Review Summary:
Skype is adequate for simple online meetings between Skype users, but lacks important features like application sharing, and reliable teleconferencing. If you're looking for an affordable online meeting solution that works across all platforms check out our top 3 online meeting services.
Pros: Free (for Skype to Skype calls), video conferencing, recording (voice only - requires add-on)
Cons: No application sharing, low-quality teleconference, must purchase Skype minutes to talk to people outside the Skype network.
Rating: 
| Pricing | Free to download and call other Skype users. You need to buy Skype minutes to dial phones outside the network. |
| Free Trial | NA |
| Meeting Capacity | 10 users |
| Desktop Sharing | No - For desktop sharing checkout GoToMeeting |
| Desktop Recording | No - For desktop recording we recommend GoToMeeting |
| Web Teleconference | Yes - VOIP for Skype to Skype and Skype to phone calls. |
| Phone Teleconference | No - You can use their recommended third party service - HiDefConferencing. The service starts at $25/mo |
| Control Granting | No - no desktop sharing |
| Video Conferencing | Yes - The quality of Skype video is dependent on your Internet connection. |
| Private Chat | Yes - You can have a text chat with anyone on the call |
| Annotation Tools | No - Looking for annotation features? Checkout GoToMeeting |
Free - If your meeting needs are simple and you don't need desktop sharing, Skype can be a good free alternative to other web conferencing solutions.
Video conferencing - Skype's built-in video is easy to use and can make your online meetings more interactive and engaging.
Doubles as a phone - Skype isn't just a web conferencing solution - it's also a fully functional phone. You can have a dedicated "Skype-in" number, which can be reached from any number. Skype also has built-in SMS, voice mail, and call forwarding.
Secure - All Skype communications are encrypted - giving you peace of mind.
Works on all platforms - You can use Skype from any modern computer. Skype works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Poor voice quality - The voice quality of Skype to Skype calls is good, but the call quality suffers when you try dialing an outside number.
No desktop sharing and collaboration - One of the primary benefits of web conferencing is desktop sharing. Skype does not offer desktop sharing or collaboration. If you need a web meeting tool with desktop sharing capabilities we highly recommend GoToMeeting.
If you run a small business and all of your employees, vendors, and clients are on Skype, and you don't need desktop sharing Skype will get the job done. If you need a high quality online meeting solution that has all the collaboration features you need we recommend GoToMeeting.