I’m going to be taking a look at some incredibly exciting platforms that are really taking Zoom meetings to the next level, mainly due to two reasons:
1) Zoom has reduced the free version down to 40 minute time limits
2) Zoom hasn’t evolved in YEARS. It’s even being called the 21st century BIRO already!
And in the meantime there are people now using awesome alternatives to give their community members more exciting and engaging experiences to connect online – where they can have meaningful connections, collaborate together and have more FUN.
Topia
Website:
Price:
Demo For Friends & Casual Meetups $0, Standard For Online Communities & Gatherings $10/mo, Performance For Professionals & Conferences $10/mo.
Main features:
- For community meetups – Bring your communities together in persistent spaces and invite them to help shape the world alongside you.
- For events – Shape a canvas where people can interact in real time, move between conversations, and forge shared memories that last.
- For conferences – Engage attendees from anywhere in the world without the physical constraints imposed by in-person events.
Gather
Website:
Price:
Free $0 USD/user (Up to 25 users), Per day $3 USD/user (Starts at $75 for 25 users), Monthly Subscription $7 USD/user (Starts at $175/month for 25 users)
Main features:
- Fluid Video Chat – Make virtual interactions more human. Walking in and out of conversations feels natural and seamless in Gather.
- Objects and Integrations – Objects like whiteboards, TVs, and games turn conversations into brainstorming sessions and friendly competitions.
- Customizability – Use build tools to customize your space in just a few clicks.
WorkAdventu.re
Website:
Price:
Main features:
- Meeting rooms
- Video and livestreams
- Dashboards
Connect.club
Website:
Price:
Free
Main features:
- Choose a virtual room – Participate in events or create your own, invite your friends and meet new people.
- Connect with doers – Create your profile and find people with the same interests in your field.
- Express your emotions
Geneva
Website:
Price:
Free
Main features:
- Chat Rooms – Full-featured chat complete with @s, threaded replies, reactions, GIFs, attachments, polls, pins, and typing (…)
- Know who’s coming in – Use built-in questionnaires to learn more about potential members and decide if they’re a good fit for your group.
- Plan & host events – With built-in event invites and a centralized calendar, it’s easy to share info, gather RSVPs, and get reminders to hop on.
Wonder.me
Website:
Price:
Lite $2 USD Per User, Per Month (5hrs per week), Pro $9 USD Per User, Per Month (Unlimited Time)
Main features:
- Scheduled meetings – Run all your scheduled meetings in one space – no more confusing links.
- Unscheduled convos – Having a spontaneous chat is as easy as walking up to them. No need to schedule or or create a link.
- Workshop – If you need to get creative, easily run larger workshops with natural breakouts.
Famera Beta
Website:
Price:
Free
Main features:
- Private meetings.
- Participate in events or create your own, invite your friends and meet new people.
- Customize video filters.
Cosmos.video
Website:
Price:
Free
Main features:
- Maximum Participants – Up to 70 people can be part of a single conversation.
- Screen Share – Available in 2 modes – full screen and a smaller view. You can optimize for low bandwidth, sharing text or videos. Multiple people can screenshare at the same time.
- Raised Hands – Raise hands to ask a question or say something during a meeting. Video tiles of everyone who has raised their hand get promoted to the first page.