[Comparison of free plan and paid plan] Video conferencing and web meeting system Zoom

Therefore, this time, we will introduce in detail the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom, which is reputed to be feature-rich and relatively inexpensive. We will explain not only the basic functions, but also the differences between the free and paid plans.

This article is for people who:

• People looking for a convenient web (video conferencing) tool
• People who are considering using Zoom
• People who want to know the difference between Zoom’s free plan and paid plan

What is a web (video conferencing) tool?

In the first place, a web (video conferencing) tool is a convenient system that anyone can easily hold a meeting on the Internet. The feature of this system is that even if the person you are talking to is far away, you can make not only voice calls but also video calls as long as the time is right.

Depending on the web (video conferencing) tool, there are systems that have the following functions in addition to voice and video calls.

What kind of system is the web (video conference) tool Zoom?

There are many types of web (video conferencing) tools. Among them, the most popular is “Zoom”, which has a free plan and a paid plan. In this chapter, we will specifically introduce the features of the Zoom system.

Zoom’s free and paid plans have a reputation as a very versatile web (video conferencing) tool. Therefore, let’s take a look at four points that we especially want to check this time.

Meetings can be held easily using a computer or smartphone.

Zoom, a web (video conferencing) tool, is a system that allows anyone to easily participate in meetings with a PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. even with a free plan.

Some video conferencing/teleconferencing tools require you to purchase and set up special equipment. However, with the free plan of the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom, it is a system that allows meetings without initial costs.

You can share files and screens

Even with the free plan, Zoom supports not only voice and video calls, but also file sharing. You can also view the screen displayed on the other party’s terminal on your own terminal.

If you make good use of the above system, for example, you will be able to provide work training to remote staff. You can also explain your products and services in an easy-to-understand manner.

Some web (video conferencing) tools other than Zoom also support screen sharing. However, depending on the combination of devices used, there are often cases where screen sharing is not possible. For example, if you make a phone call using a web (video conferencing) tool on Android and iPhone, you may not be able to share your screen.

In that respect, the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom can be said to have a considerable advantage because it allows smooth information sharing.

No need for an app, you can invite to a meeting with just a URL

Some web (video conferencing) tools require the installation of a dedicated app. However, Zoom is characterized by being able to participate in meetings on a PC browser without installing the app.

Of course, there is a dedicated application for Zoom, and there is a system that can be used more conveniently by creating an account (free or paid). The app is more user-friendly, but some people may find it troublesome to drop the app just for one meeting.

First of all, we recommend using the browser version of Zoom and installing the app if you like it.

There is a free plan and a paid plan

Web (video conferencing) tools have not only a free plan that anyone can easily use, but also a paid plan that allows you to use a full range of functions.

The difference between the free plan and the paid plan is a point of particular concern for those looking for web (video conferencing) tools. We will discuss these differences in detail in the next chapter.

Compare the features of Zoom’s free plan and paid plan for web (video conferencing) tools

Now, let’s compare the free plan and paid plan of the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom.

First, check the usage plan. The web (video conferencing) tool Zoom plans are divided into four types depending on the functions that can be used.

• Basic
• Pro
• Business
• Enterprise

Compare features available by plan

Next, we will compare the functions that can be used for each of the four plans provided by the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom.

[Basic plan]

The functions that can be used with the basic plan that can be used free of charge on the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom are as follows.

• Meeting invites (up to 100 people)
• Meeting call (up to 40 minutes)
• group collaboration
• Web (video conference) function
• Security function

Group collaboration is a function that allows you to share screens, whiteboards, etc. with Android or Google OS for free. Let’s recognize it as “a function that allows you to share information with various terminals for free”.

There may be people who think that “I can use various things even with the free plan”. However, it can be said that the free plan has limitations on the number of people and time for meetings.

[Pro Plan]

In addition to the functions available in the free plan, the Pro plan allows you to use the following.

• One 24-hour meeting
• Schedule function
• Cloud storage of recorded data (up to 1GB)
• Reporting (recording the date of the meeting, the number of people, etc.)
• User management (adding, removing roles, etc.)
• Administrator function control (enabling/disabling records, etc.)
• Meetings for up to 1000 people (additional charge required)

With the Pro plan, you can freely use things that were restricted in the free plan. However, if the number of people in the meeting is more than 100, please remember that there will be an extra charge.

[Business plan]

The Business plan of the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom can use the following functions in addition to the Pro plan.

• Meetings up to 300 people as standard (expandable up to 1000 people, additional charge required)
• Using the administrative dashboard
• URL customization
• Management by own domain
• Login using company credentials
• company branding

If you wish to increase the number of participants in your meeting, you will need to pay the following additional charges.

The Business plan is characterized by the ability to put the company brand to the fore while using the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom. If you use the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom in earnest at your company, you may feel that the free plan is not enough.

[Enterprise plan]

In addition to the (Business) plan, the following features are available in the Enterprise plan of the web (video conferencing) tool Zoom.

• Meetings up to 500 people as standard (expandable up to 1000 people, additional charge required)
• Webinar (web seminar) 500 connection licenses for the same number of purchased licenses
• Data storage in the cloud (unlimited)

[Free plan/Paid plan] How to choose the right plan

So far, we have learned that Zoom is a very convenient web (video conferencing) tool, and the functions that can be used differ depending on the plan (free or paid).

Now let’s talk about which plan to choose. It is a must-see for those who are worried about whether the free plan is okay or are wondering whether to choose the free or paid plan.

For large meetings, you need a paid plan

If you have many clients/customers, or if you are considering using web (video conferencing) tools for internal or external meetings, we recommend using a paid plan instead of a free plan.

With the free plan, call time is limited, but with the paid plan, you can use unlimited call time, so you don’t have to worry about time even in long meetings.

In addition, the cloud recording function that can be used with a paid plan is very convenient because it not only allows you to easily archive the contents of important meetings, but also allows you to share the URL and distribute it as it is.

If you want to have frequent meetings with a large number of people or want to share the content of the meeting more easily, it would be better to use a paid plan instead of the free plan.

summary

Zoom is a user-friendly system as a web (video conferencing) tool.

There are many types of web (video conferencing) tools, and if you are wondering which one to use, we recommend that you first use Zoom’s free plan as a trial.

If you can check the usability of the system and the contents of the functions with the free plan, it is a good idea to switch to a paid plan as appropriate.

Let’s think about how to use Zoom, a web (video conferencing) tool that suits you, by referring to the contents introduced this time.