Alternatives to Zoom for Video Calls and Online Meetings

Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing platforms, known for its reliability, screen sharing, breakout rooms, and webinar capabilities. However, Zoom’s free plan has notable limitations—most famously, the 40-minute meeting cap on group calls. With growing demand for free video conferencing tools that support longer meetings, enhanced collaboration, or better privacy, users are exploring Zoom alternatives that offer flexible, no-cost plans.

Whether you’re managing remote teams, attending virtual classes, or hosting family video chats, here are the 10 best free Zoom alternatives that can meet your video conferencing needs in 2025.

1. Google Meet

Google Meet is a widely used video conferencing tool that’s free for anyone with a Google account. It allows up to 100 participants and 60-minute meetings on the free plan. You can create meeting links directly from Google Calendar and Gmail, and it supports real-time captions, screen sharing, and noise cancellation.

It works entirely in the browser, which eliminates the need for app installations. The seamless integration with Google Workspace apps makes it perfect for casual and professional use alike.

Best for: Users already using Gmail, Google Calendar, or other Google services.

2. Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is a free, open-source video conferencing solution that requires no sign-up or downloads. You can launch a meeting instantly from the browser, and it supports screen sharing, chat, meeting passwords, and even YouTube live streaming.

Being open-source, it’s popular among privacy advocates and developers. You can also self-host it for more control.

Best for: Privacy-focused users and teams wanting a no-login, open-source option.

3. Microsoft Teams (Free)

Microsoft Teams offers a free version with meetings up to 60 minutes and 100 participants. It’s more than just a video conferencing tool—it includes group chat, file sharing, scheduling, and Office integration.

The interface can be a bit more complex for new users, but it’s powerful, especially for businesses and schools using Microsoft products.

Best for: Teams already using Microsoft 365 or looking for an all-in-one collaboration platform.

4. Whereby

Whereby is a browser-based video chat platform designed for simplicity and ease. The free plan allows up to 100 participants, but only 1 room per user and group meetings up to 45 minutes.

Its clean interface and one-click join links make it a great alternative for quick meetings or small team check-ins. You can also embed meetings into your website.

Best for: Freelancers, small teams, or anyone who wants simple, browser-based video calls.

5. Skype

Skype, from Microsoft, remains a free and powerful tool for video and audio calls. It allows up to 100 participants in a call and includes features like screen sharing, background blur, and call recording.

While it’s more associated with one-on-one or casual video chats, it’s still highly reliable for small team meetings or family use.

Best for: Users familiar with Skype or those needing quick, casual video calls.

6. Discord (Video Channels)

Originally built for gamers, Discord now supports high-quality video calls and screen sharing. You can create a server, set up private channels, and hold video calls with up to 25 people (with higher limits via server boosting).

It’s great for community building, remote collaboration, or teaching sessions with chat, voice, and file sharing in one space.

Best for: Online communities, game streamers, and casual video chat groups.

7. BigBlueButton

BigBlueButton is a free, open-source video conferencing platform focused on virtual classrooms and online learning. It includes features like whiteboard tools, polling, breakout rooms, and learning analytics.

Many learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle integrate with BigBlueButton, making it a popular choice for schools.

Best for: Educators and institutions looking for virtual teaching tools.

8. FreeConference

FreeConference.com offers free video conferencing for up to 5 participants and audio calls for up to 100 callers. It includes screen sharing, dial-in numbers, and web conferencing with no software downloads required.

While its video limits are lower than Zoom, it works well for small meetings and quick calls.

Best for: Small teams or consultants needing free voice and video conferencing with dial-in support.

9. Tilde

Tilde is a newer browser-based video chat platform offering spontaneous, always-open meeting spaces. The free plan allows short, focused meetings with built-in audio spatialization and casual visuals.

While not ideal for large meetings, Tilde provides a more human, creative feel to remote conversations.

Best for: Small teams or creators wanting a unique, informal video experience.

10. Brave Talk

Brave Talk is a privacy-first video conferencing service built into the Brave browser. It supports unlimited video calls, screen sharing, and chat with no account required.

It’s powered by Jitsi, but branded and managed for users of the Brave ecosystem. The free version supports 4 participants, while paid plans expand that.

Best for: Brave browser users and privacy-focused individuals.

Choosing the Best Free Zoom Alternative

If you want a simple and stable solution with familiar features, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams (Free) are strong options. For open-source and privacy-conscious users, Jitsi Meet and Brave Talk offer full control with no sign-up. Creators and communities may prefer Discord, while educators can rely on BigBlueButton for a teaching-focused experience.

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