If you run a small business, you don’t have time or patience for clunky software or vague promises. You want tools that actually work, don’t break the bank, and won’t require an IT degree to set up. This is the kind of honest review I wish I’d read before picking a meeting tool. If you’re wondering whether Gotomeeting is worth your money in 2024, keep reading—no fluff, just the real story.
Who This Review Is For
- Small business owners or managers
- Teams who need reliable online meetings with clients or partners
- Folks who hate wasting money on software that’s “almost” good enough
If you’re a solo freelancer who rarely hosts group calls, this might be overkill. If you’re running a 500-person company, you probably already have an IT department making these choices.
What Is Gotomeeting—and What’s Changed?
Gotomeeting is a web-based video conferencing and screen-sharing platform. It’s been around for years, with a reputation for stability and a no-nonsense interface. Think of it as Zoom’s slightly older, less flashy cousin.
In 2024, Gotomeeting is still focused on B2B (business-to-business) use—think sales calls, client check-ins, and team meetings. The core pitch: “We make online meetings easy and reliable.”
What’s Changed Recently? - Cleaner, more modern interface (finally) - Better integration with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Slack - More robust security options for compliance-sensitive industries - Slightly improved mobile apps
No wild reinventions here—just steady, incremental updates. That can be good or bad, depending on what you want.
What Works Well: Gotomeeting’s Strengths
Let’s start with the good stuff, because there’s quite a bit to like if you value reliability over hype.
1. Reliability
If you’ve been burned by video calls dropping or freezing at the worst time, you’ll appreciate Gotomeeting’s stability. It’s not perfect, but it’s less prone to random crashes than some newer tools. That’s huge if you’re hosting sales demos or client meetings where looking professional matters.
2. Simple, Uncluttered UI
You won’t get lost in a sea of buttons. Starting or joining a meeting takes seconds. The controls are clear: share your screen, mute/unmute, record, chat. That’s about it.
Pro tip: You don’t need to download anything to join a meeting—browser access is solid and works on most devices. That’s key when you’re inviting clients who may not be tech-savvy.
3. Solid Audio and Video Quality
Audio is crisp, and video is sharp enough for business calls. You won’t get the “everyone looks like a Minecraft character” effect, unless your internet is truly terrible.
4. Reliable Screen Sharing
Screen sharing is fast and doesn’t lag, even with large PowerPoints. You can also give control of your screen to others, which is handy for troubleshooting or walking clients through software.
5. Real-Time Note Taking and Meeting Transcripts
Meeting transcripts aren’t perfect, but they’re good enough to jog your memory or share quick recaps. Built-in note-taking helps your team stay on the same page.
6. Security Features
Gotomeeting offers end-to-end encryption, meeting locks, and password protection. For industries where compliance matters (legal, healthcare, finance), this is essential.
Where Gotomeeting Falls Short
No tool is perfect. Here’s where Gotomeeting starts to stumble:
1. Pricing: Not the Cheapest
Gotomeeting’s pricing starts around $14/month per organizer, but quickly climbs if you need more participants or advanced features. Cheaper options exist (like Google Meet or even Zoom’s free tier), especially for smaller teams.
Pro tip: Watch out for “organizer” limits—only paid organizers can schedule meetings, which can get annoying if your whole team needs that ability.
2. Not the Flashiest
If you want breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds that don’t look cheesy, or webinar marketing tools built-in, Gotomeeting lags behind Zoom and Microsoft Teams. It’s not trying to be the “fun” meeting app.
3. Integrations Are… Fine
There are plenty of integrations, but they’re not as deep or slick as what you get with Zoom or Teams. If your business relies heavily on workflow automation or fancy CRM tie-ins, you might hit some walls.
4. Mobile Experience Is Just Okay
The mobile app works, but it’s not winning any awards for usability. Screen sharing and some advanced features are easier on desktop.
5. Occasional Connectivity Issues
While rare, some users do report lag or echo on poor connections. This isn’t unique to Gotomeeting, but it’s worth mentioning.
How Does Gotomeeting Stack Up Against Competitors?
Let’s be blunt: Gotomeeting is no longer the only game in town. Here’s how it compares to the big names:
| Feature | Gotomeeting | Zoom | Google Meet | Microsoft Teams | |-----------------------|-------------------|-------------------|------------------|--------------------| | Reliability | Strong | Strong | Good | Good | | Ease of Use | High | High | Very high | Medium | | Price | Mid-high | Free/Paid | Free/Paid | Free w/365 | | Webinar Features | Average | Strong | Weak | Good | | Integrations | Average | Strong | Weak | Very strong | | Security | Strong | Good | Decent | Strong | | Support | 24/7 Phone/Email | Chat/Email | Limited | Chat/Email |
Bottom line: If you want dead-simple, reliable meetings and don’t care about bells and whistles, Gotomeeting is still a contender. If you’re looking for the latest features, or you already pay for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, you might not need it.
When to Choose Gotomeeting (And When to Skip It)
Gotomeeting is a good fit if:
- You host frequent client presentations, sales calls, or remote support sessions.
- You value reliability and security over gimmicks.
- Your team isn’t super techy and just wants things to work.
- You work in a compliance-heavy field.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You need lots of integrations or workflow automation.
- You run webinars, virtual events, or trainings with hundreds of people.
- You’re already paying for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace.
- Your team loves experimenting with new features.
How to Get the Most Out of Gotomeeting
If you decide Gotomeeting is worth a shot, here are some practical tips:
- Start with a free trial: Don’t commit until you’ve run a few real meetings.
- Set up meeting templates: Save time by creating default settings for recurring calls.
- Train your team: Even simple tools need a quick walkthrough—especially the screen sharing and recording features.
- Use browser join links: Avoid download headaches for clients.
- Lock your meetings: Prevent unwanted guests and keep things secure.
- Check recordings/transcripts: Useful for following up or sharing with absent team members.
The Real Verdict: Is Gotomeeting the Best B2B GTM Tool for Small Business?
If “best” means most reliable, easiest to use, and least likely to embarrass you in front of a client, Gotomeeting is still near the top of the list. It’s not the cheapest, the flashiest, or the most innovative. But it does what it says on the tin—and in a world full of overhyped software, that’s refreshing.
Could you get by with Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams? Probably, especially if you’re already paying for those ecosystems. But if you’re tired of technical hiccups and want something that just works, Gotomeeting is worth a look.
Keep it simple. Test what works for your team. Don’t chase shiny objects—stick to the tools that help you get business done.