Skype vs. Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Skype
Score 7.4 out of 10
N/A
Skype (the personal edition) is a free web meeting, video conferencing, and VoIP software. The free version includes audio and video Skype-to-Skype calls, ability to call mobile phones and landlines, paid international calling, and conference calling capabilities for up to 25 people.N/A
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Score 7.5 out of 10
N/A
Skype for Business was an online messaging and conferencing tool, now superseded by Microsoft Teams.N/A
Pricing
SkypeSkype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
SkypeSkype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
SkypeSkype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Considered Both Products
Skype
Chose Skype
Compared to Slack, Skype for Business and MS Teams - I would choose any of them over Skype.
Main strength of the other solutions is that they are usually made to be connected to your work e-mail.
Chose Skype
Skype is good for:
  • Internal video calls and screen sharing.
  • Easy and affordable tool for foreign calls (you can purchase a small credit for every user, so he can make foreign calls from everywhere in affordable prices).
Chose Skype
Skype overall is easier to use than a lot of comparable collaboration tools on the market. It really doesn't require formal training to use, and most users get used to all the features of the platform pretty quick overall. Some other collaboration tools may offer more …
Chose Skype
Skype stacks up against them as it is far more user-friendly and it is helpful for smaller companies who need a more affordable system. However, it does lack some functionalities that other tools have which can change this communication tool to a full-fledged like polls and …
Chose Skype
Skype is just a robust system that almost everyone I've ever interacted with within a business setting has some experience with. So, for us, it was a decision based on convenience and reliability. Skype is [an] application that has been around for a long time and has many …
Chose Skype
Skype is a great tool for communicating with peers. It's also useful for screen sharing and having meetings through video conferencing. End-to-end testing is possible through Skype, as well. It integrates well with Outlook and setting up meetings is quick and easy. Adding …
Chose Skype
Same as before with updates and more features. Nothing much more to say, it's been practical. Zoom is efficient but doesn't allow chat like everyone is already familiar nowadays. (ex; Microsoft, ICQ, MSN, Messenger, Facebook Messenger, etc.) Chatting is now second nature to …
Chose Skype
Google Hangouts is a product that can be used for single and conference video calls. I have used this platform in the past and it doesn't provide the same amount of features as Skype. Google Hangouts requires everyone to create a Google account to participate, while all of the …
Chose Skype
We use Microsoft Windows and products a lot here and Skype is our choice since it is compatible and easy to maintain for the IT Support Team. Everyone is familiar with this product across different countries due to the global reach and support from Microsoft.
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Skype for Business works, but it's not as user-friendly or stable as normal Skype. One difficulty with Skype for Business is that the features aren't always implementable. Skype for Business is more stable than Google Hangouts. It doesn't have as many features as WebEx, but it …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
I always have Skype for business running alongside regular Skype because there are people outside of my organization that I need to reach in a timely manner. The conference and screensharing functionality of Skype for Business is great and easy to use - but that's mostly …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
It is easier to chat on Slack and whatsapp.Skype For Business is much better for video collaboration that ClickMeeting. We have a problem with ClickMeeting because it uses Flash technology and not every browser supports this technology well. I think that long-term we will use Sk…
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Before Skype for Business, we were using Skype and we needed more. At that time, Skype didn't have screen sharing capabilities and had some quality issues with audio and video conferencing. When we started using Lync, the difference in the quality of audio alone was so big that …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
It's very well suited to compete against the "big players" in the video conferencing world. Even as it relates to "normal" Skype, it does a lot more, and a lot better. It might cost a bit more, but it seems to really work well when we get it going with a larger group for bigger …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
WebEx seems to be more cumbersome than Skype and does not integrate as smoothly into Microsoft Outlook.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Skype for Business is the paid version of Skype and thus provides more features and capabilities. As a business with employees worldwide, we require video conferencing software that supports more than 25 members in a call, which is why Skype for Business is preferred over Skype.…
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
I've just used regular Skype which is a lot different and more for the every day use since you can send emoticons and gifs, etc. I prefer Skype for Business because it's concise and to the point.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
The previous version of Skype (before the purchase of Microsoft) certainly had fewer features than those implemented after integration with Lync. It was fortunate that Microsoft purchased Skype to improve its Lync.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Skype for Business existing before all these other softwares were present.
So legacy is maintained by Skype.
Main feature that stacks up Skype against all of the mentioned apps is security provided by Skype for Business apps. As we all know Zoom was not at all safe to use as lots …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
I had used "IBM Sametime" [at] my last company. It was also a good tool but as good as Skype for Business is. Skype for Business has many features and very user-friendly but IBM Sametime [did] not [have as] many features. Sharing screen and taking command is one of the best …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
It’s the most used tool in each company and I had to interact within my career on this software many times. Already part of the package of Office 365, it’s formally the most common step to learn the management role. It can be the great launch of your business growth and a …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Very useful for one on one conversation.
It as a great tool to be used for file sharing and screen sharing.
No hassle of scheduling meeting and logging in for small tasks.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
We use both Skype for Business and Cisco Jabber in Fedex, as Cisco Jabber integrates with our real physical Cisco phone well. They are more like complements with each other.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
We had a similar situation, when the server was saturated, it was impossible to connect, but you could raise your hand to ask questions, it had polling and Q&A. You could also record the meetings, even when you connected through phone.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
We couldn't continue using Skype for Business because it didn't meet our needs. We went with a competitor.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Slack has a bit higher sound quality on calls but does not have a very comfortable GUI and not very good notification sounds. On the other hand, you can connect several accounts to Slack client, as for Skype for Business you can connect only one account and run only one …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Webex is a more robust solution, but more expensive. Google hangout is a simple way to communicate, quite informal.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
I have to use Skype for Business because its the only "approved" IM client. I also use Slack and there are some better collaboration options with Slack. Plus Slack is more fun to work in. But it doesn't integrate with anything else we have so it can not be fully used by everyone.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Most people are familiar with Skype (having personally used it), and Skype for Business has an approachable learning curve. It's also functional across multiple platforms and well-supported for smartphones, which makes it an easy choice when onboarding new clients/vendors. It …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Skype for Business allows for a much quicker interaction between employees and simplistic screen sharing within our company and doesn't require downloading any additional software or click on on any additional links. Until we began using Skype for Business we would have to …
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Although I do enjoy working with both Skype and Zoom for video conferencing. I would honestly say Skype delivered better video quality.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Previously with had Lynnc, which had issues in on line meetings ,and wasn't as rich in features, I think.
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Liked Lync better, seemed to work a bit quicker.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
SkypeSkype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software
Comparison of Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software features of Product A and Product B
Skype
7.5
134 Ratings
7% below category average
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
7.5
193 Ratings
7% below category average
High quality audio7.9131 Ratings8.0189 Ratings
High quality video7.8129 Ratings7.7184 Ratings
Low bandwidth requirements6.5126 Ratings6.6181 Ratings
Mobile support7.6114 Ratings7.9145 Ratings
Screen Sharing
Comparison of Screen Sharing features of Product A and Product B
Skype
6.9
115 Ratings
15% below category average
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
8.5
190 Ratings
6% above category average
Desktop sharing7.4114 Ratings8.8190 Ratings
Whiteboards6.557 Ratings8.3119 Ratings
Online Meetings / Events
Comparison of Online Meetings / Events features of Product A and Product B
Skype
6.8
115 Ratings
19% below category average
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
7.8
187 Ratings
5% below category average
Calendar integration6.982 Ratings8.0173 Ratings
Meeting initiation7.2103 Ratings8.1181 Ratings
Integrates with social media6.162 Ratings7.783 Ratings
Record meetings / events7.174 Ratings7.6142 Ratings
Slideshows6.666 Ratings7.7114 Ratings
Online Events Collaboration
Comparison of Online Events Collaboration features of Product A and Product B
Skype
7.7
108 Ratings
9% below category average
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
8.6
172 Ratings
2% above category average
Live chat8.5107 Ratings9.1170 Ratings
Audience polling7.462 Ratings8.493 Ratings
Q&A7.459 Ratings8.193 Ratings
Online Events Security
Comparison of Online Events Security features of Product A and Product B
Skype
7.4
97 Ratings
12% below category average
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
8.0
155 Ratings
5% below category average
User authentication7.084 Ratings8.1141 Ratings
Participant roles & permissions7.380 Ratings7.9147 Ratings
Confidential attendee list7.758 Ratings8.0109 Ratings
Best Alternatives
SkypeSkype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Small Businesses
ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting
Score 9.4 out of 10
ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting
Score 9.4 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting
Score 9.4 out of 10
ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Google Meet
Google Meet
Score 8.3 out of 10
Google Meet
Google Meet
Score 8.3 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
SkypeSkype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Likelihood to Recommend
7.1
(136 ratings)
8.6
(196 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(5 ratings)
9.0
(7 ratings)
Usability
10.0
(3 ratings)
9.0
(14 ratings)
Availability
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(42 ratings)
8.5
(40 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(3 ratings)
7.0
(2 ratings)
Configurability
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Contract Terms and Pricing Model
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Professional Services
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
SkypeSkype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Likelihood to Recommend
Microsoft
Skype is well suited for quick calls back and forth, in both video and audio, among team members who have it already installed and who know how to use it. It is less well-suited when trying to do a presentation for somebody who does NOT have it installed or who lacks internet speed.
Read full review
Microsoft
Skype is useful for collaborations across distances, including work from home, as well as a more convenient way to communicate with a large group of people. Skype is also useful to communicate with specific parties quickly, rather than relying on cellular service in areas where not as available. Skype is less useful if the team does not use computers , tablets, smartphones, etc in daily workflow as it would rarely be used.
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Pros
Microsoft
  • The instant chat function is great. Very straightforward, easy to use, easy to learn, no technical issues.
  • Video calls are pretty easy also, user friendly and a mostly stable connection with no issues.
  • Voice calls are easy also, eliminates the need for an external landline or the need to use your cell phone. Clear connections, not really any dropped calls.
Read full review
Microsoft
  • Instant messaging to anyone who we know only by name/email. Even if they're offline, they get the message in missed convos and a notification automatically goes to them via Outlook mail. All conversations are saved and accessible via Outlook.
  • Video and voice calls are a norm in the WFH scenario, and an average employee has around 4-5 calls a day. Skype gives notifications for upcoming meetings, allows easy scheduling via outlook calendar, and its audio/video quality [is] reasonably good compared to the amount of data it consumes.
  • Status availabilities - in the WFH scenario, you could be off for lunch, out of office, busy, sharing screens - and might not want to be disturbed. Skype allows you to do that, and in case you're off, ensures that you know that you have missed messages.
  • Screen sharing - we have to share screens at least once or twice a day with a coworker when working on some issues/features, and Skype easily lets us do that. One of the best things about Skype is that the screen can be shared without being on a video/voice call - which is of immense advantage because oftentimes, you could prefer sharing the screen, while it [is] too noisy to talk.
Read full review
Cons
Microsoft
  • This is really small, but I'd love to see the emoticons updated to emojis.
  • Make calling free like some other communications app providers.
  • Grant the ability to not show that you're online even when you are. Sometimes you want to make a call, but you don't want other people to see you're online and start messaging you.
Read full review
Microsoft
  • Probably the biggest area is the video element as it has historically struggled in this area.
  • The need to be forced to federate with another organisation by providing yours and enabling the other organisation settings is a bit tedious but once done, allows for simple collaboration between third-parties.
  • Functionality wise, as it's an older product and being superseded by MS Teams, it feels as if it's run its course but was very good for what it does/did at the time.
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Likelihood to Renew
Microsoft
I have given this rating as this need to give more than that as it's very helpful for us and makes our work more efficient and fast.
Read full review
Microsoft
The software is simple to install and configure. It is rather simple to explain for correct use. It is possible to profile users for the different functions offered. It is integrated quite completely with Outlook and with Active Directory security. It performs all communication functions well with one or more interlocutors and the possibility of granting control of your computer is convenient.
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Usability
Microsoft
Skype is not as good as Facetime in terms of ease to glance at it and figure out how it works. I think that's a result of Skype trying to be too many things at once. A lot of the menu and UI could be streamlined, and I would jettison some of the additional functions that have been tacked on over the years to simplify. That being said, while some options are slightly hard to find, they all work flawlessly once found.
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Microsoft
Very easy to use. Even though Microsoft Teams has a lot of features and integrations, as a user I feel completely comfortable on finding what I need, getting information about the app extensions and using them. It's a very comprehensive tool, intuitive design and does not make me feel tired to be using it. I am glad with the current experience.
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Support Rating
Microsoft
I am not aware of the current support level for Skype for business, as I have never used even though I have the product. However, the support for Skype's personal paid users is not where it could be. Users who pay for Skype features do not have a clear path to reach out to support. So, rating 6, can be better as soon as I need to use Skype for business support and get a good experience. I will say that I will renew Skype for Business subscription, which is a significant inconsistency on my end. The explanation is that Skype for Business comes bundled with Office for Business, with no additional cost, so why not.
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Microsoft
I have only had to reach out to the Support team at Skype for Business once with an issue, and I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the quickness and thoroughness of their response. The wait time was short and my question was dealt with politely and clearly, so I would say the support team has it together.
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Implementation Rating
Microsoft
It can be used on the phone via mobile application as well as on the desktop by logging in to the website. Easily installed and ready to use.
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Microsoft
Skpe for business is utilized company wide in regards to my company. Everyone not only uses it, but uses it often. It is an effective way of communicating. It also integrates very nicely with outlook and all conversation history is pushed to a folder within the outlook system. We also have it so that if someone misses a message, they are sent an email reminder saying that there is a message that went unread.
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Alternatives Considered
Microsoft
Microsoft Teams provides basically the same services. Local number calling is not available (that I know of) but that only matters if you have any need to use it. Teams is a little more stable, especially with a lot of people on a call. Skype is easier to set up and to operate. Skype also has a larger install base.
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Microsoft
For the below reason I will always choose this app over its competitors: Better audio and video quality, Little to no disconnections or freezing when on a call/video conference Integrates well with mailbox/ calendar/ one drive, and SharePoint is easy to use
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Professional Services
Microsoft
The service provided is up to date, as discussed before buying.
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Microsoft
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
Microsoft
  • Overall Skype is a good investment. We use regular Skype so its a product that comes with Windows PC's as a standard app. We dont use Skype for Business so this cuts cost overall.
  • Using the basic functions of Skype and not Skype for business does have some downsides but you do save money. There are many other apps we use as well as Skype in order to accomplish all of our goals.
  • The downside of course is that the more you want Skype to do, the more money it will cost the organization as a whole. It does have many more functions which you have to upgrade to Skype for business for. That is my only criticism.
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Microsoft
  • We almost lost our biggest client because of the poor performance early on in our implementation...the online meetings were poor quality for audio and bandwidth refreshing
  • Many of the employees in our company disliked the quality so much, they started to sign up for free Cisco WebEx accounts to use instead
  • The majority of employees in our company lost trust in our CTO because of his decision to switch from Cisco WebEx to Skype for Business
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ScreenShots