Virtual meetings have become an integral part of our professional lives. As organizations continue to embrace flexible work arrangements, finding the right virtual meeting platform for large groups becomes crucial.
So, in this article, we’ll explore the top 10 platforms that stand out for their features, integrations, and suitability for large-scale virtual gatherings.
What Is a Virtual Meeting Platform?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify what we mean by a virtual meeting platform.
As an overview, a virtual meeting platform is a digital tool that facilitates online meetings, allowing participants to connect, communicate, and collaborate regardless of their physical location.
In addition, these platforms often offer features like screen sharing, and chat functionalities to emulate the experience of an in-person meeting.
Top 10 Best Virtual Meeting Platforms for Large Groups
| Pricing | Key Feature | |
| Zoom | Free for 100 participants, 10 GB of cloud storage, and a 40-minute meeting time limit. Paid plans: $14.99 to $18.00 | Allows users to set custom virtual backgrounds during video calls. |
| Google Meet | Free for 100 participants, unlimited meetings, and 10 GB of pooled storage per user. Paid plans: $7.20 to $21.60 per user per month | Seamlessly integrates with Google’s suite of productivity tools. |
| MS Teams | Free for group calling and 5 GB of storage. Paid plans: $4.00/user/month to $6.00/user/month, including Office apps and advanced cybersecurity | Offers extensive integrations with Microsoft Office and collaborative tools. |
| Skype | Free for unlimited calls and messaging between Skype users. For calling mobiles and landlines, prices vary depending on the country and plan chosen. International calls have different rates. | Known for its instant messaging and voice/video calling features. |
| GoTo Meeting | Free for 30 participants, a 40-minute meeting time limit, and no recording. Paid plans: $14.25 to $29.95 per host per month | Provides drawing tools and a virtual whiteboard. |
| Zoho Meeting | Free for 100 participants, a 40-minute meeting time limit, and no recording. Paid plans: $13 to $34 per host per month | Allows remote control of another participant’s screen for troubleshooting or collaborative work. |
| Jitsy Meet | Free for unlimited meetings, 50 participants, and basic features. Jitsi Meet is an open-source platform, so the pricing is not directly set by the developers. | Stands out for being open-source and emphasizing user privacy. |
| Cisco Webex | Free for 100 participants, a 40-minute meeting time limit, and no recording. Paid plans: $14.95 to $29.95 per host per month | Offers real-time meeting transcriptions with AI-driven speech-to-text conversion. |
| ClickMeeting | Free for meetings up to 40 minutes, 10 participants, and basic features. Paid plans: $10 to $30 per host per month | Specializes in webinar hosting with features like audience engagement tools, screen sharing, and interactive presentations. |
| RingCentral | Free for unlimited calls between a limited number of participants. Paid plans: $19.99 to $59.99 per user per month | Provides a complete communication and collaboration suite. |
Zoom
Zoom has risen to prominence as one of the best virtual meeting platforms for large groups. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Zoom allows users to set custom virtual backgrounds during video calls, adding a touch of personalization to the virtual meeting space.
If you want to use it for free, Zoom accommodates up to 100 participants, making it an excellent choice for mid-sized gatherings.
| Pros | Cons |
| Intuitive interface Custom virtual backgrounds Easy to join meetings | 40-minute time limit on free plans |
| 👍 Try this! Zoom offers built-in background options, but for consistency, you can also make one for your team. Check out these graphic design tools that can help you create backgrounds that resonate with your team culture, even with no advanced designing skills required. |
Google Meet
Google Meet seamlessly integrates with Google’s suite of productivity tools, offering a cohesive experience for users who are already embedded in the Google ecosystem. Moreover, it supports large groups and allows up to 100 participants in its free version.
| Pros | Cons |
| Integration with Google apps Easy scheduling with Google Calendar High-quality video and audio | Limited features on free plans |
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration tool that offers extensive integrations with Microsoft Office and other collaborative tools. With its focus on teamwork and communication, Teams is an ideal choice for organizations utilizing the Microsoft 365 suite. Also, the free version supports up to 300 participants.
| Pros | Cons |
| Seamless integration with Microsoft Office Robust collaboration features Large participant limit | Learning curve for new users |
| 💡 Additional Tip: MS Teams is a recommendable tool to use when your team mainly uses Microsoft tools because of the seamless integration among apps. You can also schedule emails on MS Outlook to boost efficiency in communication within your organization. |
Skype
Known for its instant messaging and voice/video calling features, Skype remains a popular choice for virtual communication. While it is not as feature-rich as some other platforms, Skype is reliable and supports free meetings with up to 100 participants.
| Pros | Cons |
| Familiar interface Instant messaging capabilities Free meetings for up to 100 participants | Limited advanced features |
GoTo Meeting
GoTo Meeting stands out with its drawing tools and a virtual whiteboard, which you can use to create mock-up workflow, notes of agenda, and other meeting essentials. Also, it offers flexibility in hosting meetings and accommodates up to 150 participants in its free version.
| Pros | Cons |
| Drawing tools and virtual whiteboard User-friendly interface Free meetings for up to 150 participants | Limited customization options |
Zoho Meeting
Zoho Meeting is another one of the top-notch virtual meeting platforms for large groups. Compared to other tools, it distinguishes itself by allowing remote control of another participant’s screen for troubleshooting or collaborative work. This feature can be particularly useful for technical support or collaborative projects. Zoho Meeting supports free meetings with up to 100 participants.
| Pros | Cons |
| Remote screen control Affordable pricing for premium features Strong security measures | Limited branding options |
Jitsi Meet
Staying true to its open-source roots, Jitsi Meet is known for emphasizing user privacy. With no need for accounts or downloads, it offers a hassle-free experience for participants. Jitsi Meet supports free meetings for an impressive 75 participants.
| Pros | Cons |
| Open-source and privacy-focused No need for accounts or downloads Free meetings for up to 75 participants | Limited advanced features |
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex goes beyond standard video conferencing by offering real-time meeting transcriptions with AI-driven speech-to-text conversion. This can be a game-changer for accessibility and documentation purposes. The free version accommodates up to 100 participants.
| Pros | Cons |
| Real-time meeting transcriptions Integration with popular apps Free meetings for up to 100 participants | Limited customization options |
ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting specializes in webinar hosting, making it an ideal choice for virtual events and presentations. With features like audience engagement tools, screen sharing, and interactive presentations, ClickMeeting stands out. The free version supports meetings with up to 25 participants.
| Pros | Cons |
| Webinar hosting capabilities Interactive presentation features Free meetings for up to 25 participants | Limited participant capacity |
RingCentral
RingCentral provides a complete communication and collaboration suite, making it a one-stop solution for businesses.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive communication suite Integration with business tools Free meetings for up to 100 participants | Higher learning curve for advanced features |
Virtual Meeting Etiquette
Regardless of the platform you choose, adhering to virtual meeting etiquette is crucial for a smooth and productive experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Test your equipment: Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working well before the meeting.
- Be punctual: Join the meeting on time to respect everyone’s schedule.
- Mute when not speaking: Avoid background noise by muting your microphone when you’re not talking.
- Use video when possible: Engage in a more personal connection by turning on your video.
- Contribute actively: Participate in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to the meeting’s objectives. For hosts, you can try walking meetings even with a virtual conference.
Last Words: The Best Virtual Meeting Platforms for Large Groups
Choosing the best virtual meeting platform for large groups depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the nature of your meetings. Whether you prioritize integration with existing tools, advanced features, or ease of use, the platforms mentioned above offer diverse options to cater to various requirements.
Overall, you should evaluate your organization’s goals and preferences to determine the platform that aligns best with your virtual collaboration needs. With the right platform and adherence to virtual meeting etiquette, you can make your online meetings as effective and seamless as in-person gatherings.
Hi, I’m Mira! I’m a passionate content writer and editor, mostly working on SEO. Being in the biz for nearly three years now, I have an extensive understanding of productivity tools and the users’ needs. These first-hand experiences help me directly connect with the users’ sentiments, translating them into compelling content for audiences across a wide range of industries.