There are so many webinar software companies out there, which is why we put together our huge list of them in Webinar Software Companies. But we often get the question “Which is the best software to use?” question, and the answer is that it depends what you’re looking for and what you’re looking to do with it! Every host has a different set of criteria, so if you’re clear on what you want, you can more easily select the software that is the best fit for you. So, over the next couple of months, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the major software companies. We’ll look at the same criteria each time, and look at 2 each time we do a review — this time is GoToWebinar and Webex.
Criteria | GoToWebinar | Webex |
|---|---|---|
| Has different products? | By Citrix and used primarily for Webinars and they have varying levels by seats. Includes GoToMeeting when you purchase. | Yes. Reviewed the "Event Center" as that's recommended for webinars, but also have a less expensive "Meeting Center" (standard meeting is for up to 25 ppl; but can do up to 500) |
| Pricing (by mo/attendee volume) | Up to 100 seats, $99/mo, $948/yr. Up to 500 seats, $399/mo, $3838/yr. Up to 1000 seats, $499/mo, $4788/yr | Event Center - Starts at $99/mo; Meeting Center starts at $49, but they don't recommend it for webinars |
| Screenshare or uploaded | Screenshare only | Both |
| Ease of Installation - Need Plugin or all web | Runs off the web and downloads the icon/start function onto your laptop. If you record your session in the GoToMeeting format, user will need to download a "GoToMeeting Codec" that allows them to view it. Mac users need to have their Java updated and have optimal viewing when using Safari or Internet Explorer. | ActiveX plugin for first time Webex users |
| Interactivity (polls, breakout groups, highlighting, raise hands, Q&A) | Drawing tools - highlighting. Chat function. Plus Polls/Surveys, Attendees "raise hands" | Polls, Q&A, hand raising, drawing tools are available; breakout sessions only available in their training center product |
| Has integrated Twitter stream? | No | No |
| Recording file type | One-click start/stop recording. GoToMeeting format (not avail for Mac users) or .wmv format (can take up to a few hrs for recording to generate if using lots of web and less slides - on ave, over 1 hr of slides takes 15 min to create the recording). Recording gets generated as soon as meeting ends. If using GoToMeeting format, PC users need to download a "GoToMeeting Codec" to view it. | Webex proprietary format: wrf or arf |
| Has moderator on webinar? | No | Available at an extra charge |
| Branded Presentation room | The branding and theme that is selected will create a consistent and polished look to everything the audience sees - from the invitation to the Webinar Waiting Room. The Waiting Room is the screen the audience sees before the Webinar starts. | For a fee of $199, they'll customize for you. No way to just upload your logo. Have to go through webex because the site URL would be yourcompany.webex.com. For examples of a WebEx branded site, go to: https://siliconimage.webex.com |
| Audio options (phone AND computer)? | Both | Both |
| Drawing Tools | Yes, no whiteboard | Yes, including whiteboard |
| Video streaming | Not recommended as viewing can be slow and distorted. They suggest providing a link for your attendees to view during the session. | No |
| Webcam integration | Not yet but expected in Q1 2011 | Yes |
| Post-session survey or quiz | Yes | Yes |
| Browser compatability | All browsers, including Chrome | IE, Firefox, Chrome and Mac, Windows 7. http://support.webex.com/support/system-requirements.html |
| Document sharing? (for participants to download) | Yes | Can also transfer files to attendees to download. |
| Clickable links in slideshows? | No | Yes, if host enables that feature |
| Scheduling/Registration - Ability to register participants for a fee? | Schedule in advance or meet now. Integrates with Outlook, iCal and can customize invitation and registration. Automated reminder and follow-up emails. | Payment is an available option. Has reminder features |
| Ease of Use by Attendee | Fairly straightforward. Most issues come up with audio or hooking into the meeting using the link provided (so more tech issues than usability) | Easy |
| Ease of Use by Host (i.e. alternating tools, etc) | Fairly straightforward. They also offer on-line video tutorials. | Easy |
| Trial Offer Available (how long? includes all features?) | 30 days - includes all features. | The Meeting Center 14-day free trial includes support for up to 25 attendees, toll & VOIP teleconferencing, 6 multi-point video feeds and is cross-platform compatible. It does not support toll-free audio and network based recording functionality. Meeting Center is the structure they were built upon, so that is the only trial available online. |
| Ability to use animation in slides | Yes, when you do screen sharing (you don't have to upload the powerpt slides - you just open up the application on your desktop) | With screen sharing, yes |
| Full Service (includes registration, reminders, facilitator...) | See Scheduling/Registration above | Yes, except Moderator |
| Customer Service/Tech Support (accessibility/Knowledge) - during, after, before webinar | Overall very good. Didn't have to wait long. Expertise and knowledge to answer questions was good. | Available 24x7 |
| Reporting Functions - Attendee attendance tracking | Dashboard to monitor attendee participation during session. Detailed reporting (pre-and post-session) on attendee attendance and poll results | Yes. Lead Source tracking and enrollment/lead scoring |
| Mobile enabled? | No | Yes |
| Max # of participants | 1000 | 3000 |
| Downsides | Not as Mac user friendly yet (they have a Mac team now working on that). Challenges by some users in viewing video and getting audio to work so test out a session with an attendee and test out ability to view recording afterwards before having the meeting - get rid of kinks in advance). And some have experienced audio issues in larger sessions | Can't use your logo in the registration and reminder pages |
(Above chart put together in conjunction with Workshop University)
Please let us know if you find any errors in the above!
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