Having a reliable and versatile means of communication is vital in today’s world, in both the consumer and business sides. For businesses, there are many battles between different software, and one of those is Zoom vs Skype. If you use these for business, for your document storage you may want to also consider our article on what is cloud storage.
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These two communication tools are immensely popular and widely used by businesses all over the world. Zoom was founded in 2011 and aims to bring “teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done.” Skype has been around a little longer—since 2003—and aims to “enable the world’s conversations.”
So, what are the differences between the two, and which one is better for your business? We’ve identified several key factors you should consider when deciding between the two when making your purchasing decision.
Cost: Skype Offers Better Pricing
Zoom
Zoom offers a wide variety of different plans and price points. If you want to keep things on a budget, you can sign up for Zoom’s free plan, which allows you to host up to 100 participants in a video call, along with other basic communication features.
The next tier up costs $14.99 per user per month. This tier allows you to host up to 100 participants and includes m0re administrative features to manage user settings and reporting.
The highest tier costs $19.99 per user per month. Like the other tiers, it allows you to host up to 100 participants and it includes all the features in lower tiers. It also provides many more customization options and recording functionality.
Skype
You can download two different versions of Skype: the free version and Skype for Business. The free version of Skype is incredibly comprehensive for a free product, but if you want more control over your video conferencing solution, you’ll definitely want to purchase Skype for Business.
Skype for Business costs either $2 per user per month with the Online Plan 1 or $5.50 per user per month with the Online Plan 2. The Online Plan 1 focuses on the basics, while the Online Plan 2 focuses on more advanced features like HD video conferencing and desktop sharing.
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The good news is that if you already pay for Microsoft Office 365, you already have a subscription to Skype for Business.
Ease of Use: Both Are Easy to Use
When it comes to using the software, both Zoom and Skype are simple and user-friendly. Setting up calls, creating new contacts, and getting set up are all easy to do. The user interfaces for both solutions are crisp and clean, making it easy on the eyes. They’re also not frustrating for the users who interact with the software on a daily basis.
Feature Availability: Both Excel in Different Applications
While both Zoom and Skype offer the same basic communication features, they vary greatly in the details. Zoom focuses more on providing a comprehensive video conferencing solution. Skype focuses more on creating a more versatile communication and collaboration software.
Zoom
If you’re looking for a fully functional and in-depth video conference tool, Zoom beats Skype every time. With features like breakout sessions and individual meeting URLs, you can truly customize your video conference experience. Zoom also allows you to create more interaction between presenter and participants through features like virtual hand raising.
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Skype
If you’re looking for a solution that meets the daily communication needs of your employees, look no further than Skype. With simple file sharing and great one-on-one video chatting and IM, Skype is effective and hard to beat.
Customer Support: Zoom Offers More Personalized Support
Both Zoom and Skype offer excellent support teams. However, since Skype is officially part of Microsoft, you might find more power behind its support team, but longer wait times.
Zoom
You can get support from Zoom’s team through a variety of different means. The company provides a comprehensive online support page that includes video tutorials, FAQs and comprehensive help articles.
If you prefer live help, you can call the support team directly, initiate a live online chat or submit a ticket online.
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Skype
Skype offers a searchable online help system that allows you to find answers on your own. There is also a robust community behind all Microsoft products, and you can get support from a number of community experts through online forums.
If you want live support for Skype, you can go as far as using their AI bot (which is still “in training”). You can also reach out via live chat. Unfortunately, you won’t receive any kind of live phone support with Skype.
