The free license from Zoom, called Basic, offers powerful features every organization should be using. If you have the budget however, it might be worth upgrading to one of the paid plans.

Let’s take a look at the differences and find the best option for you.

Zoom Basic

This is the free account.

Pros:
Zoom Basic is still a great option if you only plan to use Zoom meetings every so often. With this free version, you can host up to 100 participants. Hold unlimited 1:1 meetings and unlimited meetings in general. 

Cons: 
The biggest con with this plan is the time limit. All meetings have a time cap of 40 minutes, or else you’ll get kicked off. You will also not have access to any of the cloud recording capabilities, if you are recording a meeting you’ll have to save large video files directly to your computer. You also don’t have the ability for any add on plans, seen in other plans below. 

Zoom Pro 

$14.99/month/host

Pros:
With this plan, you’ll get all the basic features, but your meeting time limit is extended from 40 minutes to 24 hours. Additionally, you’ll get all user management for your organization, so an admin had the ability to manage users’ accounts. Additionally, all admins in meetings have advanced meeting controls in meetings to better manage teams and meetings. You’ll also get access to cloud storage, reporting, and have access to a host of add ons. These add ons are anything from extra cloud storage space, Zoom rooms, toll-free dial-in options, and video webinar features. 

Cons: 
This plan only allows 100 participants to join a meeting at a time. If you need more participants, you can upgrade to the next plan (allows for 300 participants) or buy an add on for the number you need. Additionally, this still doesn’t allow for your organization to use a Vanity URL (you’ll still have a Zoom URL for meetings and not your URL to meet) or let you upload your branding to make it a seamless experience. 

Zoom Business

$19.99/mo/host

Pros: 
All Pro features, plus the capacity for 300 participants in any meeting. This plan also allows for a vanity URL, so you don’t have to send a Zoom URL to a client for a meeting, it can be your association’s or organization’s domain. You can also enable custom emails for meeting invites and recaps and customize your branding on all your Zoom accounts. With dedicated phone support. 

Cons: 
There is an additional cost per host added to the account. If you have a smaller association, you may not need some of the branding or features offered with this account, though it is just a small step up (just $4 more a month per host) to be able to do this, which gives a more professional presence when interacting with your members and other influencers in your industry. 

Zoom Enterprise

$19.99/mo/host

Pros:
All business features, but with 500 participants. (Enterprise Plus includes 1,000 participants). You’ll receive unlimited cloud storage for your past meeting notes and recordings and a dedicated support person. You’ll also have access for Executive Business Reviews, which gives an in-depth look at meeting analysis, ROI tracking, and more.

Cons:
This is a more expensive option to fit in your budget. Also, if you have a smaller staff, some of the extra features like Executive Business Reviews might not be utilized to their full potential.