10 virtual meeting tools for team collaboration and engagement

Stay connected and aligned with your team members — and get more done — with these top meeting collaboration tools

We all know the story: The traditional approach to meetings isn’t great. And, unlike in the Before Times, virtual meetings are now the norm, rather than the exception. These two factors can combine to make meetings even more tedious — unless you choose the right tools and methods to make sure your meetings aren’t monologues. 

With the right approach, meetings can (nay, should!) be better than ever, because virtual meeting tools also allow you to level the playing field and drive wider engagement. 

Understanding virtual meeting collaboration tools

Virtual meeting collaboration tools differ significantly from basic video-calling software by offering a suite of integrated features designed to enhance teamwork beyond just face-to-face communication.

While video calling software primarily focuses on facilitating audio and visual connections between users, collaboration tools encompass a broader range of functionalities, such as:

• Real-time document editing
• Project management
• Task tracking
• Interactive whiteboarding

These features allow teams to work both synchronously and asynchronously on projects, making remote work more efficient and productive. Over recent years, these tools have evolved to include advanced AI-driven capabilities like automated meeting summaries, clustering ideas by theme, and enhanced security features. 

Also, there are effectively two categories of modern collaboration platforms:

• Focused solutions: Platforms that have a specific focus and a more robust set of tools designed to address key needs within virtual environments
• Bundlers: Platforms that fold in a lot of different kinds of products under one umbrella

Our analysis will break our recommendations into those two categories. 

Related: Take teamwork to new heights with Mural and AI

Additionally, ‌integrations with third-party applications have become more seamless, enabling users to customize their workflows extensively. This evolution reflects a shift from simple communication to comprehensive platforms that support all aspects of collaborative work, adapting to the changing dynamics of modern work.

With that in mind, here are top virtual team collaboration software tools for meetings and distributed workforces.

Our top 10 picks for virtual meeting collaboration tools

Let’s get started with focused solutions that comprehensively solve ‌collaboration problems in virtual meetings. 

1. Mural

Best platform for real-time and async collaboration, brainstorming, and innovation

We’re biased here (of course), but we back ourselves for a reason: With Mural, you can completely upend the traditional, one-directional nature of meetings. The Mural System brings together not only the tools to make sure that no good ideas are lost, but also the methods and practices that structure your teamwork — so you can get better work done, faster. 

For example: Let’s say you’re running a brainstorming session with your team. Mural allows you to easily capture everyone’s ideas, and then summarize or group them by theme, making action items and next steps clearer, improving team alignment.

We also offer powerful integrations. Mural was named 2022 Microsoft Partner of the Year, and is now integrated across Microsoft 365 — making it easy to bring stronger connection and more effective collaboration into an existing enterprise. 

Get started free and kick off your next meeting with an icebreaker to build stronger connections — here’s a list of 25 ideas for icebreakers we like. 

Highlights:

• Free version
• Online collaborative whiteboarding with easy sharing features
• Desktop and mobile apps (iOS, Android)
• Library of free, editable templates, built and curated by collaboration experts
• Advanced Facilitation Superpowers™ tools 
• A commitment to accessibility for users and facilitators
• Enterprise-grade security features
• AI features that streamline workflows and help you innovate faster
• Ideal for brainstorming, planning, and design thinking workshops
• Integrates with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams for enhanced collaboration

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Related: Learn best practices to make virtual collaboration easy

2. Asana

Best for project and asset management across teams and departments

While we’re on the subject of bringing multiple streams of work together, Asana is a prime example of doing just that. With Asana, you can create and manage projects of all sizes, assign tasks to team members, and track progress along the way. 

You can comment on tasks, and attach files so that all the assets you need for a given project are in one place. And you can leverage their board and calendar views to keep tabs on all your to-dos, and work cross-functionally with other departments when the needs for deliverables demand a multi-faceted approach.

Highlights:

• Free version
• Build automated workflows
• Centrally manage project resources
• Track progress with dashboards and analytics
• Desktop and mobile apps (iOS, Android)
• Customizable home screen and project views
• Mural integration

3. Whereby

Best focused solution for real-time virtual meetings and video conferencing

One of our other favorite remote meeting tools is Whereby, which offers a very clean interface and a system of organization based on ‘rooms.’ Whereby can be used internally across organizations, or for personal meetings. It’s popular in the health industry because of its video embed options, as well as a fully customizable meeting UI with a browser SDK.

Highlights: 

• Free version
• Mobile apps (iOS, Android)
• Breakout rooms
• Embeddable video calling
• Customizable meeting UI 
• Personalized branding options and URLs
• Strong security with GDPR and HIPAA compliance

4. Slack

Best focused solution for real-time and asynchronous messaging

Originally a messaging app, Slack has evolved into a comprehensive collaboration hub with robust video integration, connecting teams with tools they use every day. Its interface promotes productivity and real-time communication across organizations.

By removing the lag that often arises with email threads, Slack helps facilitate faster and more efficient communication in real-time, or asynchronously, through dedicated channels that keep you focused and on task. 

Highlights:

• Free version
• Desktop and mobile apps (iOS, Android)
• Messaging-centric with integrated voice and video calls
• File sharing and search capabilities
• AI-generated summaries and project management through Lists feature
• External communication with outside organizations and clients through dedicated channels
• Connects with multiple third-party apps like Google Drive, Asana, and Mural

5. Wrike

Best focused solution for task tracking and project analytics

Wrike is a versatile project management and collaboration tool that excels in facilitating team meetings and project coordination. It integrates various communication tools within its platform, allowing teams to conduct productive meetings directly linked to their projects. Wrike's features support the entire meeting lifecycle from scheduling and preparation to execution and follow-up, ensuring that every meeting is an integrated part of the workflow and contributes effectively to project milestones.

Highlights:

• Syncs with Google Calendar and Outlook to help schedule meetings without conflicts
• Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress directly during the meeting
• Create and share agendas within the platform, allowing participants to come prepared and stay on topic
• Easily share documents and collaborate on them in real-time during meetings
• Automatically generate actionable items and distribute summaries to ensure all participants are aligned post-meeting.
• Use customizable dashboards to visualize project timelines and priorities during meetings, enhancing decision-making.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the bundlers: Top platforms that bring together a lot of different tools to improve virtual meetings, rather than focusing on any particular approach. 

6. Microsoft Teams

Best enterprise platform for real-time collaboration and integrations

A powerhouse in enterprise collaboration, Microsoft Teams is deeply integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite, making it a go-to for organizations embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem. It supports everything from video conferencing to project collaboration, with extensive interactive meeting tools and workflow management.

Highlights:

• Free version
• Integrated with Microsoft 365 for seamless workflow
• Features include chat, video calls, large meetings, file sharing, and live collaboration on documents
• Extensive app integrations (including Mural)
• Enterprise-level security

7. Google Workspace (including Google Meet)

Best small- to medium-sized businesses platform for real-time collaboration and integrations  

Google Workspace offers a cohesive environment that integrates its video tool, Google Meet, with other applications like Gmail, Docs, and Drive, facilitating an interconnected work experience. 

This interconnected setup enhances productivity by streamlining communication and collaboration across teams, making it easier to manage projects and tasks without switching between different platforms. Whether planning a meeting directly from the Calendar or discussing document edits in real-time during a video call, Google Workspace offers a comprehensive solution that supports a fluid and efficient workflow.

Highlights:

• Free version
• Direct integration with Google’s productivity apps, including calendar and video meeting options
• Real-time document collaboration with video support
• Enhanced with AI for meeting transcription and noise cancellation
• Mural integration across Google Meet, Docs, Slides, and more

8. Zoom Workplace

Best for ease of use in real-time meetings and collaboration

Zoom was the darling of the pandemic, and it’s easy to see why — by offering one of the most intuitive interfaces for remote team meetings, as well as a robust free plan, Zoom built an enormous user community, and they haven’t stopped building. 

Best known for its video conferencing capabilities, Zoom also offers a range of collaboration features, making it suitable for more than just meetings. Its ease of use and reliability have made it a favorite in various industries. Also, through the Zoom app store, Zoom has powerful integrations with many of the most popular collaboration platforms, and remains an industry leader.

Highlights:

• Free version
• Desktop and mobile apps (iOS, Android)
• High-quality video and audio conferencing
• Features like breakout rooms, whiteboarding, and screen sharing
• Strong security with end-to-end encryption
• Mural integration

9. ClickUp

Best for broad and customizable solutions across collaboration use cases

ClickUp stands out as a comprehensive productivity platform designed to centralize various aspects of work management. 

ClickUp is versatile and can handle documents, tasks, and personalized communication workflows. This makes it a great choice for teams that want to be efficient and cohesive in their project management and daily operations. With its customizable features, ClickUp adapts to different team sizes and industries, enhancing productivity by consolidating essential tools into a single platform.

Highlights:

• Free version
• Comprehensive productivity platform with features that include task management, docs, goals, and reminders
• Highly customizable for different team and project needs
• AI-assisted search, writing, documentation, and project management
• Video meeting platform integrations 
• Enterprise security features

10. Monday

Best for enterprise-level project management and cross-functional collaboration

Monday is a versatile work operating system designed to streamline workflows across various business functions. It stands out for its ability to integrate seamlessly with Zoom, enhancing video communications within teams. This platform is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor features and workflows to meet specific business needs. Whether for project management, CRM, or software development, Monday provides a central hub for all types of work, promoting efficiency and collaboration across departments. 

Its user-friendly interface and powerful automation tools further simplify complex processes, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize their operations.

Highlights:

• Free version
• iOS and Android apps
• Customizable workflows with integrated video conferencing
• Library of templates across different use cases
• Extensive automation and data visualization tools
• Adaptable to various business processes and team sizes
• Enterprise-level security

More to explore

Online meetings generally have three options: gallery view, speaker view, or shared-screen view. This small selection limits engagement, but thankfully you can bring in software that allows people to work together during online meetings.

As we mentioned above, Mural is a collaborative whiteboard platform that allows you and your meeting attendees to work together and ideate in real-time. Increase employee engagement during meetings by bringing new ideas to the table or solving complex problems faster. 

Try Mural's Free Plan to start solving complex problems with your team.

Frequently asked questions about virtual meeting tools

How can I make a team meeting interactive?

To make a team meeting interactive, consider incorporating the following strategies:

• Use visual work platforms like Mural to get people involved with interactive features like polls, Q&A sessions, and free templates that show everyone how to reach your goals.
• Break up larger meetings into smaller groups with breakout rooms to encourage participation.
• Include icebreaker activities or team-building exercises that require active participation and improve group brainstorming.
• Employ real-time collaboration tools to work on project planning and get aligned during the meeting.

How can Mural help me manage an online meeting?

Mural can significantly enhance the management of an online meeting by providing a visual collaboration environment where participants can see and contribute to the content in real time. Features of Mural include:

• Facilitation tools: Timers, voting, and outlines to keep meetings on track and engaging.
• Templates and frameworks: Pre-built and customizable templates that help structure your meetings, from brainstorming sessions to agile ceremonies.
• Integration capabilities: Seamless integration with other collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack, allowing for a smooth workflow before, during, and after meetings.
• Interactive elements: Features like sticky notes, diagrams, and drawing tools enable participants to express ideas visually, which is especially useful for creative and planning processes.

These tools and strategies can help make virtual meetings more productive, engaging, and effective, catering to a variety of interactive and collaborative needs.