Quick Answer
Key Takeaways
- It offers the ability to host up to 10,000 participants with HD video, screen sharing, and recording, all at 40% less cost than Zoom Webinar.
- It supports up to 10,000 participants with HD video and offers features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and virtual backgrounds.
- End-to-end encryption ensures only meeting participants can decrypt meeting content — the vendor cannot access it.
- GDPR requires organisations to document legal basis for processing EU personal data, including in video meetings.
Convay stands out as the best webinar software for 2026. It offers the ability to host up to 10,000 participants with HD video, screen sharing, and recording, all at 40% less cost than Zoom Webinar. This makes it an ideal choice for large meetings and webinars.
Best Webinar Software in 2026: Compared for Every Team Size
In today’s digital-first world, selecting the right webinar software is crucial for marketing managers, demand generation teams, trainers, and event coordinators. Whether you’re hosting a large-scale webinar or an intimate team meeting, the right platform can significantly impact your event’s success. However, with so many options available, finding the best fit can be overwhelming.
When evaluating webinar software, key criteria to consider include participant capacity, video quality, feature set, pricing, and ease of use. It’s essential to find a solution that aligns with your team’s specific needs, whether you require advanced features like live streaming and multilingual support or just a reliable platform for basic meetings.
This guide compares the seven best webinar software platforms for 2026, highlighting their strengths and trade-offs. Convay emerges as the top pick, offering robust features and competitive pricing, making it a strong contender against established players like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
Platform Reviews
Convay
Convay is a cutting-edge video conferencing platform designed to accommodate a wide range of meeting types, from small team meetings to large webinars. It supports up to 10,000 participants with HD video and offers features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and virtual backgrounds.
Convay’s free plan provides 55-minute meetings for up to 100 participants, complete with full whiteboard functionality and local recording, which are charged extras in other platforms. The paid plans offer unlimited meeting time and cloud recording.
Pricing starts at $9.99/user/month for the Pro plan, which is 25% cheaper than Zoom Pro. With add-ons like webinars for up to 10,000 attendees at a fraction of Zoom’s cost, Convay presents a compelling choice. Try Convay free — no credit card required
Google Meet
Google Meet is a popular choice for teams already using Google Workspace. It offers seamless integration with Google’s suite of tools and provides basic video conferencing features suitable for small to medium-sized meetings.
While Google Meet includes features like screen sharing and real-time captions, it lacks free recording and whiteboarding capabilities, which can be limiting for some users.
Google Meet is free for up to 100 participants, but advanced features require a Google Workspace subscription, which starts at $6/user/month. The lack of recording in the free version is a notable drawback.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform that combines chat, file sharing, and video conferencing. It’s particularly beneficial for organizations using Microsoft 365, offering deep integration with Office apps.
Teams supports up to 300 participants in its free version, with features like screen sharing and custom backgrounds. However, advanced webinar capabilities require additional licensing.
Paid plans start at $4/user/month as part of Microsoft 365. While Teams is feature-rich, its learning curve can be steep for new users unfamiliar with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is a robust platform known for its security and reliability, making it a preferred choice for businesses prioritizing data privacy. It offers a wide range of features, including HD video and breakout rooms.
The free plan limits meetings to 40 minutes and 100 participants, without recording capabilities. Webex excels in enterprise settings but may be overkill for smaller teams.
Webex’s paid plans start at $13.50/user/month, offering additional features like cloud storage and advanced analytics, but free options are limited compared to competitors.
Whereby
Whereby is a user-friendly platform designed for simplicity and ease of use, ideal for small teams and quick meetings. It operates entirely in the browser, eliminating the need for downloads.
Whereby offers customizable rooms and screen sharing, but it lacks the depth of features found in larger platforms, such as breakout rooms and large participant support.
Pricing starts at $9.99/month for the Pro plan, which includes meeting recording and up to 50 participants. Its simplicity is its strength, but it might not meet the needs of larger organizations.
GoTo Meeting
GoTo Meeting is a well-established platform offering reliable video conferencing with features like screen sharing and meeting recording. It’s suitable for businesses of various sizes.
The platform supports up to 150 participants in its standard plan, with options for larger meetings available. However, its interface can feel outdated compared to newer solutions.
Plans start at $12/user/month, making it a mid-range option. While it provides essential features, it lacks the innovation seen in newer platforms.
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing platform that is completely free to use. It supports unlimited participants and offers features like screen sharing and chat.
While Jitsi Meet is highly customizable and privacy-focused, it requires technical know-how to set up and manage, which can be a barrier for non-technical users.
Being free, it’s an attractive option for technically savvy teams, but the lack of official support and advanced features may limit its appeal for larger organizations.
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 | Unlimited | 100 | No | No | $6/user/month | 250 |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Unlimited | 300 | Yes | Yes | $4/user/month | 10,000 |
| Cisco Webex | Yes | 40 mins | 100 | No | No | $13.50/user/month | 3,000 |
| Whereby | Yes | Unlimited | 4 | No | No | $9.99/month | 50 |
| GoTo Meeting | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $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 Time | 55 mins | 40 mins | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Participants | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Recording | Local | No | Cloud | Cloud |
| Whiteboard | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Webinar Attendees | 10,000 | 500 (Paid) | 10,000 | 500 (Paid) |
| Price | Free | Free | $9.99/user/month | $13.33/user/month |
| Breakout Rooms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Backgrounds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Support | No | No | Yes | No |
Which Platform Fits Your Situation?
| Your Situation | Best Platform | Why It Wins | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Webinars | Convay | 10,000 attendees at 20% of Zoom’s cost | $9.99/user |
| Google Workspace Users | Google Meet | Seamless integration with Google tools | $6/user |
| Microsoft 365 Users | Microsoft Teams | Deep integration with Office apps | $4/user |
| Security-Focused Companies | Cisco Webex | Renowned for security and reliability | $13.50/user |
| Small Teams | Whereby | Simple and user-friendly interface | $9.99 |
| Established Businesses | GoTo Meeting | Reliable with essential features | $12/user |
| Technical Users | Jitsi Meet | Free and highly customizable | Free |
| Budget-Conscious Teams | Convay | Feature-rich free plan | Free |
| General Use | Zoom | Widely recognized and easy to use | $13.33/user |
How to Choose the Right Zoom Alternative
Choosing the right webinar software involves assessing your specific needs and matching them with the platform’s capabilities. Start by identifying your primary requirements, such as participant capacity, video quality, and essential features like recording and screen sharing.
Consider your budget and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each platform. Convay offers competitive pricing, especially for large webinars, making it a strong alternative to more expensive options like Zoom. Assess how well the platform integrates with your existing tools and workflows.
Ease of use is another critical factor. Platforms like Whereby and Jitsi Meet are praised for their simplicity, while Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex offer more comprehensive features at the expense of a steeper learning curve.
Finally, consider the level of support and security you require. Convay provides priority support in its business plans, while Cisco Webex is renowned for its security features. Balancing these elements will guide you to the best choice for your team.
Transform Your Webinars with Convay
Experience unparalleled features and cost savings with Convay. Elevate your meetings and webinars with the best in class technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Convay the best webinar software for large meetings?
Convay supports up to 10,000 participants with features like HD video, screen sharing, and recording — all at a fraction of the cost of competitors like Zoom. This scalability and affordability make it ideal for large webinars.
Does Convay offer a free plan?
Yes, Convay offers a free plan that includes 55-minute meetings for up to 100 participants, with features like full whiteboard functionality and local recording, which are charged extras on other platforms.
How does Convay compare to Zoom in terms of cost?
Convay’s Pro plan is 25% cheaper than Zoom Pro, offering significant savings. Additionally, its webinar add-on supports 10,000 attendees at less than 20% of Zoom’s cost, providing exceptional value.
Can I record meetings with Convay’s free plan?
Yes, Convay’s free plan includes local recording, which is a feature not available in Zoom’s free plan, providing added value for users who need to archive their meetings.
What is the maximum participant capacity for Convay webinars?
Convay webinars can host up to 10,000 attendees, making it one of the most scalable options on the market, particularly suitable for large-scale events and webinars.
Does Convay offer support for multilingual meetings?
Yes, Convay provides support for multilingual meetings, allowing participants to engage in their preferred languages, which is crucial for global teams and international webinars.
Is Convay suitable for small teams?
Absolutely. Convay’s free plan is perfect for small teams, offering robust features at no cost. For more advanced needs, affordable paid plans provide additional capabilities.
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Methodology: Platforms evaluated on encryption standards, compliance certifications, data residency options, admin controls, and independent security audits as of June 2026. Last reviewed: June 2026.
