Zoom vs Teams is one of the most common questions businesses ask when choosing a video conferencing platform. Both work well, but they fit different teams. The right choice depends on the tools you already use, who you meet with, and how you equip your conference rooms.
Which Is Better, Zoom or Teams?
Microsoft Teams is usually better for companies that already run on Microsoft 365. Chat, files, calendars, and meetings all live in one place. As a result, internal collaboration feels seamless.
Zoom is usually better for businesses that meet often with clients and outside partners. It’s simple to join, and most people already know how to use it. Therefore, external meetings start with less friction.
Zoom vs Teams at a Glance
| Zoom | Microsoft Teams | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Client and external meetings | Internal collaboration in Microsoft 365 |
| Biggest strength | Easy to join and use | Chat, files, and meetings in one app |
| Consider first | Runs separately from your office tools | Outside guests may find it less familiar |
| Conference room system | Zoom Rooms | Microsoft Teams Rooms |
When Zoom Makes More Sense
Choose Zoom if your team spends much of its day meeting with clients, prospects, or vendors. Guests can usually join quickly without extra setup. In addition, Zoom works well for webinars and large virtual events.
When Microsoft Teams Makes More Sense
Choose Teams if your company already uses Outlook, SharePoint, and other Microsoft 365 tools. Meetings, chats, and shared files stay connected. Furthermore, your IT team manages one system instead of two.
Other Video Conferencing Platforms
Zoom and Teams lead the market, but two other platforms are common in business:
- Cisco Webex: popular with large enterprises and organizations with strict security needs
- Google Meet: a natural fit for companies that use Google Workspace
Whichever platform you choose, pick it before you equip your rooms. The platform decides which room hardware works best.
Zoom vs Teams in the Conference Room
In a conference room, Zoom and Teams each run on a dedicated room system: Zoom Rooms or Microsoft Teams Rooms. These systems let anyone start a meeting with one tap, without connecting a laptop.
Many room devices are certified for both platforms. For example, Neat video bars and controllers run Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms. In addition, many room systems can join meetings hosted on the other platform, so you can still meet clients who use something different.
In practice: Create Spaces equipped Diversified Fluid Solutions’ conference rooms with Neat Bars and Neat Pad controllers for Zoom and Teams calls. See the DFS project.
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Rooms
- Check your current tools. If you run on Microsoft 365, Teams is the natural choice.
- Look at who you meet with. Frequent client meetings often favor Zoom.
- Standardize your rooms. One platform across every room keeps meetings simple for everyone.
- Choose certified hardware. Certified devices work reliably with your platform.
- Plan the network. A wired connection and structured cabling keep video stable.
Not sure which room type you need? See our guide to video conferencing rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Zoom or Teams?
Teams is usually better for companies that use Microsoft 365. Zoom is usually better for frequent client and external meetings.
Can a conference room work with both Zoom and Teams?
Yes. Many room devices are certified for both platforms, and many room systems can join meetings hosted on the other platform.
What is a Zoom Room?
A Zoom Room is Zoom’s software for conference rooms. It runs on dedicated room hardware, so anyone can start a meeting with one tap.
What is Microsoft Teams Rooms?
Microsoft Teams Rooms is Microsoft’s conference room system. It connects room cameras, audio, and displays directly to Teams meetings.
Equipping Conference Rooms in Boise, Reno, or Las Vegas?
Create Spaces designs and installs conference room technology for Zoom, Teams, and other platforms. Talk to a workplace expert here.