Match the Zoom alternative to the kind of meeting you run. Whereby and Jitsi Meet suit quick client calls in the browser, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Slack huddles suit team meetings inside tools you already use, Livestorm and StreamYard suit webinars and live events, and Riverside suits recorded interviews and podcasts.
Plenty of businesses use Zoom without thinking about it. Then a client can't get in, the team already pays for something else, or the meeting turns into a webinar and the tool starts to feel wrong.
So I've split these tools by meeting type, because that's what decides which one feels right. Features and plans change often, so check each tool's current plans page before you commit your team.
Quick client calls with no download
Clients are busy. If they have to install an app before a thirty minute call, some won't. These two tools work in the browser.
- Whereby gives you a meeting room with a permanent link, which guests open in the browser with no download. It suits consultants, coaches and small agencies who want a room that always lives at the same address. Its limit is that it's built for smaller meetings, not large events.
- Jitsi Meet is open-source video meeting software that you can use in the browser, with no account needed to join. It suits people who want a free, no-fuss way to start a call. Its limit is that it's more basic, and quality can depend on the server you use and your connection.
Whichever you choose, send guests the link in the calendar invite and mention that it opens in the browser. That one line removes most of the technical questions.
Team meetings inside your workspace
If your team already lives in an office suite or a chat tool, the simplest move is often to use the meetings that come with it.
- Microsoft Teams brings chat, files and meetings together for organisations on Microsoft's business tools. It suits offices that already use Outlook, Word and SharePoint. Its limit is that it can feel big and busy for a tiny team, and guests sometimes find joining fiddly.
- Google Meet is built into Gmail and Google Calendar, so a meeting link appears with one click on an invite. It suits small businesses on Google Workspace. Its limit is that webinar-style features depend on your plan, so check what yours includes.
- Slack huddles are quick audio calls, with optional video and screen sharing, started right from a channel or a direct message. They suit teams who want a fast chat that turns into a call. Their limit is that they're meant for internal catch-ups, not formal client meetings.
If you do run recurring team calls, an AI note-taker saves a lot of admin. My guide to AI meeting notetakers for small business covers how they work with different meeting tools.
Webinars and big events
A webinar is a different job from a meeting. You want a clean registration page, reminders, a way to take questions and a replay. A regular meeting tool can stretch to cover it, but dedicated tools do it with fewer clicks.
- Livestorm is a browser-based platform for webinars and online events, with registration, replays and engagement tools. It suits marketing teams running regular webinars. Its limit is that it's more than you need for a casual call.
- StreamYard is a browser-based studio for live streams and webinars, which can broadcast to places like YouTube and LinkedIn. It suits creators and small businesses that want a polished live show. Its limit is that it's built around streaming, so it's less natural for small interactive meetings.
I've gone deeper on this in my guide to the best webinar software, and if you're worried about being on screen, read whether you need a camera to run a webinar.
Recorded interviews and podcasts
If the call is going to be published as a podcast, video interview or case study, the recording quality matters more than the meeting features.
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- Riverside is a recording studio in the browser. It records each person's audio and video locally, so the result isn't spoiled by a shaky internet connection. It suits podcasters, interviewers and anyone who plans to edit and publish the recording. Its limit is that it's built for recording, so it's more than you need for ordinary meetings.
- StreamYard also works well here if you want to record or stream a conversation with guests and add simple branding and captions.
Before you move your meetings
Swapping tools sounds easy until the first meeting goes wrong. Run through this list first.
- Test with a real guest. Ask a friend on a different device and network to join, and see what they have to do.
- Check the calendar link. Make sure your calendar and booking tools create the new meeting link automatically.
- Update your old links. Look at email signatures, booking pages and saved invites that still point to Zoom.
- Check recording and transcripts. If you record calls, find out where recordings are stored and who can see them.
- Check time limits and guest numbers. Free plans differ, and the limits change.
- Tell people. Send a short note saying what's changing and when, with a single link to join.
- Keep your old setup for a month. Don't cancel anything until you're sure the new one works for you.
Also think about privacy. Read how each tool handles recordings, chat logs and guest data, and tell clients when you're recording a call.
Zoom alternatives at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Main strength | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whereby | Client calls | Permanent room, no download | Smaller meetings |
| Jitsi Meet | Quick free calls | Open source, no account to join | More basic |
| Microsoft Teams | Microsoft offices | Chat, files and meetings together | Can feel busy |
| Google Meet | Google Workspace teams | Link built into invites | Features depend on plan |
| Slack huddles | Internal catch-ups | Fast calls from a channel | Not for formal client meetings |
| Livestorm | Webinars | Registration and replays | Heavy for casual calls |
| StreamYard | Live shows | Easy branded streaming | Streaming-first |
| Riverside | Podcasts and interviews | Local recording quality | Recording-focused |
Make a video meeting tool? See how to get it featured on this list.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best free alternative to Zoom?
Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Jitsi Meet are common free or low-barrier options, depending on what you already use. Free plans change, so check the current limits on meeting length and guests.
Which Zoom alternative needs no download?
Whereby, Jitsi Meet and Google Meet all work in a browser for guests. Check that your guests' browsers and devices are supported before an important call.
What should I use for a webinar instead of Zoom?
Livestorm and StreamYard are built for webinars and live events, with registration, replays or streaming. Pick based on whether you need sign-ups and reminders or a live show.
Which tool is best for recording a podcast?
Riverside is built for recording interviews, since it records each person locally. Check the current plans for recording length and export options.
