Quick Answer
Convay offers a superior alternative to Zoom with extensive features. With 55-minute meetings, up to 100 participants, and free local recording, Convay stands out. It also provides a full whiteboard with live annotation and more competitive pricing on paid plans.
Alternative Host in Zoom: Settings, Permissions, and Best Practices
Managing video conferences as an admin can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex settings and user permissions. Zoom admins often face difficulties in configuring alternative host settings efficiently, leading to disruptions during meetings. Understanding these settings is crucial for a seamless experience.
Choosing the right video conferencing platform involves evaluating various features, such as meeting duration limits, participant capacity, recording capabilities, and pricing. With several options available, finding a platform that meets all your needs can be daunting.
This guide explores the alternative host settings in Zoom, common issues, and best practices for admins. We’ll review top platforms, with Convay emerging as a top pick due to its robust features and cost-effectiveness.
Platform Reviews
Convay
Convay is a video conferencing platform designed to offer more for less. It features 55-minute meetings, accommodating up to 100 participants, and includes a full whiteboard with live annotation, which Zoom charges for. Convay also provides free local recording, a feature not available in Zoom’s free plan.
The free plan includes screen sharing, breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and polls. Convay’s paid plans are competitively priced, with the Pro plan at $9.99/user/month, offering unlimited meeting time and cloud recording. The Business plan at $16.99/user/month adds admin controls and priority support.
Try Convay free — no credit card required
Google Meet
Google Meet is a popular choice for its integration with Google Workspace. It provides a straightforward interface and essential meeting features. However, it lacks free recording and a whiteboard, which can limit its usability in certain scenarios.
Google Meet is free for up to 100 participants with a 60-minute limit. Its paid plans start at $12/user/month, offering additional features like noise cancellation and meeting recording.
While Google Meet is convenient for Gmail users, its lack of a whiteboard and recording in the free plan are notable drawbacks.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 suite, providing a comprehensive collaboration platform. It includes chat, file sharing, and integration with Microsoft Office apps.
The free version supports up to 100 participants with a 60-minute limit. Paid plans start at $5/user/month, offering more robust meeting features and integrations.
Teams is ideal for organizations already using Microsoft 365, but its complexity can be overwhelming for new users.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is known for its reliability and security features. It offers a range of tools for meetings, webinars, and training sessions.
The free plan allows up to 100 participants with a 40-minute time limit. Paid plans start from $13.50/user/month, providing additional features such as cloud recording and analytics.
Webex’s strong security makes it suitable for enterprises, but its user interface can be less intuitive compared to other platforms.
Whereby
Whereby is a simple video conferencing tool that requires no downloads or logins. It offers a user-friendly experience with customizable meeting rooms.
The free plan supports up to 100 participants for 45 minutes. Paid plans start at $9.99/user/month, adding features like recording and branded rooms.
Whereby is perfect for small businesses needing quick, hassle-free meetings but lacks advanced features found in other platforms.
GoTo Meeting
GoTo Meeting is a reliable platform focused on providing a seamless meeting experience. It offers HD video, screen sharing, and meeting transcription.
There is no free version, but the paid plans start at $12/user/month, supporting up to 150 participants. It also includes cloud recording and unlimited meetings.
GoTo Meeting is ideal for businesses requiring high-quality video and audio but might be costly for smaller teams.
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing solution offering flexibility and customization. It’s completely free and supports unlimited participants.
It provides essential features like screen sharing and chat, but lacks advanced functionalities such as integrated recording and support.
Jitsi Meet is great for tech-savvy users who can handle custom setups but may be too basic for those needing robust support and features.
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 mins | 100 | Yes | Yes | $9.99/user/month | 10,000 |
| Google Meet | Yes | 60 mins | 100 | No | No | $12/user/month | 250 |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | 60 mins | 100 | No | No | $5/user/month | 300 |
| Cisco Webex | Yes | 40 mins | 100 | No | No | $13.50/user/month | 1,000 |
| Whereby | Yes | 45 mins | 100 | No | No | $9.99/user/month | 50 |
| GoTo Meeting | No | N/A | N/A | Yes | No | $12/user/month | 3,000 |
| Jitsi Meet | Yes | Unlimited | Unlimited | No | No | Free | Unlimited |
| Zoom | Yes | 40 mins | 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 Duration | 55 mins | 40 mins | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Participants | 100 | 100 | 300 | 300 |
| Recording | Local | No | Cloud | Cloud |
| Whiteboard | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Breakout Rooms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Backgrounds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Polls | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price/user/month | Free | Free | $9.99 | $13.33 |
| Max Participants | 10,000 | 1,000 | 10,000 | 1,000 |
| Annotation | Free | Paid | Free | Free |
Which Platform Fits Your Situation?
| Your Situation | Best Platform | Why It Wins | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need Free Recording | Convay | Offers free local recording | Free |
| Large Webinars | Convay | 10,000 attendees at low cost | Varies |
| Google Integration | Google Meet | Seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace | $12/user |
| Microsoft 365 Users | Microsoft Teams | Best for existing Microsoft 365 users | $5/user |
| Security Focused | Cisco Webex | Strong security features | $13.50/user |
| Quick, Simple Meetings | Whereby | No downloads required | $9.99/user |
| High-Quality Video | GoTo Meeting | Reliable HD video | $12/user |
| Open Source Lovers | Jitsi Meet | Fully customizable and free | Free |
| Basic Free Plan | Zoom | Widely used and recognized | Free |
How to Choose the Right Zoom Alternative
Choosing the right video conferencing platform involves evaluating your specific needs and comparing them against the offerings of each platform. Consider factors such as participant capacity, meeting duration, and essential features like recording and screen sharing.
Cost is another critical factor. Platforms like Convay offer significant savings compared to Zoom, especially for large-scale webinars and meetings. Assess the total cost of ownership, including any add-ons you might require.
Evaluate the ease of use and integration capabilities of each platform. If your organization relies heavily on a specific suite of tools, ensure the platform you choose integrates smoothly with your existing software.
Finally, prioritize security and support. Robust security features and reliable customer support are essential for maintaining privacy and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Discover Convay Today
Experience a superior video conferencing solution with Convay. Enjoy features like free local recording and a full whiteboard, designed to enhance your meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alternative host in Zoom?
An alternative host in Zoom can start and manage meetings on behalf of the original host. This feature is beneficial when the primary host is unavailable, ensuring meetings proceed smoothly without interruptions.
How do I assign an alternative host in Zoom?
To assign an alternative host in Zoom, go to the meeting settings and enter the email address of the person you wish to designate. Ensure they have a licensed Zoom account within your organization for this role.
What permissions does an alternative host have?
An alternative host can manage participants, start and end meetings, and use most of the host’s controls. However, they cannot edit meeting settings or assign further alternative hosts.
Can I have multiple alternative hosts in Zoom?
Yes, Zoom allows you to assign multiple alternative hosts to a meeting. This flexibility helps ensure meetings can proceed even if the primary host or another alternative host is unavailable.
How does Convay compare in terms of alternative host features?
Convay provides robust hosting capabilities, allowing admins to assign alternative hosts easily. Its intuitive interface ensures seamless management of meetings, making it a competitive choice against Zoom.
Why should I consider Convay over Zoom?
Convay offers extended meeting durations, free recording, and a comprehensive whiteboard feature at no additional cost. Its competitive pricing and feature-rich plans make it an attractive alternative to Zoom.
Is there a cost advantage with Convay?
Yes, Convay’s Pro plan is 25% cheaper than Zoom’s, saving $40 per user annually. Additionally, its Webinar add-on supports up to 10,000 attendees at a fraction of Zoom’s cost, offering significant savings.
