Video conferencing software has become a lifeline to millions and a standard part of our daily lives. Today’s best video conferencing software and apps allow colleagues to see and hear each other with high-definition (HD) quality. With a wealth of video conferencing options available—all offering unique features at different prices, selecting one can be difficult. Forbes Advisor breaks down the best video conferencing apps to help you choose the right fit for your team and budget.

The Best Five Video Conferencing Apps of 2023

• Zoom: Best overall
• Google Meet: Best one-stop shop video conferencing software
• TeamViewer Meeting: Best for collaborative meetings
• Zoho Meeting: Best for growing team
• CyberLink U Meeting: Best for image-conscious professionals

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What Is Video Conferencing?

Video conferencing is a type of virtual, online meeting where two or more people talk through a video and audio call in real time. Video conferencing has been around for years, but it skyrocketed in popularity as school and work shifted into the home during the 2020 pandemic.

Types of Video Conferencing

A video conference can be:

• Point-to-point: A one-on-one conversation involving two participants in different locations. A video call with a client or a customer service rep, for example, is point-to-point video conferencing.
• Multipoint: Also called “group video conferencing” or “group calls,” this is a conversation that involves three or more people in at least two locations. It could be a business meeting with some participants at the office and others remote, or a webinar where a person streams to viewers in several locations.

How to Choose the Best Video Conferencing Software

Determining the best video conferencing software for your business will ultimately come down to your company’s size, desired features and budget.

• The size of your audience or organization: The bigger your team, the more participants you will need to have in your meetings. You might also need large meetings if you hold frequent webinars for clients and associates.
• Your monthly or annual budget: Most videoconferencing services are priced on a “per host” basis while others are priced per user. A per-host plan is generally cheaper in the long run because that means that your team could need just one paid account while the rest of your team uses the free version of the software.
• Mobile functionality: Most of today’s mainstream systems have mobile apps for iOS and Android. This is convenient for today’s remote workforce as well as sales agents, executives and other team members who constantly travel for work.

What Is Required for Video Conferencing?

To join or host any basic video conference, you need:

• A desktop or laptop computer
• A web camera
• A microphone
• Speakers or headphones
• High-speed internet access
• An account with a video conferencing service
• Most laptops come with a camera, microphone and speakers built in, and those are sufficient for basic conferencing. For more privacy, you can connect headphones, which usually also include a microphone. For a sharper picture, purchase a third-party webcam.

To join or host video conferences with multiple participants in a single room, your business could purchase a conference room set up to capture the best video and audio from all participants in the room.

A conference room setup might include:

• A television with an HDMI input
• Hardware from your video conferencing service
• Speakers
• An omnidirectional microphone, such as Polycom or Meeting Owl