Video calling platforms have become essential for staying connected with people over long distances. Notably, Zoom and Skype are the two most prominent ones that are widely used in this regard. Both offer users various features to facilitate smooth and efficient communication. Therefore, this guide will let you explore the comprehensive Zoom vs Skype comparison to get better informed.
Zoom and Skype at a Glance
For those wanting to judge both apps at a quick glance, the best way is through their side-by-side comparison. So, we will arrange for you an explicit contrasting table between Zoom and Skype to let you better understand.
| Feature | Zoom | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Plan | Pro: $14.99/month, Business: $21.99/month | Starting From $5.00 |
| Focus | Business video conferencing | General-purpose video calling |
| Free Plan | Up to 100 participants, 40-minute meetings | Up to 100 participants, 24-hour meetings (calls) |
| Participants Limits | Free: Up to 100, Paid: Up to 1000 in Enterprise | Free: Up to 100, Paid: Up to 300 in Microsoft Teams |
| Meeting Duration | Free: 40 Minutes, Paid: Unlimited | Free: 24 hours (Calls), Paid: Unlimited (Teams) |
| Video Quality | Up to 1080p (Dependent on the Internet) | Up to 1080p (Dependent on the Internet) |
| Security | End-to-end encryption (Needs Manual Activation) | End-to-end encryption (Private Conversations) |
| Integrations | Extensive marketplace of third-party apps | Integration with Microsoft and some third-party products |
Zoom vs. Skype: Video Quality
Video resolution of both meeting platforms can reach a maximum of 1080p, offering high-definition results. However, your internet connection strength plays a significant role in determining the actual video clarity you experience. In this regard, Skype recommends at least 1.2Mbps upload and download speeds to maintain HD calls. On the other hand, Zoom demands a bit more, i.e., 3.8Mbps upload and 3.0Mbps download speed to stay maximum in quality.
If we talk about their default video quality settings, Zoom is set to 720p to assist in a faster connection. But you can always change it manually and have a better quality if your internet connection is strong. In contrast, the default setting of Skype is 1080p, yet some users report choppiness or lag during calls. So, if consistency is your top priority, Zoom might be a slightly better choice due to its reported stability.
Zoom vs. Skype: Participants Limits
Another important aspect in deciding on the Zoom vs. Skype battle is the limitation on the number of participants. In this regard, Zoom excels at handling large groups compared to Skype, which is better suited for smaller gatherings. In free plans, both offer up to 100 participants, which is enough for most cases. However, the paid plans in Zoom can take this number up to 1000 participants, making it perfect for a large organization.
Skype doesn’t directly offer any upgrade in the number of participants in paid plans, but you can upgrade to Microsoft Teams to increase the number of participants. In this way, you can get to a maximum of 300 participants, which is much less compared to Zoom. Hence, Zoom leads in this scenario if you ever need to host a large webinar or conference call.
Zoom vs. Skype: Security
One of the most crucial elements to consider when deciding which one is the best is “Security.” Evidently, Zoom offers AES encryption by default, which is strong but not completely reliable. Some people have reported security vulnerabilities like “Zoombombing,” where uninvited users could crash meetings. However, you can activate end-to-end encryption manually for each conference, adding an extra layer of protection.
In contrast, Skype features vs. Zoom offers end-to-end encryption in Private Conversations for voice calls, video calls, file transfers, and instant messages. It means your communication is encrypted throughout its journey from your device to the recipient’s one.
Moreover, this platform has a longer track record in terms of security, as Microsoft is constantly working on its improvement. Overall, if you prefer a platform with a strong security foundation by default, Skype might be the way to go.
Zoom vs. Skype: Supported Integrations
When it comes to integrating with other tools and services, both video-calling apps take different approaches. Here, Zoom vs. Skype offers a versatile marketplace where you can integrate it with many third-party apps. For instance, you can integrate this calling application with Zapier, Slack, Google Calendar, and many more.
On the other hand, Skype integrates tightly with Microsoft products like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. This older video-calling application offers a much smaller selection of third-party integrations such as Agile CRM, Lucid Meetings, and BigContacts. Hence, if you rely on a wide range of tools and need maximum flexibility, Zoom’s extensive marketplace provides you with more options.
Zoom vs Skype: Pricing
Throughout the article, we have mentioned several elements regarding Skype features vs. Zoom to give a better estimation of them. Now, let’s discuss their pricing, as we all aim to get the best video meeting features for the lowest cost. To achieve this, we will compare their pricing plans side by side.
Zoom Pricing
| Feature | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Workplace | Pro: $14.99/month, Business: $21.99/month |
| Phone | US & Canada Metered: $10/month, US & Canada Unlimited: $15, Global Select: $20/month |
| Events & Webinars | Zoom Webinars: $79/month, Zoom Sessions: $99/month, Zoom Events: $149/month |
| Rooms | $49/month |
Skype Pricing
| World Skype Credit | $5.00 |
|---|---|
| World Skype Credit | $10.00 |
| World Skype Credit | $25.00 |
Which is Better? Zoom vs. Skype
After going through all the above segments, you must have a clear picture in mind of which of them suits you most. It’s important to weigh all the aspects individually and decide what we require the most for a specific kind of scenario. Zoom shines for business users with its focus on large meetings and a vast variety of third-party integrations. Also, you can expect many more features even in the free tier of this video calling platform.
However, if you prioritize casual video calls and only require integrations with Microsoft products, Skype is sufficient. Considering all the factors, the answer to the question “Is Zoom better than Skype?” is collectively positive.
How Can ZEGOCLOUD Help for Video Calls
When comparing video call solutions like Zoom and Skype, it’s worth considering how ZEGOCLOUD can elevate your video communication experience. ZEGOCLOUD provides robust real-time communication tools that offer superior video and audio quality, ensuring clear and uninterrupted calls. With its advanced video call SDKs and APIs, ZEGOCLOUD allows seamless integration into your existing platforms, enhancing functionality without compromising user experience.
ZEGOCLOUD’s features include low-latency video streaming, high-definition video quality, and robust security protocols to protect user data. Additionally, its customizable solutions cater to specific business needs, whether you require one-on-one meetings, group calls, or large-scale webinars. By leveraging ZEGOCLOUD, businesses can achieve a more reliable, high-quality video calling experience, making it an excellent alternative or complement to traditional platforms like Zoom and Skype.
Conclusion
In conclusion, video platforms like Zoom and Skype are essential nowadays for virtual meetings or remote work. We have discussed a thorough comparison between them to let you know which of them suits you better.
Moreover, we have shared some useful insights on how you can develop a flawless video-calling app. ZEGOCLOUD empowers developers to bring versatile video calling features to their apps, achieving a satisfying user experience.
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