Are you in search of the top video chat software for your business?
As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, numerous businesses require a method of video communication to connect with their teams and clients.
With numerous excellent video chat solutions available on the market, how can you choose the appropriate software for your business?
This article aims to present the top video chat software options for small businesses, discussing their distinct features to help you select the most suitable one based on your requirements.
What Kind of Video Chat Software is Right for You?
Applications such as FaceTime, Google Duo, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger are widely recognized as video chat software and video calling apps.
Nevertheless, for the success of your business, it is essential to have access to advanced tools and features that can cater to your professional needs, rather than solely using them for personal interactions with friends and family.
Business communication can be greatly simplified with the presence of various features in the appropriate video chat software.
- Real-time live video chat for team meetings
- Collaboration, screen sharing, and file sharing tools
- Screen recording for reviewing meetings later
- Transcription services to improve team accessibility
- Integrations to simply make calls from software you’re already using
- Group video and one on one live video meetings
With that in mind, let’s explore the leading video chat software options you can integrate into your WordPress business website.
1. RingCentral
RingCentral provides small businesses with one of the top video conferencing software options available, known as Glip. Their video chat software stands out in the market for its extensive range of features.
Features such as video call scheduling, screen sharing, annotations, live chat messaging, and many other capabilities can be found.
You can seamlessly connect this video software with numerous other tools your business already utilizes, such as Slack, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace (G Suite), and many others.
You can initiate video conference calls directly from these third-party platforms through these integrations.
Adding this tool to your communication workflow is a straightforward process if you already utilize the RingCentral platform for your business phone system.
The video chat software is designed to run smoothly on any up-to-date web browser with minimal setup required. Consequently, you can dedicate more of your time to video chats and meetings rather than dealing with technical tasks.
The pricing structure for Glip by RingCentral includes complimentary video chat for a maximum of 200 participants on a single call, with the option to make calls lasting for a maximum of 24 hours. Additional pricing plans are also offered, which come with enhanced features.
2. Zoom
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Zoom has experienced tremendous growth, making it one of the most widely used video chat applications worldwide.
Known for its user-friendly interface, hosting your own Zoom meeting with integrated instant messaging is a breeze and requires just a few clicks.
Moreover, it is compatible with multiple platforms. Regardless of whether you are using an Android, Windows, Apple, or Linux device, you can host video chats seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
The main objective of the team is to facilitate seamless and effortless video meetings, prioritizing collaboration. Alongside this, they offer supplementary functions such as searchable transcripts, screen sharing, and collaborative note-taking.
Additional special features can be discovered, such as the option to conduct live polls, annotate videos, incorporate whiteboarding, and many others.
Please be aware that our team uses Zoom for our internal team meetings and video calls. Members of our team have the option to join these meetings either through video or audio only. Additionally, our team leads have Pro plans, which allow for meetings that exceed the standard 40-minute time limit.
Zoom offers a free version with a 40-minute time limit that can accommodate up to 100 participants. They also have paid plans starting at $149.90 per year, which provide support for up to 1,000 members and additional collaboration tools.
3. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a highly favored video conference application designed for mobile small businesses. It is extremely flexible, providing services such as video chat, video conferencing, and screen sharing.
The user-friendly mobile apps for Android and iOS are a notable feature, allowing you to effortlessly initiate and generate virtual meetings while on the move.
Regardless of how your team decides to connect to the call, the video call quality remains exceptionally high.
In addition to the mobile features, businesses in the medical field can benefit from support for meeting recording and transcription, end to end encryption, integrated scheduling, and HIPAA compliance support.
In addition to GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar allows you to conduct live webinars, while GoToConnect serves as your business phone solution.
The pricing for GoToMeeting begins at $12 per month and allows for a maximum of 150 meeting participants. The plans increase accordingly based on the number of users you require assistance for.
The number of participants is increased to 250 and additional admin features are provided with higher-level plans. The Enterprise plan is suitable for bigger companies and allows up to 3,000 participants.
4. Nextiva
In the market, Nextiva stands out as one of the top providers of business phone systems. Recently, they expanded their range of offerings by including video conference software.
The platform, which consists of a desktop and mobile app, operates entirely on the cloud. It guarantees exceptional audio and video quality, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted meetings without any technical disruptions.
Although it may not be the most feature-rich video chat software, it does offer practical features such as screen sharing, file sharing, live streaming, and webinar support.
If you are currently utilizing Nextiva as your business VoIP phone, incorporating video conferencing and screen-sharing functionalities into your business communication process is a simple task.
The pricing for Nextiva video conferencing begins at $25.95 per month, accommodating a maximum of 250 participants. For an unrestricted number of participants, the monthly fee starts at $35.95.
5. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams, which is widely used in businesses leveraging the Microsoft 365 suite of applications, is a well-known video chat service.
With just a few clicks on the application, it is effortless to organize virtual face-to-face video meetings.
Furthermore, it is highly compatible with extensive enterprises as it offers added functionalities that enable you to arrange video conferences for a maximum of 10,000 participants and conduct webinars for your staff or the general audience.
With screen sharing, call recording, live captioning, and live group chat during video calls, this tool offers a comprehensive set of features to improve your video meetings.
One can participate in any call by using conferencing headsets, whether they are mobile, desktop, or Bluetooth.
For a cost of $5 per user per month, Microsoft Teams provides support for a maximum of 300 meeting participants.
6. Google Meet
Google Meet is a video chat software component of the Google Workplace platform, previously known as G Suite.
If you use Google frequently, this will seamlessly incorporate with your other tools such as Google Calendar, Chrome, Google Forms, Gmail, and other applications.
This enhanced version of Google Hangouts is specifically tailored for small business owners, aiming to facilitate interaction with third-party clients and customers through high-quality video chat software.
With a web-based interface, there is no need to install external third-party software. Additionally, a dial-in phone number is provided for team members to join via voice call if needed.
Google Meet is available at no cost, with the option to subscribe to Google Workforce Essentials for a monthly fee of $6 per user, granting access to extra video chat capabilities.
7. Ooma
Ooma is a popular business VOIP phone provider that offers high quality one to one and team video conferencing solutions.
Included in its offerings are features such as live HD video chat, the ability to mute hosts, and a meet now link for immediate virtual meetings.
An exceptional characteristic of this tool is its ability to enable simultaneous screen sharing for two or more individuals. This facilitates seamless collaboration and expedites the dissemination of information among virtual teams.
Across mobile, desktop, and browsers, you have the ability to host a video call with a maximum of 25 users.
Additionally, there is a comprehensive virtual meeting manager that allows you to effortlessly schedule and oversee your video conference meetings throughout your entire company.
The price for Ooma Meetings starts at $24.95 per month and it is included in the Ooma Office Pro plan.
8. Skype
Skype, which has been in the market for a long time, is a video chat software that is completely free to use and install. It can be used on almost all modern operating systems and browsers.
With the free tier, you can engage in video calls with a maximum of 50 users, benefiting from basic functionalities such as screen sharing, background blurring, live subtitles, a fundamental chat feature, and additional options.
While it lacks the extensive features of other tools on this list, it remains an excellent free option for basic video chatting requirements.
Skype offers a free plan that is available indefinitely, whereas their paid business plans begin at $5 per month.
Which is the Best Video Chat Software (Expert Pick)?
Although all the mentioned video chat software options are capable of facilitating video chats with team members and clients, it is essential to determine the most suitable tool based on your specific requirements.
If you are in need of video chat software that can handle all your digital and business communication requirements, then RingCentral (Grip) is an excellent option.
Zoom is a fantastic option if you desire a video chat service that is easy to use and can be easily expanded, and you don’t need any additional services.
Both GoToMeeting and Microsoft Teams are excellent choices as they facilitate video chatting across various platforms and devices.
By reading this article, we trust that you have been able to identify the most suitable video chat software for your small business. Additionally, we recommend checking out our compilation of the top live chat software and best push notification software for WordPress.
BONUS: The 15 best live chat software of 2023
1. Zendesk
Zendesk provides a live chat solution with rich features that can be quickly set up, effortlessly used, and smoothly accommodates businesses of all sizes.
Our messaging platform integrates seamlessly with Zendesk live chat software to provide more immersive conversational experiences. The live chat feature improves instant interactions, while messaging enables conversations to be carried out at different times across multiple channels, giving customers the flexibility to pause a conversation on one platform and continue it on another at their convenience.
With Zendesk Agent Workspace, agents can easily switch between channels and access all the necessary context to personalize interactions on a large scale, as all user interactions are consolidated into a single view.
In addition, the software provides user-friendly automation tools that are built-in.
- A bot builder : Use the drag-and-drop tool to design custom, interactive conversation flowsâ??no coding skills required.
- Zendesk bots : AI-powered chatbots help users self-serve by providing direct links to help center articles. If they canâ??t answer a customerâ??s question, AI bots will hand off the conversation to an agent (along with any existing context).
Zendesk can link all of your business systems, including payment processors and third-party bots, to every conversation. Upgrading to Sunshine Conversations, an interactive messaging integration, allows you access to more advanced features. Sunshine Conversations provides custom AI chatbots, outbound notifications for proactive customer engagement, and group messaging to connect the appropriate individuals.
Characteristics:
Here, you’ll find the full list of features, and the ones mentioned below are just the beginning. Take a look at all the features available here.
- Proactive chat and visitor list
- Routing (based on agent status, capacity, skills, and conversation priority)
- Auto-translation
- Omnichannel agent workspace
- Pre-canned dashboards and real-time tracking
- Industry-leading ticketing system
- Messaging across web, mobile, and social
- Easy-to-set-up automations and workflows with additional options
- AI-powered automated answers
- Reporting and analytics (prebuilt and custom)
You can enjoy a free trial period of 14 days.
2. Ada
Ada allows businesses to offer automated live chat with an AI chatbot that surpasses the limitations of FAQs. Although a chatbot solely dedicated to answering frequently asked questions is a speedy and cost-efficient method to automate live chat, Ada offers a tailored solution that caters to companies in search of a more specialized chatbot.
Ada provides chat software for businesses that serves various industries, accommodates companies of any scale, and facilitates communication in multiple languages. Ada’s automated chat platform responds to customer information, intentions, and preferences by offering personalized responses, proactive discounts, and relevant suggestions in over 100 languages.
To successfully implement a chatbot such as Ada into your live chat strategy, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with your CRM or customer support software. By integrating Ada with a solution like Zendesk, teams can guarantee smooth transitions between the chatbot and human agents, which is essential for a positive live chat experience. Additionally, this integration allows for the management of chatbot conversations alongside other channels, as well as access to more advanced routing options and analytics.
Characteristics: or Attributes:
- Proactive chat
- Offline forms
- Customizable branding
- Integration capabilities
- Website visitor tracking
- Auto-translation
- Omnichannel agent workspace
- Pre-canned dashboards and real-time tracking
- Knowledge base integration
- Shared inbox tools
There is no free trial offered.
3. LiveChat
LiveChat is a customer service software that operates on the cloud and provides live support, a ticketing system, and analytics. Similar to other live chat solutions, LiveChat aims to enhance customer satisfaction and boost sales by decreasing customer emails and calls. The software encompasses a live chat app and incorporates various features such as notifications, inactive chat messages, chat tags, chat archives, and file sharing.
Ticket creation with platforms like Zendesk can be done directly from inside the LiveChat chat, enabling businesses to efficiently monitor customer engagement, ensure quality control, and supervise agents. This feature also centralizes customer insights in one place, thereby improving customer service capabilities for managing and addressing customer requests.
Characteristics:
- Proactive chat
- Canned responses
- Offline form
- Chat tags
- Customizable branding
- Integration capabilities
- Chat routing
- Website visitor tracking
- Auto-translation
- File sharing
- Omnichannel agent workspace
You can enjoy a free trial period of 14 days.
4. Acquire
Acquire is a comprehensive digital customer engagement platform that includes functions such as live chat, AI chatbots, secure co-browsing, and video calling. By using Acquire’s platform, teams can effectively and immediately address intricate sales, service, and support matters proactively through various communication channels.
Acquire, like other chat software, allows businesses to offer support and gather customer information 24/7. It provides automation features that enhance sales and enhance the customer journey. Moreover, Acquire enables users to initiate video and voice calls, screen sharing, and co-browsing directly from the live chat messenger.
Characteristics:
- Proactive chat
- Canned responses
- Offline form
- Customizable branding
- Integration capabilities
- Website visitor tracking
- Skills-based routing
- Auto-translation
- Omnichannel agent workspace
- Voice and video calling
There is no free trial option available.
5. Genesys
Genesys assures to empower your business by improving engagement and conversion rates of visitors, as well as enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of your support team. The live support software provides typical live chat functionalities, such as customization options to enhance the appearance and experience of your live chat widget. Genesys enables you to proactively focus on website visitors and incorporates surveys to gather contact details prior to starting a chat or to evaluate customer satisfaction once the live chat session concludes.
Genesys stands out with its ability to transform any live chat into a video session, allowing users to benefit from visual demonstrations or consultations. Nevertheless, its reporting is simplistic and lacks extensive configuration options for specialized reports. Furthermore, the software has limited capabilities in terms of integrating with downstream systems.
Characteristics:
- Proactive chat
- Canned responses
- Offline form
- Customizable branding
- Integration capabilities
- Website visitor tracking
- Asynchronous conversations
- Secure business and customer data
- Skills-based routing
- Auto-translation
- Omnichannel agent workspace
You can try it for free for a period of 30 days.
6. Userlike
Userlike is software for website and mobile support that operates on the cloud and offers live chat functionality. Through this software, teams can communicate with customers in real time using various platforms such as their website, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram.
The features of Userlike encompass building personalized chat buttons and adjusting the chat window to match the appearance of your website. Additionally, you have the option to invite visitors to chat, switch between customer chats and video calls with screen sharing, create canned messages for frequently asked questions and scenarios, and obtain ratings for your service.
Userlike is not ticketing software; it is chat and messaging software. You can incorporate live chat as an extra outlet in your current array of business tools, customer support system, or CRM. Userlike can be linked to external ticketing software using its add-ons or the API. By integrating Zendesk and Userlike chat, you can transform your conversations into Zendesk tickets to effectively monitor all customer interactions.
Characteristics:
- Proactive chat
- Canned responses
- Offline form
- Customizable branding
- Integration capabilities
- Website visitor tracking
- Skills-based routing
- Auto-translation
- Omnichannel agent workspace
- Multimedia messaging
- Pre- and post-chat surveys
7. Zoho Desk
When you come across a list of the leading chat providers, Zoho Desk is typically included. Thanks to its chat widget that can be easily integrated, this live chat platform allows businesses to promptly address customers’ inquiries as soon as they make contact.
The text describes the features of the chat system, which include customer satisfaction ratings displayed within the chat window, pre-prepared responses, and chat widgets for every brand. Additionally, in cases where customers have more significant concerns, chat conversations can be transformed into support tickets and directed to the most appropriate department for addressing those needs.
Characteristics:
- Proactive chat
- Canned responses
- Offline forms
- Customizable branding
- Integration capabilities
- Skills-based routing
- Auto-translation
- Omnichannel agent workspace
- Pre-canned dashboards and real-time tracking
- Help center chat widget
- Convert chats to tickets
Trial period of 15 days available at no cost.
8. Podium
With Podium’s Interaction Management platform, you can easily acquire leads directly from your website. What makes Podium particularly fascinating is its ability to convert web chat conversations into text messages. Nevertheless, this implies that users must engage in communication via SMS, even if they prefer to continue the conversation on your website.
Podium offers a convenient and user-friendly live chat app, with additional advantages such as intelligent responses for frequently asked questions (such as business hours or store locations) and the ability to transfer conversations between different business locations. Furthermore, you can personalize your chat widget with a welcoming message, avatar, or reminder for after-hours communication.
Characteristics:
- Proactive chat
- Canned responses
- Customizable branding
- Offline forms
- Integration capabilities
- Skills-based routing
- Omnichannel agent workspace
You can enjoy a 14-day free trial.
9. Birdeye
Birdeye’s Webchat solution is a comprehensive software for businesses with multiple locations, providing customer experience and reviews functionalities in one platform. Birdeye claims that their live chat solution empowers companies to actively interact with visitors as soon as they arrive on the website. Each conversation begins by obtaining the visitor’s name and genuine phone number, alleviating the need to search for contact information and allowing the focus to be on assisting the customer with their inquiry.
Birdeye offers a live chat app that enables you to communicate with customers via text even after they leave your website. The software ensures messages are redirected to their mobile phones, preventing any loss of communication. Moreover, you have the flexibility to personalize chat icons, colors, and greetings to align with your brand. Additionally, you can utilize Google Analytics to gain insights into the usage of web chat by visitors on your website.
Characteristics:
- Proactive chat
- Canned responses
- Offline forms
- Customizable branding
- Integration capabilities
- Website visitor tracking
- Skills-based routing
- Omnichannel agent workspace
- Surveys
