
Remote work is becoming more popular than ever. Remote workers often require video calling in order to communicate with clients and co-workers from faraway locations. You are likely to be debating which video calling app you should use Zoom or Skype. This is one of the most popular video calling apps available for professionals. Let's look at them all and see which one best suits your needs.
1. Video quality
Video quality is an important aspect to take into consideration. In order to avoid looking pixelated in your next presentation, you should consider video quality. Zoom and Skype both offer up to 1080p video.
You need both a reliable hardware connection and a strong data connection. The link below will show you how to get a high-quality webcam. Luckily, most current internet connections far surpass developer recommendations. Skype recommends 1.5Mbps (up/down) connection for high-definition calls. Zoom, however, is more stringent at 3.8Mbps and 3Mbps respectively at its highest settings.
Zoom does not activate 1080p resolutions automatically. You will need to manually upgrade the settings and the team must activate HD or higher resolutions. You will still be able to view 720p video, which is great.
2. Participant limits
Your decision on Zoom vs Skype will be heavily influenced by the size of your group. You can only have 100 people using the free consumer version of Skype. However, a Microsoft Teams plan allows you to add up to 300. These numbers are far less than Zoom's.
Zoom Meetings' free plan lets you host video calls with up 100 people. This number can go up to 1,000 if you pay up. Zoom is your best option if you are a large business and need video calls with more than 300 people.
3. Compatibility
Zoom and Skype are very compatible, which is a great thing. Both can be used on Windows and macOS as well as Linux, Android, iOS and a web browser. As mentioned above, you can also call in via telephone. There are no excuses to miss that meeting!
4. Other features
The feature set of Zoom and Skype services is very similar. Both services offer screen sharing, meeting recording and cloud storing. Zoom has more integrated features than Zoom. Skype could have more features such as virtual hand raising and breakout sessions to divide participants into groups.
5. Security
Zoom and Skype both boast industry-leading security and end-to-end encryption. However, Zoom has been the focus of privacy concerns. They froze new features for 90 day. The company isn't getting a break despite privacy updates, including improving encryption and adding the ability to disable personal meetings IDs.
Zoom has had a difficult time and security-conscious users will likely want to stay with Skype at least for a while. The company has also fixed issues like Zoombombing by installing updates. Also, end-to-end encryption was also implemented .
6. Pricing
Zoom's free plan might be great but you may find the 40-minute limit and 100 participants annoying. For those who require more, a monthly subscription can be purchased. Skype is available to all users at no cost. Skype Business comes with Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams is a more valuable option for users, as it includes many additional features such as Microsoft Office collaboration and access productivity apps. Prices start at $5 but are per user. Zoom charges per host. To determine which option is more cost-effective, you will need to evaluate your needs and perform some math.
Which one is right for you?
Zoom and Skype are close competitors. Both are great choices, but Zoom offers more features for business users and other work-related purposes. Zoom's extra features over Skype may not be important to you. The real difference is the pricing.
Zoom's base subscription costs $14.99. However, the free version of Zoom is very capable and includes most premium features. Zoom's base paid subscription is only for people who require video calls with more than 100 participants, or those who can't handle the 40-minute limit. You can also read- how does zoom make money for making money online.
Skype features might be a good option if your team can use Microsoft Teams' additional capabilities, Office apps and collaboration tools. Although this might seem more expensive, each Office 365 subscription costs at most $5. Microsoft Office is a popular suite and many businesses pay for it anyway. You might be able to use what you already have.
This is unless you want to really go all-out with Zoom for large companies and add 1000 participants instead of the 300-person maximum limit.