Zoom is a leader in video conferencing, known for its reliability and wide usage across business, education, and social events. However, the 40-minute limit on group calls in the free plan, along with privacy and interface concerns, has led many users to seek free Zoom alternatives that offer comparable or even better features for virtual communication.
Whether you’re teaching online, running a business meeting, hosting a webinar, or catching up with friends, these free tools can help—with no time limits, registrations, or unnecessary fees.
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1. Google Meet
Google Meet is a secure, browser-based alternative that integrates well with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Workspace. The free plan allows up to 100 participants and 60-minute meetings, with features like screen sharing, real-time captions, and chat.
No software installation is required, and it’s especially great for Google account users.
Best for: Google users seeking a polished, simple, and ad-free experience.
2. Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is a free, open-source video conferencing platform with no registration required. It supports unlimited meetings, screen sharing, and even YouTube live streaming.
It works directly in the browser and includes encryption by default, making it a solid Zoom replacement for privacy-conscious users.
Best for: Privacy-first users and quick, no-sign-up video calls.
3. Microsoft Teams (Free Version)
Microsoft Teams Free includes video meetings, team chat, file sharing, and Office app integration. It supports 60-minute meetings for up to 100 people on the free plan.
It’s best suited for users already using Outlook, Word, or Excel, though it has a slightly steeper learning curve than Zoom.
Best for: Businesses and educators using Microsoft 365.
4. Whereby
Whereby is a browser-based video meeting platform with a user-friendly interface. The free plan allows 1 meeting room and up to 100 participants with 45-minute group meetings.
It’s extremely easy to use—just share a link to join. You can also embed meetings on websites and add custom branding in premium versions.
Best for: Simple, professional meetings and interviews.
5. Skype
Skype is still relevant for video calls, supporting up to 100 participants in group video chats for free. It includes screen sharing, chat, call recording, and integration with Microsoft tools.
While not modern like Zoom or Google Meet, it’s still stable and available on almost every platform.
Best for: Casual video calls and small team meetings.
6. BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton is an open-source platform designed for virtual classrooms. It includes video chat, whiteboards, screen sharing, breakout rooms, and polls—everything needed for remote learning.
It’s often used via integrations with learning platforms like Moodle and Canvas.
Best for: Teachers and schools seeking Zoom alternatives for online classes.
7. Cisco Webex (Free Plan)
Cisco Webex offers secure video conferencing with a free plan that allows 100 participants and up to 40-minute meetings (or longer depending on region and promotions).
It supports screen sharing, file sharing, breakout rooms, and calendar integration.
Best for: Corporate teams needing enterprise-grade security.
8. Discord
While originally built for gamers, Discord now offers video calls, voice rooms, screen sharing, and group chat. You can create servers and organize different “channels” for meetings, announcements, and casual discussion.
It’s free to use with no time limits and great for communities or informal team setups.
Best for: Creative teams, developers, or online communities.
9. Tandem
Tandem is designed to recreate the feel of an office space, where you can instantly see who’s available and jump into calls. The free version includes team voice and video calls, screen sharing, and integrations with productivity tools.
It’s especially good for remote teams who want a more spontaneous communication style.
Best for: Remote work teams needing an “always-on” virtual office.
10. Daily.co
Daily.co offers a free video calling API, but also includes a basic video chat tool you can use for instant browser-based meetings. It requires no sign-up and is focused on ease of use and speed.
Developers can also build custom video experiences using the platform.
Best for: Developers and startups looking for flexible video solutions or embeddable meeting tools.
Choosing the Best Free Zoom Alternative
If you want a secure, simple, and professional platform, Google Meet, Jitsi Meet, and Whereby are great choices. For education, try BigBlueButton or Microsoft Teams. If you’re building a virtual team environment or community, go with Discord, Tandem, or Skype.
Many of these tools offer no time limits, no downloads, and no cost, making them ideal for replacing Zoom without compromising on quality.
