Best Zoom Alternatives & Competitors in 2026
11 alternatives to Zoom • Updated January 2026
Zoom became synonymous with video calls during the pandemic, but you might not need a separate subscription anymore. Microsoft Teams includes video if you have M365. Google Meet comes with Workspace. Even free tools like Discord have added video. Unless you need Zoom's webinar features or host large events, bundled alternatives often make more sense financially.
11
Alternatives
9
Free Options
93
Top Score
2026
Updated
Why Teams Reconsider Zoom
Subscription Overlap
If you pay for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, video conferencing is included. Zoom becomes an additional cost.
Feature Convergence
Teams and Meet have caught up on features. Basic video calling no longer differentiates Zoom.
Consolidation Goals
Reducing the number of tools simplifies IT management and reduces costs.
Free Tier Limits
Zoom's free tier limits meetings to 40 minutes. Alternatives offer more generous free tiers.
What Zoom Does Well
- +Reliable video quality
- +Excellent webinar and large meeting support
- +Strong breakout rooms
- +Works without ecosystem lock-in
Common Pain Points
- -Additional cost if you have Teams or Meet included
- -Basic features now matched by competitors
- -Another subscription to manage
- -Security concerns (though mostly addressed)
What to Look For in a Zoom Alternative
Existing Subscriptions
Check what video calling is already included in tools you pay for.
Large Meeting Needs
For webinars and large events, Zoom still leads. Test alternatives' large meeting capabilities.
External Meeting Friction
Some alternatives require accounts or apps. Test how easily external guests can join.
Recording & Transcription
If you rely on Zoom's recording features, verify alternatives match your needs.
Migration Considerations
Switching video platforms is mostly about changing links and habits. No data migration needed. The challenge is user habits—people know how to use Zoom. Plan transition communication and give time for adjustment. Keep Zoom available for specific use cases (webinars) even if defaulting to alternatives for regular meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Zoom alternative?
Based on our analysis, Slack is currently the top-rated Zoom alternative with a score of 93/100. That said, the "best" alternative depends on your specific needs, budget, and use case. We recommend trying free trials before making a decision.
Is there a free alternative to Zoom?
Yes! Slack, Krisp, SurveyMonkey offer free or freemium pricing. Free alternatives often have limitations on features or usage, but they can be perfect for individuals or small teams.
How difficult is it to switch from Zoom?
Switching difficulty varies depending on how much data you have and how deeply integratedZoom is in your workflow. Most modern tools support data export/import in standard formats. Plan for a transition period where you might run both tools in parallel to ensure a smooth switch.