Use video conferencing without installation - as a WebApp or in the browser

Working from home and holding meetings with colleagues and customers are not mutually exclusive. Collaboration can also be efficiently designed online with the right tools. There are many different providers for video conferencing and not everyone uses the same tool. So do you have to download each video conferencing software to be prepared for all meetings? Fortunately not! Especially the large and well-known providers often provide web apps that enable participants to hold video conferences without installation. Which video conferencing software they are and which tools run completely through the browser, you will find out in this post.

Web apps from videoconference market leaders for video conference without installation

Web apps enable the use of software in the browser. Only the host of the meeting must have a user account with the provider of the video conferencing tool. Participants receive a web link to the video conference, through which they can enter the virtual meeting - without installing the software. The function range is often limited with web apps.

Microsoft Teams as a web app

Screenshot-Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/online-meetings

With the free web app from Microsoft Teams you can start a video conference directly in the browser. You must have a Microsoft Teams account for this. No Microsoft account and login is required for guest access to a conference. Internet Explorer 11 does not support MS Teams, just like some versions of Firefox. In the Safari browser, a few features are not available. So 1:1 meetings are not possible, group conferences work however. Also, the chat function is not accessible in each browser for web app users. Mobile browsers are not supported, you need the smartphone app for this.

Microsoft Teams web app features:

• Start video conference
• Virtual environments, like a coffee shop for example
• Reactions with emojis 
• Breakout Rooms for working groups
• Settings for Video and Audio

On OMR Reviews there is a detailed article that explains how to change the Background for video conferences.

Microsoft Teams web app alternatives:

Zoom, Google Meet, Webex or more Alternatives to Microsoft Teams.

Zoom Web Client

Screenshot-Source: https://explore.zoom.us/en/products/webinar/

To start video conferences with Zoom over the web, you need to sign in to the Zoom web portal. With three more clicks, the planned meeting starts in the browser. You also have the option to start an instant meeting - with just one click. Participants receive the website link from you and thus also participate in your meeting via the browser. Zoom has ended support for Internet Explorer. Therefore, problems and error messages can occur with this browser.

Zoom Web Client Features:

• Controls like share screen, chat in meeting, cloud recording, breakout rooms and more
• Security features like waiting room, control of screen sharing, chat and mute
• Start polls, mute participants on entry, appoint co-hosts
• Add Virtual Background

A complete overview of the features can be found on this Zoom support Page.

Zoom Altirnaives:

Microsoft Teams, Discord or TeamViewer Remote Management or more Alternatives to Zoom.

Webex Meetings as a web app

Screenshot-Source: https://www.webex.com/de/video-conferencing.html

You can also use the Meetings web app from Webex as a participant free of charge and without installation via your browser. As a host, you need a Webex account and log in, like Zoom, via the web. Here, you can let the meeting run via the browser by choosing web app when starting the meeting. All basic functions are included. In general, all common operating systems and browsers are supported, but to varying extents. Especially with Internet Explorer, version 11 and higher, you lose many features. For operating systems, you will have the most restrictions with Linux.

Webex Meetings web app features:

• Start meeting and join
• Share screen and files
• Make calls over the computer
• Send and receive videos

A complete overview of all features and browsers can be found in the Webex help center.

Webex alternatives:

Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoTo Meeting or more Alternatives to Webex.

Run video conferences without installation in the browser

In addition to the web apps of market leaders, there are online tools that completely dispense with download clients. The video conference can be started and conducted directly in the browser free of charge. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is used as the transmission standard. WebRTC enables real-time communication from computer to computer. Some of the tools require registration of the meeting host. However, participants can join the video chat without registration.

JumpChat as a browser-based video conferencing tool

Screenshot-Source: Own Screenshot

JumpChat works without software and registration. With just two clicks, you can start a video conference without installation or registration. If you want to invite participants, simply forward the URL of the website where your video is currently running. The video chat is reduced to the basic functions. The tool can be used on Android and iOS. So the video conference also works without an app. The connection runs via SSL and no personal information is saved. There is no person limit.

JumpChat features:

• Start meeting and join
• Add user
• Share screen and files
• Create profile with photo and name
• Chat during conference
• Disable sound and image for yourself

JumpChat Alternatives

On OMR Reviews you can look at the Video Conferencing-category JumpChat alternatives.

Tinychat as a browser-based video conferencing tool

Screenshot-Source: Own Screenshot

Tinychat is a video chat community that has features that can be used for video conferencing without installation. By clicking on "Instant Room", you open a room and have to register, otherwise the window will close after 60 seconds. After registration, you copy and share the link to the browser-based video conference. Participants can participate in the video conference without registration. If you close the chat, your chat history will be deleted. There are also upgrades starting at 4.14 US dollars monthly, to open private rooms, receive better video quality and the ability to save chats. You need an app for use on your smartphone.

Tinychat functions

• Up to 12 participants with video and audio
• Send messages, to all or privately
• Play YouTube videos
• Social media accounts, like Facebook and Twitter, can be linked in the profile

Tinychat Alternatives

On OMR Reviews you can look at the Video Conferencing-category Tinychat alternatives.

JitsiMeet as browser-based video conferencing tool

Screenshot-Source: https://github.com/jitsi/jitsi-meet

To start a video conference on JitsiMeet you enter a conference name and click "Start Meeting". Now you have to enter your name and the video conference begins free of charge in the browser. In contrast to the other tools, JitsiMeet offers more features. You can, for example, reuse the same conference name for recurring meetings. Alternatively, if the browser is used for smartphone, just enter the conference name to join a meeting. There is also a Chrome plugin that offers a calendar and Office365 integration.

JitsiMeet functions

• Share multiple screens at the same time
• Blur or change background
• Up to 100 participants simultaneously
• Mute all participants and turn off cameras
• Hide Distracting background noises
• Interaction like clapping and emojis
• Protect meeting with a password
• Chat and create polls
• Record meeting or live stream

JitsiMeet Alternatives

On OMR Reviews you can look at the Video Conferencing-category JitsiMeet alternatives.

Conclusion to the installation-free video conferencing tools

You probably have at least one of the well-known video conferencing providers installed - that's all you need! You can easily invite your participants with it without them having to register themselves. If you are on the participating side, you can also easily participate as a guest via the invitation link.

If it should be simple and fast, for example on the go, tools like JitsiMeet, JumpChat or Tinychat are an excellent alternative.

You want to know which video conferencing software is still available and what they have to offer besides video chat? Then take a look here at the Comparison of 7 popular video conferencing tools.