Whereby - Detailed Review
Communication Tools
Whereby - Product Overview
Whereby Overview
Whereby is a video calling platform that specializes in integrating seamless video communication into various applications and websites, particularly in fields such as Telehealth and Digital Mental Health.
Primary Function
Whereby’s primary function is to provide a simple and reliable way to embed video calling capabilities into existing platforms. This is achieved through their API and SDK, which allow developers to customize the video calling experience according to their specific needs.
Target Audience
The target audience for Whereby includes a wide range of users, but it is particularly popular among businesses, especially those in the healthcare sector. It is also used by freelancers, remote professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking for an easy-to-use video conferencing solution.
Key Features
- Customizable UI: Developers can use either a pre-built UI that can be integrated via an iframe or a web component, or they can take full control over the meeting UI using the Browser SDK with React hooks.
- Security and Privacy: Whereby is GDPR and HIPAA compliant, and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring users’ privacy, confidentiality, and security.
- Scalability: The platform is reliable and scalable, supporting high-quality video calls as the user base grows.
- Built-in Features: Includes screen sharing, pre-call checks, live chat, waiting rooms, recording capabilities, and custom branding.
- Ease of Implementation: The SDK and API are designed to be easy to implement, requiring minimal effort from the engineering team.
Conclusion
Overall, Whereby is a flexible and scalable solution that prioritizes user privacy and security, making it a reliable choice for various video conferencing needs.
Whereby - User Interface and Experience
Whereby Overview
Whereby, a video conferencing platform, is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless communication experience. Here are some key aspects of its user interface and overall user experience:Ease of Use
Whereby is designed to be highly accessible and easy to use. Users do not need to download any software or log in to join a meeting, which adds a significant layer of convenience.Key Features
Background Effects
Users can choose from various virtual backgrounds, such as solid colors, concrete walls, or wood paneling, or blur their real background to maintain privacy and reduce distractions during meetings.Picture in Picture
This feature allows users to point out specific details on images, web pages, or documents, enhancing the clarity and focus of online discussions.Screen Sharing and Live Chat
Whereby supports screen sharing and live chat, enabling users to share content and communicate effectively during meetings.Customization
Custom Colors
Users can customize the video call interface with their brand colors, changing the primary and secondary colors of buttons to align with their brand identity.Cloud Recording
This feature allows users to record, save, and store video calls securely, with options like auto-start recording to ensure compliance and ease of use.Insights and Analytics
Insights Dashboard
Whereby provides an Insights Dashboard that offers a single view of key metrics, such as the number of participants, sessions over time, and customer usage trends. This helps in understanding and improving the user experience.User Experience
The platform is built with a focus on user-centered design, ensuring that the interface is intuitive and comfortable to use. The absence of required downloads or logins makes the initial setup straightforward, and features like background effects and custom colors enhance the overall aesthetic and branding experience. Whereby’s commitment to security and compliance, along with its transparent terms of service and privacy policies, contributes to a trustworthy and reliable user experience. Positive user feedback and reviews further attest to the platform’s ease of use and performance.Conclusion
In summary, Whereby’s user interface is designed for simplicity, customization, and ease of use, making it an effective and engaging tool for both personal and professional communication needs. Whereby - Key Features and Functionality
Whereby Overview
Whereby is a video conferencing platform that offers a range of features to enhance communication and productivity, with some integration of AI and other advanced technologies. Here are the main features and how they work:Keyboard Shortcuts
Whereby provides several keyboard shortcuts to make meetings more efficient. For example, holding the space bar allows you to speak, and pressing ‘M’ mutes your microphone. These shortcuts simplify common actions during meetings.Hide Self View
Users can hide their own video feed by clicking the three dots on their video tile and then hitting the ‘>’ button. This feature helps reduce self-consciousness and distractions during meetings.Picture in Picture
This feature allows you to minimize the meeting window and move it around your screen, enabling you to multitask while still participating in the meeting. You can activate this by clicking the ‘Picture in Picture’ button in the top right corner of the room.Spotlight
To highlight a specific speaker or presentation, you can click the three dots next to the screen and select ‘Spotlight’. This feature puts the selected participant in the spotlight for everyone on the call.Emoji Search and Reactions
Whereby allows users to send various emojis through the chat by typing `:**`. This adds a fun and expressive element to text communications during meetings.Mobile Mode
For users with poor internet connectivity, Whereby offers ‘Mobile mode’, which reduces the stream resolution to maintain a smooth meeting experience. This can be activated through the settings.Local Volume Controls
Users can adjust the volume of individual participants by clicking the three dots next to their video and tweaking the volume settings. This helps manage audio levels for a better meeting experience.Noise Reduction
To minimize background noise, Whereby provides a noise reduction feature. You can activate this by hovering over the microphone icon in the toolbar and clicking the toggle, or through the settings.Virtual Background Effects
Users can set virtual backgrounds to maintain privacy or hide cluttered environments. This feature allows you to choose from presets or upload a custom image.Integration with Other Tools
Whereby can be integrated with various applications using tools like Pabbly Connect. This allows for automation workflows between Whereby and other apps such as CRM, sales, marketing, and productivity tools. For example, you can set up triggers and actions to automate tasks like uploading audio files, creating transcripts, or managing user details.API and SDK for Customization
Whereby offers an API and SDK that allow developers to embed customizable video calling into their platforms. This is particularly useful for applications in telehealth, digital mental health, and other sectors. The API and SDK provide flexibility and scalability, ensuring high-quality video calls and compliance with security standards like GDPR and HIPAA.AI Integration
While Whereby itself does not heavily emphasize AI-driven features, integrations with other tools can incorporate AI functionalities. For instance, integrating Whereby with Fireflies.ai through Pabbly Connect can enable AI-powered transcription services, where meetings are automatically transcribed and processed. This integration leverages AI for tasks such as speech recognition and text analysis.Conclusion
In summary, Whereby focuses on providing a user-friendly and efficient video conferencing experience with various features to enhance productivity and engagement. While it does not inherently include extensive AI-driven features, it can be integrated with other tools to leverage AI capabilities. Whereby - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Whereby generally receives positive feedback for its performance in several areas:Reliability and Efficiency
Users praise Whereby for its reliable and efficient service. It is noted for being easy to use, especially since it operates directly in the browser without the need for downloading any apps.Ease of Use
The tool is highlighted for its simplicity and intuitiveness, making it easy for users to manage and navigate, even for those who are not familiar with it initially.Productivity
It is appreciated for enabling productivity and helping teams innovate, particularly for small and dynamic teams.Accuracy and Limitations
However, there are some limitations and areas for improvement:Technical Issues
Some users report occasional problems with connecting to the server and difficulties with audio settings, which can disrupt meetings.Customization
While Whereby offers some customization options, such as changing the logo and colors, users find these options to be basic and limited. This lack of extensive customization can be a drawback.Call Reliability
There have been reports of poor call reliability, particularly with packet loss, which can lead to disconnected calls.Free Users and App Accessibility
Whereby is criticized for not allowing as many free users as other alternatives and for having a significant lack of accessible apps within the platform.Screen Optimization
Users find it challenging to optimize the available screen area, which can affect the overall meeting experience.Integration
There is a need for more integration options during collaborations, which is an area Whereby could improve on.User Sentiment
The overall user sentiment is positive, with a high Net Emotional Footprint score of 93, indicating that users generally have a positive emotional response to the product. Users appreciate its reliability, efficient service, and the fact that it helps innovate and enhance productivity. In summary, while Whereby performs well in terms of ease of use, reliability, and efficiency, it has areas for improvement such as enhancing customization options, improving call reliability, and expanding integration capabilities. Whereby - Pricing and Plans
Whereby offers a range of pricing plans and options to cater to different needs, whether you’re an individual, a small to medium-sized business (SMB), or an enterprise. Here’s a breakdown of their plans and features:
Free Plan (Explore)
- Participant Minutes: 2,000 participant minutes, renewed monthly.
- Meeting Limits: As of January 13, 2025, meetings are limited to 4 participants and 30 minutes per meeting.
- Additional Features: No additional participant minutes, no cloud recording, no live streaming, no transcriptions, and no live captions.
- Branding: Whereby branding is included.
- Other Limitations: Breakout Groups and Co-location Groups are not available on the Free Meetings plan.
Build Plan
- Monthly Cost: $9.99 per month.
- Participant Minutes: 2,000 participant minutes, renewed monthly, with $0.004 per additional minute.
- Cloud Recording: Available at $0.01 per minute.
- Transcriptions & Live Captions: Available at $0.024 per unmuted participant minute.
- Other Features: This plan is suitable for building a proof of concept (POC) and for SMBs.
Grow Plan
- Monthly Cost: Custom pricing.
- Features: Includes everything in the Build plan, plus:
- Volume discounts for high usage.
- Early access to new features.
- Technical onboarding.
- Technical Success Manager.
- HIPAA compliance.
- Target Audience: This plan is designed for scaling and enterprise businesses.
Business Plan
- First Tier: $59.99 per month for 10 rooms.
- Additional Rooms: Rooms can be added in blocks of 10 for $50 per block.
- Features: Each user gets their own Personal Room, and any remaining rooms are accessible as Team Rooms. Includes a dedicated subdomain with custom branding, user administration, recording, large meetings, integrations, and calendar integration. Meetings with up to 50 participants are available in beta.
Additional Notes
- All prices are in USD, excluding VAT.
- Whereby also offers flexible pricing and plans that can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the user or organization, especially for businesses looking to integrate video meetings more deeply into their processes.
Whereby - Integration and Compatibility
Whereby: A User-Friendly Video Meeting Platform
Whereby, a simple and user-friendly video meeting platform, integrates with several popular tools to enhance its functionality and compatibility across various platforms and devices.
Integrations with Other Tools
Whereby has integrated with several key services to make remote collaboration more seamless:
- Google Drive: This integration allows users to store and share files with their team, facilitating easy document exchange during meetings.
- Trello: Users can follow project progress using Trello’s kanban-style boards, keeping everyone on the same page.
- YouTube: You can watch uploaded videos on YouTube together, which is useful for presentations or training sessions.
- Miro: This whiteboarding tool enables users to express and share ideas collaboratively during meetings.
These integrations help in streamlining workflows and improving team collaboration.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Whereby is highly compatible across different platforms and devices, thanks to its browser-based architecture:
- Desktop and Laptop Computers: Whereby supports any operating system that can run a supported browser, including Windows 7 and later, macOS 10.11 and later, and any x64-based Linux system.
- Browsers: The platform is compatible with browsers that have built-in support for WebRTC, such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. However, Safari has partial support, which may limit features like recording or screen sharing a single tab.
- Mobile Devices: On iOS, users can access Whereby via the Safari browser on iOS 13.1 or later, or Chrome on iOS 14.5 or later. The iOS app, available in the App Store, requires iOS 12.0 or later but lacks features like screen sharing, recording, and breakout groups. On Android, the recommended browser is the latest version of Google Chrome for a seamless experience.
Third-Party Apps and API
Whereby supports integration with third-party apps, allowing users to extend the functionality of their meetings. Additionally, Whereby offers API availability, which can be used to customize and integrate the platform with other services.
Performance and Reliability
Whereby is known for its high performance and reliability. It maintains low latency, efficient resource usage, and positive feedback even during high traffic periods, making it a dependable choice for video meetings.
Conclusion
In summary, Whereby’s integrations with tools like Google Drive, Trello, YouTube, and Miro, along with its broad compatibility across different platforms and devices, make it a versatile and reliable option for video meetings and remote collaboration.
Whereby - Customer Support and Resources
Support Channels
Whereby does not offer live chat support, having discontinued this service as of August 1, 2022, after finding it was not effective for their customers. Instead, support is primarily provided through email. Pro and Business customers have access to priority support via direct email, which can be accessed by using the question mark in the bottom left corner of any meeting room or by selecting the “Help” button on the dashboard.
Response Times
The response times vary based on your subscription plan:
- Business customers can expect responses within 48 working hours.
- Pro customers can expect responses within 72 working hours.
- Free users will receive responses as time allows.
Support Center
Whereby has a comprehensive Support Center that is easily accessible. Here, you can search for answers or browse through categorized topics. The Support Center includes detailed guides and FAQs to help you resolve issues on your own. If you find something missing, you can contact the support team via the “Help” button to suggest improvements.
Whereby Embedded Help Center
For users of Whereby Embedded, there is a dedicated help center that covers topics such as getting started, meeting customization, embedding meeting rooms, and troubleshooting. This center includes user guides for both developers and business users, covering areas like iFraming, API keys, and product integrations.
Additional Resources
- Developer Documentation: For more technical users, Whereby provides detailed developer documentation that includes information on various technical aspects of the platform.
- Self-Service Guides: Whereby is continually improving their self-service guides to make them more interactive and helpful for users.
Tips for Effective Support
To ensure your issues are addressed efficiently, it is recommended to include the following information when reaching out to support:
- The room name or URL of the meeting where the issue occurred.
- The date, time, and timezone of the meeting.
- Troubleshooting steps that were tried.
- A screenshot if applicable.
By leveraging these resources, you can find the help you need to use Whereby effectively and resolve any issues that may arise.
Whereby - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Ease of Use
Whereby is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It does not require any downloads or logins for guests, making it very accessible.
No Installation Required
Users can join meetings directly through their web browser, which is convenient for quick and spontaneous meetings.
Customization
Whereby allows users to personalize their meeting rooms with custom names, URLs, and branding. It also integrates with tools like Miro for virtual whiteboards, YouTube for video sharing, and Outlook for calendar management.
Engagement Features
The platform includes live emoji reactions, breakout groups, and real-time chat to keep meetings engaging and interactive.
Privacy
Whereby adheres to strict privacy laws, particularly those in Norway, and follows the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It does not save user data or use third-party cookies, which is a significant advantage for users concerned about privacy.
Screen Sharing and Recording
Whereby offers robust screen sharing capabilities, including the ability to share specific windows or YouTube videos. Meetings can also be recorded for later viewing.
Disadvantages
Audio and Video Quality
Users have reported issues with audio and video quality, such as choppiness and delays, which can be a significant drawback.
Scalability Limitations
Whereby is more suited for small to medium-sized businesses. It lacks some features that larger companies might need, and it has a limit of 50 participants per meeting.
Limited Roles and Permissions
In Whereby, only the admin can screen share, and the role permissions are somewhat limited compared to other platforms.
Integration Limitations
While Whereby integrates with several tools, its integrations might not be as extensive or flexible as those offered by other video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
Conclusion
Overall, Whereby is a great option for small teams and individuals who value ease of use and strong privacy features, but it may not be the best choice for larger organizations or those requiring more advanced features and higher audio/video quality.
Whereby - Comparison with Competitors
Comparing Whereby with Other Communication Tools
When comparing Whereby with other communication tools in the web conferencing category, several key features and alternatives stand out.
Unique Features of Whereby
- One-Click Access: Whereby offers one-click access via your web browser, eliminating the need for access codes or downloads. Users can join meetings using a permanent meeting room link.
- No Access Codes: This simplifies the joining process, making it more convenient for participants.
- Chat and Emoji Reactions: Whereby includes in-meeting chat and emoji reactions, enhancing real-time communication and engagement.
- Screen Sharing: Users can share their screens, which is essential for presentations and collaborative work.
- Branded Meeting Rooms: Whereby allows customization of waiting and meeting rooms with your brand, providing a professional and personalized experience.
- Third-Party Integrations: It integrates with various tools like Trello, Outlook, and Miro, making it compatible with existing tech stacks.
Potential Alternatives
Microsoft Teams
- Breakout Rooms: Microsoft Teams offers breakout rooms, which are useful for smaller group discussions within a larger meeting. Whereby does not have this feature.
- Polls and Q&A: Microsoft Teams includes polls and Q&A functionalities to enhance participant engagement, features that Whereby lacks.
- Whiteboarding: Microsoft Teams provides whiteboarding tools for collaborative brainstorming, another feature not available in Whereby.
- Meeting Notes: Microsoft Teams supports meeting notes to help users keep track of discussions and action items, a feature Whereby does not offer.
3CX
- Unified Communications Package: 3CX offers a complete Unified Communications package, including WebRTC video conferencing, softphones, smartphone apps, and website live chat. This makes it a more comprehensive solution compared to Whereby.
- Better Integration: Users have reported that 3CX is better at integrating with other systems, although it may be harder to implement.
AnyMeeting Video Conferencing
- Personal Connection: AnyMeeting focuses on providing a more personal and powerful connection, which can lead to higher engagement, productivity, and sales. However, it is noted to be harder to implement and customize compared to Whereby.
LiveWebinar
- Webinar Hosting: LiveWebinar is versatile and designed for hosting webinars, online meetings, conferences, and livestreams. It supports live chats, screen sharing, and social media broadcasting, but is considered less efficient and less reliable than Whereby.
Performance and Reliability
Both Whereby and its competitors, such as Microsoft Teams, are highly reliable and maintain low latency, ensuring smooth and real-time communication. They are also efficient in resource usage, making them suitable for various devices without significant slowdowns.
In summary, while Whereby offers a streamlined and user-friendly web conferencing experience with unique features like one-click access and branded meeting rooms, alternatives like Microsoft Teams, 3CX, AnyMeeting, and LiveWebinar provide additional functionalities that might be more suitable depending on specific business needs.
Whereby - Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can be in a Whereby meeting room?
Whereby offers different capacities depending on the plan you choose. The Free plan allows up to 4 participants per meeting. The Pro plan supports up to 100 participants with 12 simultaneous active video feeds. The Business plan can accommodate up to 200 participants with 24 simultaneous active video feeds.What are the main differences between the Free, Pro, and Business plans?
Free Plan
This plan is free and includes one room URL, meetings for up to 30 minutes, and up to 4 attendees per meeting. It also features screen sharing and integrations with tools like Trello and Google Docs.Pro Plan
For $8.99 per month, this plan includes three room URLs, meetings with no time limit, up to 100 attendees per meeting, custom branding, and unlimited recording. It also includes file sharing and integrations with various tools.Business Plan
This plan costs $11.99 per month per host and is suitable for teams. It includes unlimited room URLs, meetings with up to 200 attendees, shared and flex rooms, custom subdomains, and all the features from the Pro plan.Can I customize the branding of my Whereby meeting rooms?
Yes, you can customize the branding of your meeting rooms if you are on the Pro or Business plan. These plans allow you to add your own branding to the rooms, making them fit with your company’s identity.Are Whereby meetings secure and private?
Whereby takes security and privacy very seriously. They are GDPR and HIPAA compliant, and ISO 27001 certified. They do not track, store, or sell meeting data, ensuring your meetings remain confidential and secure.How do I record meetings on Whereby?
Meeting recording is available on both the Pro and Business plans. Once you are on one of these plans, you can record your meetings, and the recordings will be stored for your access.Can I share files during Whereby meetings?
Yes, file sharing is a feature available on the Pro and Business plans. This allows you to share files with participants during the meeting.Are there any limitations or issues with using Whereby in certain regions?
There are known issues with using Whereby in regions like the UAE, China, and Russia due to government-level restrictions on peer-to-peer applications. Users in these areas may experience spotty access or complete unavailability of the service.How do I troubleshoot common issues with Whereby, such as black video feeds?
If you encounter issues like black video feeds, it could be due to conflicts with certain antivirus software, such as Avast. Disabling the “Avast Web Shield” feature can resolve this issue. Additionally, ensuring that port 443 is open to all TCP and UDP traffic can help if you are behind a firewall.Can I customize the page users see when they leave a Whereby meeting room?
Yes, you can customize the page users see when they leave a meeting room using Whereby’s Web Component. You can action on the “leave” browser event to redirect users to another page of your choice.How do I test Whereby rooms embedded on my platform?
It is recommended to test Whereby rooms in an incognito or private browser to avoid any override of features set via parameters or dashboard settings due to admin permissions.