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5 Best Online Conference Platforms

There are a huge number of platforms available for conducting online conferences, meetings, and collaborative work. When choosing the right one, factors such as price, quality, ease of use, and functionality should be taken into account.

We have identified five best online conference platforms that are definitely worth considering. Here are both the most popular platforms and less obvious ones.

Zoom 

The most obvious and popular platform for conducting web conferences and video webinars online in 2023 is Zoom. It offers many features such as screen sharing, call recording, chat with file sharing, integration with calendars, and entry to conferences via a link without registration, as well as interactive whiteboards for collaborative work. The online conferences themselves can accommodate up to 100 participants. Zoom is also suitable for hybrid events, conference halls, and single-session events.

solutions page on the zoom website screenshot
Zoom products

Price: the basic functions are free.

Disadvantages: a 40 minute time limit for a conference in a free version.

Supported devices:  Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS.

Microsoft Teams

Another popular platform for online conferences and communication is Microsoft Teams. This platform combines chat, meetings, notes, and attachments in one workspace. Free meetings can accommodate up to 100 people, with a time limit of 60 minutes.

Microsoft Teams’ possibilities and UI

Yes, Microsoft Teams offers many features similar to Zoom, such as screen sharing, chat with file sharing, integration with calendars, and entry to conferences via a link without registration. However, call recording is only available in the paid package.

Price: the basic functions are free.

Disadvantages: a 60 minute time limit for a conference in a free version.

Supported devices:  Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS.

Indeed, Zoom and Microsoft Teams are the first platforms that come to mind when it comes to online conferences. However, there are also less obvious projects with even more functionality and possibilities. For example, platforms that offer VR, custom location designs, and even game mechanics for greater engagement in online conferences.

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Spatial

It’s a metaverse platform for online events, conferences, communication, and work in augmented and virtual reality. In the free version, the location can accommodate up to 50 people simultaneously, while the Pro version creates copies of the location to accommodate an unlimited number of people. 

The platform also has partnerships with the MetaMask wallet, the NFT marketplace OpenSea, and Ready Player Me — a project for creating cross-platform avatars for the metaverse.The platform allows users to hold metaverse  conferences, meetings, and events without programming skills. Basic features include integration with Google Docs, Figma, and Slack, which allows users to import documents or channels directly to their workspace in Spatial. The new board for notes helps to record important thoughts and also displays web pages.

How to host an online conference in the Spatial metaverse

To connect to Spatial, all you need is an email address. To create a 3D model, you can use AR and VR headsets, a webcam, or a photo. Alternatively, you can use your avatar from Ready Player Me. After that, you can create a room and invite people to it through a link.

Price: basic features are free, but specific settings such as muting participants are available in a paid plan for $25 per month. Paid features are necessary for event moderation, which organizers can purchase to better control their events.

Disadvantages: There is a small risk that during your metaverse summit, Spatial may undergo an unplanned update. In that case, the platform will not work, and you will have to urgently reschedule the event.

Supported devices: access to the metaverse is possible on any device from mobile to computer through a web browser, and for full immersion — VR headsets such as Oculus Quest, nReal, Magic Leap, and HoloLens.

And if you also want to bring your brand to the metaverse and run a conference there, please contact us at the BeFuture studio. Our experts will create a creative strategy, develop locations and host your event there.

VRChat

VRChat may not be the most obvious choice for an online conference, but it’s certainly an interesting one. If you’re tired of boring meetings and events, you can switch things up by hosting your online conference on the VRChat metaverse. 

This platform allows people to gather as avatars in virtual spaces to socialize and interact. You can upload your own custom worlds and avatars, or use avatars from Ready Player Me.

With a vast library of thousands of worlds and avatars available for free, you can create a unique and colorful conference experience in VRChat.

Examples of locations and gameplay in VRChat

The locations can accommodate up to 80 users simultaneously, but such a number of people can cause bugs and technical errors. Therefore, the usual limit on locations is set to 40 people.

Price: free.

Disadvantages: a complex system for creating and uploading custom avatars and rooms. Without basic skills in creating games on the Unity game engine and experience in working with 3D editors, it won’t be possible to create your own content. This means that holding a metaverse summit or a conference in VRChat will cost more than on other platforms.

Supported devices: works on a computer in regular and VR modes. Supported VR headsets: Oculus, VIVE, Windows Mixed Reality, Oculus Quest (only in low graphics rooms). A mobile version is also planned for release.

Mozilla Hubs

This is a communication and collaboration platform that allows you to communicate with people and add resources from the internet for web conferences and virtual events. Other features of Mozilla Hubs include:

  • Multi-platform support
  • Easy access from any browser without registration
  • Ability to add objects and videos, screen sharing, and reactions.

The metaverse platform is convenient for events with up to 25 people. You can use the basic functionality without registration, and choose from several standard avatars and worlds.

However, if you create your own room, the device requirements will increase. There are no limitations on graphics optimization, so the more complex the graphics and objects used in creating the room, the more demanding it becomes on the device.

Price: Free.

Disadvantages: Limitation on the number of users — up to 25 people.

Supported devices: You can connect through a browser on a computer, as well as through VR headsets from Oculus, VIVE, Windows Mixed Reality, and Samsung Gear VR.

TL;DR

We’ve listed 5 best online conference platforms you should definitely pay your attention to:

  • Zoom — in the free version, the time limit for a conference is 40 minutes, longer web conferences are only available in the paid version. It works on Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and MacOS.
  • Microsoft Teams — the basic package is free. The time limit for a conference is 60 minutes. It works on Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and MacOS.
  • Spatial — basic functions are free, but moderation tools cost $25 per month. It works with or without VR headsets. The free version can accommodate up to 50 people, and the Pro version creates copies of the location to accommodate an unlimited number of people.
  • VRChat — it is free and works on a computer in regular and VR modes. The location can accommodate up to 80 people, but it is recommended to limit it to 40 people.
  • Mozilla Hubs — it is free and works with or without VR headsets. The location can accommodate up to 25 people.
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Editor:
James Armstrong

Cover and illustrations:
Delilah Jones

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