The right video conferencing app can provide everything you need for successful meetings and events in a world increasingly gone digital. But which is better when it comes to Zoom versus BlueJeans? We take a deep dive.
There are several ways to meet using BlueJeans software, with multiple room systems all easily categorized for your use:
BlueJeans Meetings: Enjoy secure virtual meetings.BlueJeans Events: Gain access to interactive live streaming for webinars and virtual events.BlueJeans Rooms: Use Rooms for private, intelligent workspaces.BlueJeans Gateway: Use Microsoft Teams rooms via Cloud Video Interop.BlueJeans Telehealth: Enjoy virtual healthcare with BlueJeans Telehealth.
BlueJeans features one-touch access to several types of meeting platforms and is compatible with multiple devices and browsers for easy compatibility. There are upgraded security measures boasting enhanced HD video with Dolby Voice audio. An added benefit is that guests do not need an account to join your meeting, so you can still meet with whomever you like without the requirement of a paid subscription. $119.88 host/yr $167.88 host/yr $199.92 host/yr $996/yr $3,756/yr $5,988/yr $1,188 room/yr
Cons
BlueJeans does have some setbacks. Users have reported issues with software updates, leading to complications and delays when it comes time to meet. There are also reports that the software can become glitchy when connecting via external platforms, so users recommend using the BlueJeans app for best functionality. BlueJeans does not offer a free plan, so you will need to subscribe for use after the free 14-day trial concludes. Zoom gives you several options for your telenetworking, including:
Zoom Meetings: Host up to 500 guests with unlimited group and one-on-one meetings.Zoom Rooms: Keep your meetings secure with Zoom Rooms. Zoom Events and Webinars: Enjoy full-scale event and webinar management for over 10,000 guests.Zoom App Marketplace: Zoom Apps integrate right into your video, including Slack, Zoom for HubSpot, and Google Workspace integrations.Zoom for Home: There is also phone service and integration with smart homes via Zoom for Home.Zoom United: Bundle chat, phone, and meetings for up to 500 guests.
Host anywhere from 100 guests for free to more than 10,000 guests with special licensing. Zoom’s free plan is generous with hosting for 100 guests, unlimited meetings of 40 minutes or less, and one-on-one meetings with a 30-hour time limit. There is also available chat for participants with the ability to stream via your favorite social media platforms and cloud storage. Users also have the ability to host multi-session events with full attendee reporting and engagement reports for additional insight. $149.90/year per license $199.90/year per license $240/year per license
Event management toolsEvent hub to organize and showcase eventMulti-session eventsCustom registration and ticketingAttendee networking lobby with chatPost-event recording managementDetailed event reporting
$3,400/year per license
Up to 1,000 guests
$4,400/year per license
Up to 1,000 guests
$9,900/year per license
Up to 3,000 guests
$12,900/year per license
Up to 3,000 guests
$24,900/year per license
Up to 5,000 guests
$32,400/year per license
Up to 5,000 guests
$64.900/year per license
Up to 10,000 guests
Up to 10,000 guests
Up to 10,000+ guests
Up to 10,000+ guests
$499/year per room (free 30-day trial) $250/year
Meetings up to 100 participants1 GB cloud storage recording per licenseSocial media streaming
$300/year
Meetings up to 300 participantsSingle sign-onRecording transcriptsManaged domainsCompany branding
$360/year
Meetings up to 500 participants
Cons
Zoom’s free plan does carry limitations, like limiting the time for each meeting to 40 minutes. It also limits how many guests you can invite, even when you subscribe to a paid plan. Zoom has several options for plans, with pricing ranging from the free plan to custom quotes that cost several thousand dollars per month for your larger corporations. For smaller groups, the amount you pay depends on the features you choose, but can still add up quickly.
Software requirements
BlueJeans offers its own app for download, as well as a desktop software that works with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Zoom also has an app and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, plus several other systems, like Mint, CentOS, and Fedora operating systems.
Meeting types
Both Zoom and BlueJeans have meeting and event features with the option for private rooms. From there, the services each offer their own custom features. While BlueJeans offers virtual telehealth and a Gateway feature for Microsoft Teams, Zoom takes a different focus with webinars and a loaded app marketplace. Zoom also integrates with your smart home to create an all-in-one home bundle of phone, chat, and meetings for up to 500 attendees.
Usage
There is an enormous difference when comparing the usage available between BlueJeans and Zoom. Zoom accommodates meetings with up to 500 guests, but if you sign up for BlueJeans, you can host webinars and events for more than 10,000 guests. If you anticipate that you will hold large meetings in the future, BlueJeans gives you the room to grow, something that Zoom lacks.
Price
BlueJeans Virtual Meetings begin at $12.49 per month for its Standard plan, but pricing quickly becomes more expensive as you begin adding extra features. There is no free plan, but there is a free 14-day trial, so you can take the features for a test drive before you have to commit with your credit card. Zoom does not offer a free trial, but there is a free plan if you need basic meeting capability.
Google Meet: Also known as Google Hangouts Meet, Google Meet allows users to interact within the Google Workspace. GoToMeeting: As one of the original meeting apps, GoToMeeting has a high limit for your meeting team, but you will have to upgrade when you want to meet with more than 150 attendees.Microsoft Teams: A subscription is necessary to access advanced features, but Microsoft Teams offers a convenient way to communicate and work within the Microsoft platform.Cisco Webex: The free plan gives access to up to 100 guests for a maximum of 50 minutes per meeting.
