The default video conferencing tool for remote client calls, with reliable performance and near-universal recognition.
Zoom's rise during 2020 was driven by a combination of reliability, ease of use, and the fact that it worked well on consumer hardware without significant setup. While competitors like Google Meet and Microsoft Teams existed, Zoom's standalone app experience was more consistent across different operating systems and network conditions. That early adoption created a network effect — clients learned Zoom, so freelancers use Zoom, so clients continue to expect Zoom.
The free plan limits group meetings to 40 minutes. One-on-one calls between two participants have no time limit on the free plan. For most client calls, the 40-minute limit is workable — many productive client meetings fit within that window. If you regularly run longer calls, you have a few options: upgrade to a paid plan, use Google Meet (no time limit on free tier), or structure your calls to fit within 40 minutes. Some freelancers simply restart the call when the limit hits, which is mildly disruptive but functional.
The waiting room holds participants until the host admits them. For client calls, this is useful — it prevents a client from joining before you're ready, and it gives you a moment to compose yourself before the call starts. It also prevents accidental early access to a call that might be running over from a previous meeting. It's a small feature but one that makes client calls feel more professional.
Zoom can record calls locally (to your computer) on the free plan, or to the cloud on paid plans. Local recording is useful for keeping a record of client discussions, especially for complex projects where verbal agreements are made. Cloud recording makes it easy to share the recording with participants afterward. Always inform participants before recording — in many jurisdictions, recording without consent is legally problematic.
Virtual backgrounds let you replace your actual background with an image or video. For freelancers working from home environments that aren't camera-ready, this is a practical feature. The quality depends on your hardware — without a green screen, the edge detection can be imprecise, particularly with hair or glasses. A blurred background (also available) is often a cleaner option than a virtual image.
Google Meet is worth considering when your client is a Google Workspace user — it's already in their calendar and requires no app download. Microsoft Teams is the better choice when working with enterprise clients who have it as their standard. For internal team calls where everyone is already in Slack, Huddles or a Slack call avoids switching apps entirely.