Microsoft Teams vs Skype for Business

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Our analysts compared Microsoft Teams vs Skype for Business based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Video Conferencing Platforms, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Skype for Business Software Tool

Product Basics

Microsoft Teams is a leading unified communications-as-a-service (UCaaS) provider for businesses of all sizes. It provides voice, video conferencing, chat, instant messaging and file sharing options for enterprise collaboration. In addition to three-way PSTN calls, it enables auto-attendant, call parking, call transfer, do-not-disturb, e911 calling and simultaneous ringing. With direct call routing for existing carriers through SIP trunking, it eliminates the need to change phone service providers. It provides default on-hold music that can be customized through the powershell, as well as custom message setup for calls and voicemail. It also offers live screen sharing through chat for instant context.

Powered by Microsoft 365, its admin console enables account provisioning, assigning phone numbers, number porting, and reporting and analytics. With seamless escalation from group chat to video call, it enables in-call attendee management, screen sharing and chats. Available for all major browsers and Apple devices, it supports the current Android version and its previous three versions at any given time.
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Skype for Business is a robust software solution designed to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration within organizations. It offers a range of features including instant messaging, voice and video calls, online meetings, and file sharing, making it an ideal tool for businesses that require efficient internal and external communication. This software is particularly well-suited for industries such as finance, healthcare, and education, where secure and reliable communication is paramount.

One of the standout benefits of Skype for Business is its integration with other productivity tools, enhancing workflow efficiency. Users appreciate its ability to host large-scale meetings and webinars, as well as its enterprise-grade security features. Compared to similar products, Skype for Business is often praised for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set.

Pricing details can vary based on the specific needs of the organization, so it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, Skype for Business remains a powerful choice for organizations seeking a dependable communication and collaboration platform.

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Android
Chromebook
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Mac
Linux
Android
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Cloud
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Cloud
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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Product Insights

  • Improve Collaboration: Stay connected with team members from any location at any time. Quickly access files and documents. Respond immediately to messages and join meetings with a single click. 
  • Simplify Customizations: Enable news alerts based on location. Customize the workspace according to requirements. Integrate solutions like Google Drive and Dropbox. 
  • Enhance Communication: Use the chat window to connect quickly with employees. Attach files to the chat and schedule meetings without leaving the window. Integrate with other products to avoid switching between applications. 
  • Increase Productivity: Communicate efficiently with team members without sending or receiving emails. Reduce time lag with employees who may not access their emails regularly. Access essential files, documents, meetings and apps from a single workspace. 
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  • Enhanced Collaboration: Skype for Business integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications, allowing teams to collaborate on documents in real-time during meetings.
  • Cost Efficiency: By reducing the need for travel and physical meeting spaces, Skype for Business helps organizations save on operational costs.
  • Global Reach: With support for multiple languages and international dialing, Skype for Business enables effective communication across different regions and time zones.
  • Security and Compliance: Skype for Business offers enterprise-grade security features, including encryption and compliance with industry standards, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
  • Scalability: Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, Skype for Business can scale to meet your needs, supporting thousands of users simultaneously.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: The software integrates with existing telephony systems and other business applications, providing a unified communication platform without the need for extensive infrastructure changes.
  • Improved Productivity: Features like instant messaging, presence information, and quick file sharing streamline workflows and reduce the time spent on administrative tasks.
  • Customizable User Experience: Users can personalize their interface and settings to suit their preferences, enhancing user satisfaction and adoption rates.
  • Reliable Performance: With robust backend support and regular updates, Skype for Business ensures consistent and reliable performance, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
  • Mobile Accessibility: The mobile app allows employees to stay connected and productive on the go, ensuring that important communications are not missed.
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  • Secure Virtual Meetings: Send an invite to video chat with anyone, at any time simply by sending a link to an active email address, member or not. Collaborate in real time with up to 250 people in a single meeting space. 
  • Screen Recording: Record meetings in the cloud and share them with members later. 
  • Messenger: Send chats before, after and during meetings directly to one person or create group chats to keep multiple people in the loop. Send gifs, emojis and stickers to personalize messages. 
  • File Sharing: Access, share, edit, and co-author files and folders in real time securely from SharePoint, OneDrive and computers. Decide who has access to which files by granting permissions to specific groups, channels or individuals. 
  • Interactive Webinars: Connect with customers by hosting live events and webinars. Simply create a new marketing event, fill out details of the meeting and select attendees who will receive a link to the event. Use customer journey features to track attendees, utilizing the available information and continue to track customer interactions. 
  • Custom Backgrounds: Eliminate the need to hide background distractions by choosing from a myriad of screens to project while on a video call. 
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  • Instant Messaging: Real-time text communication with colleagues and clients.
  • Voice and Video Calls: High-definition audio and video calls for one-on-one or group meetings.
  • Presence Information: Displays availability status such as 'Available,' 'Busy,' or 'Do Not Disturb' to help manage interruptions.
  • Screen Sharing: Share your desktop or specific applications during meetings for collaborative work.
  • Meeting Scheduling: Integrated with Microsoft Outlook for easy scheduling and joining of meetings.
  • File Transfer: Securely send and receive files during conversations and meetings.
  • Meeting Recording: Record audio, video, and shared content for future reference or distribution.
  • Whiteboard: Interactive whiteboard feature for brainstorming and visual collaboration.
  • Polling: Conduct polls during meetings to gather instant feedback from participants.
  • Integration with Office 365: Seamless integration with other Microsoft Office applications for enhanced productivity.
  • Enterprise Security: Advanced encryption and authentication protocols to ensure secure communication.
  • Contact Management: Easily manage and organize contacts within the application.
  • Mobile Access: Access Skype for Business on mobile devices for communication on the go.
  • Customizable User Interface: Personalize the interface to suit individual preferences and workflows.
  • Federation: Connect with external organizations using Skype for Business or other compatible platforms.
  • Call Analytics: Monitor call quality and performance with detailed analytics and reporting tools.
  • Voicemail Integration: Voicemail messages are integrated with email for easy access and management.
  • Call Queues and Auto Attendants: Manage incoming calls efficiently with automated systems.
  • Multi-Device Support: Use Skype for Business across multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
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Product Ranking

#4

among all
Video Conferencing Platforms

#12

among all
Video Conferencing Platforms

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Analyst Rating Summary

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89
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Collaboration
Integrations
Reporting
Meeting Management
Security
Audio and Video Management
Meeting Management
Collaboration

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

83%
17%
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91%
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9%
89%
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89%
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67%
33%
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

100%
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60%
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 14359 reviews
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85%
of users recommend this product

Microsoft Teams has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 14359 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.2 (9343)
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4.4 (4030)
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4.5 (499)
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4.2 (487)
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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Microsoft Teams and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Collaboration and Integrations.

Collaboration Award
Integrations Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-Friendly: The interface is easy to use and there is not much training required to navigate through the system, according to 84% of users.
Chat: According to 70% of users who reviewed this pro, the chat functionality is simple, it’s possible to view all chats simultaneously and the history remains forever.
Screen Sharing: About 79% of users who mentioned this pro said screen sharing functionality is quick to set up and works without lags.
File Sharing: Regarding this feature, approximately 75% of users said that it’s easy to share files during calls and various document sharing options are available.
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Simple Interface: Users find the software easy to navigate, even those without prior experience.
Streamlined Workflows: Built-in integration with other Microsoft products like Outlook and SharePoint makes collaborating on projects and sharing files simple.
Practical Communication Tools: Features like screen sharing, file sharing, and group chat allow for real-time collaboration and efficient communication.
Budget-Friendly Options: Offers affordable communication choices, including free options, which can be advantageous for budget-conscious businesses.
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Alerts/Notifications: Lack of reminders for meetings and inconsistent notifications, according to 70% of users who mentioned this aspect.
Speed And Performance: According to 69% of users who reviewed this con, the start time and overall speed is slow, there are sudden crashes, and the computer performance suffers.
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Limited VoIP Capabilities: Skype for Business doesn't function as a full-fledged VoIP platform and lacks features like integrated dial-in audio conferencing, potentially requiring businesses to use additional services for comprehensive calling features.
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Microsoft Teams is a chat-based platform that offers online meetings, document sharing, screen recording and chat and allows businesses to communicate effectively. According to users who have tried this product, their alerts and notifications lack consistency. Slow speed and performance is another con witnessed by users. Most users appreciate user-friendliness. Screen sharing is another worthy function. In short, businesses scouting for a communication tool that is easy to learn can give it a try.

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User reviews of Skype for Business over the past year reveal a mixed bag, particularly as its successor, Microsoft Teams, takes center stage. While many users appreciate its ease of use and integration with other Microsoft products, some have voiced concerns about its limitations and the fact that it's been superseded. For instance, one user lauded the seamless transition from other Microsoft collaboration tools, highlighting the advantage of a unified ecosystem. However, the lack of integrated dial-in audio conferencing features was a common gripe, making it less ideal for businesses that rely heavily on this functionality. This shortcoming underscores the importance of considering specific communication needs when choosing a platform. Despite its limitations, Skype for Business shines in its user-friendly interface, a crucial factor for businesses looking for intuitive tools that require minimal training. Its scalability is another strength, allowing it to accommodate the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. However, the elephant in the room is Microsoft Teams, which offers a more comprehensive suite of features, including robust video conferencing and enhanced collaboration tools. This makes Skype for Business a better fit for businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and with basic communication needs, while those seeking a more future-proof solution might find Teams a more attractive option.

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Screenshots

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