Zoom and Microsoft Teams are the two dominant video conferencing platforms, and choosing between them has real implications for how your organization communicates, collaborates, and manages its data. Here is a direct comparison across the areas that matter most.
Pricing
Microsoft Teams
- Free version includes up to 300 participants, 2 GB per user storage, 10 GB shared storage, unlimited chat, and group calls without time limits
- Paid plans start at approximately $6.40 CAD per user per month through Microsoft 365 Business Essentials, up to about $25.60 for Business Premium
Zoom
- Free version limits group calls to 40 minutes with a maximum of 100 participants
- Paid plans start at approximately $20 CAD per user per month for Zoom Pro
- Zoom Phone, Video Webinar, and other add-ons add additional cost on top of the base plan
Advantage: Teams. Lower per-user pricing combined with integrated Office applications provides better overall value for most organizations.
Features
Teams Strengths
- Persistent channel-based chat with rich formatting
- Archived meeting logs and searchable history
- Built-in meeting notes and action item tracking
- Live captions during meetings
- Integration with the full Microsoft 365 ecosystem
Zoom Strengths
- Simpler interface that is easier for first-time users
- Breakout rooms accessible from the standard interface
- Audio-only sharing option for meeting hosts
Advantage: Teams for organizations that need persistent collaboration alongside meetings. Advantage: Zoom for simplicity in standalone video calls.
Privacy and Security
Teams
- Multifactor authentication via Microsoft 365
- Azure Active Directory policy customization
- Canadian data stored on Canadian servers for Canadian accounts
- Data not sold to third parties
Zoom
- Two-factor authentication support
- Conference ID and optional PIN codes
- Historical concerns about data practices and "Zoom bombing" incidents, though security has improved significantly
Advantage: Teams, primarily due to stronger data residency commitments for Canadian organizations and more comprehensive enterprise security integration.
Our Recommendation
For enterprise use, Microsoft Teams is the stronger choice due to security, privacy, data residency, and its integration with the broader Microsoft 365 environment. Zoom remains a good option for organizations that need a simple, standalone video meeting tool and do not require the collaboration features that Teams provides.