There was a time where Skype was the sole viable video web conferencing platform available to corporations needing the freedom and functionality of video conferencing and file sharing. However, times change and with them, the number of options available on the market. Skype’s once commanding stranglehold on the industry has faded, with them losing 12% of their users in 2013 alone. This has contributed to a decline in their small business market share to 35%! Skype has been slow to reduce the resource requirements to run their software. This combined with the cost of calling and limits on file sharing/editing capabilities has created market opportunities for competitors. The following is a breakdown of the 3 tools that represent the best video web conferencing alternatives to Skype.
Google has pulled out all the stops in delivering a fantastic video web conferencing tool. With integrated video calling, conference calling, PC to landline calling and real time file sharing/editing, Google has effectively crafted a suite of tools that delivers. If all the functionality was not enough to attract new users, then the price attached to the services offered is even more astounding, FREE! Google provides all of this is free of charge to users with creation of Google Account. The future will tell what other innovations Google will look to add to its current Hangout offerings, SMS, live graphic editing, but as is Google Hangouts is a strong option to Skype.
PROS: Free services, Video Conference, File/Sharing Editing, Landline compatibility
CONS: Google account required, still fairly resource heavy
This offering from the world of Apple is nothing short of fantastic. With communication available via instant messaging and video conferencing, this tool makes team management quick and easy. No downloads of new software are necessary, as the tool is part of the standard installation with your new Mac. The quality of video and audio for conferencing are comparable to both Skype and Google Hangouts and the UI is extremely intuitive making it simple for beginners. While this tool seems to excel in comparison to Skype and Google Hangouts, its limitation to Apple devices is a huge drawback.
PROS: Free software, Simple UI, Good Quality,
CONS: Restricted to Macs, Resource Heavy
Tiny Chat makes the top 3 due to its speed and simplicity. The browser-based video web conferencing option is not the most professional looking platform out there, but what it lacks in appearances it makes up in functionality. With the ability to quickly host 12 person conference rooms with a sharable URL directly from your browser, TinyChat is ideal for spur of the moment meetings and consultations. While the video is not nearly as strong in quality as Skype, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime, the UI is extremely simple and easy for first time users. This option is by far the least resource heavy on your PC allowing those looking to multitask while video conferencing. For a quick low resource option, Tiny Chat is a great alternative to Skype and Google Hangouts.
PROS: Simple, Quick setup, Easy to use, lower resource requirement, URL sharing
CONS: Unrefined interface, lower video quality
Skype is still a powerhouse in the industry of video web conferencing and a solid go to choice for many, but with strong alternatives available, you can see if one of these options is better suited for your needs. If you are looking for superior file sharing/editing, simple and convenient UI, or a tool that won’t crush the processor on your laptop or mobile device Google Hangouts, iChat and TinyChat all have something of value to offer. If you are managing freelance workers these tools are a necessity. Tell us what you think and let us know if we missed any web conferencing platforms you like.
