Since March of 2020, remote work has been on the rise, spurring the need for more advanced video conferencing software and collaboration tools. Zoom and Webex are both popular platforms that allow for high-quality video calls and streamlined remote communication. However, zoom vs. webex, which is the better option?
A lot comes down to individual factors. A feature that is vital for one business may be extraneous for another. To decide what is best for you, take a close look at what each platform offers and what your company needs. Below, we will break down the key differences between Zoom and Webex to help you decide which is right for you.
Zoom Vs. Webex: Similarities
In some areas, Zoom and Webex provide more or less the same features. For an unpaid plan, both provide:
- Breakout rooms
- Private and group chat
- Whiteboard, app, and screen sharing
- The ability to record meetings
- Meeting scheduling
- User authentication
- Waiting room/lobby
- Control over participant roles and permission
- Telephone-only dial-in options
There is little significant difference between a free Zoom plan and a free Webex plan for very basic needs – like the occasional video interview or remote meeting. However, these days most companies use video conferencing tools daily. Therefore, there are several important factors to consider when deciding between Zoom and Webex.
Zoom Vs. Webex: Key Differences
Pricing
Meeting Platform Pricing will vary based on many factors such as the number of users and typically ranges from $15 to $25 per user per month for basic meeting services. However, Zoom’s lowest price is for basic features, and many companies will need more than the basics. Webex also recently enhanced their free plan, giving users access to longer meeting times (up to 50 minutes, as opposed to 40 minutes with Zoom) and features like audience polling.
For more sophisticated features – such as managed or external video endpoints – the price difference among the platforms starts to even out. Businesses must also consider factors such as any discounts your company’s eligible for and specific platform features you need. All of this can affect your final price.
In short, there is no simple answer in terms of price. Take a close look at your company’s specific needs and crunch the numbers to determine the best value option.
Ease Of Use
Both Webex and Zoom are incredibly user-friendly and come with intuitive setups. You do not need an account to participate in Zoom or Webex meetings, making it easier to connect with people outside your company. For example, when conducting remote interviews, all you need to do is send a client a Webex or Zoom link.
In short, Webex and Zoom are on par when it comes to simplicity.
Call Quality
Evaluating call quality can be somewhat subjective as an individual’s internet connection also has an impact here. Both Zoom and Webex both offer higher quality calling options for video calls than similar platforms like Skype and Google Meet.
Webex allows for up to 1080p video, while Zoom defaults at 720p, with 1080p limited to business and enterprise plans. Both platforms have noise removal features – incredibly helpful for virtual events – and each provides MP4 audio recordings and transcription features.
In short, both platforms are vastly superior to lower-cost options, but Webex has a slight edge for seamless real-time transitions, security, and overall quality.
Collaboration Tools
Webex allows users to communicate in and outside of meetings via phone and video conferencing and through the Webex portal, SMS/MMS text messaging, and live chat. Any files, whiteboards, or messages exchanged between users are automatically saved and synced across all devices.
Zoom provides group messaging tools as well, although you can only use them during calls. Zoom allows users to create and join both public and private groups. From there, you can customize chat notifications, tag other users, and search chats for files and keywords.
Zoom also provides features like:
- Direct replies
- Do Not Disturb settings
- Calendar syncing
- Whiteboard features (which can be saved after use)
Webex offers many valuable features that Zoom lacks. Webex’s AI-powered meeting assistant can take notes, set up future meetings, transcribe and caption meetings in real-time from over 100 languages, flag important messages for follow-up, and more. With Webex, you can automatically email meeting transcripts, notes, and highlights to users once a meeting ends.
In short, Webex provides better collaboration tool features than Zoom, which can make it worth the extra cost for remote or hybrid teams especially.
Security
Webex offers strict security features for video conferencing, such as locked personal room meetings, password-enforced meeting connections, and encrypted cloud recordings. They also provide end-to-end encryption and some paid plans even offer encrypted cloud recordings – both excellent options for businesses discussing sensitive information via remote or hybrid meetings.
While Zoom had some notable security breaches at the beginning of the pandemic, they have made a concerted effort to repair vulnerabilities since. Zoom also offers end-to-end encryption for all users, even for unpaid accounts.
In short, both platforms take security very seriously, especially now that more meetings occur in a remote environment.
Support
Both Zoom and Webex provide free support via their respective help centers and more robust support services for paid plans.
All paid Webex plans allow you to contact customer service via live chat or phone. With Business and Enterprise level subscriptions, Webex will assign you a designated representative to handle any technical issues.
With Zoom, paid plan subscribers can submit tickets for technical issues and access live chat. If you opt for a Business or Enterprise subscription, you can speak to a representative via phone call. However, you do not have a designated representative as you would with a Webex plan. So, overall, Webex’s support is more comprehensive.
Zoom Vs. Webex: The Bottom Line
Both Zoom and Webex have pros and cons in terms of factors such as affordability, video quality, and collaboration tools. Therefore, it is hard to make a final judgment call when deciding which is the better option. Spend some time evaluating your company’s needs and budget when determining which platform will provide you the most value.
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