10 Best Video Conferencing Software for Linux in 2020

It’s not news that there are a ton of applications for exchanging instant messages and multimedia, making phone calls, etc. but as I always say, not all applications are created equal and there is always a hierarchy in feature sets.

Today, we bring you a list of the best applications for making conference calls from the convenience of your Linux machine.

1. Skype

Skype is a multiplatform communication tool for free calls and chats. With it, you can call mobiles and landlines directly, share mobile screens, record calls, use live subtitles, make HD video calls, etc.

Feature Highlights

• Free and premium plan
• Available on Linux, Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android
• Modern UI
• Skype number
• Groups
• Multi-language support
• Multi-media support
• Audio and HD video calls
• Conference calls
• Screen recording
• Screen sharing

2. Discord

Discord is a free and open-source platform created for chatting with friends and community members over voice, video, and text. It was built with a focus on gamers being able to stream their gameplay while communicating with other gamers without losing quality in video, audio, or performance.

Feature Highlights

• Free and open-source
• Modern UI
• Available on Linux, Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android
• Groups
• Multi-language support
• Multi-media support
• Audio and HD video calls
• Conference calls
• Screen recording
• Screen sharing

3. Zoom

Zoom is a popular video conferencing application targetted at both personal and professional users with a complete set of features for VoIP, instant message, and file sharing. It also features the usual options like screen sharing, screen recording, and no registration required.

Feature Highlights

• Freemium software
• Screen recording
• Screen sharing
• Available on web, desktop, and mobile platforms
• Video webinar
• Conference rooms
• Meetings
• Up to 1,000 participants and 10,000 viewers

4. Google Duo

Google Duo is among the simplest video calling applications designed for web and mobile platforms. It offers users a distraction-free UI for making and sending video calls and it is free.

Feature Highlights

• Free software
• Available for Web browsers and smartphones/tablets
• Group calls with up to 8 people
• Caller live preview (Knock knock feature)
• Send video messages

5. FreeConference

FreeConference is a premium video conferencing application for web and mobile platforms with support for sharing screens and documents, recording calls, and a dedicated dial-in number.

It regularly costs $9.99/month but now offers a free starter plan in order to support users during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Feature Highlights

• Freemium app
• Unlimited conference calls on local numbers
• Video conferencing
• Up to 1000 call participants
• At least 5 web participants
• Screen sharing
• Online whiteboard
• SMS messages and PINless entry

6. GoTo Meeting

GoTo Meeting is a paid web-based VoIP app for fast and reliable video meetings. It features voice commands, a room launcher, cloud recordings, commuter mode, support for integrating with Office 365, etc. It uses 3 subscription models tailored for professional, enterprise, or business users and offers features accordingly.

Feature Highlights

• Premium app with 3 subscription packages
• Conference dial0in options
• VoIP
• Screen transfer
• Business managing
• No time restrictions
• HD video

7. Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is a free and open-source instant free video-conferencing application for desktop and mobile platforms. It offers premium VoIP features without the need for user registration or guest login – just shared URLs.

Feature Highlights

• Free and open-source
• Modern, clutter-free UI
• HD conference calls
• Share desktop, presentations, etc.
• Edit documents with Etherpad
• Invite conference guests via URL

8. Whereby

Whereby is an online application designed for video meetings – no logins or downloads required. It provides users with a flexible UI on desktop and mobile browsers for quickly creating conference rooms and adding a maximum of 50 guests.

Feature Highlights 

• Freemium app
• Web application
• Modern UI
• Join room with a click
• Meeting rooms with up to 50 participants
• Custom branding
• Screen recording

9. FreeConference Call

FreeConferenceCall is a platform created in 2001 that has come to be among the largest conference call provider services online. It offers its service for free in combination with a varying subscription model that throws in extra features to suit client needs.

Feature Highlights

• Pay what you can + premium subscription model
• Modern UI
• Web application
• Conference calls of up to 1000 people
• HD video calls
• Screen sharing
• Call recording
• Keypad commands
• Breakout rooms for sub0conference chat rooms
• Remote desktop
• Drawing tools
• Call detail reports
• Integration with Slack, Dropbox, and Evernote

10. Talky

Talky is a simple video chat and screen sharing web application for groups of a maximum of 6 people. It runs in the browser and works by a user choosing a room name and starting a chat. Then the user can share the URL with 5 other people to join them in the chat room.

Feature Highlights

• Free
• Modern UI
• Web application
• Conference calls of up to 6 people
• HD video calls
• Screen sharing

That brings us to the end of our list. All the applications employ end-to-end encryption to protect user communication and privacy so the differentiating qualities are in the features that they offer, pricing plans, and overall workflow.

See also: Linphone: An Open Source VoIP (SIP) App for Linux

Did your favourite video conferencing application make it to the list? Feel free to make app recommendations as you share your experience with us in the discussions section below.