The COVID-19 pandemic forced every industry to close for some time. Businesses were left with no choice but to shift into a work-from-home setup, requiring their employees to be in contact through virtual meeting apps. Even schools were closed indefinitely and students attend classes using video meetings.
However, there are instances when the equipment used by people during virtual meetings fail to provide them with the best video quality.
Fortunately, there are tools like the Google Meet Series One to make your virtual meeting experience better. But the problem is that this particular equipment can be expensive so not everyone can afford it.
Good thing that there are a number of alternatives that you can find online. Not only are they good enough for your virtual meetings and classes but they are also more affordable.
How Important is Using the Right Tool for Video Conferences?
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Video conferencing is important for businesses that have employees working from home. It improves productivity, reduces travel expenses, and promotes collaboration even when a meeting is not conducted physically.
In addition, the different advancements in today’s technology have allowed remote work to be easier. As a result, the demand for video communication equipment has risen significantly. With the right tool, you will be able to improve your presence during virtual meetings.
Here are some of the other benefits that you can get from having the right tools during video conferencing:
1. Virtually enables a business’s workforce
A virtual meeting tool will allow you to become more collaborative during online meetings.
Apart from that, it will also prevent your video from being blurry and your voice from being unclear. Additionally, it aids teams to become more connected with each other regardless of where they are working.
2. Better reliability in terms of communication
There is no doubt that a virtual meeting provides a fast and safe method of communicating with teams. Right now, video is becoming a critical function for businesses.
For this reason, it is a must that when attending a virtual meeting, you have the right tools for better communication. This will result in a smooth conversation with your workmates.
3. You can control your environment
With the right tools, you will be able to have better control of your environment.
For instance, the right microphone will allow you to remove any echo or background noise while you are speaking. Similarly, a good camera will help the people you are talking to see you better and clearer.
4. Added convenience
The all-in-one design of video conferencing equipment makes them very convenient to use.
Rather than spending money on expensive individual tools like a webcam and a microphone, you can purchase a single device that has all the important functions that you need.
In addition, an all-in-one video conferencing tool is easier to install and set up. For this reason, you will not have to spend much time testing each of your equipment before your virtual meeting begins.
| 5 popular alternatives to Google Meet One Series Alternatives | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Meeting Owl Pro by Owl Labs | |
|
MeetUp + Expansion Mic Conferencing System by Logitech | |
|
NexiGo Full HD 1080P Webcam | |
|
Polycom Audio and Video Conferencing System | |
|
Huddly IQ Full HD 1080p USB Video Conferencing Camera with Embedded Microphone |
The 5 Best Yet Less Expensive Alternatives to Google Meet One Series
1. Meeting Owl Pro by Owl Labs
Meeting Owl Pro by Owl Labs – Google Meet Alternatives
For people who are looking for a video conferencing system that is packed with different features, the Meeting Owl Pro by Owl Labs is a choice that you should consider.
In just 11 inches tall, it has a size that would not take up too much space in your work table.
The Meeting Own Pro has everything that you need. In fact, it will be difficult for you to find another tool that can match its capabilities. It has a 360-degree camera that sits at the very top of the device.
This camera has a 1080p resolution, so you can ensure that you are clearly seen during meetings. In terms of audio, it is equipped with eight smart microphones that promise the best clarity when you are speaking. They also pick up whoever is talking during the meeting.
What is even better is that it has the power of the Owl Intelligent System software suite. For this reason, you can upgrade this video conference system as soon as a new feature becomes available.
Get this video conferencing tool for
2. MeetUp + Expansion Mic Conferencing System by Logitech
MeetUp + Expansion Mic Conferencing System by Logitech – Google Meet Alternatives
You will no doubt be heard and seen clearly during your next video conference using the Logitech MeetUp + Expansion Mic Conferencing System.
On the video side, it has a 120-degree camera that can capture your every move while you are in front of it. The better part is that this camera has an Ultra 4K resolution for better video quality.
On the other hand, the audio features three built-in mics that can capture your voice when you need to discuss something.
If that does not seem enough for you, the package also includes an expansion mic that allows you to extend capture audio at a range of eight to 14 feet. You can even connect this conferencing system to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
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3. NexiGo Full HD 1080P Webcam
NexiGo Full HD 1080P Webcam – Google Meet Alternatives
Most people think that a laptop camera or a simple webcam is enough to attend a video conference.
However, you can take things to an entirely new level using the NexiGo Full HD 1080P Webcam. While it is not a piece of feature-rich equipment like the others, it still offers an excellent built-in mic and a camera with a full HD 1080p resolution.
In addition, the speed of the camera is at 30fps. It even has a 3.6mm glass lens that provides you with a better focal lens along with sharper and clearer images.
What is even better about this video conferencing equipment is its ease of use. The only thing that you need to do is to plug it into your desktop or laptop’s USB hub.
The camera also has a privacy cover that you can use if you feel like someone is trying to peek at you using your camera.
Get the NexiGo Full HD 1080P Webcam for
4. Polycom Audio and Video Conferencing System
Polycom Audio and Video Conferencing System – Google Meet Alternatives
Most of the video conferencing tools right now are created to provide excellent features rather than an aesthetic design.
But the Polycom Audio and Video Conferencing System beg to differ. While it is a feature-rich device, it also offers a great look and elegant design — something that most of its competitors do not have.
When it comes to features, this video conferencing tool has microphones and a camera that can automatically pick up whoever is speaking during the meeting.
It even has a plug-and-play USB paired with wireless connectivity. As a result, this equipment is extremely easy to use.
The best thing about this equipment is that it possesses a patented NoiseBlock AI as well as an Acoustic Fence Technology. This allows the mic to block distracting background noises.
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5. Huddly IQ Full HD 1080p USB Video Conferencing Camera with Embedded Microphone
Huddly IQ Full HD 1080p USB Video Conferencing Camera with Embedded Microphone – Google Meet Alternatives
This virtual meeting camera and microphone by Huddle IQ is a tool powered by artificial intelligence to provide an excellent video conferencing experience.
Its features include a 150-degree wide-angle camera along with a microphone that greatly detects you when you talk.
The camera also has a Genius Framing technology that allows the device to detect you when you are talking and puts you in the field of view. In addition, this technology responds by automatically framing you and creating a clearer picture.
Additionally, this camera even has an automatic color correction and white balance along with 4x digital zoom. On the other hand, the microphone has visual noise filtering that delivers better audio while you are talking.
It does not have any moving parts, so you can make sure that it stays completely silent while it is working. On top of that, it is compatible with any platform and is USB-powered.
Get the Huddly IQ Full HD 1080p USB Camera with Microphone for
Where to Create the Next Video Conferencing Experience Using the Best Virtual Meeting Equipment
Virtual meetings are an important part of every business. For this reason, you need to make sure that you have the right tools to make you look and sound better during meetings.
True enough, you can purchase a separate webcam and a microphone.
However, that would be a little difficult to set up, especially if you need to attend an emergency meeting when you are unprepared. Fortunately, there are now various video conferencing tools that have all the features that you need in just a single device.
The cameras that they have are all high resolution while the microphones ensure that your voice is crystal clear when you are talking. Most of them even have the ability to block background noises, you can ease yourself knowing that you are on your best during your meetings.
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