Skype does not offer a premium plan for businesses Zoom offers three premium plans ranging from $14.99 to $19.99 per month per license. There are some differences between the two solutions. While only Zoom and Skype account holders can set up meetings, participants do not have to join either platform to attend video meetings. Zoom and Skype are also compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux. Both offer free plans, and both allow you to record your sessions, share your screen, chat within the video call and access meetings without signing up for an account. Zoom and Skype have several features in common. Zoom launched in 2013 and has experienced a meteoric rise in use, particularly in the last few years. Skype was first released in 2003 and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011. *There is a 40-minute limit on group meetings with free plan Varies by plan online Zoom Help Center, tickets, chat and phone service available University IT recommends Zoom for creating useful and effective collaborative environments online that can be used to engage both students and colleagues.Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Mac OS, Xbox, Amazon Alexa devicesĪvailable on Zoom Business and Enterprise plans Online Classroom/ Collaboration and Training Webinars

University IT recommends Skype for Business as the application of choice for daily communications with your office co-workers and invited non-UR colleagues. University IT recommends Zoom for running online meetings and conferences Visit the Skype for Business page for more information. Sending a quick message or file through Skype for Business revolves around the intuitive chat interface, familiar to those who have used Office Communicator, Lync, or Skype, and can easily integrate video and audio from the chat window. Skype for Business allows the user to connect easily and quickly with co-workers using instant messaging, screen and document sharing, and informal audio/video calls. Skype for Business has many of the same features as Zoom, however, Skype for Business excels as an office communications solution. Visit the Zoom page for more information.

Zoom also includes a chat utility that can be used to communicate directly with the session leader/instructor or with other attendees. Attendees can virtually raise their hand allowing the session leader/instructor greater control over the collaborative classroom setting by ensuring thoughts and opinions are shared in turn. Zoom allows the meeting organizer full control of the meeting such as muting all microphones and controlling attendees’ presentation access. Zoom features breakout sessions that enable you to split your viewers into smaller groups in situations such as a training webinar or online class session. Zoom is a cloud-based technology that offers a full spectrum of conferencing tools to help increase productivity and can be used to lower costs by reducing travel expenses and equipment purchases.

Zoom vs skype