Considering Microsoft Teams vs Zoom for your work meetings? Here’s how the two break down.
The two main virtual conferencing platforms, Microsoft Teams and Zoom, have become reliable assets in the workplace because they provide necessary face-to-face interactions while maintaining physical distance.
Here are the features of both, and why you should choose Microsoft Teams over Zoom:
Zoom
Zoom is a virtual video and audio conferencing platform that was created in 2011. It includes webinar and live chat features which allow up to 500 participants at any given time. The meeting setup includes one or more hosts who share the meeting link with the members through text or email.
Zoom has a screen-sharing feature that allows participants to share files on live chat. It is compatible with all operating systems, and participants meet via a web browser or on the Zoom app. The meeting participants are allowed to mute or unmute themselves and the host has the autonomy to mute or unmute any member.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a product in Microsoft 365. This communications platform offers video and audio conferencing options, with a variety of add-ons. It supports online chats, file attachments, and file sharing.
The video conference feature allows up to 250 participants, while its live stream option can allow up to 10,000 viewers. Microsoft Teams supports screen sharing and will allow you to record and save your meetings on DropBox, OneDrive, and other digital storage applications. It also allows multiple meeting hosts who may or may not have administrative access. Those with admin privileges can mute or unmute participants at will.
Here is how Microsoft Teams vs Zoom stack up against one another:
1. User interface and ease of use
Both platforms allow you to host video calls, voice calls, screens, and file sharing. They also have a “virtual rooms” feature that allows you to have multiple meetings within one conference. Microsoft Teams allows you to have all the features of Microsoft 365 at your disposal. This gives Teams an edge over Zoom when it comes to functionality.
But the additional features may make the platform complicated to use. You need to learn how to use all the components of Microsoft 365. This also requires that all the members of your work meeting learn as well. That may take time. Zoom’s user interface is simple for first-time users. Many learn it within a short time.
2. Features
These two platforms have a noticeable overlap in features. They both offer video conferencing and call dial-in features, file, and screen sharing along with live chat features. Both also offer virtual rooms, which are additional small meeting rooms within a large conference. Virtual rooms are great for team-building exercises. But Microsoft Teams triumphs over Zoom because of the inclusion of all the additional features of Microsoft 365. Record, save, and back up all your meetings with Microsoft 365.
3. Security
When we compare Microsoft Teams vs Zoom for businesses, security is a top concern. Although both claim to take security seriously, Microsoft Teams uses end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, Rights Management Services support, in-transit encryption, and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol technology for audio and video data.
Microsoft gives detailed information about the user data it collects and how it is used. Zoom, on the other hand, uses AES-256 encryption and 256-bit TLS encryption. End-to-end encryption is optional on Zoom. It does employ a variety of other security protocols, such as waiting rooms and password-protected meetings.
Zoom has faced significant backlash for misleading and unclear encryption and privacy policies. Recent cases of security breaches have caused it to be banned by several companies and businesses. If you are discussing sensitive information, Microsoft Teams definitely holds its own when it comes to security.
4. Technical support
Zoom offers 24/7 online support for all its packages, including the free version. All the paid packages give phone support, while the Enterprise plan provides a dedicated customer success manager. Microsoft Teams has no tech support in its free package. However, it offers 24/7 phone and online support for its paid packages.
5. Video quality
Both Zoom and Microsoft Teams offer HD video resolutions of 1080p at 30fps. Zoom recommends a minimum connection speed of 3mbps, while Microsoft Teams uses at least 2mbps. By default, Zoom’s video quality is set to 780p while Microsoft Teams offers 1080p.
6. Pricing
Microsoft Teams offers four packages. One is free and allows up to 300 members and 60 minutes’ meeting duration. The other packages are as follows:
- Microsoft 365 business basic — offers all the features of the free package plus 1TB cloud storage and 24-hour maximum meeting time. It costs $5 per month per user.
- Microsoft 365 business standard — offers all the basic and free features plus Microsoft 365 suit. It costs $12.50 per month per user.
- Office 365 E3 — offers all the above features plus unlimited cloud storage, advanced security, and support. It costs $20 per user per month.
In comparison, Zoom has a free package that has a 100-person limit on meetings and allows 40 minutes per meeting. One-on-one meetings have unlimited time access. The following are the prices for Zoom:
- Pro - allows a maximum of 100 participants with maximum cloud storage of 1GB. Meeting time is a maximum of 30 hours and costs $14.99 per month per user.
- Business - allows up to 300 participants along with all the features offered in the pro package. Extra features include company branding, cloud recording transcripts, and managed domains. The cost of this is $19.99 per month per user.
- Enterprise - this has all the above features and allows 1000 participants with the Enterprise+. It also has a dedicated customer success manager and costs $19.99 per month per user.
Both Microsoft Teams and Zoom are excellent meeting platforms. However, when it comes to functionality, security, and video quality, Microsoft Teams emerges as the better platform. We at Steadfast Solutions can help you set up and get started with Microsoft Teams. Enhance collaboration and team-building in your business. Contact us today for information on how you can get started with Microsoft Teams.
