Virtual meetings have become an essential tool for modern enterprises, particularly as the underlying technology has matured. Even while some employers required employees to return to the office when COVID-19 regulations were downgraded, hybrid work is a phenomenon that is here to stay. So, most office workers can expect to participate in video meetings frequently, therefore your company's virtual technology must be top-notch.

Maybe you have a bright, motivated staff with clear goals, but something just doesn't click when you conduct a virtual meeting.Dull meetings occur when participants become passive. They stop listening and become uninterested in the talk. Sometimes technical issues make it difficult to engage or follow what is being said. What is the result? You find yourself talking to yourself.

Leaders must bring people together, leverage their collective power, and spark creativity to avoid these obstacles and reach a team's potential. And you'll need a terrific virtual meeting tool to do this with a remote crew. 

So, instead of being the only one speaking in your meetings, it's time to get everyone involved. Visit our evaluation of the top online meeting venues for 2023 for more information.

But, before moving forward let’s discuss “Virtual Meeting Platforms.”

Virtual meeting platforms are tools and software that allow users to connect via video over the internet. This software frequently includes features like screen sharing, chat, and video calling. These kinds of initiatives are frequently referred to as "online meeting platforms." In that it may support virtual team participation and collaborative tasks, this software is comparable to virtual event platforms.

5 Top Virtual Meeting Platforms for 2023

• Zoom 
• Microsoft Teams
• WebEx by Cisco
• Google Meet
• Zoho Meeting

Let's take a closer look at each one.

Zoom - Zoom is a prominent video conferencing software known for its ease of use. Anyone can be invited to a Zoom meeting using an address, even if they don't have a Zoom account.When group members click on the URL, they will promptly join the rest of the team in a virtual room. Registered users can host meetings for up to 100 people using Zoom's free software. Zoom, when combined with engaging features like breakout rooms, is excellent for holding virtual team meetings, games, and activities.

Why Did We Choose It?

The COVID-19 pandemic, arguably, made Zoom a household name and introduced the term "zooming" into the current zeitgeist. Despite a few security glitches along the way, it has quickly grown into one of the more extensive and quite well-suited services on our list. Furthermore, it has constantly expanding features, such as integrations with an array of third-party business software.

PROS

• Free account.
• Reasonably priced paid plans.
• Outstanding performance.
• Features for both hosts and participants.
• Simple to use.
• Excellent track record for resolving support issues quickly.

CONS

•  Can’t include a description or meeting agenda in an app-generated invitation.
• The business's reaction to privacy and security issues has been spotty in the past.

Microsoft Teams - The price is what genuinely makes this service enticing. This is one of the most inexpensive video conferencing services available. Despite the system's minimal cost, you have access to critical collaborative tools.

While Microsoft Teams might not have all of the capabilities that other video conferencing services provide, it does include many of the most important ones. One of the best tools for internal communication is this one. In order to replace Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams was released in 2017

What is the reason behing choosing it?

Microsoft tends to steadily add capabilities to its products, and Teams is no exception. It has grown from humble beginnings to become a monster of team communication and a key component of the Microsoft 365 suite. Furthermore, it is a totally-featured video calling method that can be used for much more than privately video sessions, unlike other rivals (like Slack).

PROS

• Highly adaptable.
• Closely linked with other Microsoft Office applications.
• Numerous integration options.
• Microsoft 365 corporate accounts and Windows 11 are included.

CONS

•  Only works well in a Microsoft-centric setting.
• A compartmentalized design exudes formality and rule-following, which may restrict open dialogue.
• Necessary dialogue is not easy to find.
• Not all functionalities are currently available for testing.

WebEx by Cisco- Cisco Webex is virtual meeting software designed for enterprises. Due to its straightforward controls and stringent security, Webex has long assisted businesses in maintaining communication. By registering for Webex's free plan, you can organise virtual conferences or games with up to 100 participants for any amount of time.This feature contrasts with the free Zoom account, which limits meetings to 40 minutes if three or more people attend. You won't have to worry about time restrictions if you use Webex for the following virtual meeting.

Why Did We Choose It?

One of the oldest video conferencing platforms on our list, Webex has been around since 1995 in one way or another. Given that Cisco now owns it, it will especially gain from connection with the networking giant's extensive network of tools, hardware, and intelligent conference room systems.

PROS

• User-friendly interface.
• Whiteboard and powerful application sharing features.
• Cloud recording is included.
• Transcription in real time.
• Meeting rooms.
• Cool and practical reactions features.

CONS

•  Real-time translation is not free.
• Relatively costly.
• Cloud storage is limited to 10GB.

Google Meet - Google Meet was first designed as a virtual meeting tool for the company's corporate users. However, when Zoom's popularity grew, Google decided to provide Meet as a safe alternative. Meet can accommodate gatherings of up to 250 people and includes useful features such as live subtitles and anti-abuse protection. As long as all employees have a Google Account, Meet is the best option.if data security is a top issue for your business.

Why Did We Decide Upon It?

The only way to attend Google Meet conferences is through a web browser, yet what appears to be a drawback may turn out to be its greatest asset. Google Meet should be accessible to anyone with a current browser, regardless of OS platform, as there are no additional programmes to download and install. It also helps that Meet is compatible with the wildly popular Google Workspace family of efficiency programmes. 

PROS

• Generous free tier.
• Document collaboration is included.
• It runs solely through a browser.
• Google Drive receives regular meeting recording storage.
• Compatible with other Google Workspace apps.

CONS

• A Google Workspace membership is required to use the business services.
• There is no built-in transcription capability.

Online Meeting - Online meetings, often known as web conferencing, are a quickly growing Internet industry as more businesses desire to interact with clients and partners remotely. The easiest and most affordable web conferencing platform available today for boosting business communication through screen/application sharing, audio, and video conferencing is Zoho Meeting. It makes it possible for both small and large businesses, as well as single people, to swiftly and effectively hold and run safe online meetings. You may host online meetings, lead-nurturing webinars, user education webinars, sales presentations, and product debuts directly from your browser.

Why Did We Choose It?

While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of its competitors, Zoho Meetings' attraction comes from its affordable price. Unlike many of the other services in our roundup, it has a free tier that allows you to host meetings for up to 100 people.The other applications in the Zoho business software suite are likewise smoothly integrated

PROS

• Inexpensive.
• Up to 25 video feeds can be streamed at the same time.
• Virtual backdrops are supported.
• Reactions are included.

CONS

• There is no automated transcription.
•  Notepad functionality is limited.

Final Verdict 

There are numerous options for online meeting software that may help you, your teams, and your communities connect. Think about what you need to accomplish in your virtual meetings and find the platform that is the best match for you and your company.