Zoom vs Skype - Which Video Conferencing Tool to Use
If you're trying to decide which video conferencing platform to use, you're probably wondering which one is better: Zoom or Skype. Both tools have their strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to compare them before making a decision. In this post, we'll take a look at the features of each service, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
Features
| Feature | Zoom | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Video Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| File Sharing | Yes | Yes, but with limitations |
| Recording | Yes | Yes, but with limitations |
| Breakout Rooms | Yes | No |
| Virtual Backgrounds | Yes | Yes, but with limitations |
| Waiting Room | Yes | No |
| Maximum Participants | 1000 | 100 |
Both Zoom and Skype offer video and audio chat, as well as screen sharing and file sharing capabilities. They both also offer limited recording and virtual background tools. However, Zoom has more features for large-scale video conferencing, including breakout rooms and a waiting room. Skype, on the other hand, has a limit of 100 participants, while Zoom can host up to 1000.
Pricing
| Plan | Zoom | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Yes | Yes |
| Paid Plans | Starting at $149.90/year | Starting at $2/month |
Skype's free plan includes video and audio calls, screen sharing, and file sharing. Zoom also provides a free plan, although it only allows up to 40-minute calls with three or more participants. Both services offer additional paid plans with more features for businesses and organizations.
Security
In terms of security, both Zoom and Skype have had some issues in the past. Zoom has taken steps to address these issues and has implemented features such as end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and waiting rooms to prevent unauthorized access. Skype also has security measures in place, but it has faced concerns over its privacy policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Zoom and Skype are great video conferencing tools with similar features, but Zoom has more advanced features for a large-scale conference, which makes it the better choice for businesses and larger organizations. Skype is a good option for small-scale video calls, especially if you're only working with a small group or team. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific needs.