The information below provides a detailed comparison of Microsoft Teams and Zoom features. Please note that new features are regularly released by Microsoft and Zoom and the information provided will be updated regularly to reflect these changes. ICT recommends that you use Microsoft Teams for the delivery of remote teaching sessions. Find out more by visiting our Microsoft Teams for Teaching and Learning support pages.  If you would like to use Zoom for teaching and learning purposes, please contact your local Ed-tech Team for information on its use in your faculty.  

What does each service offer?

Teams meetings

  • Max number of participants - 300 (or 1000 with extension license)
  • Participants in view when using video - 49
  • Video and audio control
  • Screen sharing
  • Multiple presenters
  • File sharing
  • Instant messaging capability
  • Restrict access
  • Breakout rooms
  • Integration with CELCAT, Blackboard, Student System (Banner) and the Office 365 apps
  • Live captioning
  • Manage attendees permissions
  • Ability to mute attendees audio
  • Waiting room functionality
  • Attendance reporting
  • Available for use by everyone at the College and fully supported by the ICT Service Desk and local Ed Tech teams

Teams Town Halls

  • Max number of participants: 10,000 (or 20,000 with Teams Premium license)
  • Presenter control of audio and video
  • Presenter controlled screen sharing
  • Multiple presenters with up to 7 presenters on screen with content
  • Restrict access – Specific Internal groups, All Internal users only or Public access
  • Live captioning – 4 languages (or up to 10 with Teams Premium license)
  • Attendance reporting
  • Anonymous audience – no on screen presence or audio capabilities
  • Q and A – can be moderated if required through settings.
  • Requires request form to be completed at least 2 weeks in advance of your proposed session.
  • Broadcast meeting with 10 – 15 second delay to audience (for encoding and delivery to Content Delivery Network).
  • Suitable for events where safeguarding is required or where minors may attend (e.g. general outreach for schools or virtual open day sessions)
  • Fully supported by ICT.
  • AV support to deliver Town Halls via Campus Services (chargeable)

Teams Webinars

  • Max number of participants: 1000
  • Wait list (Teams Premium license required)
  • Registration page with agenda, speaker bios and links
  • Controlled registrations (Teams Premium license required)
  • Presenter control of audio and video
  • Presenter controlled screen sharing
  • Multiple presenters
  • Instant messaging capability (Chat)
  • Moderated Q and A capability
  • Restrict access
  • Breakout rooms
  • Integration with Office 365 apps
  • Live captioning (Translation if Organiser has Teams Premium license)
  • Manage attendees permissions
  • Attendees join muted and with no cameras by default
  • Waiting room functionality
  • Attendance reporting
  • Attendee names can be removed (Teams Premium license required)
  • Requires request form to be completed at least 2 weeks in advance of your proposed session.
  • Fully supported by ICT

Zoom meetings

  • Maximum number of participants: 300
  • Participants in view when using video - 49
  • Video and audio control
  • Screensharing
  • Multiple presenters
  • File sharing
  • Ability to use a password to restrict access
  • Instant messaging capability
  • Restrict access
  • Breakout rooms
  • Manage attendees audio
  • Live captioning
  • No integration with Office 365

Zoom webinar

  • Maximum number of participants: 500 or 1000 (depending on license)
  • Participants in view when using video - 49
  • Video and audio control
  • Screensharing
  • Multiple presenters
  • File sharing
  • Ability to use a password to restrict access
  • Instant messaging capability
  • Restrict access
  • Breakout rooms
  • Manage attendees audio
  • Live captioning
  • No integration with Office 365