Remote work has become the norm. However, the need for meetings and discussions of working issues has not disappeared. Therefore, an important question arose: which program is better?
The leaders are Skype and Zoom. We compared them by key settings and found a lot of useful things. By the way, the videoconferencing market is growing. According to studies, its volume will exceed $20 billion by 2024.
Next, I will share my observations, but looking ahead, I want to note that each tool is more suitable for solving certain problems. If you are a freelancer – definitely Skype. The ideal business environment—Zoom. Next, I will reveal the reasons why.
About the applications
Skype is a multifunctional messenger that appeared in 2003. It was designed to make calls, send messages, and also share files, videos, and photos. Skype works on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and Xbox.
Benefits:
- Fame;
- Integration with Microsoft Office 365;
- Free communication with users of the application;
- Voice calls and SMS to phone numbers;
- Lack of restrictions on the duration of the group conference;
- Demonstration of the screen of mobile devices.
Zoom is a cloud platform for holding online meetings and webinars, collaboration and communication. It works on PCs, smartphones and mobile devices. The platform was launched in 2011. Over the past few years it’s really flourished, going from 10 million users to 200 million during the pandemic.
Benefits:
- Stable connection;
- Screen demonstration with sound;
- Audio and video communication with each participant in the video call;
- An integrated interactive whiteboard on which you can write and draw;
- The ability to record a meeting on a device or cloud storage;
- The appointment of a co-organizer with the same capabilities as the creator of the meeting (can turn on / off the microphone for individual participants);
- Division of participants into rooms.
Participant Limits
It depends on which version of the program you’re using. If you’re not on a paid Skype plan, you can add up to 50 users to a conference call. With the package, the limit will increase by 5 times for the possible number of participants. 250 participants is a suitable solution for small and medium-sized businesses. The free version of Zoom lets you create a meeting with up to 100 participants. You can get business packages with up to 1000 seats.
Video Conferencing Availability
Initially, this criterion was one of the key benefits of using Zoom. You don’t have to install the program to join the chat. All you need is the invitation link. You can even join the meeting through your browser.
A similar function is available on Skype now. It’s called Meet Now. It eliminates the need to install the program or register the user. The software generates a link to a specific meeting that can be sent to any person.
You can set a password for access. If the user isn’t registered or doesn’t have the installed program, they can still access the full range of functions. This is true if the team has stubborn people.
Confidentiality
Zoom is a platform for video calls that have gained tremendous popularity since the beginning of quarantine. Before this, the number of daily users was 10 million. The number reached 200 million in March. The developers did not count on such events, so they rushed to improve the app.
Both services provide communication security through end-to-end encryption. However, a recent surge in Zoombombing has occurred. Attackers used sharing features against users. They joined conferences to broadcast scenes of pornography or violence.This vulnerability has already been eliminated.
Developers have implemented the “Waiting Room” function, which controls participants who join the meeting. This feature is available for event creators and free accounts. Additional passwords have also been added. They make it difficult for unknown people to access the video call.
Integration with third-party services
If the software is used for work, then this function is important. It is desirable that it would be as thought out as possible. Indeed, the ability to provide access to a specific file directly during a conversation will save you time and nerves. And in principle, all the necessary data will be provided at the appropriate time.
Therefore, the developers have provided an entire array of integration capabilities. Skype works well with Microsoft software. It can be connected to OneDrive cloud storage, Outlook email client and the popular Word. There are also integrations with other software. For example, with the content management system of WordPress sites and Slack corporate messenger.
Zoom’s integrations can be accessed through its App Marketplace, which expanded in 2024 to include new productivity tools like Zoom Docs, Whiteboard, and Scheduler. This year, Zoom introduced an AI Companion to streamline workflows and improve team collaboration.
Users can also link Zoom to the social network LinkedIn and Google Drive cloud storage. Various programs are available in the app store. They can be classified by direction. Users are offered integrated software for marketing, healthcare, sales, finance, and more.
When you take part in a videoconference, do not forget to write your messages and presentations in a literate way. To check the text for errors, use one of the integrations or Grammarly tools. You can also proofread by contacting companies that provide coursework writing services. This will help to avoid spelling and grammar errors and look competent in the eyes of colleagues.
Productivity
Skype works with many PC resources. Therefore, owners of weak devices do not like it. The program freezes on them. The need for many resources is especially noticeable during the broadcast of video and sound. Such features lead to frequent program freezes.
In this regard, Zoom is a great alternative. The program is exceptionally lightweight and uses significantly less RAM on a personal computer. It works fast. Especially because using Zoom consumes less traffic. These features provide the main advantage of the program—a stable connection. In 2024, Zoom launched AI Companion and Zoom Docs to improve productivity.
AI Companion provides real-time meeting assistance, automated summaries, and notes, reducing the need for manual documentation. Meanwhile, Zoom Docs enables teams to turn meeting content into project plans and actionable notes on the fly. So, Zoom is uniquely suited to team productivity and remote collaboration.
Demo features
Skype allows you to broadcast the screen of your PC and mobile devices. But only your gadget. There is no way to demonstrate individual applications.
Zoom provides a wide range of options. The user can display the screen or a specific program during the conference. There are also different modes. Therefore, you can demonstrate what is on your screen, or choose what to display to the other participants. At the same time, working in another program is possible.
Zoom allows you to show up to 49 participants. However, in the free version, the duration of the group conference is limited to 40 minutes. After that, you will have to call back. This restriction is eliminated in the paid version.
Pricing policy
Zoom offers 3 paid packages. They cost from $13,32 to $18,32. Depending on the plan, you can make video calls with 300, 500, or 1000 participants. Each plan removes restrictions on the duration of calls. The following features may be available to users depending on their tariff:
- management of meeting participants;
- assign a unique meeting identifier
- branding;
- single sign-on;
- managed domains
- LTI integration
- cloud storage;
- Hangout reports
Skype offers free communication among users of the application. Skype – Skype calls are free.
Calls to mobile / landline phones are possible through subscription or Skype Credit. Tariffs:
Skype for Business was discontinued in July 2021 and became a part of Microsoft 365.
Conclusion
In 2024, Skype and Zoom are still popular for virtual communication. Many freelancers and people like Skype because it’s easy to use and works on different devices. Skype now has better mobile performance and easier cross-platform navigation, which is great for quick, on-the-go connections.
Zoom is ideal for business use. It offers new AI-driven tools, such as automated meeting summaries and participant insights, to help streamline professional collaboration. It’s reliable and has many business-friendly features.
So, Skype is a solid choice for those who prefer simplicity, while Zoom shines in professional settings.
This article was initially written in Nov, 2021.
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