Comparison of Common Features in Microsoft Teams and Zoom
Compare the common features of Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
This is not a full list of features, but covers the most commonly used features and is updated as/when new features are available.
When deciding on which platform is most appropriate for your event, think about what activities you need to facilitate and also how many students will be participating.
Some features may not be available to you, as your capabilities depend on your Role in the event.
Administration Features
Feature | Microsoft Teams Meeting | Zoom | Additional comments for Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum number of participants | 1,000 Meetings | 1,000 (Staff account) 300 (Student account) |
|
Invite participants with a URL | Yes | Yes |
|
Joining password | No | Yes |
|
Schedule recurring session | Yes | Yes |
|
Integrates with calendar invites e.g. Outlook, iCal | Yes | Yes |
|
Moodle integration | No | Yes, only for basic Zoom meetings. (Limited to 40 minutes) |
|
Display session timer | Yes | Yes |
|
Display session name | Yes | Yes |
|
Display session participants | Yes, for Webinar and Class only. | Yes |
|
Change a participant into a presenter | Yes | Yes |
|
Automatic recording of attendance which is viewable after the session | Yes | Yes |
|
Provide analytics on participant usage e.g. viewing time | Yes | Yes |
|
Record session | Yes | No |
|
Schedule automatic recording | Yes | No | From Meeting options> Record and transcribe |
Download recording | Yes | No | Files should be downloaded and uploaded to Strathclyde Learning & Teaching Video Repository |
Share recordings via URL | Yes, but not recommended. | No | Files should be downloaded and uploaded to Strathclyde Learning & Teaching Video Repository |
Audio and Video Features
Features | Microsoft Teams Meeting | Zoom | Additional comments for Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
Number of participant video screens | 49 (in large gallery view) | 49 |
|
Presenter can mute all audio | Yes | Yes | From Participants panel |
Individuals can turn off incoming video to help with low bandwidth | Yes | Yes |
|
Blur or add a picture for virtual camera background | Yes | Depending on device processing power |
|
Add additional video sources e.g. webcam, tablet | Yes | Yes - iPad/iPhone |
|
Presenter can share their computer audio during screen share i.e. system audio | Yes | Yes |
|
Take control of participants shared screen | Anyone who has permission to present, but the person sharing must approve the request to allow control to be shared | Organiser can, if accepted | Can also be offered |
Communication and Interactivity Features
Features | Microsoft Teams Meeting | Zoom | Additional comments for Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
Screen, application & file share | Yes | Yes | Available to all by default for Public Chat. Can share local and OneDrive files |
Chat in main room/space | Yes, only for Class template. | Yes |
|
Presenters can have private chats with individuals within the session | No | Yes |
|
Export chat transcript | No | Yes |
|
Emoticons able to be used in chat | Yes | Yes |
|
Emoticons able to be used on chat contributions | Yes | Yes |
|
Draw or annotate on screen i.e. whiteboard | Yes (called Meeting Whiteboard) | Yes | From toolbar |
Presenter can control who annotates on screen | Yes | Yes |
|
Export drawings from session | Yes | Yes |
|
Breakout rooms | Yes, but users must be logged in with their Strathclyde credentials to engage in a breakout room. | Yes | From toolbar |
Chat in breakout rooms | Yes, but users must be logged in with their Strathclyde credentials to engage in a breakout room. | Yes |
|
Chat saved in app for later viewing (including breakout room chats) | Yes | No |
|
File collaboration in breakout rooms | No (can be facilitated via OneDrive links) | No (can be facilitated via OneDrive links) | Can share local and OneDrive files |
Presenter can retrieve breakout room files | Yes (if shared in the breakout room chat) | No |
|
Notifications to participants of breakout room allocation | Yes | Yes |
|
Polling | Yes | Yes (Desktop version only) Can do Quizzes too. | From toolbar within Webinar and Class chat. Not available for Town Hall. |
Ability to display poll results on the screen | Yes | Yes |
|
Alert for participant questions i.e. raise hand | Yes | Yes | Found on the toolbar |
Move participants out of the main room | Yes, Lobby | Yes, Waiting Room | From Participants panel |
Accessibility Features
Features | Microsoft Teams Meeting | Zoom | Additional comments for Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
Local phone number to join without a computer | No | Yes, if set up to allow. |
|
Support for screenreaders | Yes | Yes |
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Automatic captioning | Yes | Yes |
|
Manual captioning | No | Yes |
|
Functions on all devices e.g. phones, tablets & computers | Yes | Yes |
|
Functions on major browsers | Yes | Yes |
|
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