Today’s digital workplaces are a flurry of video calls, with Zoom standing at the front of the crowd as a pandemic-era darling that’s nearly ubiquitous across workplaces big and small. However, many critics have been quick to point out some key security issues facing Zoom.
Zoom has worked hard to remedy these issues, but many businesses are still looking for alternatives to this popular option that not only offer better security but also more advanced features that can help their meetings run more effectively.
What to Look for in Secure Video Conferencing Software
To determine if a video conferencing software platform will keep your data safe, you’ll want to look for key features such as:
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure user access
- Security compliance certificates (where the platform has been evaluated for compliance with certain internet security protocols)
Platforms may choose to add additional layers of encryption and security based on the extra features they may have, but these are the very minimum criteria for what makes a “secure” platform.
To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled the top Zoom alternatives that provide top-level security so you can make every call with confidence.
1. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is one of the most popular Zoom alternatives for video calls, especially for businesses. It is a web-based software that facilitates easy audio and video calls on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
There are two paid plans available: Standard Plan ($49/month) and Plus Plan ($79/month). The Plus Plan offers more features such as screen-sharing, unlimited participants, and a larger meeting room library.
GoToMeeting uses an open-source end-to-end encryption standard (EES). The EES uses an AES-256 encryption key to protect your data while it’s in transit, ensuring that even if your video call is intercepted, it can’t be “unlocked” without the specific digital key assigned to it.
Pros:
- Custom meeting link to avoid “link confusion.”
- Ability to share control of mouse and keyboard during presentations to make presentation handoffs easier
- “Commuter mode” for mobile participants makes the meeting distraction-free and uses 90% less bandwidth for participants who are on-the-go
- Meeting transcriptions for participants to easily review
2. BlueJeans
BlueJeans is a high-quality video calling platform that’s not just secure but also very user-friendly. The BlueJeans standard plan is priced at $29/month, while the premium plan comes at $39/month. The premium plan offers features such as URL sharing, custom branding, and advanced reporting. BlueJeans features include HD video calling, screen sharing, whiteboard, and a simple-to-use interface that’s available on desktop, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. As for security, according to their website, BlueJeans “delivers secure meetings through encryption using standards-based protocols including SIP, SRTP, TLS and H. 323.”
Pros:
- Highlight reels for easy review
- End-to-end encryption for secure connections
- Interactive collaboration tools, including a digital whiteboard
- Accessibility features to assist participants with disabilities
Cons:
- Requires a paid plan
- The process of being invited to and joining a meeting many users find unusually complicated
3. Google Meet
Google Meet is another secure Zoom alternative for video calls that most people already have tucked in their back pocket (assuming they have a Gmail account). The basic access to the service is free with a Gmail account, while more advanced features are available with a paid standard plan or enterprise plan. The Standard plan is priced at $9/month, while the Enterprise plan comes at $35/month. The enterprise plan offers advanced features such as user-managed meeting URLs, integration with G Suite products, and bulk guest additions.
Security-wise, Google Meet adheres to strict internet security protocols, including Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) security standards for Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP), and provides end-to-end encryption on all video conferencing and messaging.
Pros:
- Included with every Gmail account
- Easy scheduling
- Works on any device
- No software installation required
- Affordable
Cons:
- There are some limitations on screen sharing
- It requires an unusually large amount of bandwidth to run
4. Slack Video Calls
Slack is most well-known as an instant-messaging platform for businesses to collaborate, but it has truly evolved into a fully-fledged productivity and communication suite. Slack’s built-in video call feature is an excellent Zoom alternative for businesses who want to do all of their communication within one simple platform.
As far as security goes, Slack encrypts all data on the platform, both at rest and in transit, with their Slack Enterprise Key Management, audit logs, and integrations with data loss prevention providers to ensure that data is always secure.
Pros:
- Integrated with other Slack features
- Works on any device
- Specifically designed to make internal team communications easy
Cons:
- Requires a paid subscription
- External invites can be less intuitive than other platforms
5. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams has long been a darling of the enterprise communication space, and for a good reason. It not only integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Office 365, but it also provides best-in-class security features that meet the rigorous standards of top companies, including two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, OAUTH Transport Level Security (TLS), and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP). For example, when comparing Zoom vs Microsoft Teams, many users appreciate the deeper integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem that Teams offers, especially for those already using Office 365 products.
Pros:
- Works seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 products
- Built-in to Windows 10 and up for easy integration
- Specifically designed to make internal team communications easy
Cons:
- Requires a paid subscription
- Like Slack, external invites can be less intuitive than other platforms
6. Skype
Many people overlook Skype in a world where Zoom and Google Hangouts dominate the space, but Skype is still an impressive video conferencing platform. Skype has continued to evolve, adding new features like live subtitles for greater accessibility and, of course, enhanced security. Skype provides end-to-end encryption on all calls, utilizing the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), which is the same technology used by the U.S. government to encode sensitive information. In the debate of Zoom vs Skype, while Zoom may be more widely used, Skype remains a strong contender with features like free Skype-to-Skype calls and end-to-end encryption, which ensures secure communication without additional cost.
Pros:
- Free
- Many users are likely already familiar with the platform to some extent
- Works on any device
- Has features that prioritize people who regularly communicate internationally
Cons:
- Call quality issues are a common complaint (background noises are frequently picked up)
7. Fuze
Fuze is productivity, video call, and meeting software specifically designed for business teams. Fuze has been around since 2015 and provides businesses with a “one-stop-shop” for all things meetings, from scheduling to live whiteboard notes, making it a great secure video call software for workgroups that are either all or partly remote. It includes basic business features like screen sharing, presentation tools, and polls but also adds in advanced features like automatic translation and artificial intelligence integrations, giving your presentations an extra punch.
Fuze provides end-to-end encryption as well as encryption-at-rest for all data on the platform and in transit and is certified by various data security and compliance organizations.
Pros:
- Enterprise-level video conferencing features
- Call-center capabilities
- Integrates with popular productivity and sales software like Slack and Salesforce
Cons:
- The platform has some stability issues reported by users
8. Dialpad
Dialpad is a video conferencing, chat messaging, phone, and conference call platform and is designed with features slanted towards the large internal and external communication needs of enterprise companies. It’s also loved for its advanced security features that allow users full control over who has access to meetings and is protected by several layers of encryption. This includes end-to-end audio encryption via TLS and SRTP and 256-bit active encryption. It is also a member of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and is SOC2® Type II compliant.
Pros:
• Enterprise-level video conferencing features
• Includes an AI assistant to transcribe calls and take notes
• Integrates with Zendesk, Salesforce, and Google Workspace
Cons:
- Some stability and slow load time issues
- Expensive
8. Cisco Webex
Corporate communication infrastructure leader Cisco provides a high-end video conferencing solution that’s secure and crams in a ton of enterprise features those businesses crave, like meeting highlights, digital assistants, and post-meeting follow-up actions. When comparing Cisco Webex vs Slack, businesses often find that Cisco Webex excels in high-end video conferencing and enterprise-level security, while Slack is more focused on team collaboration and messaging. Cisco places a high premium on security, including end-to-end encryption, user identity access, and device and browser protection through things like idle timeouts and PIN verification. It’s truly the pinnacle of enterprise-level protection
Pros:
- Enterprise-level video conferencing features
- High-end security protection
- Great for companies that are already familiar with Cisco products
- Excellent support
Cons:
- One of the most expensive platforms
- Requires professional support to integrate into your business
Bonus tip:
If you’re looking to add not only an extra layer of security to your video conferencing but also elevate the quality of your calls so you can put your best foot forward, we highly recommend integrating Krisp into your tech stack. Krisp is what we like to call “online meeting insurance.” It ensures that every call is crystal clear and protects your data before, during, and after each meeting.
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Key Takeaways
So in case you’re looking for secure video conferencing software, there are more choices now than ever before. Whether you’re a small business that just needs something light and fast to be able to chat with clients or an enterprise-level company that needs a secure way for thousands of employees to meet round-the-clock, there are tons of options beyond the ever-popular Zoom that can fit your needs for both features and security.
