Skype vs Zoom: Which one should be your go-to video conferencing app?
Since the pandemic, video conferencing has become an essential part of everyone's life, from team meetings to family get-togethers. With several options available in the market, two of the most popular and widely used video conferencing apps are Skype and Zoom. In this blog post, we will provide you with a factual comparison between Skype and Zoom based on several factors to help you choose which one to use.
Features
When it comes to features, both Skype and Zoom offer a variety of tools that can enhance your video conferencing experience.
Skype has several features such as screen sharing, recording option, background effects, call recording, and more. Skype can support up to 50 users in a single call, and also has an option to integrate with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Similarly, Zoom offers features such as recording, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and breakout rooms. Zoom can support up to 1000 users in a single call and also has an option to integrate with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Pricing
Pricing is a significant factor when choosing a video conferencing app. Here is a breakdown of the pricing for both Skype and Zoom.
Skype is free to use and does not require any subscriptions. However, Skype offers several paid features such as call recording, screen sharing, and more, which are included in the Skype for Business subscription. The Skype for Business subscription costs $5.50 per user per month.
Zoom, on the other hand, offers a basic plan that allows users to host meetings with up to 100 participants for up to 40 minutes. The paid plans start at $14.99 a month and offer unlimited meeting durations, cloud storage, and more features.
Security
Security is crucial when it comes to video conferencing apps. Both Skype and Zoom have received their fair share of criticisms in the past regarding their security protocols.
In 2017, researchers discovered a bug in Skype that could allow hackers to take over the system. However, since then, Skype has improved its security protocols and now uses end-to-end encryption.
Zoom also faced security issues in 2020, when several cases of "Zoom bombing" were reported, where uninvited guests would join private meetings. However, Zoom has since tightened its security protocols and introduced features such as waiting rooms, passwords, and screen sharing limitations.
User Interface
User Interface (UI) is an essential aspect of any video conferencing app. Here is a comparison of the UI of Skype and Zoom.
Skype has a simple user interface, which is easy to understand and use. It has a sidebar that displays your contact list and recent conversations. The main screen displays the messages or the video feed.
Zoom has a more complex UI compared to Skype. It has many buttons and menus that can be overwhelming for new users. However, once you get accustomed to the UI, it becomes more manageable.
Conclusion
Both Skype and Zoom are powerful video conferencing apps that offer many features and can support a large number of participants. When it comes to pricing, Skype is more affordable than Zoom, but Zoom offers more features and more security enhancements.
Ultimately, your preference will depend on your specific needs and requirements. We hope that this comparison helped you make a well-informed decision.