Best Zoom Alternatives 2026
Discover the best Zoom alternatives for 2026. Compare Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Jitsi, Whereby and Around on video calling, features and pricing.
At MG Software we use Google Meet for daily standups and Teams for client meetings. For privacy-sensitive projects we recommend Jitsi as a self-hosted solution.
Why do people look for alternatives to Zoom is a leading video conferencing platform with meetings, webinars, breakout rooms, recordings and a marketplace for integrations. It became the standard for video calling during the pandemic.?
Zoom's free plan limits group calls to 40 minutes, pricing has increased for teams and there have been repeated privacy concerns. Many organizations seek alternatives that integrate better with their existing tool stack.
Best alternatives
Google Meet
Google Meet is Google's video conferencing solution, built into Google Workspace with seamless integration with Gmail, Calendar and Drive. It works directly in the browser without downloads.
Pros
- +No download required: works entirely in the browser
- +Seamless integration with Gmail, Google Calendar and Drive
- +AI features like automatic captions and meeting summaries
Cons
- -Fewer advanced meeting features than Zoom like polling and breakout rooms
- -Free plan limited to 60 minutes for group calls
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams offers video meetings for up to 300 participants, integrated with chat, files and collaboration. It is included with Microsoft 365 at no additional cost.
Pros
- +Included with Microsoft 365 at no extra license cost
- +Meetings for up to 300 participants with breakout rooms and recordings
- +Integrated whiteboard, co-authoring and Together Mode
Cons
- -Heavier application that consumes more system resources
- -External participants without a Microsoft account experience friction
Jitsi
Jitsi is a fully open-source video conferencing platform that you can use for free via meet.jit.si or self-host for maximum control and privacy.
Pros
- +Completely free and open-source with no user limits
- +Self-hosting possible for full privacy and data control
- +No account required: share a link and start immediately
Cons
- -Quality can vary with more than 30 participants
- -No built-in calendar integration or advanced meeting tools
Whereby
Whereby offers browser-based video calls with permanent meeting rooms, customizable backgrounds and an API for embedding video in your own applications.
Pros
- +Permanent meeting rooms with fixed URLs without downloads
- +Customizable branding and backgrounds for professional appearance
- +Whereby Embedded API for building video into your own products
Cons
- -Free plan limited to 1 room with a maximum of 100 participants
- -Fewer features for large meetings than Zoom
Around
Around is designed for always-on collaboration with minimalist floating video bubbles, auto-muting, noise cancellation and low CPU usage.
Pros
- +Minimalist floating video bubbles that do not distract from work
- +AI-powered noise cancellation and echo suppression
- +Low CPU and bandwidth usage compared to traditional tools
Cons
- -Less suitable for large formal meetings or webinars
- -Smaller user base and limited integration ecosystem
What to consider when switching?
- Determine the maximum number of participants you need per meeting
- Check whether browser-based calls suffice or a desktop app is needed
- Compare recording and transcription features for meeting notes
- Evaluate integration with your existing calendar and communication tools
Which alternative does MG Software recommend?
At MG Software we use Google Meet for daily standups and Teams for client meetings. For privacy-sensitive projects we recommend Jitsi as a self-hosted solution.
Frequently asked questions
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