On the surface, Zoom and Skype are both video conferencing tools or it suffices to say, communication software, similar to Google Hangouts, that allow people to interact with each other in real-time. Both are a great platform for holding collaborative meetings or making discussions regarding any project. Both allow you to conduct online meetings with multiple individuals simultaneously, which is a great alternative to meeting face to face. Well, most of the users are probably already familiar with Skype, considering it is equally popular outside the business circle as well. Zoom is a great tool among students for synchronous communication for several weeks both on and off the class. And Skype has been around for quite some time now and has been the go-to telecommunication tool for people around the world. We pit the two communication tools against each other to see which one is the better choice.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing tool and collaboration software to create group meetings, group collaboration, and group chat. It allows you to hold conferences with multiple people at once and record your meetings for posterity. It is a great comprehensive tool for businesses and sole proprietors alike, making it easy for them to get together and collaborate. Zoom is a leader in modern enterprise video communication and collaboration solutions used across a multitude of devices including desktops, telephones and room systems. Zoom is a more feature-rich version of Skype that offers everything audio and video conferencing, group collaboration, and messaging, all into one easy-to-use platform. It is the more consumable product in this digital age which has moved from curiosity to everyday business tool. The basic version of Zoom is free of cost and cross-platform compatible.
What is Skype?
Skype is a heavy-duty telecommunications tool that dramatically alters how you exchange information, how you meet new people and collaborate with them, and how you interact with friends, colleagues, and family. Although Skype is primarily used to make phone calls as opposed to traditional phone calls, there is so much more to it. Skype was founded in 2003 as a software application for making voice calls over the Internet. The original Skype application just worked for users who had a PC and Internet connection. It was revolutionary in that making voice calls to anyone around the world using Skype was free. Since then, Skype has evolved into a widely recognized name. And the best part, it is very easy to use – you simply need a computer with Internet access and a headset with a microphone, and you’re good to go. You have to download the Skype software first and create a Skype name to start using the tool.
Difference between Zoom and Skype
Tool
– While Zoom and Skype are both video conferencing tools and communication software that allow people to interact with each other in real-time, Zoom is probably more feature-rich than Skype. Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing tool allows you to hold conferences with multiple people at once and record your meetings for posterity. Skype, on the other hand, is one of the most popular and widely used telecommunication tools providing voice calls and video chat between mobile devices via the Internet. Skype allows you to make both one-to-one and group calls or send instant messages.
Pricing
– Zoom offers its basic version absolutely free of cost and it is also cross-platform compatible. The basic plan not only allows you to host up to 100 participants but also unlimited one-to-one meetings, and group meetings with up to 40 minutes. Zoom offers a Pro plan for small teams with all the basic features and 100 participants at $14.99 per month per host; the Business plan costs $19.99 per month per host which allows you to host up to 300 participants; and the Enterprise plan with up to 1,000 participants on-board and a minimum of 50 hosts at $19.99/month/host.
Like Zoom, Skype also offers its basic form as a free service which allows free Skype to Skype calls online so that you can stay in touch with friends and family from anywhere in the world. However, if you want to call a mobile phone or a landline through Skype, you will need a Skype Credit or a subscription. Skype offers unlimited calls to more than 60 countries at a minimal price of $15 per month. Skype for Business, on the other hand, allows you to host up to 250 people with a starting price of $2 per month per user.
Feature
– Zoom is a great video conferencing and collaboration tool that provides content sharing capability and hosts online meetings, group discussions and webinars. It also allows you to customize your meetings by making it more interactive between the host(s) and the participants for a better and intuitive conferencing experience. Skype, on the other hand, is more like your go-to telecommunication tool that provides all the basic features and more to cater to the everyday communication needs of people. Skype excels in one-to-one meetings.
Zoom vs. Skype: Comparison Chart
Summary
If you’re looking for a more personalized and intuitive video conferencing experience without the extra bells and whistles, then Zoom is the most likely way to go. Zoom is undoubtedly a great collaboration software to create group meetings, group collaboration, and group chat. Zoom also has a comprehensive set of features to make the meetings more interactive such as the virtual hand-raising. Skype, on the other hand, is one of the most common conferencing and collaboration tools that make your everyday communication with friends, family, and colleagues a breeze. Skype is your go-to telecommunication tool to make free voice one-to-one and group calls, video chat and send instant messages over the Web.