Zoom Whiteboard Tutorial (Step-by-Step Guide)
Jake Lizarraga
In this article, we'll compare 7 top Zoom Webinar alternatives, focusing on their pricing, features, ease of use, and more. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of which platform best suits your needs, whether you're a small business owner, a marketer, or an enterprise-level organization.
Today we’ll cover:
Are you still hosting webinars live? While hosting one-off events live is fine, doing the same for recurring webinars will eat up all your time and burn you out — not to mention yield lower attendance rates by making it less convenient for people to attend your webinar.
To learn how to reclaim your time with automated webinars while doubling attendance, watch our on-demand demo or skip ahead to this section!
Without further ado, let's dive in to find the perfect webinar solution for you!
Top 7 Zoom Webinar Alternatives: Features, Pricing & Ease of Use
When searching for the best webinar software, it's crucial to compare the features, pricing, and ease of use of each platform. In our testing, we found that the following 7 alternatives to Zoom Webinars offer robust features and varying price points to suit different business needs.
Our criteria for comparing these webinar platforms are:
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Attendee capacity. The number of concurrent attendees that each platform can accommodate.
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Ease of use/setup. How easy it is for hosts to set up the platform and start hosting webinars.
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Pricing + scalability. Factoring in both entry-level pricing and how the subscription cost scales.
Webex Webinars
Webex Webinars is a powerful platform that offers advanced features for engaging webinars. With prices starting at $14.95 per host per month, it's an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. The intuitive interface and easy setup make it a breeze to get started with Webex Webinars.
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Feature |
Description |
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Interactive tools |
Polls, Q&A, and chat for audience engagement |
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Customizable branding |
Add your logo and colors to the webinar room |
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Recording and editing |
Record webinars and edit them post-event |
GoToWebinar
GoToWebinar is a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to host professional webinars. Pricing starts at $59 per organizer per month, making it a more premium option. However, the user-friendly interface and customizable branding options make it worth the investment for many companies.
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Engagement dashboard |
Monitor audience engagement in real-time |
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Automated email reminders |
Ensure high attendance rates with automated emails |
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Integrations |
Connect with popular CRM and marketing tools |
Microsoft Teams Live Events
For businesses already using Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams Live Events is a seamless choice for webinars. As it's included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, there's no additional cost. The integration with other Microsoft apps, such as Outlook and PowerPoint, makes it easy to manage webinars within your existing workflow.
|
Feature |
Description |
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Attendee registration |
Collect registrations directly in Teams |
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Live captions |
Improve accessibility with real-time captions |
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Attendee reporting |
Gain insights into attendee engagement and demographics |
ON24 Webcast Elite
ON24 Webcast Elite is an enterprise-level webinar platform that offers advanced analytics and robust features. Pricing is custom-based on specific requirements, making it a suitable choice for larger organizations with complex needs. The platform's integrations with popular marketing and CRM tools enable seamless data flow and automation.
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Engagement tools |
Surveys, polls, and call-to-action buttons |
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Detailed analytics |
Track engagement, conversion rates, and more |
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Customizable templates |
Create branded webinar experiences quickly |
Adobe Connect Webinars
Adobe Connect Webinars is a versatile solution that offers interactive features and customizable layouts. Pricing starts at $140 per month for 100 participants, making it a mid-range option. The platform's branding options allow businesses to create webinars that align with their visual identity.
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Breakout rooms |
Divide attendees into smaller groups for discussions |
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Customizable pods |
Arrange layout elements to suit your webinar style |
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Mobile-friendly |
Attend webinars from any device |
BigMarker
BigMarker is an all-in-one webinar and video conferencing platform that offers a user-friendly interface and automation tools. Pricing starts at $89 per month for 100 attendees, making it an affordable option for small to medium-sized businesses in search of Zoom alternatives. The platform's features focus on engagement and lead generation.
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Automated webinars |
Create evergreen webinars that run on autopilot |
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Built-in landing pages |
Design registration pages without coding |
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Integrations |
Connect with popular marketing and CRM tools |
Livestorm
Livestorm is a modern webinar platform that offers engaging features and a simple setup process. With pricing starting at $109 per month for 100 attendees, it's a competitive option for businesses looking for an intuitive solution. The platform's ease of use and attractive interface make it a popular choice among marketers and sales teams.
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Automated sequences |
Create email sequences for registrants and attendees |
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Polls and surveys |
Gather valuable feedback from your audience |
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Replay customization |
Add calls-to-action and forms to replay pages |
After thoroughly testing these 7 Zoom Webinar alternatives, we found that GoToWebinar stands out as the best overall option. Its comprehensive feature set, user-friendly interface, and customizable branding make it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes.
While it may be pricier than some alternatives, the robust functionality and reliability of GoToWebinar justify the investment for companies serious about hosting engaging and professional webinars.
However, if you’re looking for a platform capable of creating automated webinars then eWebinar is your best bet. To see eWebinar’s automation capabilities in action, just watch our on-demand demo or skip ahead to learn more!
Key Features to Look for in Webinar Software
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Engagement tools to keep attendees involved and actively participating
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Customization options for consistent branding across webinar touchpoints
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Analytics and reporting features for measuring success and optimizing future virtual events
Attendee Engagement Tools
Keeping attendees engaged is crucial for a successful webinar. Look for software that offers a variety of interactive features, such as Q&A, polls, and surveys. These tools allow you to gather valuable feedback and insights from your audience in real-time, ensuring that your content resonates with their needs and interests.
Live chat and reactions are another essential engagement feature. They enable attendees to communicate with each other and the presenter, fostering a sense of community and encouraging active participation. Some webinar platforms even offer breakout rooms, screen sharing, and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded individuals like they would in Zoom events or Zoom meetings.
The Importance of Interactivity
A study by the Content Marketing Institute found that 81% of marketers believe interactive content grabs attention more effectively than static content. By incorporating interactive elements into your webinars, you can keep your audience focused and invested in your message, leading to higher satisfaction rates and better overall outcomes.
Customization and Branding
Consistent branding across all touchpoints is essential for building trust and recognition with your audience. When evaluating webinar software, consider the customization options available. Can you create branded registration pages and emails? Are you able to incorporate your company colors, logos, and imagery into the webinar room and landing pages?
For enterprise-level organizations, white-label options may be a priority. This feature allows you to fully customize the platform to match your brand guidelines, creating a seamless experience for your attendees.
The Power of Consistent Branding
A study by Lucidpress found that consistent branding can increase revenue by up to 23%. By ensuring that your webinars align with your overall brand identity, you can build trust with your audience and establish your company as a thought leader in your industry.
Analytics and Reporting
Measuring the success of your webinars is crucial for optimizing future events and demonstrating ROI to stakeholders. Look for webinar software that provides detailed analytics and reporting features, including attendee engagement metrics, registration and attendance data, and post-event feedback.
Integration with marketing automation and CRM tools is another key consideration. By syncing your webinar data with your existing marketing stack, you can gain a more comprehensive view of your audience and create targeted follow-up campaigns based on their engagement level.
For on-demand webinars, performance tracking is essential. Ensure that your chosen platform provides insights into viewership trends, drop-off rates, and other key metrics to help you refine your content strategy and improve future recordings.
The Significance of Data-Driven Decision Making
According to a survey by Demand Gen Report, 87% of marketers consider data-driven marketing essential for success. By leveraging the analytics and reporting features of your webinar software, you can make informed decisions about your content, targeting, and overall strategy, ultimately leading to better results and higher ROI.
Is Zoom Webinar Worth It?
While Zoom Webinar offers a range of features and benefits, it may not be the best fit for every organization. Consider your specific needs, budget, and audience preferences when evaluating Zoom Webinar and its alternatives.
Some limitations of Zoom Webinar include:
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Higher pricing compared to some alternatives
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Limited customization options for lower-tier plans
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Potential security concerns (e.g., "Zoom-bombing")
Ultimately, the choice between Zoom Webinar and alternatives like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or specialized webinar platforms will depend on your unique requirements and priorities. Take the time to explore your options and select the software that aligns best with your goals and resources.
Zoom Webinar Alternatives: Category Winners
In our comprehensive comparison of 7 Zoom Webinar alternatives, we found that each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses. When choosing the best alternative for your business, consider factors such as pricing, ease of use, and key features like attendee engagement tools, customization options, and analytics.
GoToWebinar: Best for Comprehensive Webinar Solution
GoToWebinar is a comprehensive solution for businesses, offering a user-friendly interface and customizable branding. Pricing starts at $59/organizer/month, making it a solid choice for organizations with dedicated webinar teams.
Webex Webinars: Best for Advanced Features
Webex Webinars stands out for its robust feature set and intuitive interface. With prices starting at $14.95/host/month, it offers excellent value for businesses seeking advanced webinar capabilities.
Microsoft Teams Live Events: Best for Microsoft 365 Users
For businesses already using Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams Live Events is a seamless choice. It's included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it a cost-effective option for existing users.
ON24 Webcast Elite: Best for Enterprise-Level Webinars
ON24 Webcast Elite is an enterprise-level platform with advanced analytics and robust features. With custom pricing based on requirements, it's best suited for large organizations with complex webinar needs.
Adobe Connect Webinars: Best for Versatility and Interactivity
Adobe Connect Webinars offers a versatile solution with interactive features and customizable layouts. Pricing starts at $140/month for 100 participants, making it a good fit for businesses prioritizing attendee engagement.
BigMarker: Best for All-in-One Webinar and Video Conferencing
BigMarker is an all-in-one platform for webinars and video conferencing, with a user-friendly interface and automation tools. At $89/month for 100 attendees, it's a solid choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive Zoom Webinar alternative.
Livestorm: Best for Modern, Easy-to-Use Webinars
Livestorm is a modern webinar platform with engaging features and a simple, intuitive interface. Pricing starts at $109/month for 100 attendees, making it an excellent option for businesses looking for a straightforward, user-friendly Zoom alternative.
How to Automate Webinars with eWebinar (Doubling Attendance Without Sacrificing Chat and Interactivity)
Switching from live to pre-recorded webinars saves you from wasting countless hours and burning yourself out — but you can’t just record a static video then call it a day.
There are three things every automated webinar needs to match surpass the performance of live webinars:
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Live chat to ensure every question gets answered
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Flexible scheduling to make attending convenient
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Interactions that keep attendees engaged
We built our automated webinar platform, eWebinar, with that in mind. The sections below will show you how these elements allow you to automate webinars without sacrificing the interactivity that make them so effective!
Live chat to ensure every question gets answered
eWebinar lets you reply to attendees in real time through live chat or via email after the webinar has ended — allowing you to be there for your audience whenever you want instead of choosing between one or the other.
eWebinar’s chat system was designed to ensure every attendee question gets answered:
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Automated welcome messages. Attendees receive a personalized welcome message as soon as they join the webinar. If no one's available to reply to them, the autoresponder will set expectations.
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Instant message notifications. Whenever attendees send a message in chat, you and any assigned moderators are notified via email, browser notifications, or Slack alerts (if you have the integration active).
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Live chat + email responses. Hosts can reply to attendees during the automated webinar through live chat. Responses sent after the webinar has ended will be automatically forwarded to their email address.
The simple truth is that attendees care more about getting answers to their questions than whether or not the presentation is pre-recorded. If the presentation feels live to an attendee, they’ll consider it as such.
Knowing that someone is on standby ready to respond to them in chat puts attendees at ease and lets you continue scaling without losing the attendee-host interactions that make webinars so effective in the first place.
Flexible scheduling to make attending convenient
Why should you burden yourself with the stress of trying to find the best time/day to host a webinar — only to have people register then no-show — when you could make your presentation available at all times?
eWebinar’s scheduling system was built to make attending your webinar as convenient as possible:
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On-demand availability. On-demand webinars are accessible to attendees at their peak moment of interest or need — allowing them to join a session instantly instead of waiting for days or weeks.
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Recurring schedules. Running automated webinars on a recurring schedule (which automatically adapts to their local time zone) lets you capture registrants who don’t have time to watch immediately.
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Webinar replays. People can register for replays directly instead of no-showing just to get a replay link. Those watching a replay will still be able to message you through the live chat if they have any questions.
eWebinar lets you enable all three scheduling options — on-demand, recurring, and replays — at the same time so people always have a great option for when/how to attend your webinars and no excuse to not attend.
This is why the average attendance rate for automated webinars hosted on eWebinar is 65% — which is significantly higher than the 40% industry average for live webinars.
Many of our customers smash through the platform average and get attendance rates above 90%:
If you want to experience eWebinar firsthand and see how it can double your attendance by making webinars available 24/7, join our on-demand demo!
Interactions that keep attendees engaged
You might think that webinar automation would lead to a passive viewing experience. However, interactions like polls and quizzes keep attendees engaged while collecting invaluable customer feedback from them.
These interactions make the presentation feel live without you having to be there for every single session.
Creating an interactive attendee experience will significantly increase the engagement rate and watch time of your webinars:
If you'd like to experience these interactions from an attendee's point of view then watch our on-demand demo!
It’s so easy to get started.
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