5 Best Video Conferencing Tools for Remote Teams (2025)

The video conferencing landscape has matured significantly since the pandemic boom. What was once a race to handle millions of new users has evolved into a sophisticated market with distinct winners for different use cases.

After testing every major platform with real teams and real meetings over several months, we’ve identified the five best video conferencing tools for 2025 — and which one is right for you.

How We Evaluated#

We tested each platform extensively, evaluating:

• Video and audio quality — Clarity, reliability, and performance on various internet speeds
• Features — Screen sharing, recording, breakout rooms, and collaboration tools
• Ease of use — How quickly can new users join and participate?
• Pricing — Value per dollar across free and paid tiers
• Integration — How well does it connect with other tools?
• Mobile experience — Quality of iOS and Android apps

1. Zoom — Best Overall Video Conferencing#

Zoom became synonymous with video meetings for good reason. It simply works, with the best video quality and most reliable performance in the industry.

Why Zoom Wins#

Even as competitors have caught up on features, Zoom maintains its edge in what matters most: video and audio quality. In head-to-head tests across various internet connections, Zoom consistently delivers clearer video with fewer dropped frames than alternatives.

The 2024-2025 addition of AI Companion — which generates meeting summaries, extracts action items, and provides smart recordings — transformed Zoom from a communication tool into a productivity multiplier.

Key Features#

• 1080p HD video with superior compression and reliability
• AI Companion for automatic meeting summaries and action items (included on paid plans)
• Up to 50 breakout rooms with intuitive host controls
• Advanced screen sharing including multiple simultaneous shares
• Cloud recording with automatic transcription (5GB on Pro plan, unlimited on Enterprise)
• Webinar mode supporting up to 50,000 view-only attendees
• Virtual backgrounds and filters that actually work well
• Zoom Whiteboard for visual collaboration
• 1,500+ integrations via marketplace

Pricing#

Note: Only meeting hosts need paid licenses. Participants join for free.

Who It’s For#

• Consultants, coaches, and professionals hosting client meetings
• Companies where video is central to daily operations
• Webinar hosts and online event producers
• Teams that prioritize video quality over all-in-one collaboration
• Anyone hosting external meetings with non-employees

Limitations#

• Free plan’s 40-minute limit is restrictive for team use
• No robust team chat (you’ll still need Slack or Teams)
• Gets expensive for large teams if everyone needs host licenses
• File sharing and collaboration are basic

2. Microsoft Teams — Best Value and All-in-One Platform#

Microsoft Teams is more than a video conferencing tool — it’s a complete collaboration platform combining meetings, chat, file sharing, and deep Office 365 integration.

Why Teams Excels#

If you’re already paying for Microsoft 365, Teams is included at no extra cost. That makes it potentially the best value in the market. Beyond cost savings, Teams shines for organizations that need persistent chat, document collaboration, and video meetings in one unified platform.

Key Features#

• 300 participants on standard plans (vs Zoom’s 100)
• Persistent team chat with channels and threads
• Native Office integration — Co-edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint in real-time
• SharePoint and OneDrive for robust file management
• Breakout rooms for workshops and training
• Together Mode with AI-generated shared backgrounds
• Cloud recording to OneDrive with transcription
• Apps and workflows via Microsoft Power Platform
• Enterprise-grade security and compliance

Pricing#

Note: Pricing is per user (not just hosts), but includes full Microsoft 365 suite.

Who It’s For#

• Companies already using Microsoft 365 or Office
• Teams needing all-in-one collaboration (chat + meetings + files)
• Organizations with SharePoint for document management
• IT departments preferring centralized Microsoft admin
• Large enterprises with complex compliance requirements

Limitations#

• Video quality slightly behind Zoom
• Interface more complex with steeper learning curve
• AI features (Copilot) cost extra $30/user/month
• External participants work better with Microsoft accounts
• Overkill if you just need video meetings

3. Google Meet — Best for Simplicity and Google Workspace#

Google Meet (formerly Hangouts) is the easiest video conferencing tool to use, with dead-simple meeting creation and no software downloads required for web users.

Why Meet Works#

Google Meet’s greatest strength is simplicity. Anyone with a Google account can create a meeting instantly from Gmail or Calendar. No apps to download, no confusion about meeting IDs — just click and meet.

For teams already using Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar), Meet integrates seamlessly. Schedule meetings from Calendar, join from Gmail, share Google Docs in meetings — it all just works.

Key Features#

• 1080p HD video on paid plans
• Instant meeting creation from Gmail, Calendar, or Meet app
• No download required — Works in any web browser
• Breakout rooms for small group discussions
• Live captions powered by Google’s speech recognition
• Recording to Google Drive (Workspace plans)
• Background blur and replacement
• Q&A, polls, and hand raising for large meetings
• Noise cancellation and low-light mode

Pricing#

Note: Google Workspace includes Gmail, Drive (30GB-5TB), Docs, Sheets, Calendar, and Meet.

Who It’s For#

• Teams already using Google Workspace
• Small businesses prioritizing simplicity over advanced features
• Casual users who need quick, easy video meetings
• Educators using Google Classroom
• Anyone wanting browser-based meetings without downloads

Limitations#

• Fewer advanced features than Zoom (no webinars, limited screen sharing options)
• Recording and breakout rooms require paid Workspace plans
• Less robust for large events or webinars
• No standalone paid option (must buy full Workspace)

4. Cisco Webex — Best for Enterprise and Security#

Webex is the oldest player in video conferencing, and its enterprise focus shows. It offers robust security, compliance certifications, and reliable performance at scale.

Why Webex Endures#

While Zoom captured mindshare, Webex quietly serves Fortune 500 companies with stringent security requirements. If you work in healthcare, finance, or government — industries where compliance matters more than trendy features — Webex’s track record is reassuring.

The platform has modernized significantly, adding features like AI-powered noise removal, gesture recognition, and real-time transcription.

Key Features#

• 200 participants on standard plans
• End-to-end encryption with extensive security controls
• HIPAA, FedRAMP, and SOC 2 compliance out of the box
• AI-powered noise removal and background blur
• Gesture recognition — Raise hand with physical gesture
• Real-time transcription and meeting highlights
• Recording and transcription with post-meeting search
• Webex Assistant for voice commands during meetings
• Integration with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack

Pricing#

Who It’s For#

• Large enterprises with compliance requirements
• Healthcare organizations needing HIPAA compliance
• Government agencies requiring FedRAMP certification
• Financial services with strict security policies
• IT departments preferring established enterprise vendors

Limitations#

• Interface less modern than Zoom or Teams
• Smaller third-party integration ecosystem
• Brand perception lags behind Zoom despite modernization
• Learning curve steeper than simpler alternatives

5. Around — Best for Focused, Low-Friction Meetings#

Around is the dark horse of video conferencing — a lightweight tool designed to reduce “Zoom fatigue” with a small, floating video window and thoughtful design focused on minimizing distraction.

Why Around Is Different#

Around takes a radically different approach: make video meetings less invasive. Instead of full-screen video dominating your workspace, Around participants appear in small, circular windows that can be positioned anywhere on your screen.

The result? You can reference documents, code, or designs during meetings without constant screen sharing and window switching.

Key Features#

• Floating video bubbles that don’t take over your screen
• 360° camera support — Move freely without staying in frame
• Collaborative notes built into every meeting
• React with emojis for non-disruptive feedback
• Auto-mute when you step away from your desk
• Low bandwidth mode that prioritizes audio quality
• Instant screen sharing without the “Which window?” confusion
• Meeting transcription with automatic action items

Pricing#

Who It’s For#

• Developers, designers, and creators who work alongside meetings
• Small remote teams doing frequent collaboration calls
• Anyone experiencing “Zoom fatigue” from full-screen video
• Teams wanting to reduce meeting formality and friction

Limitations#

• Smaller participant limits (50 max vs competitors’ 100-1,000+)
• No webinar or large event features
• Fewer integrations than established platforms
• Smaller user base means clients may be unfamiliar

Comparison Table#

How to Choose the Right Platform#

Use this decision tree:

1. Already using Microsoft 365? → Microsoft Teams (it’s included)
2. Already using Google Workspace? → Google Meet (it’s included)
3. Need best video quality and webinars? → Zoom
4. Work in heavily regulated industry? → Webex
5. Small team wanting to reduce meeting fatigue? → Around
6. Just need simple, occasional meetings? → Google Meet (free)
7. Video is central to your business? → Zoom

Video Conferencing Best Practices#

Regardless of which platform you choose:

• Use video by default — Cameras-on meetings are more engaging
• Invest in good audio — A $50 USB microphone beats any webcam mic
• Test before important meetings — Don’t let tech issues derail client calls
• Record when useful — But always ask permission first
• Use breakout rooms — Split large groups for better discussion
• Embrace async alternatives — Not every discussion needs a meeting

The Bottom Line#

There’s no single “best” video conferencing tool — it depends on your existing tech stack and priorities:

For most professional users who prioritize video quality: Zoom remains the gold standard. Its reliability, AI features, and webinar capabilities justify the $15/month cost.

For Microsoft 365 users: Microsoft Teams is the obvious choice. You’re already paying for it, and the all-in-one platform beats managing multiple tools.

For simplicity and Google Workspace integration: Google Meet delivers hassle-free meetings without the feature bloat.

For enterprise security and compliance: Webex has the track record and certifications that IT departments trust.

For reducing Zoom fatigue: Around offers a fresh, less invasive approach to video meetings.

If you’re starting fresh with no existing preference, we recommend Zoom for consultants and video-focused professionals, or Microsoft Teams for businesses needing comprehensive collaboration.

FAQ#