Best Virtual Conference Platforms For Online Events in 2022

Given the vast cost savings and convenience of virtual conference platforms, it’s no wonder that companies now host twice as many webinars as they have in the past two years.

In fact, over 80% of online event attendees say they would not have attended the same conference if it was hosted as an in-person event.

Online conferences allow companies to connect to new markets, get valuable feedback from attendees on products and services, and increase their sales.

The success of a webinar depends just as much on the virtual conference platform you choose as the content you present.

The below tools will allow you to create unforgettable interactive event experiences.

 

Table of Contents

 

• An Overview of the Best Virtual Conference Software 
• What Are The Different Types of Virtual Events?
• Essential Virtual Event Platforms Features
• The Best Online Conference Platforms
• Small-Scale Video Conferencing Alternatives
• Online Event FAQs

 

An Overview of the Best Virtual Conference Platforms

 

The below table offers a brief overview and comparison of the top all-in-one webinar solutions, pricing, and their top features.

 

Platform	WebEx Events	GoToWebinar	WorkCast	Zoom Video Webinars	ClickMeeting	BigMarker	WebinarJam	vFairs	Hopin
Pricing	Unlisted	4 plans from $49.00/organizer per month to $399.00/organizer per month	3 plans from $2,995/year for 500 attendees to $5940+/year for up to 5,000 attendees	6 plans from $40.00/year for 100 attendees to $6490/year for 10,000 attendees	30-day free trial, 3 paid plans from $25.00/host per month to $40.00/host per month and up	4 paid plans from $79.00/month for 100 attendees to $299.00/month for 1000 attendees	3 paid plans from $499.00/year for 500 attendees to $999.00/year for 5,000 attendees	Contact for a custom quote	4 paid plans from $99.00/host per month to $799.00+/5 hosts per month
Top Feature	Excellent third-party app integrations	Superior event analytics, especially source tracking	Virtual booth tours with vendor communication	Live broadcasting to YouTube and Facebook Live	Webinar Timeline	Automatic in-event offers, stream live from company website	PanicButton and Active Offer tools	Hybrid Events tools	Highly customizable, advertise event on Hopin website
Best For	Day-long or multi-day events with numerous panelists/speakers	Large-scale events with multi-device interoperability/accessibility	Presentation-based webinars with little to no audience collaboration	Conferences needing a high level of collaboration, especially breakout rooms	Companies that host a high number of virtual conferences each year, and that need to rely on analytics to improve online events	Businesses that want to host webinars on their own websites, webinar as a revenue generation	Companies looking for an affordable webinar tool	Companies hosting virtual fairs/trade shows, hybrid events	Companies that use webinars to generate revenue (paid webinars)

 

What Are The Different Types of Virtual Events?

 

 

The first step to take in choosing your webinar solution is to consider the types of online events you plan to host.

Popular event types include:

 

• Online Training Sessions: Continuing education, internal trainings on company policies or software use, and/or external trainings that teach clients how to use your software or product
• Virtual Trade Shows: Online trade shows and expos with multiple exhibitors and vendors, virtual booths with interactive elements
• Online Fairs: Job fairs, volunteer/internship fairs
• Webinar as a Product: Online events where your company is charging entry fees for webinars, whether you’re sharing educational or industry resources,  hosting panels, offering breakout rooms, etc.
• Sales and Lead Generation Events: Entry to the sales webinar is free with the goal of getting attendees to purchase your products/services, will include special in-event offers, registration is often a result of social media or email marketing
• Hybrid Events: A combination of in-person and virtual events, usually for company-wide or industry-specific events. May host panels, have keynote speakers, encourage mingling and networking with breakout sessions and Q&As

 

Essential Virtual Event Platforms Features

 

Whether you’re planning to create a training webinar for internal employees or host an industry-wide conference, the right software features will determine sales outcomes and future conference attendance.

The most important features you need in these platforms include:

 

• Live and pre-recorded video streaming
• Mobile accessibility for iOS iPhone and Android users
• Instant chat messaging
• File sharing capabilities
• Virtual whiteboards
• Screen sharing
• Virtual waiting room
• Breakout rooms
• Pass presenter tool
• Webinar registration tools, including personalized invitations
• Engagement features (polling tools, virtual hand-raising, Q&A tools, broadcast messages, reaction emojis, virtual handouts)
• Third-party business communication tools integration
• Audio and video recording
• In-app conference registration
• Automated event reminders
• Engagement analysis on attendance and lead generation
• In-app offers
• Integration with live streaming social media platforms
• Active speaker view
• AI and gamification features
• Backgrounds to create a branded virtual environment

 

The Best Virtual Conference Platforms

 

The below virtual conference platforms are the most popular digital event applications with hundreds of thousands of worldwide users.

In addition to choosing the right software, platform-compatible hardware like video conferencing webcams and headset microphones will improve audio and video quality.

Many of these platforms also offer assistance from virtual event planners and live event monitoring to address any unexpected tech or security issues during the online conference.

 

Here are the best virtual conference platforms:

• Cisco WebEx Events
• GoToWebinar
• WorkCast
• Zoom Video Webinars
• ClickMeeting
• BigMarker
• WebinarJam
• vFairs
• Hopin

 

Cisco WebEx Events

 

Cisco WebEx Events is a browser-based software capable of hosting up to 3,000 simultaneous viewers and 200 video feeds.

Guests can access the event link via the registration email, an Apple or Android mobile device, the WebEx website, or get audio-only dial-in access. Users can join an event on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and other browsers, or watch a live stream on Facebook or YouTube.

Events accept registration fee payments via PayPal and credit cards. It also integrates with popular CRM tools like Salesforce and Constant Contact, as well as essential team collaboration tools like Google Drive, Slack, and Jira.

Additional features include:

 

• Live and pre-recorded conferences
• Active speaker view
• Screen sharing
• Event practice room
• Automated invitations, reminders, and follow-ups
• Event recording
• Q&A tool
• Polling tool
• Survey tool
• Pass presenter capabilities
• Password protection and event security
• Public and private chat messaging
• File and video sharing
• Post-event surveys
• Event data and analytics
• Screen drawing tool
• SSO

 

The only real downside to Events is that it does not offer breakout rooms. If your digital conference has 1,000 or under participants, you can use WebEx Teams or Training, which offer breakout sessions, instead of Events. It’s a good fit for conferences that have lots of different panelists, exhibitors, and sessions over the course of the day.

Events pricing is not listed on the software’s website.

Read our complete WebEx review for more information.

 

GoToWebinar

 

GoToWebinar is a virtual event software created by LogMeIn, GoToMeeting’s parent company.

With over 50,000 users, it’s one of the most popular platforms. It allows event organizers to host up to 3,000 guests from their web browsers, desktop app, and Android and iPhone mobile apps.

It integrates with tools like Salesforce, Slack, and popular Slack alternatives, HubSpot, and more.

Additional features include:

 

• Live and pre-recorded events
• Event analytics and source tracking
• Video and file sharing
• Webinar templates
• Custom registration page
• Conference recording
• Q&A, polls, and handout tools
• Virtual whiteboarding
• Co-hosting
• Six simultaneous video streams
• One-time or on-demand conference
• Automated reminder and follow-up emails
• Shared and annotated screens
• Audience spotlight and view
• Branded conference pages and virtual backgrounds

 

As with WebEx Events, GoToWebinar does not offer breakout rooms. However, its training software, GoToTraining, does. GoToWebinar also includes all the features of GoToMeeting for free. It’s the right choice for conferences with a high number of participants who will access the event from a variety of devices and browsers.

The software offers four paid plans, ranging in price from $49.00 per month to $399 per month.

To learn more about the GoToMeeting features you’ll receive, read our GoToMeeting review.

 

WorkCast

 

WorkCast is one of the top cloud-based, no-download platforms accessible on both mobile and desktop devices.

It can host up to 5,000 participants and offers live, pre-recorded, on-demand digital conferences with a maximum of three simultaneous video feeds. WorkCast integrates with PowerPoint, Marketo, Salesforce, Hubspot, and other popular CRM tools.

WorkCast is also the preferred platform for hosting an online trade show, as it allows attendees to tour virtual booths and chat with representatives.

Event management features include online and email registration and reminders, as well as live event support.

Other WorkCast features include:

 

• Unlimited monthly webinars
• Unlimited panelists
• Event lock
• Q&A feature
• Dial-in access
• Host bios
• File, presentation, and video sharing
• Attendance and registration reporting
• Webinar templates
• Live polling
• Broadcast messaging
• Public and private chat messaging
• Conference recording

 

As of this writing, WorkCast doesn’t offer online note-taking features or breakout rooms, so you’ll need to use another online whiteboard tool. It’s best suited for conferences that rely less on audience collaboration and more on presentations alone.

WorkCast offers three paid plans from $2,995/year for 500 attendees to $5940+/year for up to 5,000 attendees.

 

Zoom Video Webinars

 

Zoom video webinars can host up to 50,000 viewers and a maximum of 100 live video panelists. In addition to broadcasting online conferences on YouTube Live and Facebook Live, Zoom Events also integrate with Salesforce, Marketo, and other CRM tools.

To help prevent Zoombombing, the platform is password-protected, has virtual waiting rooms, and AES-256 encryption.

Participants and panelists must install the desktop or iPhone and Android mobile app to join the event. Those that do not yet have the app installed are automatically redirected to the download page once they click on the link in the invitation. Dial-in, audio-only access is also available.

Additional features include:

 

• Pass presenter features
• File and video sharing
• Virtual backgrounds
• Polling and Q&A tools
• Co-hosts
• List of participants
• Attendee engagement analysis
• Reporting metrics
• Mute/unmute
• Screen share capabilities
• Chat messaging
• Closed captioning
• Active speaker view
• Local and cloud recording
• Whiteboard tool

 

Its most valuable feature is the ability to divide attendees into breakout rooms. This helps with audience engagement and brainstorming. It’s ideal for conferences highlighting attendee collaboration, networking, and company-wide training.

Zoom Video Webinars offers 6 paid plans from $40.00/year for 100 attendees to $6490/year for 10,000 attendees.

 

ClickMeeting

 

ClickMeeting is a browser-based virtual event platform allowing for both live and pre-recorded online events.

It hosts up to 1,000 people, allows for an unlimited number of monthly online events, and up to 6 panelists. It has an especially high number of communication and collaboration tool integrations, including Zapier, Dropbox, Slack, Facebook and YouTube Live for a webcast, Moodle, and PayPal.

Additional features include:

 

• Whiteboarding
• Remote screen control
• File sharing and storage
• Whiteboard tool
• Poll, Q&A, and survey tools
• Chat messaging tool
• Mobile access
• Customizable event certificates
• Event recording and auto-publishing settings
• Password protection
• Dial-in access
• Customizable conference registration
• Exportable PDF event reporting and analytics
• SSL certification and GDPR compliance
• Automated reminders and attendee feedback surveys
• Live training and onboarding
• Individual account manager

 

ClickMeeting is ideal for companies that host numerous online conferences each year, as its webinar timeline feature provides schedules, data and analytics, recordings, and more regarding past and future online events.

It has three paid plans ranging from $25.00 per month to $40.00 per month and up. Add-ons include extra storage space, higher viewer limits, additional live video streams, and subaccounts.

 

BigMarker

 

BigMarker is no-download virtual event software used by top companies like Google, Hootsuite, and Panasonic.

It can host up to 1,000 people and 9 simultaneous live video streams. It also integrates with social media webcasting platforms like Facebook Live and Youtube, and can even stream online events from a company website.

It’s compatible with numerous web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. It’s also accessible on Android and Apple mobile devices.

Additional features include:

 

• Live and pre-recorded video
• Screen sharing
• Recurring webinars
• Whiteboard tool
• Pre-loaded live polls with real-time results
• Google Form surveys
• Automatic and manual pop-up offers and CTAs
• Webinar landing page templates
• Customizable email invitations
• Built-in translation
• Payment collection via PayPal and stripe
• Embed registration forms on the website
• Integration with Analytics, Dropbox, Salesforce, Mailchimp, and more
• Event recordings
• Password protection
• Participant list
• Data and analytics
• Dial-in access
• Live chat messaging
• Presentation and file sharing

 

BigMarker is best for companies that want to host virtual events on their own website, as well as for those who host recurring paid webinars as a source of revenue.

BigMarker offers three paid plans ranging in price from $79 per month to $299 per month.

 

WebinarJam

 

WebinarJam is a cloud-based broadcasting technology with over 50,000 users.

It can host up to 5,000 viewers, six presenters, and can stream both live and pre-recorded events. WebinarJam’s two most unique features are its “Panic Button” and “Active Offer” tools.

If hosts experience a technical problem or if a meeting’s security is compromised, they simply hot the Panic Button to create a new conference room that automatically transfers all participants, files, and hosts into it.

The Active Offer feature displays not just a discount or product offered on all screens but also includes a countdown showing the time and quantities left.

Additional WebinarJam features include:

 

• One-click registration
• Handouts and live file/video sharing
• Integrations with Zapier, Mailchimp, Constant Contact
• Screen sharing
• Remote screen control
• Whiteboarding tool
• PDF, PDG, Excel, and Google doc file compatibility
• Chat messaging
• Live polling, survey, and Q&A tools
• Automatic conference recordings
• Performance analytics

 

Though WebinarJam does place a four-hour maximum time limit on virtual events, it’s still the best fit for businesses especially concerned with affordable online conference platforms.

WebinarJam pricing and plans include 3 paid plans from $499.00/year for 500 attendees to $999.00/year for 5,000 attendees.

 

vFairs

 

vFairs is a virtual and hybrid events solution offering both live and pre-recorded webinars, trade shows, job fairs, and more.

Its especially well-known for its in-event gamification to boost engagement, as well as its immersive 3D event space. Trivia quizzes, leaderboards, and even virtual scavenger hunts make events memorable and fun.

Before events, panelists or exhibitors can send presentations, datasheets, and other handouts which are then compiled so that guests can browse them at their convenience during the event.

Features like a virtual information desk and virtual event space that allows guests to “tour” through booths and event spaces just as they would face-to-face help to make the event personal and lifelike.

Additional features include:

 

• Keynote speakers
• SMS and email reminder notifications
• Attendee profiles
• Downloadable presentations and videos
• Live Q&A/audience participation features
• Breakout sessions
• Virtual graduation sessions, alumni events, and opening day events
• Benefit fairs to connect employees to benefit providers in real-time to choose best plan for their needs
• Group and 1:0 chat, audio, and video communication
• Reporting and analytics
• Multi-lingual support
• Custom registration and event landing pages

 

vFairs pricing is quote-based, so companies will need to directly contact the provider for a pricing quote. The quote will also allow you to outline the maximum number of attendees and hosts you need.

 

Hopin

 

Hopin is an all-in-one online events platform that, in addition to the standard webinar format, also provides several interactive virtual rooms that attendees can drop into.

Up to 5 speakers or organizers can host events that last up to 72 hours for 100,000 maximum attendees. (If greater numbers are needed, Hopin can customize a unique plan for your needs.)

Hopin helps users to recruit event sponsors and makes it easy to sell tickets in any currency for online events like online courses, fairs and trade shows, workshops, and hybrid events. It accepts payments through Stripe, provides unique links for better lead tracking and analytics, and offers a unique SEO-optimized registration landing page.

Additionally, Hopin provides its own unique online event page where you can list your event and browse upcoming ones relevant to your interests — making networking and increasing your audience even easier.

Other features include:

 

• Virtual lobby with event schedule
• Event-wide and private chat messaging
• One-on-one breakout sessions
• Unlimited concurrent live sessions
• Custom registration forms
• Custom branded events
• Third-party integration (Magneto, Salesforce, HubSpot, Zapier, etc.)
• No-code event building platform
• Networking feature to connect specific attendees
• Event analytics

Hopin offers 4 paid plans from $99.00/host per month to $799.00+/5 hosts per month.

 

Small-Scale Video Conferencing Alternatives

 

The digital conference platforms covered here are ideal for large-scale online events and webinars and are for companies that want to be able to almost completely replace face-to-face conferences.

Smaller companies and online conferences that don’t need to host thousands of attendees will find standard online meeting and web conferencing software best suits their needs.

Our comparisons of popular software for video calls like Zoom vs WebEx break down these virtual meeting platforms’ top features and functionalities, integrations, and overall user experience, allowing companies to find the perfect fit.

 

Virtual Conference Platforms FAQs