Choosing a reliable and feature-rich phone system is essential for businesses aiming to enhance communication, improve collaboration, and streamline workflows. Zoom and Skype are two popular solutions in the market, each offering distinct features, pricing, and integration options that cater to various business needs. This full comparison of Zoom vs Skype explores their features, costs, and more to help you make an informed choice for your business.
Zoom vs Skype
| Feature/Aspect | Zoom | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Core Functionality | Video conferencing, VoIP phone system, team chat, screen sharing, webinar capabilities | Audio and video calls, instant messaging, screen sharing, file sharing |
| Maximum Participants | Up to 1,000 (Enterprise plan with add-on) | Up to 100 |
| Video Quality | HD video quality, supports virtual backgrounds and high-quality audio | HD video quality, but may drop in quality with larger groups |
| VoIP Services | Zoom Phone offers VoIP with call routing, call recording, auto-attendant, and analytics | Limited to Skype-to-Skype calls for free; paid plans for external calling |
| Messaging | Team chat and direct messaging with file sharing and searchable history | Instant messaging and file sharing |
| Integrations | Extensive integrations with Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and more | Primarily integrates with Microsoft 365 |
| Security | End-to-end encryption, password-protected meetings, SSO, GDPR-compliant | Encrypted communications, but lacks advanced security options like SSO |
| Recording Options | Cloud recording with transcription (Pro plan and above) | Local recording available, but no transcription features |
| Platform Availability | Desktop, mobile, and web (compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux) | Desktop, mobile, and web (compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux) |
| Call Quality and Reliability | Excellent quality and reliability, performs well even with high participant counts | Good for small groups, may degrade with more participants |
| Customisation | Brand customisation options available (Business and Enterprise plans) | Limited customisation options |
| Admin Controls | Advanced admin controls with user management and analytics | Basic admin controls; limited analytics |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support available with Business and Enterprise plans | Basic support, primarily through online help resources |
| Pricing | Free tier available; Pro: £11.99/month/user; Business: £15.99/month/user | Free for Skype-to-Skype; paid calling options available from £4.20/month |
| Best For | Businesses of all sizes needing advanced video conferencing and VoIP | Small to mid-sized businesses prioritising low-cost communication and simplicity |
| Scalability | Highly scalable, with add-ons and features suitable for growing businesses | Limited scalability, better suited for smaller teams and organisations |
Key features comparison
Zoom features
Zoom has evolved from a simple video conferencing tool into a comprehensive unified communications platform. It offers various features designed to support both remote and in-office teams, making it a strong contender for businesses prioritising robust video and collaboration capabilities.
- Video and audio conferencing: Zoom excels in high-quality video and audio conferencing, with capabilities for up to 1,000 participants (with add-ons). It provides HD video, virtual backgrounds, and screen-sharing features for seamless presentations and meetings.
- Zoom Phone: For businesses seeking a phone system, Zoom Phone provides VoIP functionality with features like call routing, call recording, voicemail transcription, and integrations with CRM systems.
- Messaging and file sharing: Zoom includes a messaging feature for team chats and file sharing, allowing employees to communicate and collaborate within the same platform.
- Integrations: Zoom integrates with productivity tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, and Salesforce, making it suitable for businesses that rely on various software systems.
- Security: Zoom offers end-to-end encryption, role-based access, and advanced security features for business-grade data protection.
Skype features
Skype has been a trusted communications tool for years, particularly for smaller businesses and remote teams. It provides essential phone system capabilities but is more limited in scope than Zoom’s expansive features.
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- Audio and video calls: Skype supports audio and video calls, but the participant limit is capped at 100, which may restrict its use in larger team meetings.
- Skype Number and calling plans: Skype offers Skype Number, a feature for businesses that want a local number for receiving calls from any phone. Additionally, it provides calling plans for making affordable domestic and international calls.
- Messaging and file sharing: Skype includes instant messaging, file sharing, and screen sharing, catering well to small teams that need a simple platform for daily communications.
- Integrations: Skype’s integrations are more limited but include connections with Microsoft 365, making it an option for businesses that heavily rely on Microsoft products.
- Security: Skype offers encrypted communications for voice, video, and messaging. However, its security features are not as extensive as Zoom’s, potentially impacting businesses with stringent compliance needs.
Comparing costs – Zoom vs Skype
Zoom pricing
Zoom offers multiple pricing plans, making it adaptable for businesses of all sizes:
- Basic (Free): This tier includes 40-minute video meetings with up to 100 participants, screen sharing, and messaging, ideal for small teams or quick check-ins.
- Pro (£11.99/month per user): Extends meeting duration to 30 hours and adds admin controls, social media streaming, and 1 GB of cloud recording per user.
- Business (£15.99/month per user): Offers branding options, cloud recording transcripts, and integration with single sign-on (SSO), suitable for SMEs.
- Enterprise (Custom pricing): Tailored for large businesses with extensive needs, this plan provides support for up to 1,000 participants, unlimited cloud storage, and a dedicated customer success manager.
- Zoom Phone (starting at £7/month per user): Offers business VoIP services with features like call recording, auto-attendant, call queuing, and analytics.
Zoom’s plans scale based on the number of users, making it a flexible option for businesses that may expand over time.
Skype pricing
Skype’s pricing structure is simple, primarily offering a pay-as-you-go model alongside subscriptions for international calls:
- Free: Skype-to-Skype calls, video meetings (up to 100 participants), instant messaging, and file sharing are included for free, suitable for smaller teams or budget-conscious businesses.
- Skype Number (£5.50 – £16/month): Enables businesses to have a local number in a chosen country, allowing customers to call from anywhere as if it were a local number.
- Calling subscriptions: Skype’s calling subscriptions cover specific regions:
- UK Unlimited (£4.20/month): Unlimited calls to UK landlines.
- World Subscription (£12.10/month): Unlimited calls to landlines in 63 countries and mobiles in eight countries.
For businesses needing a cost-effective solution for international calls, Skype’s low calling rates and number options are appealing, though the plan lacks the advanced business phone system features seen with Zoom Phone.
User experience and interface
Zoom’s user interface is straightforward, with a clean design that makes it easy for new users to adapt quickly. Its interface is customisable, allowing businesses to add branding elements, which can be beneficial for client-facing communications. Zoom’s platform is accessible via desktop, mobile, and web, ensuring flexibility for remote or on-the-go teams.
Skype’s interface is also intuitive, with a familiar layout for long-time users. It’s available on desktop, mobile, and web, ensuring seamless accessibility across devices. However, Skype’s user experience is designed with simplicity in mind, which may lack the depth of customisation and scalability available with Zoom, potentially limiting its functionality for larger teams.
Call quality and reliability
Zoom is renowned for its high-quality video and audio performance, even under varying network conditions. Zoom’s ability to maintain HD quality during large meetings makes it suitable for businesses requiring stable video calls with clients or remote team members. Zoom’s cloud-based infrastructure also provides high reliability, with minimal downtimes reported.
Skype provides reliable audio and video quality, particularly for smaller groups. However, as the number of participants increases, call quality may vary, especially during high-bandwidth activities like screen sharing. Skype remains a practical choice for smaller teams but may not match the consistency Zoom offers in larger meetings.
Security and compliance
Zoom provides comprehensive security measures, including end-to-end encryption, password-protected meetings, and the option to set meeting authentication requirements. It complies with major standards like GDPR, making it a trusted option for businesses with stringent data protection needs.
Skype offers encrypted communications, but it doesn’t provide the same level of advanced security features as Zoom. For businesses with critical compliance requirements, this may be a limitation. However, for general communications where data sensitivity is lower, Skype’s security measures are sufficient.
Integrations and compatibility
Zoom integrates with many third-party applications, including Microsoft 365, Slack, Salesforce, and Google Workspace, enhancing its value for businesses relying on diverse software. Its API capabilities also allow custom integrations, making it a versatile option.
Skype’s integrations are mostly focused on Microsoft 365, making it an excellent choice for businesses embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem. However, for businesses seeking broader integrations, Zoom’s flexibility provides a wider range of options.
Scalability
Zoom is designed to scale easily, with options for businesses of all sizes. Its Enterprise plans provide dedicated support and extensive customisation, catering well to larger organisations or those planning for growth.
Skype’s scalability is limited in comparison, as it’s best suited for smaller to mid-sized businesses. While it’s capable of handling standard communication needs, larger companies may find Skype’s feature set restrictive as their requirements grow.
Pros and cons summary
| Aspect | Zoom | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | High-quality video and audio, scalability, integrations, robust security | Free basic options, affordable international calls, simple interface, integration with Microsoft 365 |
| Cons | Higher cost for advanced plans, potential for feature overload for small teams | Limited scalability, fewer integrations, basic security features |
Conclusion – Which is better for your business?
When deciding between Zoom vs Skype, consider the specific needs of your business:
- Choose Zoom if you require a comprehensive communications solution with high-quality video conferencing, scalability, advanced security, and extensive integrations. Its diverse plans cater to businesses of all sizes, making it a reliable choice for organisations planning for growth.
- Choose Skype if you are a small business or start-up looking for a budget-friendly solution for everyday communication, especially if international calls are a priority. Skype’s simple interface and low-cost calling options are ideal for teams with basic requirements.
For businesses weighing up collaboration, scalability, and security, Zoom offers a more robust solution. However, for smaller teams and businesses focused on simplicity and cost-efficiency, Skype is a practical choice that meets core communication needs.
FAQ – Zoom vs Skype comparison
Zoom is better suited for large meetings, supporting up to 1,000 participants with an add-on, while Skype caps at 100 participants. Zoom also offers HD video and additional controls to manage large group meetings effectively, making it ideal for larger teams.
Yes, Zoom offers a broader range of features, including Zoom Phone, webinars, advanced integrations, and custom branding options. Skype is more streamlined, focusing on audio/video calls, basic messaging, and file sharing, making it simpler but less versatile for comprehensive business needs.
Skype is generally cheaper, offering free Skype-to-Skype calls and low-cost plans for external calls. Zoom’s paid plans start at £11.99/month per user, but its features justify the cost for businesses needing extensive communication tools, including high-capacity meetings and VoIP.
Zoom provides stronger security features, such as end-to-end encryption, SSO, and role-based access. Skype encrypts calls and messages but lacks some advanced security measures. For businesses with strict compliance needs, Zoom offers more comprehensive security options.
Yes, both platforms offer recording. Zoom’s paid plans include cloud recording and transcription features, making it easier for teams to revisit meetings. Skype only allows local recording, with fewer options for accessing and managing recorded content, making Zoom a more advanced option.
Both integrate with Microsoft 365, but Skype, as part of Microsoft, is natively embedded within the Microsoft ecosystem. Zoom also integrates with Microsoft products, including Teams and Outlook, but it has a wider range of third-party integrations overall.
Zoom generally provides higher video quality, particularly in larger meetings, with support for HD and virtual backgrounds. Skype offers HD as well, but video quality may degrade in calls with many participants or during high-bandwidth activities, making Zoom more reliable for large meetings.
Skype offers VoIP, but Zoom Phone is a more business-focused VoIP solution with features like call routing, call recording, and advanced analytics. Skype’s VoIP capabilities are simpler, designed for smaller teams, while Zoom Phone is a robust option for comprehensive phone system needs.
Zoom is highly scalable, supporting businesses of all sizes with customisable plans and add-ons, like Zoom Phone. Skype, while affordable and easy to use, is better suited for smaller businesses and lacks the scalability needed for larger, more complex organisations.
Yes, Zoom offers a free plan with limited features, including 40-minute meetings and basic messaging. Skype’s free plan includes Skype-to-Skype calls, instant messaging, and file sharing, which may be more cost-effective for businesses with simple communication needs.