Video conferencing app Zoom needs no introduction. The US-based app enjoys vast popularity in the space and has been the go-to platform for companies and universities for remote communication. However, the Zoom app for online classes can be disliked for a variety of reasons, chief among them could be its short time duration on the free version. The US-based video conferencing app allows up to 100 users to meet for just 40 minutes in the unpaid version. This breaks the flow of online classes that usually last for around an hour or so. Additionally, the app doesn’t have any specialised tools such as support for Google Classroom that can assist teachers and students during online classes. Here are some of the best Zoom app alternatives that you can consider for online classes. Most of these apps are free-to-use and come with a slightly longer time limit.
Best Zoom alternatives for online classes in India
| Zoom app alternatives | Features |
| Google Meet |
Supports 100 members with up to 60 minutes call limit Live Captions Integrated with Google and Microsoft Office apps Can be paired with Google Classroom |
| JioMeet |
Connect with up to 100 members for free Literally no time limit Support for up to 5 devices at a time HD calling |
| Airtel BlueJeans |
50,000 participants video call limit High-grade security Watch highlights Assign action |
| Microsoft Teams |
Up to 50 members supported Up to 24 hours call limit Integration with Microsoft Office apps File storage option Chatbox integration |
| Skype |
Can host 50 members No time limit Multi-device support Live subtitles Call recording |
Note: These Zoom alternatives for online classes are compatible with both smartphones and laptops.
1. Google Meet
Unlike Zoom, its alternative Google Meet allows free video calls to up to 100 members at once for about 60 minutes. The limit is further set to expand up to 24 hours per meeting later this month, as per Google. The advantage of Google Meet includes unlimited numbers of meetings, live captions during a conference call, screen sharing with participants, integrated chatbox, and integration with Google and Microsoft Office apps. Apart from this, the app can be paired with Google Classroom, which is a proprietary app designed for students and teachers with features like assigning classwork, creating classes, grading assignments, class comments, and more for better learning.
2. JioMeet
JioMeet is Reliance Jio’s answer to Zoom. The video conferencing app from Mukesh Ambani-promoted telco supports direct calls (1:1 calling) as well as hosting meetings with up to 100 participants. There is no time limit with the app that can be run up to five devices at a time. You can sign up for this Zoom app alternative for online classes with your phone number or email ID, and the meetings support HD quality. Additionally, the platform has a very Zoom-like interface with unlimited meetings per day, screen sharing option, waiting room, and chatbox.
3. Airtel BlueJeans
BlueJeans is US-based Verizon’s video conferencing app that forayed into the Indian market a couple of months ago with a partnership with Airtel. This alternative to Zoom app for online classes can add up to 50,000 participants in a single call. The app is also equipped with high-grade security, which will prevent unwanted participants from joining meetings and protect end-user privacy, ability to capture important discussion points during the call, assign action, and watch highlights of the meetings. However, there’s a catch. BlueJeans is only available for free during the trial period. Airtel’s chief Vittal has said that the company will announce packages for the video conferencing app soon.
4. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is great for online classes in short batches. The video conferencing app, an alternative to Zoom, can host up to 50 members at once for as long as 24 hours for free. This can be extended up to 10,000 members with the paid version. Additionally, the Microsoft Teams also has Office apps – including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint – as well as file storage and sharing option and chatbox integration for better productivity.
5. Skype
If not the above apps, you can always have the good ol’ option Skype as an alternative to the Zoom app for online classes. Skype also supports up to 50 members in a conference call with no time limit. The app also has a screen sharing option, Live subtitles, and call recording feature to go through the session again. Other features of the app include HD video calling support, voice calling, multi-device support, and messaging option.
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