Marketers just love terminology. Have you heard of the latest addition – the “always-on” experience? Digital Marketers want to always be in touch with their audience. In other words, this means consistent customer engagement. Above all, it signals the availability of their teams to help with your next purchase or query. This is what products of ON24 are all about. They have been great at supporting webinars and virtual events. In this article, we’ll first look at how ON24 powers the “always-on” experience. Then, we look at 5 ON24 alternatives for virtual events.
Let’s switch it ON!
Is ON24 for you?
Broadcasting over the internet was rather new in 1998. ON24, based in San Francisco, carried the name Newsource. At first, it broadcasted video press releases. One year after that, it had pivoted into an online financial news broadcaster. This was at the time Napster (1999) launched, but years before YouTube (2005) hit the digital wave streams. It made ON24 a frontier in internet broadcasting.
Today, ON24 is a strong player in the live webcasting space. Features such as registration, polling, and Q&A are included in the platform. ON24 is also very strong in data reporting. You’ll get insights that you might have overlooked otherwise. For instance, this data can be used for targeted lead generation. ON24 integrates with popular CRM and marketing automation software. Therefore, you will get a webcast that combines important data with live streaming.
However, event management features are quite scars. Examples of missing features are break-out sessions, agendas, and branding. Thus, if you’re planning a virtual event, you might want to consider alternatives. We are discussing 5 ON24 alternatives below.
G2 Score: 4.3 (721 reviews)
Considering ON24 for your virtual event anyway? Check out our full ON24 review here!
5 ON24 Alternatives for Virtual Events
The ON24 platform has great features for webinars. Not organizing a webinar, but rather a virtual event? You are better equipped with one of these 5 ON24 alternatives:
#1 Zoho Meeting
Comparing apples to apples. Zoho is a great contender in the list of ON24 alternatives. Zoho Meeting is a webinar platform that runs in your browser and is thus similar to ON24. Because of this, there’s no need to download software. Zoho hits the markets with low prices and an easy-to-use interface.
However, Zoho only comes with basic features. It includes video conferencing and screen sharing. In addition, it offers custom registration forms and reminders. You can hold webinars with up to 250 attendees. Thus, if you’re organizing a small webinar, Zoho is your choice.
Zoho is not equipped to create a virtual event experience. There are no whiteboards, agendas, polling, or Q&A features. Although, it comes with high-end security. Hence, all communication through Zoho is encrypted. It uses SSL and 128-bit AES protocols for that.
The Zoho platform is bought for its simplicity and price. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, Zoho is a great choice.
G2 Score: 4.5 (546 reviews)
#2 Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect is a video conferencing platform. Great as an ON24 alternative, because Adobe tailors the user experience (UX) for each session. Its main use is for lectures by educators. Above all, they are able to easily deliver virtual lectures and training sessions.
However, you can translate lectures to virtual events. Adobe comes with great features supporting just that. Think of video chat, desktop, and document sharing. If you want to add more features, you’ll need to add third-party apps. These include Q&A, polling, clapping, and thumbs-up.
Adobe is great for virtual events because it supports up to 1,000 participants. Adobe comes with capabilities to split people over rooms. These have a capacity of up to 100 people. Moreover, with Adobe you know you’re secure. The platform comes with multi-layered security.
Are you planning an event for more than 1,000 attendees? Thinking of multiple breakout sessions? Then Adobe Connect wouldn’t be the ON24 alternative you’re looking for.
Want to know more about Adobe Connect? We did a full review!
Looking for alternatives to Adobe Connect? We have you covered with our guide.
G2 Score: 4.1 (553 reviews)
#3 SpotMe
SpotMe empowers engagement. Firstly, the platform SpotMe VX, makes it easy to deliver virtual events. Secondly, the platform scores high with users on ease-of-use and flexibility.
Are you organizing a virtual event with breakout sessions? Want to use personalized agendas or two-way communication? Then SpotMe VX can support you in that. Other features that are popular on the platform include a virtual lobby (or feed) and gamification.
In addition, you can completely brand SpotMe VX. This is great for giving a virtual event in style. In this list of ON24 alternatives, SpotMe is one of the few who can offer the complete virtual event package.
G2 score: 4.6 (100 reviews)
#4 GoToWebinar
GoToWebinar was built by Citrix and is today part of LogMeIn. As ON24 alternative, this is a proven solution. It has shaped the webinar industry and has been loved for years.
GoToWebinar features file sharing, whiteboard, Q&A, and polling. In addition, it features a centralized webinar hub. So, this is great for on-demand event content. For virtual events of scale, GoToWebinar can support up to 2,000 participants. This platform can truly create a virtual event out of your webinar.
As the cherry on the cake, it comes with top-notch security. This means, data transmission is secured with high-end encryption. Also, it has advanced security protocols. GoToWebinar only uses SOCII certified data centers.
Considering GoToWebinar? Read our alternatives guide.
G2 Score: 4.2 (560 reviews)
#5 Zoom Webinar
Zoom Webinar aims to facilitate the larger virtual events. It supports up to 10,000 attendees. It has been used for town halls, quarterly updates, and lectures. Truly the one-to-many type of events.
The platform comes with great features. They include polling, Q&A, and break-out sessions. Zoom Webinar streams to the live platform of your choice. Facebook Live, YouTube Live, or any custom streaming service. Zoom is on top of their class with integration.
The tool has been scrutinized lately for lack of security. Many bigger clients have been worried and moved away from Zoom. the platform is easy-to-use and flexible.
Considering Zoom? Read our Zoom webinar alternatives guide.
G2 Score: 4.5 (84 reviews)
Wondering where to get started with virtual events in general?
- See our RFP for virtual events guide, with a free RFP template.
- Read our 2020 virtual event platform guide – everything you need to know to pick the best platform.