Intro

With the inclusion of video technology in the conference segment, there has been a huge change in the way people are now carrying out their conversations/meetings/conferences, etc. In this rapid course where Video is overshadowing Audio, there are a few breakthrough benefits that lie in audio conferencing too. With this statement, we are implying that audio conferencing can be a better option for the next meeting you’re going to host. So, before you give your opinion regarding the limitations of audio conferencing, first go through this blog once. It might change your opinion for good.

About

Audio conferencing has been an integral part of business and management before video conferences made an entry into this domain. Although it was not considered as technologically sophisticated as Video conferencing, it is classified as the best conferencing tool for areas where video conferencing is hard to reach. Although video conferencing is an adequate means of online communication, its meteoric rise has taken precedence over the benefits of audio-only conferences, giving many the feeling that audio-only conferences are inefficient. But we have a diverse standpoint. Both communication techniques have several edges and disadvantages, and we’re here to explain them all.

What’s better: Audio conference or Video conference – A complete guide

If we compare both Audio and Video Conferencing against each other then both of them have their perks and drawbacks. So, the situation is not like black and white but grey, where neither can surpass the other and both perform well depending on your requirement. So, which one should you choose? Before you weigh too much between these conference options and get confused, check out this guide. Here you will discover.

📍Pros and Cons of Audio conferencing And Video Conferencing

📍 Advantages of Audio conferencing.

📍 Advantages of Video Conferencing.

📍Best Apps for Audio and Video Conferencing.

Audio Conferencing: Pros and Cons

Fairly quickly, video conferencing has become a worldwide phenomenon. While individuals around the world have easily embraced video conference apps into their everyday routines, many individuals continue to prefer audio conferencing.

Despite the rage of Video Conferencing, Audio has a few benefits which make it stand out from the crowd and still a few amongst the masses prefer to go with the legacy of Audio conferencing.

Flexibility

Audio-only conferences are much simpler to organize than video conferences. In addition to its simple functionality, audio calls eliminate the need for video software or applications and make it simple for individuals to share ideas.

Also, In the Audio conferencing system, you don’t need to look for Data or an Internet connection as there is no involvement of Videos in it. Also, the devices supporting Audio conferencing are easily accessible and most of the users become familiar with many hassles.

Better Call Quality

A large amount of data is transferred across a network at a rapid pace during video conferencing. In contrast, an audio-only conference eliminates the need to transfer data and focuses on providing the best audio experience possible. When compared to video data, networks have a much easier time transferring audio data. Hence it becomes more convenient to use for a larger chunk of users compared to video conferencing.

Encrypted and Private

As more people use videoconferencing, they face several security issues. Many people have been victims of “Data breaches” or other invasive experiences that threatened to reveal personal information. On the other hand, users of Audio conferencing face fewer instances of privacy and information breach which make it a more secure option compared to video conferencing.

Efficient

If you are a working professional and wish to use the video conferencing system then, you will realize that you require a set of workstations to conduct a meeting using Video Conferencing. Using an audio conferencing system is much more convenient and cost-effective. Audio conferences are simply faster than video calls and much easier to complete for all stakeholders involved.

Cons

1. In absence of Visual cues, you oftentimes get engaged with other activities which makes you distracted.
2. In Case of a technical glitch or Network issue, you won’t be able to receive the right message. It will lead to misinformation.
3. When there are no Visuals, then it will become hard to understand who is hosting and who are the listeners.

Video Conferencing Pros and Cons 

Though audio conferencing still accounts for the majority of communication channels, countless people have switched to video conferencing for pure pleasure and performance characteristics. Video conferencing improves communication and provides a more personalized meeting experience. Video conferences have several advantages that make them the preferred option for many online conferencing users.

Provide personal experience 

Video conferencing can be considered a viable option for meetings and conferences. It replicates face-to-face interaction where you will be able to see the list of guests who joined the meeting, including their expressions and body language. It makes the experience more personalized. While audio is a superb method for communicating using voice, video provides a second, visual component that improves the overall experience.

Interactive 

The best way of increasing productivity is to keep a conversation interactive, and you can achieve this with video conferences. During Video conferencing your audience will be there for the whole time without getting distracted by others’ works. Also, you will be able to monitor the activities of each of the participants, and that way you can encourage them to share their insights. This will make the session more interesting and informative.

Better Team Discussion 

Video conferences can be employed in a wide range of ways to strengthen teams during regular work conferences. It is best to get to know your team and connect on an individual basis if you can see the faces of other people on your team and interact with them.

Cons 

1. It requires a stable internet connection for an ongoing video call. Also, a weak Internet connection can hinder the conference.
2. Purchasing a high-quality video conferencing device may be costlier than purchasing an asynchronous communication system.
3. At times the audio becomes deferred and does not complement the video, which is a prevalent performance glitch with video conferencing. These circumstances make it difficult to discuss key matters, so mute the audio and turn off the video to restart. If the audio becomes choppy after a while, restart or reschedule the call.

Advantages of Audio conferencing: Cast a glance at details.

Let’s Check out the additional benefits of Audio conferencing over video conferencing, regarding how it can be a better choice for your business.

Economic

Audio conferencing does not require a dedicated system for conferences to take place. You don’t need to invest in any hardware device or systems for conducting audio conferencing. Just a few basic systems will work fine. Hence it is the least costly when compared with video conferencing.

Allow to Multitask

Audio calls allow multitasking. Team members can take notes or check mailboxes while attending the call. They can even do other collaborative tasks like creating tables and data tabs to share with the teams while being on the call at the same time.

Less Distractive

Since callers can easily hear the person speaking without any visual interference, audio conferences are less distracting than video conferences. The presenter is not distracting the participants, nor is the speaker’s assistant typing on their laptop.

Need no data

When using video conferences, any minor synchronization issue will end up causing the video feed to freeze, requiring all attendees to stop their activities. Furthermore, getting back in touch with the video will take time, which is inconvenient given the hectic pace of modern life.

Encrypted

Audio conferencing enables people to talk about controversial subjects more openly with their peer group, which video conferencing does not allow. It’s because several people avoid discussing such subjects during video conferences. After all, they are afraid of being judged.

Read more blog: The 12 best video conferencing tools for small businesses

Ideal for Remote conferencing

If you have a big team spread across different locations where some of your team members might not have a stable internet connection, in such situations, audio conferencing comes to the rescue. This is because some areas may lack adequate internet connectivity for video conferencing. Meanwhile, audio connections are generally quicker and simpler to establish. Group members only require a phone system and a microphone and speakers.

Advantages of Video conferencing: What do you get in a video conference? 

While we have analyzed the benefits of Audio conferencing, we must know about the perks of Video Conferencing as well. Only then you will be able to make your choice of conferencing technologies more efficiently.

Save Travel Expenses

One of the most obvious but significant advantages of videoconferencing is reduced commuting time. Negotiations with suppliers, clients, and satellite offices can consume more than 24 of your day; even an hour-long conference can quickly consume an entire morning when travel time is factored in, making it a disappointing and inadequate activity.

Enhances Communication

When you hold a meeting via video conferencing, your audience members will acquire and grasp more relevant data than if you held the meeting via audio. It has been discovered that Video Conferencing requires undivided attention hence it enhances the quality of communication.

Build a Connection with the team

With the introduction of Work from home, a new community of freelancers has emerged who are geographically dispersed and require a better-connecting medium for discussing tasks and responsibilities. For them, Video Conferencing is the best and most effective mode of conferencing. It strengthens the teams and channels discussion with productive outcomes.

Sustained competitive advantage 

When you take into account all of these benefits together, it’s tempting to see how video conferencing can give your company a major competitive advantage. You can optimize much of your assigned work while also increasing collaboration by lowering costs, increasing team unity, and holding more productive meetings.

When is the right time to switch to Audio only mode instead of Video? 

Audio calls are still relevant in this age of Video conferencing. It is multifaceted and can work for you in different situations. For instance, if you are looking for a quick update on different tasks with your offshore team then nothing could be better than audio conferencing.

Additionally, If you intend to improve team cohesion and develop into an expert in online interpersonal communications, you’ll need to recognize when to use audio and when to activate the video feed.

Best apps to serve your interest: Audio and Video Conferencing

 

Apps for Audio conferencing	Apps for Video Conferencing
Slack	Zoom
Google Workspace	Skype for Business
Join me	Slack
Blue Jeans	Big Blue button
Twilio	Whereby
Free conference call.com	Go to meeting
MiCloud Connect	Cisco Webex
Nextiva	Google meet
Lifesize	Blackboard collaborate
Avaya UCaaS	Blue Jeans

Summary

We have assembled all the necessary information regarding Audio and video conferencing and how they are important for playing different roles in the day-to-day business. Nowadays, most video conference platforms are also used for audio conferencing. In some of them, the participants can join using the web link or even by dialing a toll-free no. For more such content, stay tuned with us.