Comparison of Synchronous Teaching Tools
Are you interested in comparing Zoom and Teams? See some highlights below.
Note: this detail is subject to change and was last updated on the 1st September 2021. Always refer to the vendor site for the most up-to-date information.
Comparison of Synchronous Teaching Tools
| Features | Microsoft Teams |
Zoom |
|---|---|---|
| Main support website | MS Teams help | Zoom help |
| Local support for University of Galway staff |
Support for technical/administration (ISS). Support/advice for use in teaching (CELT). |
Support for technical/administration (ISS). Support/advice for use in teaching (CELT). |
| Local support for University of Galway students |
Library and IT Service Desk |
Library and IT Service Desk |
| Licence status |
Teams is available via the University of Galway Office365 tenancy. Institutional licence for all staff and students. |
University of Galway currently has a Zoom licence for 1 year in response to Covid-19. Renewal will require funding allocation and approval. |
| Max simultaneous webcams |
49 on screen |
49 on screen |
| Max. no of simultaneous audio |
49 | 49 |
| Max. no participants |
1,000 limit (with up to 10,000 or 20,000 'view only' in teams live type mode) learn more here |
300 limit (large event, Webinars require an additional licence not currently in core University of Galway provision for general use) |
| Large event option |
Live Meeting' up to 20,000 viewers. Essentially a streaming option with Chat for Q&A. Available in University of Galway licence to all users. |
Zoom Webinar can support 100-10,000 viewers (stream plus text Q&A). Not available in general licence for University of Galway. Requires additional cost/licence (depending on size) |
| Multiple moderators |
Yes | Yes |
| Supported browsers. Latest browser versions are recommended |
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, IE Chromium |
Chrome, Firefox, Edge Chromium, Safari |
| Mobile app available |
Yes | Yes |
| Desktop app/client available |
Yes (Mac, Windows, Linux(X86)) |
Yes (Mac, Windows) |
| Chat feature |
Yes | Yes |
| Share white board |
Yes | Yes |
| Polling (very limited in all cases compared to polling apps) |
Yes | Yes |
| Handraising | Yes | Yes |
| Can record session |
Yes | Yes |
| Recording format |
MP4 Video |
MP4 Video |
| Recording downloadable |
Yes |
Yes |
| Share/download files |
Yes | Yes |
| Screen sharing capabilities |
Yes | Yes |
| Breakout rooms (group work) |
Yes | Yes |
| Browser based (no download required) |
Yes | Yes (App recommended) |
| Automated Live Captions | Yes | Yes (must be activated on account and only for client/app versions) |
| Manual Closed Captioning |
Yes (captioner role) | Yes (captioner role) |
| *Bandwidth information for audio with video. In general, when more bandwidth is available, quality and usage will increase to deliver the best experience. Note 1 mbps = 1000 kbps |
Up to 2 mbps per second recommended for presenter/participant |
Up to 2 mbps per second recommended for presenter/participant single screen |
* Please note that there are a number of variables that may affect connectivity, such as the number of users in a session, bandwidth and simultaneous video options.