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Skype vs WebRTC: What are the differences?

Introduction

Skype and WebRTC are communication technologies that enable real-time communication over the internet. While they both allow users to communicate through audio and video calls, there are key differences between the two.

  1. Architecture: Skype operates on a centralized architecture, where calls and messages are routed through Microsoft servers. On the other hand, WebRTC is based on a decentralized peer-to-peer architecture, enabling direct communication between users without the need for intermediate servers.

  2. Platform Compatibility: Skype is a standalone application that requires users to install the Skype client on their devices to use the service. In contrast, WebRTC is a browser-based technology, integrated into web browsers, making it platform-independent and accessible via any browser without the need for additional software.

  3. Privacy and Security: Skype offers end-to-end encryption for audio and video calls, ensuring privacy and security. However, WebRTC does not provide built-in encryption, and it is the responsibility of the developers to implement security measures.

  4. Customization and Integration: Skype provides limited customization options and lacks flexibility for integration into other applications and platforms. On the other hand, WebRTC is an open-source technology that allows developers to customize and integrate communication features into their own applications, providing greater flexibility.

  5. Scalability: Skype is designed to handle large-scale communication and can accommodate a high volume of users simultaneously. In contrast, WebRTC has limitations in terms of scalability, making it more suitable for smaller-scale deployments.

  6. Network Requirements: Skype relies on a stable internet connection and can work even in challenging network conditions. However, WebRTC requires a relatively stable and high-quality network connection for optimal performance, which may cause issues in low-bandwidth or unreliable network environments.

In summary, Skype and WebRTC differ in their architecture, platform compatibility, privacy/security, customization/integration options, scalability, and network requirements.

Advice on Skype and WebRTC
Needs advice
on
Amazon ChimeAmazon Chime
and
WebRTCWebRTC

Hello. So, I wanted to make a decision on whether to use WebRTC or Amazon Chime for a conference call (meeting). My plan is to build an app with features like video broadcasting, and the ability for all the participants to talk and chat. I have used Agora's web SDK for video broadcasting, and Socket.IO for chat features. As I read the comparison between Amazon Chime and WebRTC, it further intrigues me on what I should use given my scenario? Is there any way that so many related technologies could be a hindrance to the other? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Ritwik Neema

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Replies (1)
Edwin Ifionu
Software Developer at Sproft Media Inc · | 4 upvotes · 54.7K views
Recommends
on
Amazon ChimeAmazon Chime

I would recommend Amazon Chime. If I were you, I would eventually look into working with WebRTC as it is very interesting and teaches you a lot. I dove deep into webRTC recently building a webinar broadcasting application (one-to-many) and I can say it is difficult to understand how things actually work and to get it stable. I mean you can vaguely read up on it and get some things to work by copying code on StackOverflow or using a library but that wouldn't teach you much.

In short, go with Chime because it is easy to get started especially if you have a time constraint. But look into webRTC in the future as it enables you to build your own "Chime". Hope this helped!

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Lisa Myers
Needs advice
on
SkypeSkypeWebexWebex
and
ZoomZoom

Hi, I am helping teachers in my kid's schools to set up distance learning and wanted to see what is better between Webex, Zoom, and Skype (although only putting this one in as most parents probably have it). The children are 8-9, so they won't be using it on their own and the parents have no experience using Webex or Zoom.

The main use will be for the teacher to explain what they will be covering in the week and enable some social interaction between the kids.

I need to be easy to use for about 20-25 people.

Thanks for your advice, Lisa

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Replies (4)
Yoram Kornatzky
Independent Information Technology and Services Professional at DR. YORAM KORNATZKY LTD · | 4 upvotes · 33.1K views
Recommends
on
ZoomZoom

I consider Skype dead. Even Microsoft strongly neglected it. Webex is more corporate-oriented. So for your use case, I recommend Zoom. It is easy to set up, and the quality is very good. Zoom became such a household name that the average person heard about it. Moreover, any person probably has friends who may have used it. So it will be easier for people to get some community help.

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Fábio Henrique Oliveira
Recommends
on
WebexWebex

Hi, Lisa,

I haven't used Skype in a long time. I have I lot of experience with Zoom and Webex. Both for me are very good tools, especially if you have money to pay for (to unlock more features, like more people in a video conference - Zoom).

Nowadays, I've used more Webex with my undergraduate students, I'm using the free account. Cloud recording is a features very useful, especially while using the free account (thanks Cisco!). Webex has control features very useful (e.g., mute, raise hand etc).

Kind regards,

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Attila Fulop
Recommends
on
ZoomZoom

We've been using Zoom for about a half a year and it's stability is unbeatable. We have all-hands on Fridays with 100+ participants. The free tier can easily handle the requirements, the only limitation is that max meeting length is 40 minutes. After that you can immediately restart the meeting, but the pro option is also very affordable. It also features screen sharing and whiteboard sharing out of the box. I also appreciate that it's not mandatory to register an account to attend a meeting.

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John Perry
Account Executive at Towerstream · | 3 upvotes · 109.2K views
Recommends
on
Microsoft TeamsMicrosoft Teams

From my experiences I feel like Zoom is a pretty intuitive program to teach kids, however Skype might be more common amongst them already.

I am a big fan of Microsoft Teams.

They all do the same pretty much but Teams I find the bells and whistles are easier to find, like custom backgrounds... creating groups for topic discussions that remain there until you want to change/edit or delete. Easy to share files.

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Pros of Skype
Pros of WebRTC
  • 258
    Free, widespread
  • 147
    Desktop and mobile apps
  • 110
    Because i have to :(
  • 57
    Low cost international calling
  • 56
    Good for international calls
  • 10
    Best call quality anywhere, generally
  • 5
    Beautiful emojis
  • 4
    Chat bots
  • 2
    Translator
  • 2
    Skype for business integration with Outlook
  • 1
    United kingdom
  • 1
    Not the Best, but get the job done
  • 3
    OpenSource
  • 2
    No Download
  • 1
    You can write anything around it, because it's a protoc

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Cons of Skype
Cons of WebRTC
  • 5
    Really high CPU utilization during video/screenshare
  • 3
    Not always reliable
  • 3
    Outdated UI
  • 3
    Birthday notifications are annoying
  • 3
    The worst indicator noises of any app ever
  • 2
    Finding/adding people isn't easy
    Be the first to leave a con

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    What is Skype?

    Skype’s text, voice and video make it simple to share experiences with the people that matter to you, wherever they are.

    What is WebRTC?

    It is a free, open project that enables web browsers with Real-Time Communications (RTC) capabilities via simple JavaScript APIs. The WebRTC components have been optimized to best serve this purpose.

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    What companies use Skype?
    What companies use WebRTC?
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    What tools integrate with Skype?
    What tools integrate with WebRTC?

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    What are some alternatives to Skype and WebRTC?
    Zoom
    Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and cross platform group chat into one easy-to-use platform. Our solution offers the best video, audio, and screen-sharing experience across Zoom Rooms, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and H.323/SIP room systems.
    Discord
    Discord is a modern free voice & text chat app for groups of gamers. Our resilient Erlang backend running on the cloud has built in DDoS protection with automatic server failover.
    Microsoft Teams
    See content and chat history anytime, including team chats with Skype that are visible to the whole team. Private group chats are available for smaller group conversations.
    Slack
    Imagine all your team communication in one place, instantly searchable, available wherever you go. That’s Slack. All your messages. All your files. And everything from Twitter, Dropbox, Google Docs, Asana, Trello, GitHub and dozens of other services. All together.
    Google Hangouts
    Message contacts, start free video or voice calls, and hop on a conversation with one person or a group.
    See all alternatives