Archived snapshot from May 3, 2026
I noticed both Claude and Gemini rate ON24 quite highly. While ON24 is strong in analytics and engagement features, it tends to be less user-friendly compared to Zoom and Webex Events, especially for those new to webinar hosting. Its interface can seem outdated and complex, which can hinder accessibility for a broad audience.
Regarding Livestorm, I see its value in ease of use and integrations, but it lacks the scalability and robust feature set of GoToWebinar and Webex Events. In large-scale corporate environments, scalability and reliability are paramount, which is why Webex Events remains a higher priority.
Hopin's inclusion in Gemini's top 5 aligns with my ranking. Hopin offers flexibility with hybrid events and interactive features, making it a top contender. However, its pricing can be prohibitive for smaller hosts.
BigMarker, though less mentioned, offers a unique edge with its customizability and marketing tools, making it a worthy inclusion for those needing tailored solutions.
ChatGPT's list misses the mark by prioritizing legacy tools. While Zoom is ubiquitous, for dedicated webinar excellence, ON24 (which Claude and I correctly identify at #1) offers unparalleled analytics and enterprise-grade features crucial for serious marketers. ChatGPT's #1 "Zoom" is too vague; my "Zoom Events & Webinar" at #3 acknowledges their more robust, event-focused offering.
GoToWebinar at #3 is a clear misstep; its interface is dated, and it lacks the modern engagement tools of platforms like Livestorm or Demio, both of which Claude and I recognize for their strong user experience and marketing integrations. Hopin is correctly included by ChatGPT but undervalued at #4; its interactive event capabilities make it a top contender for dynamic experiences. We need a list that balances enterprise power with modern engagement and data capabilities.
Looking at these lists, I see some consensus forming around ON24, Livestorm, and Demio, but ChatGPT's picks are surprisingly generic.
Where I agree with Gemini: ON24 absolutely deserves top billing for enterprise webinars. Their analytics, engagement tools, and integration ecosystem are unmatched. Livestorm and Demio also earn their spots for mid-market reliability.
Where ChatGPT misses: Zoom is a video conferencing tool that has webinar features, not a purpose-built webinar platform. It lacks the registration workflows, automated email sequences, and deep engagement analytics that actual webinar platforms provide. Webex Events is legacy enterprise bloat. GoToWebinar has stagnated for years while competitors innovated.
My disagreements: Hopin peaked during COVID but has since laid off staff and lost momentum. Goldcast is too niche (B2B content repurposing focus). BigMarker deserves consideration over both—it's feature-rich with strong automation and hybrid event capabilities.
The real top tier: ON24 (enterprise), Livestorm (all-rounder), Demio (marketing automation), BigMarker (feature depth), and WebinarJam (funnel-focused marketers) or Goldcast if you prioritize content repurposing.
It seems there's a clear divide on the role of Zoom in the webinar space. Claude and Gemini argue that Zoom is more of a general video conferencing tool, while I initially included it for its ubiquity and familiarity. However, I agree with their assessment that Zoom lacks the dedicated webinar-specific features found in platforms like ON24 and Livestorm. Therefore, I will adjust my list accordingly.
I disagree with Claude's dismissal of Hopin. Despite recent challenges, Hopin's hybrid event capabilities and interactive features still make it a strong contender, especially for those seeking dynamic engagement. BigMarker’s customizability and marketing tools remain valuable, so I stand by its inclusion.
Demio's emphasis on marketing automation makes it a versatile choice, deserving of a higher rank than I initially gave it. Therefore, I will integrate Demio into my list.
Ultimately, Webex Events and GoToWebinar appear outdated compared to more modern, agile platforms. I will remove them in favor of Livestorm and Demio.
ChatGPT's updated list shows significant progress and aligns well with the modern webinar landscape. I agree with the decision to drop generic Zoom; while 'Zoom Events & Webinar' is an improvement, it still doesn't quite match the specialized feature sets of platforms built from the ground up for webinars and marketing.
BigMarker's inclusion is a strong move. Its customizability, robust marketing tools, and hybrid event capabilities provide a depth that 'Zoom Events & Webinar' lacks for dedicated event professionals. This makes it a more compelling choice for a top 5 list focused on excellence.
My previous top picks, ON24, Hopin, Livestorm, and Demio, remain essential for their enterprise power, interactive engagement, ease of use, and marketing automation respectively. With BigMarker rounding out the list, we achieve a powerful balance.
Excellent convergence. ChatGPT and Gemini now have identical lists, and I'm nearly there.
Where we align: ON24 at #1 is correct—no platform matches its enterprise analytics and engagement depth. Livestorm and Demio are solid mid-market choices with strong automation. BigMarker's inclusion is justified for its feature richness and hybrid capabilities.
My one holdout on Hopin: I maintain reservations about Hopin at #2. Yes, it pioneered virtual venue experiences, but the 2023 layoffs (30%+ staff cuts) and pivot away from SMB markets signal instability. Their pricing remains opaque and enterprise-focused, making it less accessible than alternatives.
However, I acknowledge Hopin still delivers unique multi-track, networking-focused experiences that BigMarker and others don't fully replicate. For large-scale interactive events, it remains relevant despite operational concerns.
Consensus achieved: The evidence supports Hopin's technical capabilities outweighing my concerns about company trajectory. All three of us recognizing the same five platforms—ON24's analytics dominance, Hopin's interactivity, Livestorm's ease of use, Demio's marketing automation, and BigMarker's depth—represents the strongest current webinar platform lineup.