The best alternatives to Zoom
Zoom’s default encryption leaves meetings exposed to US servers, and its privacy settings are buried behind menus that most teams never touch. If you’re in the EU and need calls where the keys stay on your side of the Atlantic, and where support actually answers when something breaks, you’re not alone. The friction isn’t just theoretical: public-sector tenders now routinely exclude providers that can’t guarantee EU-only data flows, and law firms are walking away after Zoom’s repeated transparency reports showed US sub-processors in the loop. The switch isn’t about price; it’s about control over who can access the call metadata and recordings.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why switch from Zoom to a European alternative?
Zoom processes call metadata and recordings on US servers, which conflicts with GDPR requirements for EU-based teams. European alternatives like Stackfield or Tixeo keep data within the EU, offer end-to-end encryption by default, and avoid US sub-processors. This matters most for public authorities, healthcare, and law firms that need verifiable data sovereignty.
Are European Zoom alternatives as reliable as Zoom?
Reliability depends on the provider. Tools like Stackfield and alfaview run on EU-only infrastructure with uptime SLAs comparable to Zoom. Some alternatives even offer on-premise deployment for regulated industries. The trade-off is often fewer third-party integrations, but for core video calls, the gap has narrowed.
How do I migrate my team from Zoom to a European tool?
Start with a pilot group to test call quality and features. Most European tools offer Zoom import for contacts and meeting rooms, but check for calendar integrations (Outlook, Google) upfront. Stackfield, for example, provides a migration guide and support for bulk user onboarding. Plan for a 2–4 week transition to train users on new privacy controls.
Do European alternatives cost more than Zoom?
Pricing varies. Some tools like Whereby start with günstige Pro-Nutzer-Preise, while enterprise options like Tixeo can exceed Zoom’s rates. The difference is transparency: European providers rarely lock users into multi-year contracts or surprise them with hidden fees. Many offer pay-as-you-go models for occasional users.
Which European Zoom alternative is best for GDPR compliance?
Stackfield and Tixeo are frequently chosen for GDPR compliance because they offer end-to-end encryption, EU-only data processing, and clear sub-processor lists. Both are ISO 27001 certified and used by German public authorities. For maximum control, Nextcloud Talk allows self-hosting on your own servers.
Can I keep my Zoom recordings when switching?
Most European tools don’t support direct Zoom recording imports due to encryption differences. Export your recordings from Zoom first, then re-upload them to the new tool’s cloud or local storage. Check the file format compatibility, some tools like alfaview accept standard MP4 files, while others may require conversion.