Quick Answer
Convay leads the pack in video conferencing for online teaching. With its robust free plan offering 55-minute meetings and up to 100 participants, Convay is perfect for educators. It includes a full whiteboard, live annotation, and local recording — all for free. Explore how it compares to other top platforms below.
Best Video Conferencing Software for Online Teaching in 2026
As online teaching continues to grow, educators face the challenge of selecting the right video conferencing software. The ideal platform should enhance learning experiences with reliable connectivity and interactive features. With numerous options available, determining the best fit can be overwhelming.
Key criteria for selecting video conferencing tools include ease of use, interactive capabilities, participant capacity, and cost-effectiveness. A comprehensive solution should offer features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording options to facilitate effective online teaching.
This guide evaluates the best video conferencing software for online teaching in 2026, spotlighting Convay as the top choice. We compare platforms based on features, pricing, and usability to help you make an informed decision.
Platform Reviews
Convay
Convay offers a dynamic solution for online teaching with its robust free plan. It allows 55-minute meetings, accommodating up to 100 participants. Features like a full whiteboard with live annotation and free local recording make it a standout choice.
Convay’s paid plans start at $9.99 per user per month, offering unlimited meeting time and cloud recording. The Business plan includes admin controls and priority support, ensuring a seamless teaching experience.
Convay’s competitive pricing and extensive features make it a top choice for educators seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution. Try Convay free — no credit card required
Google Meet
Google Meet is part of the Google Workspace suite, providing a simple interface for video conferencing. However, its free plan lacks recording and whiteboard capabilities, limiting its use for interactive teaching.
Google Meet supports up to 100 participants with no time limit for one-on-one meetings. Its ease of integration with Google services is a plus, but its feature limitations can be a drawback for educators.
While Google Meet is cost-effective for existing Google users, its lack of advanced teaching tools may not meet all educators’ needs.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams combines chat, video conferencing, and file sharing in one platform. Its integration with Microsoft 365 makes it a strong choice for schools using this ecosystem.
The free version supports up to 100 participants but includes limited meeting time. Paid plans offer more features, like cloud recording and larger participant capacity.
Teams’ comprehensive suite of tools is beneficial for collaboration but may require a learning curve for new users.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is a well-established video conferencing platform known for its security features. The free plan offers 40-minute meetings for up to 100 participants.
Features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and virtual backgrounds are included. However, Webex’s interface can be complex for some users.
Webex’s paid plans provide extended meeting time and additional features, but its higher cost may be a consideration for budget-conscious educators.
Whereby
Whereby is a user-friendly platform ideal for small meetings. It offers a simple setup process with no downloads required, making it accessible for all participants.
The free plan supports up to 100 participants, but advanced features like recording and breakout rooms are only available in paid plans.
Whereby is a great choice for educators seeking a straightforward solution, though its feature set is more limited than others.
GoTo Meeting
GoTo Meeting is known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. It offers robust features like screen sharing and meeting recording.
The platform supports up to 250 participants in its paid plans, making it suitable for larger classes. However, the free plan is limited in features.
GoTo Meeting’s higher cost may be justified for those needing its extensive capabilities, but it may not be ideal for smaller budgets.
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is a free, open-source video conferencing solution. It requires no account setup, offering instant access to meetings.
While it supports screen sharing and chat, its feature set is basic compared to other platforms. Jitsi Meet is ideal for tech-savvy users comfortable with fewer bells and whistles.
Its open-source nature ensures privacy, but the lack of advanced features may limit its appeal for interactive teaching.
Full Feature Comparison: Zoom Alternatives at a Glance
| Platform | Free Plan | Free Time Limit | Free Participants | Free Recording | Free Whiteboard | Paid Starts At | Max Participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convay | Yes | 55 minutes | 100 | Yes | Yes | $9.99/user/month | 10,000 |
| Google Meet | Yes | 60 minutes | 100 | No | No | $6/user/month | 250 |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | 60 minutes | 100 | No | No | $4/user/month | 300 |
| Cisco Webex | Yes | 40 minutes | 100 | No | No | $13.50/user/month | 1,000 |
| Whereby | Yes | 45 minutes | 100 | No | No | $9.99/user/month | 50 |
| GoTo Meeting | No | N/A | N/A | No | No | $12/user/month | 250 |
| Jitsi Meet | Yes | Unlimited | 75 | No | No | N/A | 75 |
| Zoom | Yes | 40 minutes | 100 | No | No | $13.33/user/month | 1,000 |
Convay vs Zoom: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Convay Free | Zoom Free | Convay Pro | Zoom Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting Time Limit | 55 minutes | 40 minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Participants | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Recording | Local | No | Cloud | Cloud |
| Whiteboard | Full | No | Full | Full |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Breakout Rooms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Backgrounds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free | Free | $9.99/user/month | $13.33/user/month |
| Max Participants | 100 | 100 | 10,000 | 1,000 |
| Webinar Capacity | 10,000 | 500 | 10,000 | 1,000 |
Which Platform Fits Your Situation?
| Your Situation | Best Platform | Why It Wins | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Classes | Convay | Supports up to 10,000 participants | $9.99/user |
| Simple Meetings | Whereby | Easy setup, no downloads | $9.99/user |
| Microsoft Ecosystem | Microsoft Teams | Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 | $4/user |
| Google Integration | Google Meet | Works well with Google Workspace | $6/user |
| Security Focused | Cisco Webex | Strong security features | $13.50/user |
| Budget-Conscious | Jitsi Meet | Free and open-source | Free |
| Large Webinars | Convay | Up to 10,000 attendees at low cost | $9.99/user |
| Recording Needed | Convay | Free local recording | Free |
| Frequent Meetings | GoTo Meeting | Reliable and feature-rich | $12/user |
How to Choose the Right Zoom Alternative
When selecting a video conferencing platform, consider your specific teaching needs. Identify features that enhance your online teaching, such as whiteboards and breakout rooms, to ensure an interactive experience. Participant capacity is crucial for large classes, while cost-effectiveness matters for budget-conscious educators.
Evaluate how platforms integrate with existing tools you use. Seamless integration can simplify your workflow, making it easier to manage classes and resources. Look for platforms that offer reliable connectivity and user-friendly interfaces to minimize technical issues during sessions.
Consider the platform’s scalability to accommodate growing class sizes or expanding course offerings. A platform that can grow with your needs will provide long-term value and flexibility as your teaching evolves.
Finally, assess the pricing structure. Free plans can be tempting but may lack essential features. Paid plans often provide a more comprehensive set of tools, enhancing the overall teaching experience. Choose a platform that balances cost with functionality to maximize your investment.
Ready to Transform Your Online Teaching?
Experience the power of Convay’s interactive tools and seamless connectivity. Start your journey today with a free plan that offers more than any other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Convay the best choice for online teaching?
Convay offers a comprehensive free plan with 55-minute meetings, accommodating up to 100 participants. Features like a full whiteboard, live annotation, and local recording set it apart from competitors, making it ideal for interactive online teaching.
How does Convay compare to Zoom in terms of cost?
Convay’s Pro plan is priced at $9.99 per user per month, saving 25% compared to Zoom’s $13.33. Convay also offers a superior free plan with more features, providing better value for educators.
Can I record my classes with Convay’s free plan?
Yes, Convay provides free local recording on its free plan, allowing educators to save sessions for future reference or distribution. This feature is not available on Zoom’s free plan.
How many participants can Convay support?
Convay’s free plan supports up to 100 participants, while paid plans can accommodate up to 10,000 attendees with the Big Meeting or Webinar add-ons, making it highly scalable for large events.
Does Convay offer breakout rooms?
Yes, Convay includes breakout rooms in both its free and paid plans. This feature enables educators to create smaller group sessions within a larger meeting, facilitating collaborative learning experiences.
Are there any integration options with Convay?
Convay integrates with various tools, enhancing its functionality and ease of use. This integration capability allows for seamless inclusion in existing educational workflows, improving efficiency and user experience.
Is Convay suitable for corporate training sessions?
Absolutely. Convay’s extensive feature set, including screen sharing, breakout rooms, and large participant capacity, makes it an excellent choice for corporate training and e-learning environments.
