8 Zoom Alternatives for Video Conferencing in 2026
Ivy Yang
Product Marketing Manager
Aug 5, 2026
Ivy Yang
Aug 5, 2026
10 min read
Looking for a Zoom alternative? You’ve come to the right place.
Zoom is the go-to platform for video conferencing, powering everything from quick team check-ins to large-scale webinars. But it's not the best fit for every team. While it's known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, some users encounter pain points.
Common issues like security concerns, inconsistent video and audio quality, and a steep price for advanced features lead many teams to seek better alternatives. Additionally, the need for a separate app download can be a barrier for new participants.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Zoom alternatives to help you find the perfect tool for your team’s needs.
Key Takeaways
- 8 alternatives evaluated: We compared Lark, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex, Zoho Meeting, GoToMeeting, Slack, and Discord across pricing, features, and use cases.
- Lark ranks #1 overall: It combines AI-enhanced video conferencing, chat, docs, and project management in a single workspace—starting at just $6/mo with a free plan for up to 20 users.
- All-in-one beats standalone: Teams switching from Zoom to an integrated platform report fewer context switches, lower total cost, and smoother collaboration.
- What to prioritize: When evaluating alternatives, focus on total cost of ownership, ecosystem breadth, security track record, and AI-powered features like real-time translation and automated meeting notes.
Why you should consider Zoom alternatives
Zoom has become a household name for video conferencing, making it incredibly easy to connect with colleagues, clients, and friends from anywhere. While Zoom is popular, some organizations need more integrated collaboration features. For these teams, exploring Google Workspace alternatives can provide a combination of meetings, messaging, and document collaboration in a single platform.
Best Zoom alternatives at a glance
Alternatives to Zoom come in all different shapes and sizes. From total workplace collaboration platforms to simple casual calling tools. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the best options:
8 best Zoom alternatives for 2026
1. Lark - For AI-enhanced meetings and collaboration
When it comes to video conferencing, Lark offers everything you’d expect from Zoom—and much more. Its built-in software, Lark Meetings, delivers crystal-clear audio and video for secure one-on-one calls or conferences up to 1,000 participants. With powerful tools like breakout rooms, polls, live captions, translations, and AI-generated minutes, every meeting stays focused, engaging, and action-driven.
When it comes to video conferencing, Lark offers everything you’d expect from Zoom—and much more. Its built-in software, Lark Meetings, delivers crystal-clear audio and video for secure one-on-one calls or conferences up to 1,000 participants. With powerful tools like breakout rooms, polls, live captions, translations, and AI-generated minutes, every meeting stays focused, engaging, and action-driven.But Lark isn’t just another video conferencing app. It’s a complete collaboration superapp that brings chat, project management, document editing, email, workflows, and more into one seamless platform. Instead of juggling multiple tools, your team can connect, collaborate, and get work done without switching apps—saving time, money, and effort.
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Key features:
- Seamless video conferencing: Host secure, high-quality virtual meetings with thousands of participants. Keep discussions productive with breakout rooms, polls, reactions, timers, and more features to make discussions engaging.
- AI-powered meetings: Stay aligned with automatic transcription, instant translation into multiple languages, and AI-generated meeting notes with action items based on what was discussed during the call—so no one misses key points, even across global teams.
- Instant meeting access: Start video calls in chats you're having with colleagues. Either initiate calls immediately or check everyone's free time first and book a meeting. If someone can't make the meeting, don't worry, as there's cloud recording available.
- Document collaboration in real time: Use Magic Share to present and co-edit files during meetings. Participants can explore documents at their own pace, ensuring everyone is prepared and aligned—ideal for teams working together on one document or training sessions involving workshops.
- All-in-one workspace: With native team chat, calendars, document editing, project management, approvals, performance management, and workflow automations, Lark integrates everything your team needs—no more switching between third-party apps.
- Work anywhere: Whether on desktop, mobile, tablet, or web, Lark makes it easy to join meetings, check chat messages, share documents, and complete tasks—ideal for frontline teams, business travelers, online teachers, and more.
- Starter plan: Free forever plan that includes 11 powerful tools for up to 20 users. It also comes with 100GB of storage, 1000 automation runs, AI translations, and more.
- Pro plan: $12/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. It includes everything in Starter plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 15TB of storage, 50,000 automation runs, and more.
- Enterprise plan: Contact sales for custom pricing. Supports unlimited users and includes even more automation runs and advanced security, compliance, and management features.
Starter
Pro
Enterprise
Starter
For small teams with simple communication needs
$0
/ user / month
20 users max
18 months message history
1-on-1 video meetings
100 GB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
1000 Base automation runs/month
2000 rows per table in Base
Pro
For companies with comprehensive collaboration and management needs
$12
/ user / month
500 users max
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
50k Base automation runs/month
20k rows per table in Base
Enterprise
For large companies with advanced security and organizational management needs
Get a personalized demo and pricing
Unlimited users
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage + 30 GB storage/user
Lark Docs & Mail
500k Base automation runs/month
50k Base automation runs/month
Single sign-on (SSO)
Pro
For companies with comprehensive collaboration and management needs
$12
/ user / month
500 users max
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
50k Base automation runs/month
20k rows per table in Base
2. Microsoft Teams - For Microsoft 365 users
Image source: microsoft.com
Image source: microsoft.comWhile the news of Skype's retirement was a significant shift, Microsoft has seamlessly transitioned its video conferencing capabilities into its work collaboration platform, Microsoft Teams.
Teams offers excellent video quality and can support a wide range of meeting sizes, from one-on-one chats to large-scale conferences. Beyond its user-friendly conferencing solution, the platform stands out with its robust collaboration tools, which are designed to boost team productivity.
Key features:
- Integrated Office 365 suite: Teams integrates seamlessly with Office 365, especially chat and calendar, to help users manage their meeting schedules easily.
- Teams phone: For companies that still require phone numbers to start their business operations, Microsoft Teams also offers business phone services to meet this demand.
- Dynamic meeting options: Host various meeting types, from one-on-ones to large virtual events, with features like breakout rooms and custom layouts.
Pricing:
- No free plan for businesses, unless you already have a Microsoft 365 plan. Paid plans start at $4 per user per month.
3. Google Meet - For Google Workspace users
Image source: meet.google.com
Image source: meet.google.comGoogle Meet emerges as another excellent alternative to Zoom, known for its simplicity, security, and integration with Google Workspace. It’s a go-to for businesses, educators, and individuals seeking a reliable video conferencing solution that’s easy to use and secure.
This platform is ideal for companies already using Google Workspace, as it offers seamless integration and a familiar interface, reducing the learning curve. Google Meet ensures that all meetings are encrypted and secure, instilling confidence in users.
Key Features:
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace: Access and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations easily during meetings.
- Enhanced security: All meetings are encrypted, ensuring data privacy and security.
- Smart features: Utilize features like live captions and low-light mode to enhance the meeting experience.
Pricing:
- Free version available for anyone with a Google account, making it a great free Zoom alternative, but with limited features. Paid plans (Google Workspace) start at $4.
4. Webex Meetings - For high-quality video
Image source: webex.com
Image source: webex.comCisco Webex Meetings is a robust platform designed for virtual interactions, offering a blend of video conferencing, online meetings, and team collaboration functionalities. With Webex, users can conduct reliable video conferences, share screens effortlessly, and engage in interactive sessions.
Key features:
- Crystal clear calls: High audio and video quality, even if you collaborate remotely.
- Automatic transcription: Facilitates productive conversations by transcribing meetings in real time into multiple languages.
- Webex meeting center: Simplifies the scheduling, initiating, and conducting of online meetings, requiring a host account for starting a meeting.
Pricing:
- Free plan available. Paid plans start at $144 per user per year.
5. Zoho Meeting - For affordable webinars
Image source: softwareadvice.co.uk
Image source: softwareadvice.co.ukZoho Meeting is a versatile communication platform designed for both online meetings and webinars, making it a practical choice for remote and hybrid teams. Plus, its affordable pricing makes it a cost-effective solution for hosting webinars, giving companies a reliable way to engage larger audiences without overspending.
Key features:
- Zoho ecosystem integration: Zoho Meeting is deeply integrated with other Zoho tools and some third-party services.
- Screen sharing and whiteboarding: Enables effective presentations and brainstorming sessions.
- Interactive features: Such as meeting reactions, hand raising, and the ability to talk feature, enhancing engagement and communication among participants.
Pricing:
- Zoho Meeting provides a free plan for basic use. Paid plans start at as little as $1 per host per month.
6. GoToMeeting - For enterprise-grade secure calls
Image source: goto.com
Image source: goto.comGoToMeeting is a dependable video conferencing tool that provides a variety of features aimed at fostering team collaboration and communication. With GoToMeeting, users can hold video meetings with up to 250 participants, share screens for collaborative efforts, and have unlimited meeting durations, facilitating comprehensive discussions and project advancements.
Key features:
- Security: Advanced safety and security features keep video chats and information sharing secure.
- Screen sharing and web Audio: Promotes collaborative discussions and presentations.
- Cloud storage: Unlimited cloud storage at an affordable price, making it ideal for teams that need robust meeting recording capabilities.
Pricing:
- GoToMeeting offers a free plan, ideal if you're looking for a free Zoom alternative. Paid plans start at $12 per user per month.
7. Slack - For impromptu meetings
Image source: slack.com
Image source: slack.comWith Slack, users can initiate quick calls with team members through Slack Calls, making it easy to address urgent matters or brainstorm ideas on the fly. For more casual, real-time collaboration, Slack Huddles let teams drop into lightweight audio or video discussions without the formality of a scheduled meeting. Together, these features provide a convenient and efficient way for teams to connect and collaborate.
Key features:
- Quick and easy communication: Robust chat capabilities, including Slack Calls, which allow users to initiate instant audio calls with team members.
- Accessible within Slack: Answer calls right within Slack, where you can access your messages directly and instantly on a call.
- Cross-platform accessibility: Slack can be accessed on various devices and operating systems, such as mobile or laptop, ensuring flexibility and convenience for users.
Pricing:
- Slack offers a free version. However, the free plan only allows huddles for up to two participants. Paid plans start at $8.75 per user per month.
8. Discord - For community and casual chats
Image source: discord.com
Image source: discord.comDiscord may have started as a gamer’s hub, but it has quickly evolved into a go-to platform for teams and communities of all kinds. With always-on voice channels, video calls, and screen sharing, it gives people a more relaxed, real-time way to connect. Instead of scheduling formal meetings, team members can simply hop into a channel to chat, brainstorm, or catch up—making it feel more like working side by side.
Key features:
- Drop-in voice channels: Create spaces where teammates can join or leave conversations freely, no calendar invites required.
- Video calls and screen sharing: Talk face-to-face or share your screen to walk through ideas, documents, or presentations together.
- Community management tools: Use text channels, roles, and permissions to keep conversations organized, even in large groups.
Pricing:
- Most of Discord’s core features are free. Paid plans start at $2.99 per month.
Honorable mentions
While these tools didn't make our list, we still think they're great Zoom alternatives worth considering:
- Pumble: Offers simple, reliable high definition video conferencing for teams, integrated with chat and collaboration tools. Ideal for small to medium-sized teams that want quick, seamless video calls without leaving their workspace.
- CoScreen: Enables teams to collaborate in real time by sharing individual application windows instead of entire screens. Ideal for pair programming, design reviews, and hands-on collaboration, it keeps workflows private while boosting teamwork.
- Jitsi Meet: Open-source video conferencing solution that requires no account to join meetings. Ideal for teams and communities that need secure, flexible video calls with screen sharing, chat, and customizable meeting options.
How to choose the best Zoom alternative
Choosing a new video conferencing tool can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Instead of getting lost in a sea of features, use this checklist to narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for your team's unique needs.
Why Lark is the best alternative to Zoom
To give you a clearer picture of how they stack up, here is a direct comparison of their core features, pros, cons, and pricing:
It’s easy to see why Zoom became so popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, when teams and students were forced to work and learn from home. But five years later, businesses have discovered strong alternatives that offer the same features—plus added benefits. Lark stands out as the best example. Here's a look at why more and more businesses are switching to Lark in 2026.
As an exceptional Zoom alternative, it directly solves the frustration of frequently switching applications. When you need to co-edit documents or check project progress during a video call, you never need to open a new browser tab. The built-in real-time multilingual translation removes language barriers for cross-border teams, helping businesses maintain highly efficient communication while significantly reducing the total cost of purchasing multiple single-purpose software applications.
Key features:
- Auto-capture action items: The AI note assistant detects intent in speech and automatically suggests tasks. When attendees mention responsibilities or deadlines, the system proposes creating Lark Tasks complete with owners and due dates. This turns verbal commitments into trackable action items before the meeting ends.
- Accurate and searchable transcripts: Lark Minutes records meetings with full video playback and timestamped transcripts. These transcripts are searchable, allowing users to jump straight to specific moments using keywords. This helps teams quickly verify instructions, review discussions, and maintain a reliable knowledge base.
- Real-time multilingual transcript translation: Lark provides live subtitles and transcript translations in over 100 languages. Attendees can view live translated subtitles during the call. After the meeting, Lark Minutes transcripts and AI meeting summaries can be automatically translated, empowering global teams to collaborate and grasp outcomes without language barriers.
Try Lark's savings calculator: Switching to Lark's Pro plan can lead to significant cost savings— for example, a 100-employee company using Slack, Google Workspace, and Airtable could save approximately $25,200 annually by consolidating their tools with Lark.
How many employees work at your company?
By number of people
1
20
500
5000+
1000
Which tools do you use?
Estimates are for reference only, contact us for an official quote
Calculate savings
More than just a meeting tool
However, upgrading your software stack is about more than just trimming the budget. While cost savings are a massive benefit, the true transformation happens when you stop treating video meetings as isolated events. By moving away from a standalone conferencing tool, you eliminate the friction of jumping between apps and fundamentally reshape how your entire team collaborates.
Here is how an all-in-one suite transforms your daily workflow:
- Context-rich communication: Instead of starting a meeting with a blank slate, your team can launch a video call directly from a shared document or project chat. Everyone is instantly on the same page, with the necessary context right in front of them.
- Seamless project tracking: When a meeting concludes, the momentum doesn't stop. AI-generated action items flow directly into your team's task manager. You don't have to manually copy notes into a separate project management app, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
- Unified knowledge base: Every transcript, shared file, and chat decision lives in one secure, searchable workspace. New hires or team members who missed the call can catch up effortlessly without asking colleagues to hunt down old email threads or standalone cloud links.
Don't just take our word for it—teams that have already made the switch from Zoom report tangible results.
"Lark has really helped us improve our internal processes. Unlike other tools we used like Zoom and Skype, Lark gives us everything we need in one place. We are really impressed with the breadth of features on Lark and look forward to expanding our usage of the platform"
Patricia Lim
Human Resource Manager
Stories like Hi-Beau's illustrate exactly why the shift away from standalone video tools is accelerating. The question is no longer whether an alternative exists—it is which one brings the most value to your team's daily workflow.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the right Zoom alternative, many platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex, and more offer solid solutions. But Lark stands above the rest. By combining video conferencing with chat, document collaboration, project management, AI-powered features, and approval management in a single intuitive workspace, Lark makes teamwork simpler, faster, and more productive—all while being more cost-effective than Zoom.Experience the difference—try Lark for free today and see how much your team can save while transforming collaboration.
FAQs about Zoom alternatives
What are the best alternatives to Zoom?
Some of the most popular Zoom alternatives include Lark, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Slack, and Webex. Each platform offers video conferencing alongside other collaboration features, so the best choice depends on whether you want just meetings or a full workplace solution. When evaluating video conferencing solutions, it’s important to consider total costs. Teams can also check Google Workspace pricing to understand how alternative productivity suites compare.
Who is Zoom's biggest competitor?
Zoom’s biggest competitor is generally considered to be Microsoft Teams, since it combines video meetings with chat, file sharing, and integration into Microsoft 365. However, platforms like Google Meet and Lark are quickly gaining traction as strong rivals, especially for teams looking for seamless collaboration beyond just calls.
Why don't people use Zoom anymore?
Many businesses still use Zoom, but some are moving away from it due to a few common pain points:
- Security and privacy concerns raised in recent years made some companies cautious.
- Competitors like Lark and Teams provide an all-in-one workspace that reduces the need for multiple apps, saving time and cost.
What are some popular free Zoom alternatives?
If you’re looking for a free option, Google Meet and Lark’s free plan are excellent choices depending on what you need. Google Meet is simple and integrates well with Gmail and Google Calendar, while Lark provides not only one-on-one calls, but also chat, documents, project management, and more for up to 20 users—at no cost.
Why did Zoom rename itself to Zoom Workplace?
Zoom renamed itself to reflect its shift beyond video calls into a full collaboration platform. The rebrand highlights new tools like chat and productivity features, positioning Zoom as an all-in-one workplace solution rather than just a video conferencing app. However, as a new solution, its feature list still lags behind the likes of Lark, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace.
What are the best open-source alternatives to Zoom?
For open-source enthusiasts, Jitsi Meet and BigBlueButton are among the top choices. Jitsi Meet is simple, secure, and requires no downloads, while BigBlueButton is designed with online learning in mind, offering tools like breakout rooms, polls, and whiteboards. Both give you flexibility and control over your meeting data.
What are the best apps like Zoom for mobile users?
The best Zoom alternatives for mobile users include Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. However, Lark stands out with its mobile-first design, seamless video calls, real-time collaboration, and built-in AI meeting notes, making it one of the top choices for iOS and Android users.
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Start using Lark today
Manage all your work in one place
Boost team efficiency by 10x
Save up to 70% on software costs
Table of contents
Start using Lark today
Manage all your work in one place
Boost team efficiency by 10x
Save up to 70% on software costs
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