform that builders can construct customized video conferencing options on high of
• Entry to low-level APIs to customise the platform

Pricing

Jitsi has a number of pricing tiers that enhance as you add customers. 

The free plan, aimed toward builders, is appropriate for conferences with as much as 25 individuals. As you begin to use Jitsi for greater than growth use, the price will increase as extra contributors command extra performance.

Distinctive perks

The mix of Jitsi’s customizability and HIPAA-compatible video conferences means healthcare suppliers can construct their digital session software program as a substitute of investing in costly, done-for-you options.

Greatest for

Companies with engineering assets trying to create a customized video conferencing platform.

11. Zoho Assembly

Zoho Assembly is one in every of over 100 Zoho apps in its market. Its easy interface follows the theme of the remainder of the Zoho portfolio and might be built-in into different Zoho apps or with third-party options.

Key options

• Core video conferencing (HD video, display screen sharing)
• Webinar internet hosting and dwell streaming
• Further capabilities embrace digital backgrounds, recurring assembly scheduling, and on-line whiteboard
• Integrates with Zoho CRM for appointment reserving (requires some extra configuration and trial-and-error, however as soon as set, it really works positive)

Pricing

Zoho costs its digital assembly platform per host monthly and by the variety of assembly contributors. 

In the event you want webinar entry, the worth jumps to $19 monthly when billed yearly.

A free model with restricted options can be capped at 100 attendees.

Right here is a sign of the pricing will increase as you add extra attendees.

Distinctive perks

Zoho Assembly is one in every of many apps within the Zoho portfolio. As such, it’s higher fitted to integrating into any of these greater than different digital assembly platforms.

For instance, you would possibly subscribe to Zoho Advertising and marketing or Zoho CRM. Embedding your video conferencing resolution inside these is a serious win for productiveness.

Greatest for

Present customers of apps inside the Zoho suite will discover Zoho Assembly simple to make use of because it’s uniform with different apps within the portfolio.

12. Tella

One Atlassian research reported we spend greater than 31 hours each month losing time in conferences.

As a non-live resolution, Tella is an app that allows asynchronous video, which means you ship updates through video as a substitute of getting everybody collectively. The end result?

Everybody will get the knowledge they want. No one’s deep work will get interrupted.

Options

Tella is filled with video recording options as a substitute for having conferences. These embrace:

• 4K video recording
• Display sharing
• A complete enhancing suite
• Digital backgrounds
• Automated subtitles
• Shareable hyperlinks
• Adjustable display screen positions

Pricing

It’s free to begin utilizing Tella. You will get a free seven-day trial with out getting into your bank card particulars. After that, select from $15 monthly for a person consumer or $12 monthly per consumer for a group license (a minimal of three customers is required).

Distinctive perks

It’s a bit like having a gathering by your self after which distributing it to the individuals you’ll have invited to the assembly.

You possibly can create movies for product updates, reply inbound inquiries, or relay necessary firm updates with out requiring everybody to place down their instruments and be a part of a gathering.

Greatest for

Distant groups used to asynchronous work, and people who belief their groups to observe and reply to necessary assembly updates.

Options To Search for in On-line Assembly Software program

At minimal, high digital assembly platforms present high-quality video conferencing enabling a number of contributors to affix audio and video calls. Most additionally embrace:

• Display sharing to current paperwork, slides, and extra to attendees
• File sharing capabilities
• Audio-only conferencing for fast calls with out video
• Cell apps permitting conferences on the go
• Recording and storage of conferences within the cloud
• Built-in cellphone methods changing conventional landlines

When selecting a platform for group conferences and collaboration, be sure to judge each video conferencing capabilities and messaging or chat options that facilitate fixed communication between group members.

Inside these strong platforms aimed toward streamlining teamwork, you’ll additionally discover extra superior capabilities. This contains options like AI-powered assembly summaries, noise cancellation, dwell translation, digital whiteboards, and integration with in style enterprise apps.

Main options present cell apps on each Android and iOS working methods, guaranteeing flexibility to affix conferences from whichever machine you will have readily available, whether or not desktop or cell.

As you consider choices, determine which distinctive parts are must-have or nice-to-have to empower productiveness, engagement, and tailor-made workflows.

How To Select a Digital Assembly Platform

Listed here are some recommendations on how to decide on the very best digital assembly platform to your wants:

• Determine your key priorities — Do you want strong assembly options, webinars, group messaging, an built-in cellphone system, or different capabilities? Rank the must-haves.
• Take into account your group measurement — Some platforms work higher for smaller teams, whereas enterprise-grade options deal with 1000’s. The dimensions ought to match wants.
• Consider ease of use — Platforms with easy interfaces don’t require heavy coaching or onboarding for organizers and contributors.
• Assess interoperability — Help for all machine varieties (desktop, cell, browser-based) ensures flexibility.
• Overview pricing tiers — Stability options with the variety of customers and finances. Look ahead to hidden charges.
• Test opinions and ask friends — Get suggestions from actual customers and ask colleagues what has labored nicely for them.
• Join free trials — Earlier than committing, make the most of free trials or demo choices to check assembly workflows related to your group like display screen sharing, recording, dwell streaming, and so forth.
• Affirm safety & compliance — Encryption, information privateness and compliance certifications (HIPAA, SOC2, and so forth) are vital for a lot of organizations.

The Digital Assembly Market Is Huge — And Nextiva Helps

It’s been an enormous yr for video, to say the least.

The digital assembly market is filled with choices, every with a novel method to internet hosting dwell conferences. Selecting the best one is all about matching accessible performance together with your core wants.

For instance, if your online business makes use of Microsoft for all the pieces, there’s a robust case for utilizing Groups for conferences.

Likewise, selecting Nextiva for its all-inclusive cellphone system, video conferencing, and name middle integration is smart in the event you don’t need to take care of separate apps or an advanced IT rollout.

For entrepreneurs, a standalone platform for conferences can work nice.

With its bundled cellphone system, conferencing device, and name middle software program, Nextiva positions itself as an all-in-one unified communications platform requiring minimal integration or setup throughout these key capabilities.