Just a month ago there was little point in comparing Skype and Zoom, but since then everything has changed. Many of
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Skype has begun to actively promote the Meet Now feature, which is similar to Zoom but much safer.
Most likely we will still beStay at home, so now is the time to find out which program is better. Zoom and Skype have several significant differences that will help you make a choice.
Also read: How to work at home - the best programs for remote teamwork
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Compare Skype and Zoom
Skype
Zoom
Supported devices
Web Browsers, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Windows 10, macOS, Linux (including Ubuntu), iOS, Android, and Blackberry
Maximum number of participants
Up to 50 participants
100 (showing up to 49 right away)
Special features
Blur backgrounds, emojis with reactions, record conversations
Ability to change backgrounds, two-way encryption, HD video and audio
Cost
Is free
Is free
Premium features
International calls
Zoom Pro monthly subscription) - call duration up to 24 hours
Video recording
Records are stored up to 30 days
1 GB of cloud storage for records
Understanding both programs is quite simple, but over time you will notice that one of them has a lot more functions.
Also read: Zoom: how to configure and use the program for video conferencing
Who is Skype for?
The simplicity of Skype is amazing. Just go to this page and clickCreate a free meeting. You will receive a link that you can share as an invitation to a conversation. In Zoom you need to register.
Another advantage of Skype is thatthat many of us have had the program hanging on our computer for a long time. The Zoom program is little known. You've probably been using Skype for many years to communicate with friends and family. Skype has become the standard program for online video communication. In addition, the service is available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
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In addition, Skype allows you to blur the background of the video. It's not as cool as changing the background to a picture, but it can still be very useful. With the function, no one will see what is in your room, and relatives passing by will not get into the video. Unfortunately, the function is not yet available in the web application. Skype also keeps records of your conversations for up to 30 days.
Even if you don’t want to download anything (or simply can’t), you can use Skype in your browser (Zoom can do this too).
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There are no time limits on Skype Meet Now. In Zoom, calls with 3 or more people can last up to 40 minutes. If this is not enough for you, you will have to apply for a paid subscription. She removes the restriction.
Who should use Zoom
In Zoom, communication is more convenient in that you can see up to 49 people at once. In Skype, the possibilities of this plan are poorer.
In addition, the limit of participants in Zoom is also greater. 100 people can take part in one call at a time. This is twice as much as in Skype Meet Now. For money, the restriction can not be removed, only the premium version with international calls is available.
If you most often communicate face-to-face (2 participants), then you will be completely satisfied with the program, since there are no restrictions on such conversations.
Zoom also has more fun features. Skype has a section for messages and photos, but in Zoom you can change your background to a funny picture. This will definitely liven up your conversation.
There is a web version of Zoom for the browser, but it has fewer functions.
Conclusion
Skype is not just a video call program. Now it’s also a site where you can start a video conference in just a couple of seconds. Yes, the new feature is great, but there are still more restrictions on Skype.
If you study Zoom’s privacy settings well, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Unless, of course, time limits limit you.
In any case, using both programs is very easy, and you can always switch from one to the other.