Compare Zoom and Skype: 2 video chat applications for working from home

For remote workgroups, Zoom and Skype are two of the most recommended communication tools.

You can use both platforms to hold video calls, chat and open web meetings or conferences. And if you're looking for a new platform to help you do these things, you'll likely consider both platforms.

Overall, there doesn't seem to be a big difference between Zoom and Skype. But deciding which option to use can have a huge impact on your team. Each platform suits different needs. That is why understanding the pros and cons of each application is important in decision making.

Zoom application

Advantages of Zoom

Zoom is a great and popular option for online conferencing, with over a million people joining every day.

Using Zoom, you can:

1. Conducting live video chat.
2. Access meeting analytics, such as top users by meeting minutes.
3. Easily share screens during a call.
4. Use the recording feature to save and record sessions.
5. Organize brainstorm sessions with the whiteboard feature on Zoom's screen.
6. Access in-depth support, such as live help, online chat, phone support, frequently asked questions, help articles and video tutorials.
7. Free to start. Zoom's free plan allows up to 100 participants in a video call.

You can also use Zoom to host webinars. Using a custom registration URL, you can invite attendees to your webinar in Zoom. Thanks to Zoom's recording feature, you can also save your webinar and reuse it.

Zoom also provides lots of opportunities to better communicate with the group daily. Overall, many Zoom users feel that the platform "has the best performance in any video conferencing platform".

Disadvantages of Zoom

However, Zoom is not a perfect tool. If you are considering using Zoom, there are a few things you should know before relying on this platform.

First, because you pay for Zoom by the number of hosts, the cost can become expensive for large groups. The cost depends on the level you choose, such as the Pro package will be cheaper than Business.

Second, although Zoom has some innovative features, such as whiteboards, voting and remote controls, users report that they are difficult to use. Another disadvantage of Zoom, according to many users, is that the video quality is poor and unstable (videos on Zoom are often blurred).

Skype application

Advantages of Skype

In general, Skype is a great communication tool. Skype is not only popular with businesses, it is also a great tool to connect with friends, family, colleagues and customers from around the world. On top of that, Skype For Business will soon become part of Microsoft Teams, a communication platform with the same features as Slack.

For companies that already use Microsoft products, Skype can be a game changer, especially when you consider all the rich features of this application.

With Skype, you can:

1. Use IM, organize video chats, make domestic and international calls.
2. Proceed to share both screens and documents, support large files.
3. Whiteboard, post a poll and organize a Q&A session.
4. Starting with the free version, works well for small groups.
5. Invest in Office 365, which will soon include Skype, and get more business features like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel applications.
6. Connecting with Microsoft Teams is the biggest advantage, making it a platform that can be easily integrated with the tools that businesses are using.

Cons of Skype

Skype has technical problems that make it impossible to reach its full potential. Despite having a better video and audio than Zoom, Skype often suffers from 'freezing'.

Users also note that it is difficult to get help or support with Skype. Other disadvantages include the amount of bandwidth that the platform occupies, connectivity problems and the difficulty of using Skype. Despite being one of the best video chat tools available today, due to a number of shortcomings, users still want Skype to be able to improve further.

If you are choosing a communication tool and wondering whether to choose Zoom or Skype, you will see that both tools have their own advantages. Skype is a better option for teams looking for a comprehensive business solution. Zoom is more suitable for groups that make regular video chats and meetings.