7 Best Zoom Alternatives For Online Classes And Group Calls (2024)

What’s the first tool that comes to mind when you want to hold a group coaching call or video conference? Of course, Zoom.

Over the years, Zoom has been a key part of my consultancy and coaching businesses.

I was using it long before it became the world’s go-to video conferencing solution during the COVID-19 days.

That’s why I confidently recommend Zoom to anyone running cohort courses or group coaching sessions.

But if Zoom isn’t working quite the way you’d like, there are plenty of other great options out there.

Since I work with clients across various industries, I often switch to their preferred video-calling solutions to make them feel more comfortable.

And honestly, I don’t mind.

It gives me a chance to explore new products and understand why some people prefer Zoom’s competitors.

In this article, I’ll give you a firsthand review of some of the best Zoom alternatives from an e-learning perspective.

Let’s get started.

Quick verdict | What Are The Best Zoom Alternatives For Edupreneurs?

Want quick recommendations for the best Zoom alternatives for course creators and coaches? Here’s our top list.

• Microsoft Teams – Best overall Zoom alternative
• Google Meet – The most user-friendly Zoom replacement
• Adobe Connect – Best for interactive learning experiences
• Cisco Webex – Best for corporate video conferencing
• BigBlueButton – Best open-source video conferencing for educators.

How did we come to this conclusion?

The rest of this article answers this question in detail.

Why Look For A Zoom Alternative?

Good question.

Zoom is the undisputed leader in the video conferencing industry with a 55.91% market share. No other alternative comes even close.

Zoom offers a lot of great features and tools even in its free version. So, there’s no obvious reason for switching to a competitor.

But every coach and course creator has their own needs and preferences, and any of these Zoom limitations might have you looking for a replacement:

Limited Call Duration

Zoom’s free plan cuts your group calls off at 40 minutes. If you’re running in-depth coaching sessions or live classes, sometimes that isn’t enough to dive deep into your content.

Engagement Features

Interactive tools like polls, breakout rooms, and live quizzes can make your live sessions fun and engaging. Some Zoom alternatives do a much better job of keeping your audience hooked.

Video Quality

Reddit is filled with people complaining about Zoom’s poor video quality. If you’re dealing with frequent lag or aren’t satisfied with the video quality, it might be time to consider some of Zoom’s alternatives.

Storage Limitations

Recording your sessions is crucial, but Zoom’s storage fills up fast. Other platforms offer more generous storage options or seamless integration with cloud storage services.

Privacy Concerns

Zoom’s had its share of security hiccups in the past. If you’re dealing with sensitive client information or confidential course material, you might want to double-check Zoom’s privacy policies.

7 Best Zoom Alternatives For Course Creators, Coaches And eLearning Professionals

Let’s dive into the top Zoom alternatives that you can use for group calls and video conferencing in your online courses and coaching programs.

But here’s an important point to remember.

There’s no perfect, one-size-fits-all Zoom replacement. Each tool on this list has its own strengths and weaknesses.

What works brilliantly for one coach or course creator might fall short for another.

So, as you explore these options, think about your specific goals and the features that matter most to you when deciding which Zoom replacement fits your needs.

To make your decision easier, here’s a comparison snapshot of Zoom with its main competitors from an eLearning perspective.

Feature	Zoom	Microsoft Teams	Google Meet	Adobe Connect
Focus	Video Conferencing	Collaboration Platform	Video Conferencing	E-Learning & Conferencing	Webinar Hosting	E-Learning Platform	Video Conferencing	Video Conferencing & Webinars
E-Learning Features	Breakout rooms, Whiteboard, Polling	Chat, File sharing, Co-authoring	Screen sharing, Live Q&A	Whiteboard, Breakout rooms, Polls	Polls, Q&A, Recordings, Content Management	Whiteboard, Collaborative documents, Shared notes	Screen sharing, Polling, Breakout rooms	Breakout rooms, Screen sharing, Whiteboard
Video Conferencing Features	Screen sharing, Breakout rooms, Recording (paid), Polling	Screen sharing, Recording (paid), Breakout rooms	Screen sharing, Recording (paid), Live captions	Screen sharing, Recording, Whiteboard	Screen sharing, Recording, Q&A, Engagement tools	Screen sharing, Recording, Breakout rooms	Screen sharing, Recording, Breakout rooms	Screen sharing, Recording, Breakout rooms
Engagement Features	Polling, Reactions, Q&A	Polling, Reactions, Live captions	Polling, Reactions, Live captions	Polls, Q&A, Handraising	Polls, Q&A, Quizzes, Gamification	Polls, Q&A, Handraising	Polls, Q&A, Reactions	Polls, Q&A, Reactions
Audience Participation	Yes (video and audio)	Yes (video and audio)	Yes (video and audio)	Yes (video and audio)	Yes (video and audio)	Yes (video and audio)	Yes (video and audio)	Yes (video and audio)
Free Plan	40-minute meetings, 100 participants	60-minute meetings, 300 participants	60-minute meetings, 100 participants	Free for meetings, Paid for E-Learning	Limited features	Up to 90 participants/meeting	Free for meetings, Paid for advanced features	Free for meetings up to 100 participants
Integration	Many integrations (apps & calendars)	Integrates with Microsoft Office products	Integrates with Google Workspace	Limited integrations	Many integrations (marketing & CRM)	Limited integrations	Many integrations (productivity & business tools)	Limited integrations
Pricing	Varies based on features & participants	Varies based on features & users	Varies based on features & participants	Varies based on features & users	Varies based on features & participants	Free & Paid plans	Varies based on features & participants	Varies based on features & participants
Entry-Level Pricing	$14.99/month	$5.80/user/month	$6.00/user/month	$49/user/month	$99/month	Free for open-source version, paid plans available	$13.50/user/month	$1/month/host (billed annually)

Let’s now discuss each alternative to Zoom in more detail.

1.    Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is one of my top choices for educators, businesses, and digital creators looking for a Zoom alternative.

With over 300 million monthly active users, Teams is among the most widely used video conferencing solutions in the world, and a perfect replacement for Zoom.

Teams is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 and combines chat, video calls, file sharing, and collaborative workspace, all in one seamless platform.

For online course creators and coaches, its ability to manage both live sessions and ongoing communication makes it a powerful alternative to Zoom.

In my years of running online workshops and training sessions, I’ve seen firsthand how Teams elevates the learning experience by turning video calls into interactive sessions where participants feel engaged and connected.

The video quality is consistently high, with minimal lags or disruptions, even during long group calls, something that can be a game-changer for live classes.

What Makes Microsoft Teams a Good Zoom Alternative?

If you’re used to Zoom for your online coaching or courses, here’s why Teams might be a better fit.

While Zoom is great for straightforward video calls, Teams takes it up a notch with its all-in-one approach that includes tools for file sharing, real-time collaboration, and interactive teaching.

Here’s what makes it a great Zoom alternative.

●      Audience Engagement

Teams has features like breakout rooms, live polls, and virtual hand-raising that make it easier to keep students involved throughout your sessions. It’s ideal when you need to divide your class into smaller groups for focused discussions.

●      Top-Notch Video Quality

One of the standout features of Teams is its video quality. Even during high-demand sessions, the video remains crisp, with very few disruptions. It handles bandwidth fluctuations better than Zoom, reducing awkward freezes or audio delays during your live teaching.

●      Robust Security

When it comes to privacy and security, Teams leads the way with end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with industry standards like GDPR. If you’re sharing sensitive student data or confidential course materials, you can trust that Teams has your back.

●      Effortless File Sharing

Unlike Zoom, where you often need to toggle between apps to share files, Teams allows you to store and collaborate on documents right within the platform. This integration with OneDrive makes it easy to share course materials instantly.

Microsoft Teams Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Join or host meetings directly from your browser without the hassle of downloading an app.	The range of features in Teams can be overwhelming for those looking for a simple, no-frills video call platform.
The built-in chat function lets you communicate with students and participants without switching platforms.	Though it integrates with OneDrive, Teams’ free plan includes only 5GB of storage space.
Free users can host group calls and meetings for up to 60 minutes.​	For those not familiar with Microsoft products, navigating through Teams can take a bit of time to get used to.
The Teams app is well-optimized for mobile devices, making it easy to join classes on the go.

2.    Google Meet

If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use Zoom alternative, Google Meet is an excellent option.

With over 300 million monthly users, Meet is among the most popular tools in Google Workspace. According to Statitsa, it was the ninth most downloaded Google app in July 2024 with over 6 million downloads.

Google Meet is a cloud solution that doesn’t require software downloads or complicated setups (just click the link and you’re in). That’s a big plus if you’re running multiple classes or coaching sessions back-to-back.

I like Google Meet because of its user-friendliness and ease of use.

It lacks some of the more advanced eLearning features you get with Teams or Zoom but makes up for it with excellent video quality and engagement tools.

When I’ve needed a quick, reliable solution for coaching calls or online classes, Google Meet has rarely let me down.

What Makes Google Meet a Good Zoom Alternative?

Google Meet prioritizes ease and accessibility, making it a solid choice for those who need a no-fuss video conferencing tool that still delivers quality.

Here’s what makes it worth considering as a replacement for Zoom.

●      Seamless Collaboration with Google Tools

What truly sets Google Meet apart is how effortlessly it ties into the entire Google Workspace ecosystem. If you’re managing online courses, you can schedule classes through Google Calendar, share course materials from Google Drive, and even co-edit documents during live sessions, all without leaving the Meet interface.

●      Reliable Video and Audio Performance

Unlike Zoom, which can struggle with lags when bandwidth dips, Google Meet adjusts video quality in real time to prevent disruptions. This means you can maintain a fluid teaching experience even if your connection isn’t perfect.

●      Strong Privacy and Security Features

If you’re concerned about keeping client information secure, Google Meet’s robust encryption and secure meeting links are a big advantage. You get proactive security features that help block uninvited guests, addressing a common pain point with Zoom’s past issues (Zoombombing).

●      Streamlined User Experience

Google Meet’s clean and intuitive interface makes it easy to use, especially for students or clients who aren’t tech-savvy. No need for them to navigate through unnecessary settings or downloads, just click and connect.

Pros And Cons of Google Meet

Pros	Cons
You can share your screen and work on Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides with participants in real-time	Google Meet lacks features like virtual backgrounds, in-meeting polls, breakout rooms, and call recordings in its free plan.
Built-in live captions help keep your sessions accessible for participants	You can’t mute all participants or manage screen sharing as robustly as Zoom does.
Google Meet’s mobile app works seamlessly, ensuring you can connect on the go	Meet’s customization features are limited compared to Zoom, which offers more options for creating a branded and personalized virtual classroom.

3.    Adobe Connect

With 2.5 million users, Adobe Connect isn’t as big as Teams or Meet, but it’s an incredibly useful video conferencing tool specifically for course creators and coaches.

In my experience as a learning professional, Adobe Connect shines when you need to create a fully interactive, branded classroom experience.

For example, I’ve used Adobe Connect to set up virtual training sessions where I could arrange multiple content pods on-screen, one for live video, another for real-time chat, and a separate space for interactive quizzes and polls.

This level of control lets you guide the flow of your session exactly the way you want, without the distractions of unnecessary features cluttering the screen.

Unlike most platforms that offer generic video feeds, Adobe Connect allows you to design your virtual room to fit your teaching style.

For example, you can display a branded slide deck, embed a custom logo, or even use collaborative whiteboards that your students can interact with directly.

This flexibility has been a game-changer in turning passive viewers into active participants, making the whole experience feel more like a live classroom than just another video call.

What Makes Adobe Connect a Good Zoom Alternative?

If you’ve been using Zoom primarily for its video conferencing features, switching to Adobe Connect could open up a world of new possibilities for your courses and coaching sessions.

Here’s what makes it a top Zoom alternative.

●      Customizable Virtual Classrooms

Adobe Connect offers the ability to design your virtual classroom layout exactly how you want it. You can arrange content “pods” for video, chat, quizzes, polls, and file sharing, creating a more structured and organized learning environment than Zoom’s standard interface.

●      Enhanced Engagement Tools

Unlike Zoom, which keeps its interaction tools fairly basic, Adobe Connect includes a suite of interactive features like real-time quizzes, custom polls, and collaborative whiteboards. These tools help turn passive viewers into active participants, ideal for keeping your students engaged throughout longer sessions.

●      High-Quality Video and Audio

Adobe Connect is optimized for larger virtual events and interactive sessions, reducing lag even in high-demand situations. Its audio clarity remains consistent, which is crucial when hosting multi-hour training workshops or live coaching events.

Pros and Cons of Adobe Connect

Pros	Cons
Set up personalized layouts with content pods to create a unique learning environment.	Adobe Connect’s feature range can be overwhelming for users switching from Zoom.
Includes specialized pods for quizzes, polls, and breakout activities.	Its free version doesn’t offer any advanced engagement features.
Offer detailed audience engagement analytics.	Adobe Connect is more expensive than Zoom, which makes it less practical for beginner course creators.
Works well across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.	Compared to Zoom’s clean, modern design, Adobe Connect’s interface might feel a bit dated.

4.    Livestorm

Livestorm is primarily a webinar platform but offers quite impressive video conferencing capabilities, making it a possible Zoom alternative.

It is a browser-based solution known for its focus on engagement and ease of use.

This makes it a go-to choice for educators, course creators, and digital professionals looking to create immersive virtual experiences.

In my experience, Livestorm excels when you need to keep participants actively engaged throughout a session.

Its clean interface and built-in tools make it easy to launch polls, Q&A sessions, and instant feedback requests, which are crucial for maintaining energy and focus during longer classes or workshops.

What Makes Livestorm a Good Zoom Alternative?

If you’ve been using Zoom for your online courses or coaching sessions but want to boost engagement, Livestorm might be just what you’re looking for.

Here’s how it stacks up against Zoom.

●      Engagement Features Built-In

Unlike Zoom, where you often have to use external tools or apps to enhance engagement, Livestorm keeps everything in one place, making it easier to gauge student reactions and adapt on the fly.

●      Video Quality and Stability

Livestorm’s video quality remains consistent, with minimal lags, even during high-demand sessions. This performance makes it ideal for live coaching or webinar sessions where uninterrupted video and audio are crucial for maintaining professionalism.

●      Automated Email Workflows

Livestorm’s automation features allow you to schedule reminder emails, follow-ups, and event notifications with ease. This is a step up from Zoom, where you’d need to rely on third-party tools or manual follow-ups to keep participants in the loop.

Pros and Cons of Livestorm

Pros	Cons
Livestorm’s built-in tools for Q&A, polls, and chat make it easy to get real-time feedback	Livestorm lacks advanced customization options.
Automatically send emails to remind participants of upcoming sessions.	It is expensive compared to Zoom.
Livestorm integrates well with CRM tools, marketing automation platforms, and LMS systems	The free version of Livestorm has limitations on session duration and the number of attendees

5.    BigBlueButton

I like BigBlueButton because it is a video conferencing tool built specifically for online education and virtual classrooms.

Unlike other generic video platforms, it was designed with teachers, course creators, and educators in mind, providing features that support interactive learning.

It’s open-source software, which means it’s free to use and can be customized to fit the specific needs of your virtual classroom.

It offers a range of teaching tools that help turn passive students into active participants, making your online classes feel just as engaging as in-person sessions.

What Makes BigBlueButton a Good Zoom Alternative?

BigBlueButton might not be a great Zoom alternative for regular users. But educators, coaches, and course creators will certainly find it worth using.

Here’s what makes it a possible replacement for Zoom.

Interactive Learning Tools

BigBlueButton offers collaboration features like multi-user whiteboards, real-time chat, breakout rooms, and live polling. While Zoom also provides some of these tools, BigBlueButton’s features are more tailored to educational needs, allowing smooth transitions between lecture-style teaching and interactive group activities.

Built-In Classroom Features

It comes with built-in tools that make teaching easier, such as an integrated note-taking area, public and private chat, and shared screen capabilities. Unlike Zoom, where you often need third-party apps to achieve this level of interactivity, BigBlueButton has it all ready to go within the platform.

Open-Source Flexibility

As open-source software, BigBlueButton offers customization options that most paid platforms, like Zoom, simply can’t match. This flexibility is ideal if you need a tailored experience to match your specific teaching style or want to integrate the platform into your existing LMS.

Pros and Cons of BigBlueButton

Pros	Cons
Great for collaborative activities where both students and instructors can draw, annotate, and interact in real time.	The interface can feel outdated and less intuitive compared to Zoom.
It’s completely free to use	Doesn’t have a mobile app
Works smoothly with popular learning management systems like Moodle, Canvas, and Sakai.

6.    Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex is an advanced video conferencing platform more suited to enterprises and large corporations.

With over 13 million users, it is one of the top video collaboration tools and a potential Zoom alternative.

Webex goes beyond simple video calls with specialized tools like live annotations, session recording, and detailed participant management.

It’s a top choice for corporate coaches, trainers, and educators who need to run dynamic, structured sessions that truly engage their audience.

I’ve used Webex’s annotation feature to highlight key concepts on shared documents, turning passive viewers into active participants.

These small but powerful features create a more immersive learning environment than what most basic video tools can offer.

What Makes Cisco Webex a Good Zoom Alternative?

Webex shines in environments that demand advanced features, top-tier security, and robust control over online sessions. However, it’s not the best fit for beginners or course creators with tight budgets.

Let’s break down why Webex might still be a great Zoom alternative in the right circumstances.

Interactive Features for Hands-On Learning

Webex’s live annotation tools and interactive whiteboards make it ideal for educators who rely on visual teaching methods. Whether you’re drawing diagrams, marking up slides, or collaborating on ideas in real time, Webex turns your virtual classroom into a more dynamic learning space.

LMS Integration

Webex seamlessly integrates with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle and Canvas. This allows you to automate course delivery and student tracking, streamlining the entire educational process, something platforms like Zoom can’t do without multiple add-ons.

Advanced Security And Privacy

Webex has built-in security features for handling confidential client information or proprietary course content. End-to-end encryption and password-protected meetings come standard, making it a safer bet than Zoom.

Pros and Cons of Cisco Webex

Pros	Cons
Webex offers HD video with minimal latency.	Webex doesn’t offer extensive options to customize your virtual meeting room.
Its AI-driven noise-canceling technology ensures clear audio even in noisy environments.	It has a much steeper learning curve compared to Zoom.
Seamlessly switch between desktop, tablet, and smartphone during your sessions.	It’s expensive and not ideal for beginners.

7.    Zoho Meetings

I’ve used Zoho Meetings for coaching calls and believe it’s a decent Zoom alternative for online learning professionals.

It’s a part of the Zoho suite of business software that includes other features like webinars, audio calling, and full-fledged CRM.

It’s designed to help professionals host seamless video meetings and interactive webinars while keeping security and privacy at the forefront.

What sets Zoho Meeting apart is its deep integration with other Zoho applications, making it a powerful tool for managing everything from client interactions to project collaboration.

What Makes Zoho Meeting a Good Zoom Alternative?

Zoho Meeting can be an attractive choice especially if you’re concerned about data security or need better integration with business tools.

Here’s how Zoho Meeting stands up against Zoom for video conferencing.

HD Video Conferencing And Recording

While Zoho Meeting supports high-definition video, it automatically adjusts the video resolution based on the user’s internet connection. It also records your video sessions and saves them in the cloud for easy access later.

Moderator Controls

Hosts have control over muting participants, locking meetings, and managing who can share their screen or present.

User-Friendly Interface

Zoho Meeting provides a cleaner, more intuitive design that’s easier for beginners to navigate. Its straightforward dashboard allows even first-time users to set up meetings or webinars with just a few clicks, making it a user-friendly option for smaller coaching teams.

Engagement Features

With features like live polls, Q&A sessions, and attendee engagement tracking, Zoho Meetings is a great alternative for course creators who want to scale up from one-on-one coaching to larger audience engagements without a steep learning curve.

Affordable

Zoho Meeting’s pricing is more affordable than Zoom’s higher-tier plans, making it a practical choice for new coaches or small businesses looking to keep costs low without sacrificing essential features.

Pros and Cons of Zoho Meetings

Pros	Cons
It’s a completely browser-based tool	Unlike Zoom, Zoho Meeting lacks advanced breakout room capabilities.
Built-in engagement features like polls and Q&A allow you to gather real-time feedback from participants	The platform offers limited customization for branding.
Works effortlessly with Zoho CRM, Projects, and other tools.	The free version of Zoho Meeting has tight restrictions on meeting duration and participant numbers.

Which Zoom Alternative Is Right For Your Business?

Zoom is an excellent product which is why it is the world’s number one video conferencing solution.

However, the alternatives we’ve discussed in this article also offer excellent engagement and collaboration features.

While the best Zoom alternative depends on your specific goals and needs, here’s our top list.

• Microsoft Teams – Best overall Zoom alternative
• Google Meet – The most user-friendly Zoom replacement
• Adobe Connect – Best for interactive learning experiences
• Cisco Webex – Best for corporate video conferencing
• BigBlueButton – Best open-source video conferencing for educators.

Try the free visions of these tools and test their features before making the final call.

Jeff Cobb, Founder of Learning Revolution

Jeff Cobb is an expert in online education and the business of adult lifelong learning. Over the past 20+ years he has built a thriving career based on that expertise – as an entrepreneur, a consultant, an author, and a speaker. Learning Revolution is a place where Jeff curates tips, insights, and resources to help you build a thriving expertise-based business. Learn more about Jeff Cobb here.

See Also:

• 11 Best Webinar Software Platforms For Creators (2024)
• 11 Best Virtual Conference Platforms (2024)