As millions of businesses have made the switch to remote working to curb the spread of Covid-19, it’s no wonder our October pick of the month is the video conferencing tool that’s created a big buzz this year. Zoom, a cloud-based platform for video, chat, voice, and content sharing, is a top choice for those seeking easy use, top-notch performance, and affordable plans in your online meetings tool.

Zoom has proved to be so crucial to remote working that its daily usage increased from 10 million in 2019 to more than 200 million in March of 2020. This dramatic increase is thanks in part to its easy interface, reliable service, and robust customer service.

But it’s not your average video conferencing tool! Zoom is packed with integrated features that make it easier than ever to host online meetings as productive, if not more so, than calling in the colleagues.

Best Features

In fact, the developers at Zoom have thought of it all. Flawless HD video and voice calling, recording options, and even cool virtual backgrounds are just some of the great features this premium conferencing tool has to offer.

Other great features include:

  • Screen sharing from any device
  • Private chat and messaging rooms
  • Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption
  • Zoom Web Client, a browser-based option for one-time meetings
  • Zoom Marketplace, a collaboration tool for plug-ins and integrations
  • Instant or scheduled meetings
  • Appearance touch-up filters for those last-minute calls
  • 24/7 customer service

Pricing

One of the best things about Zoom is its generous free plans. For those with only occasional Zoom calls, the Zoom Basic plan comes with every feature you need for seamless video conferencing. You can host up to 100 participants in unlimited monthly meetings, enjoy simultaneous screen share in HD quality, and use cool features like whiteboarding, waiting rooms, and co-annotation. However, there is one drawback to the free plan. Your Zoom meeting can only be 45 minutes or less. If you need a longer meeting, you will have to upgrade to a paid plan.

The Zoom paid plans are ideal for small to large businesses and include unique paid-only features such as reporting functionality, dedicated phone support, and cloud recording transcripts. Each plan has a minimum number of hosts and is calculated on a per-host basis.

Zoom Pro: $14.95/month (up to 9 hosts)

Zoom Business: $19.95/month (minimum 10 hosts)

Zoom Enterprise: $19.95/month (minimum 100 hosts)

Ready to try Zoom for yourself? Download our complimentary virtual backgrounds to add some spice to your screen (and cover up your cluttered home desk space!)