Choosing the best video conferencing app depends on the nature of your meetings and team needs. Whereby is valued for its simplicity, allowing users to join meetings without the hassle of downloads, making it perfect for quick sessions or small teams. Lifesize, on the other hand, excels in delivering high-definition video and audio quality, designed for larger enterprises and formal presentations. Lifesize’s ability to integrate with existing hardware setups adds an extra layer of professionalism for large-scale events. This comparison dives deep into the specific benefits of each platform, helping you choose the one that aligns with your needs.
General Information
Whereby is developed by Whereby, while Lifesize is developed by Lifesize, Inc. Whereby was released in 2013, making it a relatively newer option compared to Lifesize, which has been around since 2003.
Both apps are available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Web. This ensures that users can access either service from a variety of devices, whether they are on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
Whereby offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to join meetings without the need for downloads or installations. Lifesize, on the other hand, is known for its high-quality video and audio, catering to professional environments that require reliable and clear communication.
Verdict:
Whereby has the edge due to its more recent release date, despite both supporting the same platforms.
| Attribute |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Developer/Company | Whereby | Lifesize |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2003 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web |
Core Features
Whereby and Lifesize both offer robust core features for video conferencing.
Whereby provides HD video quality, ensuring clear and crisp visuals during meetings. Lifesize matches this with its own HD video quality, making both platforms reliable for visual clarity.
In terms of audio quality, Whereby delivers high-quality audio, ensuring participants can hear each other clearly without disruptions. Lifesize also offers high-quality audio, maintaining clear and consistent sound throughout calls.
Both platforms excel in providing essential features for effective communication, with HD video and high audio quality being standout attributes.
Verdict:
Both Whereby and Lifesize offer HD video and high audio quality. They are equally matched in core features.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | HD | HD |
| Audio Quality | High | High |
Interactive demos of Whereby and Lifesize
Whereby Demo
Lifesize Demo
Collaboration Tools
Whereby and Lifesize offer different strengths in collaboration tools.
Whereby allows up to 4 participants in its free plan, while Lifesize supports 25. For paid plans, Whereby accommodates up to 50 participants, whereas Lifesize can handle up to 300. Meeting duration on Whereby is unlimited for free users, but Lifesize limits free meetings to 40 minutes. Both platforms support screen sharing.
Recording is available on both, but Whereby restricts this feature to paid plans, while Lifesize includes it in all plans. Virtual backgrounds are not available on Whereby, but Lifesize offers this feature.
Verdict:
Lifesize is better for collaboration tools due to higher participant limits, recording, and virtual backgrounds.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Participants (Free) | 4 | 25 |
| Participants (Paid) | 50 | Up to 300 |
| Meeting Duration (Free) | Unlimited | 40 minutes |
| Screen Sharing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Recording | ✅ Yes (paid plans) | ✅ Yes |
| Virtual Backgrounds | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Integration and Compatibility
Whereby and Lifesize both offer in-meeting chat and file sharing, making them suitable for basic communication needs. However, Lifesize stands out with additional features like breakout rooms, polls and Q&A, whiteboarding, and meeting notes, which Whereby lacks.
When it comes to integration, Lifesize has a clear advantage. It integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, while Whereby does not support these integrations. Both platforms support third-party app integration and offer API availability, providing flexibility for custom solutions.
Verdict:
Lifesize is better with more features like Breakout Rooms, Polls and Q&A, Whiteboarding, Meeting Notes, and better integrations.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| In-meeting Chat | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| File Sharing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Breakout Rooms | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Polls and Q&A | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Whiteboarding | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Meeting Notes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Google Workspace Integration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Microsoft 365 Integration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Third-party Apps Integration | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| API Availability | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Security and Privacy
Whereby and Lifesize both offer robust security and privacy features.
End-to-End Encryption: Both Whereby and Lifesize provide end-to-end encryption, ensuring that communications are secure and private.
Password Protection: Both platforms support password protection for meetings, adding an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
Waiting Room: Both Whereby and Lifesize include a waiting room feature, allowing hosts to control who enters the meeting.
Participant Authentication: Both services offer participant authentication, ensuring that only verified users can join the meeting.
Data Compliance: Both Whereby and Lifesize comply with GDPR regulations, ensuring that user data is handled according to strict European privacy standards.
HIPAA Compliance: Lifesize is HIPAA compliant, making it suitable for healthcare-related communications that require adherence to stringent privacy regulations. Whereby does not specify HIPAA compliance, which may be a consideration for users in the healthcare sector.
Verdict:
Lifesize is better due to its compliance with both GDPR and HIPAA, whereas Whereby only complies with GDPR.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Password Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Waiting Room | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Participant Authentication | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Data Compliance | GDPR | GDPR, HIPAA |
User Experience
Whereby and Lifesize both offer a high ease of use, making them accessible for users of all technical levels. Whereby features a simple UI design, which is straightforward and easy to navigate. Lifesize, on the other hand, boasts an intuitive UI design, providing a user-friendly experience that feels natural and seamless.
Both apps support mobile functionality, allowing users to join meetings from their smartphones or tablets. This ensures flexibility and convenience for users on the go.
In terms of accessibility, both Whereby and Lifesize are well-equipped, ensuring that users with different needs can effectively use the platforms.
Customer support is where the two differ significantly. Whereby offers support via email, which can be sufficient for less urgent inquiries. Lifesize provides a more comprehensive support system, including live chat, email, and phone options, catering to users who may need immediate assistance or prefer different modes of communication.
Verdict:
Lifesize is better due to its intuitive UI design and more comprehensive customer support options.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | High | High |
| UI Design | Simple | Intuitive |
| Mobile Functionality | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Accessibility | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Customer Support | Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Pricing
Whereby and Lifesize both offer free tiers, making them accessible for users who need basic conferencing features without cost.
Whereby’s paid plan is priced at $9.99 per month, which is more affordable compared to Lifesize’s paid plan at $12.50 per month. This makes Whereby a more budget-friendly option for users looking to upgrade from the free tier.
Both platforms provide free trials, allowing users to test premium features before committing to a subscription. This ensures that users can make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences.
Verdict:
Whereby is better in terms of pricing with a lower paid plan at $9.99/month.
Performance
Whereby and Lifesize both excel in performance, making them strong contenders in the conferencing app market.
Reliability: Both Whereby and Lifesize score high in reliability. Users can depend on either platform for consistent and stable connections during meetings.
Latency: Both apps offer low latency, ensuring smooth and real-time communication. This minimizes delays and enhances the overall user experience.
Resource Usage: Whereby and Lifesize both have low resource usage. They are efficient and do not heavily tax system resources, making them suitable for a wide range of devices and operating conditions.
High Traffic Feedback: Both platforms receive positive feedback under high traffic conditions. Users report satisfactory performance even during peak usage times, indicating robust infrastructure and scalability.
Verdict:
Both Whereby and Lifesize perform equally well in terms of performance.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | High | High |
| Latency | Low | Low |
| Resource Usage | Low | Low |
| High Traffic Feedback | Positive | Positive |
Unique Selling Points
Whereby offers a simple, easy-to-use, browser-based conferencing experience. It requires no downloads or installations, making it accessible for users who prefer a straightforward setup. The platform is designed for quick and hassle-free meetings, ideal for small teams or one-on-one conversations.
Lifesize, on the other hand, focuses on high-quality video and audio, ensuring a premium conferencing experience. It supports large participant capacity, making it suitable for bigger teams and large-scale meetings. Lifesize’s emphasis on superior video and audio quality sets it apart for users who prioritize clarity and professionalism in their virtual interactions.
Verdict:
Whereby is better for simplicity and ease of use. Lifesize excels in video/audio quality and large participant capacity.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Key Features and Differentiators | Simple, easy-to-use, browser-based | High-quality video and audio, large participant capacity |
User Feedback and Reviews
Whereby and Lifesize are two popular conferencing apps, each with its own strengths based on user feedback and reviews.
Whereby is highly rated for simplicity and ease of use. Users appreciate its simple setup and the fact that it offers unlimited meeting duration. However, it is limited to smaller meetings on the free plan, which can be a drawback for larger teams or organizations.
Lifesize, on the other hand, is highly rated for its video and audio quality. Users commend its high-quality video and find it easy to use. The main downside is the higher cost associated with large meetings, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious users.
Verdict:
Whereby is better for simplicity and ease of use, while Lifesize excels in video and audio quality.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ratings | Highly rated for simplicity and ease of use | Highly rated for video and audio quality |
| Pros | Simple setup, unlimited meeting duration | High-quality video, easy to use |
| Cons | Limited to smaller meetings on free plan | Higher cost for large meetings |
Final Verdict
Whereby and Lifesize both excel in core features, offering HD video and high-quality audio. Lifesize stands out in security with both GDPR and HIPAA compliance, while Whereby only complies with GDPR. In user experience, Lifesize offers a more intuitive UI and comprehensive customer support. However, Whereby is more budget-friendly with a lower paid plan at $9.99/month compared to Lifesize’s $12.50/month.
Final Verdict: Lifesize is better overall due to its superior
