GoToMeeting Review - An Easy to Use Online Meeting Tool

GoToMeeting is an online meeting software manufactured by Citrix Online. For this review, I’ve tested the latest version of the software, v4. Released in 2008, this is the first version of the software that offers Mac support. It’s an encrypted product, so all meetings remain private and safe.

Bottom-Line: GoToMeeting is an easy to use online meeting tool, with simple controls that are easy and intuitive for first-time users. Users can choose between calling into the meeting, or using VoIP. It is a useful beginner's tool, but those looking for video capabilities or Linux compatibility may want to consider other online meeting options.

Pros: Very easy to use, secure software that keeps meetings private. Offers PC users the ability to record online meetings. Hosts have full control of the meeting.

Cons: Screen sharing lacks in video support. Starting a meeting can be slow as participants have to download a piece of software. Tool is not updated often.

Price: $49 a month for up to 15 attendees in each meeting. The price covers an unlimited amount of meetings, making the tool inexpensive for those who will use it often. The price is comparable to Webex, which costs $49 per month, but allows up to 25 attendees.

GoToMeeting lets users to meet at anytime, from anywhere. All you need is an Internet connection as it’s Web-based. This means that an employee in New York can meet with colleagues in London in an easy and simple way. Of course, all other online meeting tools have this same basic functionality.  

Starting a meeting is easy. Only meeting hosts need to subscribe to the GoToMeeting service, so there is only one fee paid by one person. Then, they must go to the GoToMeeting webpage to download the software. When the software is downloaded, GoToMeeting is ready to be used.

The software lets users broadcast their computer screens to meeting participants, sharing Power Point presentations and anything else on their computers. But GoToMeeting could do better with their screen sharing. Changing between different programs, for example, causes delays and a loss of image quality. The tool also cannot properly display video, so it’s best to upload it to a website and share the link with attendees instead.  

Users can set up as many meetings as they like, but meetings can only have up to 15 participants for the initial monthly fee offered by the manufacturer.  If you’re looking to hold bigger meetings, GoToMeeting may not be your tool because it will cost you more.