GoToMeeting Free (previously Hu.tt)
GoToMeeting has long established itself as a professional video conferencing service, used widely by businesses everywhere. What you may not know is that they now have a free tool. They very recently acquired Hu.tt, which we mentioned not too long ago in an article about simple ways to share stuff on the web. From a professional standpoint, GoToMeeting is a no-brainer. People recognize the name and the interface is clean and intuitive.

 GoToMeeting Free has some great features, but don’t expect to get a platter full – they still want to promote their pro service. I do understand some of the “cons” such as limiting the number of users, however, the strangely named custom links can be confusing when sharing with someone. Also, if you want to claim a specific link or customize your username, you have to sign in with Facebook or Google. This is different from creating an account, however, and these features are still free.
Pros
  • Professional appearance and trustworthy
  • Shareable link
  • Schedule a meeting (browser extension required)
  • Share documents
  • Share screens (browser extension required)
  • Full-screen mode
  • Chat
  • Claim a room by signing in with Facebook/Google
Cons
  • Custom links are strange and potentially confusing
  • Must Sign in with Facebook/Google to change your username
  • No mobile browser support – must download app
  • Only allows up to 3 users


Firefox Hello
Firefox Hello isn’t just for Firefox though. You and your friend can use any WebRTC-compatible browser. If you are a Firefox user, it’s already built in. There aren’t any extra features like text chat, but it’s simple, easy to use, and a great option if you only want to talk with one person.
Pros
  • Supports all WebRTC-compatible browsers
  • Mobile browser support
  • Fullscreen/pop-out mode
Cons
  • No more than two parties allowed
  • No extra features
  • No text chat


vLine


 vLine is a simple video chat client with a modern interface that is a breeze to use. Just click the green “Go” button, enter your name and your video conference will start. Then share that link with up to three other people (4 total) for the best quality and experience. The interface is clean, but simple and doesn’t come with any extras, which could be a good thing if video conferencing is all you need.
Pros
  • Mobile browser support
  • Full-screen mode
  • Built on WebRTC
Cons
  • No extra features
  • No text chat
  • No ability to customize the link


Talky


 Talky is built on open-source technologies of both SimpleWebRTC and their own Otalk platform. It allows up to 5 people in the conversation, screen sharing, custom links, password-protected sessions and is mobile friendly.
Pros
  • Up to 5 people
  • Customizable links
  • Play the Lander game while you wait
  • Screen sharing (requires browser extension)
  • Locked rooms
  • Based on open-source platforms, SimpleWebRTC and Otalk
  • Mobile browser support
  • Put call “on hold”
  • iOS app
Cons
  • No chat (not much of a con)


Appear.in
Pros
  • Customizable links
  • Lock rooms
  • Screen sharing (requires browser extension)
  • Claim rooms upon creating an account
  • Slack and HipChat integration
  • Up to 8 people
  • Built on WebRTC
  • iOS app
  • Claim and customize a room by signing in
  • Mobile browser support
  • Chat
Cons
  • None


Gruveo

If you don’t need as many options or the capability to talk to multiple parties, Gruveo is a good choice. Once both parties agree on a “custom code” for the call, the call starts. That code goes at the end of the URL. And you don’t need to worry about others coming into your call since it maxes out at two.

Pros
  • Voice-only option
  • Customizable links
  • iOS app
  • Built on WebRTC
  • Full screen mode
  • ChatMobile browser support
  • Mobile browser support
Cons
  • No more than two parties allowed


Room

For a more corporate, yet modern approach, you might find Room attractive due to the option to upload files directly from Dropbox and integration with Slack and Flowdock (team collaboration apps). Room allows up to 4 users to talk at a time and includes text chat, screen sharing, an iOS app, and is compatible with Android browsers.

Pros
  • Screen sharing (requires extension)
  • Allows 4 people total
  • Text chat
  • iOS app
  • Integration with Slack and Flowdock
  • Dropbox integration
  • Mobile browser support
Cons
  • Sign up to change username
  • No customizable links
  • No apparent FAQ/help page


Rabbit


 Previously a Mac-only video conferencing service, Rabbit changed their direction to be accessible by all users, from any platform. They do this through the popular WebRTC framework. Rabbit allows an impressive 10 users to connect at once – more than any other service that I know of. Its focus is on “more than just video calling” and aims at “sharing content online”, from slideshows to videos and music to virtually any Internet-based media.
Pros
  • Chat
  • Share anything from the web
  • Chat with up to 10 people
  • Based on WebRTC
Cons
  • Must sign up for custom URL
  • No mobile browser support (in progress as of this writing)


GetARoom.io

GetARoom.io is about as simple and modern as video calling gets. Just click the “Start a new call” button and share the unique link with up to 3 others. Like most other WebRTC-based services, GetARoom.io works on mobile browsers Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

Pros
  • Up to 4 people
  • Lock room
  • Streamlined and simple
  • WebRTC and SkylinkJS
  • Mobile browser support
Cons
  • Few “extra features”
  • No ability to customize link
  • No text chat

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