Zoho Meeting, an online meeting platform, has gained recognition as a budget-friendly video conferencing solution. Whether you're considering Zoho Meeting for your team collaboration needs or exploring Zoho Meeting alternatives, this guide covers everything from its core features to pricing structure and how it compares to competitors.
Zoho Meeting offers a cloud-based platform for video conferencing and webinars, with various plans to fit different business needs. In this article, we'll also show you how Zeeg, a robust scheduling software, can help you in terms of your appointment management.
What is Zoho Meeting?
Zoho Meeting is a web-based video conferencing and webinar solution first launched in 2007. The platform saw significant growth during the 2020 global shift to remote work and has continued to evolve since then. It allows users to host online meetings, webinars, and provides additional communication tools for businesses of all sizes.
As part of the broader Zoho ecosystem of business applications, Zoho Meeting integrates particularly well with other Zoho products like Zoho CRM, Zoho Calendar, and Zoho Mail. The platform offers solutions for various business needs—from simple one-on-one video calls to large webinars with up to 250 participants.
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Key capabilities of Zoho Meeting
- Video conferencing: Host meetings with up to 250 participants
- Webinar hosting: Present to audiences of up to 250 attendees (up to 5,000 with Zoho Webinar)
- Screen sharing: Share your screen, applications, or specific windows
- Session recording: Record meetings and store them in the cloud (on paid plans)
- Collaborative tools: Whiteboards, file sharing, and meeting chat
- Multiple hosts: Assign co-hosts to help manage larger meetings
- Phone dial-in: Allow participants to join via phone
- Security features: Lock meetings, set passwords, and end-to-end encryption
- Customization options: Virtual backgrounds and branding controls
Zoho Meeting features
Core meeting functionality
Zoho Meeting provides the essential features you'd expect from an online meeting platform. Users can schedule meetings in advance or start them instantly, invite participants via email, and join through a web browser or dedicated apps for desktop and mobile devices.
The interface is clean and intuitive, with the standard controls located along the bottom of the meeting window. You can mute/unmute your microphone, toggle your camera, share your screen, chat with participants, and record the session (on paid plans).
When hosting a meeting, you can:
- Lock meetings for privacy
- Mute participants
- Control who can share their screen
- Remove attendees if necessary
- Enable/disable chat
- Share files through chat
- Use annotation tools for interactive presentations
Video and audio quality
In real-world testing, Zoho Meeting provides reliable video and audio quality comparable to other popular meeting platforms. The video is clear with minimal latency, while audio comes through crisply without significant echo issues, provided participants are using proper audio equipment.
One limitation noted in user reviews is that video quality can occasionally become blurry during larger meetings or webinars when bandwidth is strained. Some users have also reported minor issues with the mute functionality occasionally not working properly.
Screen sharing and collaboration
Zoho Meeting's screen sharing capability allows hosts and participants (if permitted) to share their entire screen, a specific application window, or a browser tab. This makes it ideal for presentations, demonstrations, and collaborative work sessions.
The platform also includes a collaborative whiteboard feature that participants can use to brainstorm ideas together in real time. While not as robust as dedicated whiteboarding tools, it provides sufficient functionality for most meeting needs.
Recording and storage
On paid plans, Zoho Meeting allows hosts to record sessions for later review. The recording captures all audio, video, and shared screens, providing a complete record of the meeting. These recordings are stored in the cloud and can be accessed from the Zoho Meeting dashboard.
Storage limits vary by plan:
- Standard plan: 10 meeting recordings per host (expandable to 200 with add-on)
- Professional plan: More generous storage allowances
Recordings can be downloaded for offline viewing or shared with participants who couldn't attend the live meeting.
Webinar features
For businesses needing to present to larger audiences, Zoho Meeting includes webinar functionality that allows for:
- Audience Q&A sessions
- Polls and surveys
- Registration pages for attendees
- Attendance tracking
- YouTube live streaming
- Custom branding options (on higher-tier plans)
It's worth noting that while the Meeting product supports up to 250 participants, Zoho also offers a separate Webinar product for larger events with up to 5,000 attendees.
Mobile experience
Zoho Meeting provides mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to join or host meetings on the go. The mobile experience includes most of the key features available in the desktop version, including:
- Video and audio participation
- Screen sharing from mobile devices
- Meeting chat
- View shared content
- Join via meeting links or codes
The mobile interface is well-designed and intuitive, making it easy to participate in meetings even from smaller screens.
Security features
Security is a priority for Zoho Meeting, with several features designed to protect your meetings and data:
- DTLS-SRTP encryption for audio and video
- TLS protocol version 1.2 and certificates issued by SHA 256
- Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS)
- HTTPS Strict Transport Security (HSTS) across all sites
- Meeting passwords to prevent unauthorized access
- Lock meeting functionality to secure sessions once all participants have joined
- Two-factor authentication support for Zoho accounts
These security measures help ensure that sensitive business discussions remain private and protected from potential intrusions.
Integrations with Zoho Meeting
Native Zoho integrations
As part of the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Meeting integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products, including:
- Zoho CRM: Schedule meetings with leads and contacts directly from CRM records
- Zoho Calendar: Manage meeting schedules and automatically add conference details to calendar events
- Zoho Mail: Start or join meetings directly from your email interface
- Zoho Projects: Conduct team meetings within your project management workflow
- Zoho Cliq: Launch meetings from chat conversations
These integrations provide a cohesive experience for businesses already using other Zoho applications, allowing for smooth workflows between different business functions.
Third-party integrations
While Zoho Meeting works best within the Zoho ecosystem, it does offer limited integration with third-party applications:
- Microsoft Teams: Launch Zoho Meetings from within Teams
- Slack: Start meetings from Slack channels or direct messages
- Gmail: Schedule and manage meetings from your Gmail interface
The relatively limited number of third-party integrations is one area where Zoho Meeting trails competitors like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, which offer more extensive integration options.
Ease of use
Zoho Meeting scores well for usability, with an intuitive interface that doesn't overwhelm users with too many options. Setting up and joining meetings is straightforward:
- To start a meeting, users simply log in to their Zoho Meeting account and click "Start Meeting"
- To join a meeting, participants can click on the meeting link they received via email or enter a meeting ID
- First-time users will be prompted to allow browser permissions for camera and microphone access
The main meeting interface puts the most commonly used controls front and center, making it easy for even non-technical users to participate effectively. The learning curve is gentle compared to some more feature-rich platforms.
One particularly user-friendly aspect is the ability to join meetings directly through a web browser without downloading any software, though desktop and mobile apps are available for those who prefer them.
Pros and cons of Zoho Meeting
Pros
✓ Budget-friendly pricing: Zoho Meeting offers competitive rates, including a free plan with basic features.
"Cost is very budget friendly for all the organizations." - Zoho Meeting user, December 2024
✓ Ease of use: The platform features an intuitive interface that's easy to navigate for both hosts and participants.
"Using Zoho Meeting is easy. It makes web meetings easy. Managing collaboration is easy with Zoho Meeting." - Zoho Meeting user, November 2024
✓ Strong security: End-to-end encryption and features like meeting locks protect your conversations.
"I like that communications are secure with Zoho Meeting." - Zoho Meeting user, November 2024
✓ Seamless Zoho ecosystem integration: Works particularly well with other Zoho products.
"Easy to use and integration with zoho CRM and calendar" - Zoho Meeting user, February 2025
✓ No software download required: Participants can join via web browser without installing applications.
✓ Mobile apps available: iOS and Android apps allow for meetings on the go.
"Zoho Meeting has an iOS mobile application that allows me to schedule and host online meetings and webinars from anywhere." - Zoho Meeting user, March 2025
✓ Recording capabilities: Paid plans include meeting recording and cloud storage.
✓ Multiple hosting options: Through web, desktop, and mobile platforms.
Cons
✗ Video quality issues: Some users report blurry video in larger meetings.
"While attending seminars and other webinars via video calls the quality drops from HD to what not. Sometimes it becomes blurry." - Zoho Meeting user, November 2023
✗ Limited third-party integrations: Fewer integration options compared to competitors.
✗ Participant cap: Maximum of 250 participants, which limits scalability for larger organizations.
✗ Breakout rooms require add-on: Unlike some competitors that include this feature standard.
✗ Recording limitations on free plan: No recording capabilities without upgrading.
"You can't record any live meetings or sessions because there is no option to do that. But it is a necessity, while in meetings." - Zoho Meeting user, November 2023
✗Technical support issues: Some users report challenges with customer support.
"Client support does not put full efforts in resolving the problem." - Zoho Meeting user, December 2022
✗ Occasional connectivity problems: Users sometimes experience unstable connections.
"The connection is never stable, that is why we cannot get proper benefits of HD quality." - Zoho Meeting user, December 2022
✗ Per-participant pricing model: Can become expensive as team sizes grow.
Zoho Meeting pricing structure
Zoho Meeting offers a tiered pricing structure with both Meeting and Webinar products. Prices shown are based on annual billing, with monthly options available at higher rates.
Free plan
Zoho Meeting's free tier is generous compared to many competitors, offering:
- Up to 100 participants per meeting
- 60-minute session duration
- Unlimited meetings
- Screen sharing and document sharing
- Whiteboards for collaboration
- Virtual backgrounds
- Raise hand and chat functions
This plan works well for small teams with basic meeting needs or for individuals testing the platform before committing to a paid subscription.
Standard plan ($1/host/month for 10 participants)
The Standard plan builds on the free tier with:
- Up to 250 participants (pricing scales per 10 participants)
- Extended meeting duration (up to 24 hours)
- Recording capabilities (10 recordings per host)
- Phone dial-in options
- Multiple hosts for meetings
- Transcription features
- Email and chat support
This plan provides a good balance of features for small to medium-sized teams requiring more professional capabilities.
Professional plan ($3/host/month for 10 participants)
The Professional plan adds enterprise-grade features:
- Custom domains
- Multiple hosts
- Advanced analytics
- API access
- Embedded meeting widgets
- Full customization options
- Enterprise-grade security
- Meeting keynotes
This tier is designed for larger organizations or those with specific branding and integration requirements.
Add-ons
Zoho Meeting offers several add-ons to enhance functionality:
- Additional recording storage: Up to 200 session recordings for $192/year per organization
- Toll-free numbers: For up to 50 countries at $192/year per organization
- Meeting Rooms: $90 per room per year
- Premium support: Available for 20% of your total license fee
Zoho Webinar pricing
For those needing webinar functionality, Zoho offers a separate Webinar product with three tiers:
- Standard: Starting at $7.50/organizer/month for 25 attendees
- Professional: $16/organizer/month for 25 attendees
- Enterprise: $66/organizer/month for 500 attendees
Webinar plans support up to 5,000 attendees, making them suitable for larger virtual events.
How to use Zoho Meeting
Setting up your account
Getting started with Zoho Meeting is straightforward:
- Visit the Zoho Meeting website and sign up for an account
- Choose your plan (Free, Standard, or Professional)
- Provide your email and create a password
- Verify your email address
- Complete your profile information
- Download the desktop or mobile app if desired (optional)
Once your account is set up, you'll have access to the Zoho Meeting dashboard, where you can schedule and manage your meetings.
Starting an instant meeting
To start an immediate meeting:
- Log in to your Zoho Meeting account
- Click the "Meet Now" button on your dashboard
- Enter a topic for your meeting
- Choose your audio and video settings
- Click "Launch Meeting"
- Share the meeting link with participants via email, chat, or copying the link
Scheduling a meeting
For planned meetings:
- From your dashboard, click "Schedule Meeting"
- Enter the meeting topic, date, time, and duration
- Add participant email addresses (optional)
- Configure meeting options (password, recording settings, etc.)
- Click "Schedule"
- Participants will receive email invitations with joining instructions
Joining a meeting
Participants can join Zoho Meetings in several ways:
- Via link: Click the meeting link in the email invitation
- Via meeting ID: Enter the meeting ID on the Zoho Meeting website or app
- Via phone: Dial the provided phone number and enter the meeting code (on paid plans)
First-time users will need to allow browser permissions for camera and microphone access when joining via web browser.
Using the meeting interface
Once in a meeting, users can access these key functions:
- Mute/unmute: Control your microphone
- Camera on/off: Toggle your video feed
- Share screen: Present your screen to other participants
- Raise hand: Signal that you want to speak
- Chat: Send messages to all participants or privately
- Participants: View and manage meeting attendees
- Record: Start/stop recording (paid plans only)
- Whiteboard: Open collaborative drawing space
- End meeting: Leave or end the meeting for all
Managing recordings
If you've recorded meetings (available on paid plans):
- After the meeting ends, recordings are processed and stored in the cloud
- Access recordings from the "My Recordings" section of your dashboard
- View, download, or share recordings with others
- Manage recording settings and access permissions
Integrating with Zoho Calendar
Zoho Meeting integrates seamlessly with Zoho Calendar:
- When creating a calendar event, click "Add Conferencing"
- Select Zoho Meeting from the dropdown
- Choose audio or video meeting
- Add co-hosts if desired
- Save the event
The meeting link will be added to the calendar event and included in attendee invitations.
Top 5 alternatives to Zoho Meeting
While Zoho Meeting offers a solid video conferencing solution, it may not be the perfect fit for every organization. Here are five alternatives worth considering:
1. Zoom
Best for: Organizations needing scalable, feature-rich video conferencing
Zoom remains one of the most popular video conferencing platforms, known for its reliability and broad feature set.
Key differences from Zoho Meeting:
- Supports up to 1,000 participants (vs. Zoho's 250)
- More comprehensive third-party integrations
- Breakout rooms included in standard plans
- More advanced meeting management features
- Higher name recognition among users
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $14.99/month per host
2. Microsoft Teams
Best for: Organizations already using Microsoft 365
Microsoft Teams provides integrated communication and collaboration within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Key differences from Zoho Meeting:
- Deeper integration with Microsoft 365 apps
- Combined chat, calling, and meeting platform
- Team channels and persistent chat
- File collaboration directly in the app
- Up to 300 participants in meetings
Pricing: Free version available; business plans start at $4/user/month (as part of Microsoft 365)
3. Google Meet
Best for: Google Workspace users seeking simple, reliable video conferencing
Google Meet offers straightforward video conferencing tightly integrated with Google's productivity suite.
Key differences from Zoho Meeting:
- Seamless Google Workspace integration
- Supports up to 1,000 participants on enterprise plans
- Simple, clean user interface
- Excellent mobile experience
- Noise cancellation features
Pricing: Free version available; business plans start at $6/user/month (as part of Google Workspace)
4. Cisco Webex
Best for: Enterprises requiring robust security and advanced meeting features
Webex is a mature platform with enterprise-grade features and security.
Key differences from Zoho Meeting:
- Up to 1,000 participants
- More advanced webinar capabilities
- Strong hardware integration options
- Industry-leading security features
- More sophisticated video layout options
Pricing: Free version available; paid plans start at $13.50/user/month
5. GoToMeeting
Best for: Businesses prioritizing ease of use and reliable performance
GoToMeeting offers a straightforward video conferencing solution with a focus on reliability.
Key differences from Zoho Meeting:
- Up to 3,000 participants on enterprise plans
- More generous cloud recording storage
- Drawing tools and mouse sharing
- Smart meeting assistant
- Personal meeting rooms
Pricing: Plans start at $12/organizer/month for up to 150 participants
Zeeg: Streamline your team’s scheduling
While Zoho Meeting can be handling your video conferencing needs, Zeeg—a powerful scheduling platform—can create a more complete meeting management solution. Zeeg can help you schedule meetings while providing advanced booking features, and can integrate with video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.
Here's what Zeeg can do:
- Simplified scheduling: Zeeg allows clients and colleagues to book time on your calendar based on your actual availability, eliminating the back-and-forth of finding meeting times.
- Integration capabilities: Zeeg connects with video conferencing tools and can automatically generate video meeting links for scheduled appointments.
- Customizable booking pages: Create branded booking pages that match your company's look and feel.
- Routing forms: Qualify meeting requests with intake forms that direct people to the right team member based on their responses.
- Round-robin scheduling: Distribute meetings evenly across team members to balance workload.
- Buffer times: Automatically add padding between meetings to give you preparation time.
- GDPR compliance: Zeeg ensures your meeting data is handled with appropriate privacy protections.
By combining Zoho Meeting for video conferencing with Zeeg for scheduling, you create a comprehensive solution that handles the entire meeting lifecycle—from booking to hosting to follow-up.
Who should use Zoho Meeting?
Ideal use cases
- Small to medium-sized businesses: The pricing structure and feature set align well with SMB needs.
- Teams already using Zoho products: The seamless integration with other Zoho applications creates a cohesive workflow.
- Budget-conscious organizations: The competitive pricing makes it accessible for cost-sensitive teams.
- Companies with basic webinar needs: The included webinar functionality works well for organizations that don't require specialized webinar platforms.
- Security-conscious teams: The robust security features make it suitable for those handling sensitive information.
Less ideal scenarios
- Very large enterprises: The 250-participant cap and limited enterprise features may not scale sufficiently.
- Organizations needing extensive third-party integrations: The limited integration options outside the Zoho ecosystem could be restrictive.
- Teams requiring advanced collaborative features: While adequate for basic collaboration, power users might find the toolset limiting.
- Users needing specialized breakout sessions: The additional cost for breakout rooms may be a disadvantage for educational or workshop settings.
- Organizations with high-bandwidth video requirements: Occasional video quality issues might impact teams that rely heavily on high-definition video.
Conclusion
Zoho Meeting provides a solid, cost-effective solution for online meetings and webinars that will satisfy the needs of many small to medium-sized organizations. Its strengths lie in its competitive pricing, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration with other Zoho products.
The platform offers all the essential features for productive virtual meetings, including screen sharing, recording, whiteboards, and chat functionality. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some more expensive competitors, it delivers reliable performance where it matters most.
For businesses already invested in the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Meeting can feel like a natural choice that provides a cohesive experience across business applications. For others, the platform's value proposition—especially its free tier and affordable paid plans—makes it worth serious consideration.
However, if you want more popular solutions that will likely link to more tools, consider Zoom, Microsoft or Google’s options. When paired with a scheduling tool like Zeeg, they can become part of a comprehensive meeting management solution that handles everything from appointment booking to video conferencing to follow-up.
Sources (last checked on April 30, 2025):
1. Gartner Reviews - Zoho Meeting
2. Zoho Meeting Pricing page
