A month ago I wouldn't have thought to compare Skype and Zoom, but since I started telecommuting everything has changed; Skype has started promoting Meet Now, a Zoom-like feature, but without the privacy and security issues that Zoom has.

Since we are all likely to be home for a while, this is a good time to see how these services differ and find out which is better suited to your needs. Naturally, there are some major differences between Zoom and Skype.

Both Zoom and Skype are very easy to start using, but after one or two calls you will find that Zoom has more features.

If you are not already familiar with Zoom, you may want to consult our guides on how to use Zoom and how to set up a Zoom meeting.

The ease of setup for Skype Meet Now is impressive. Simply go to this page and click on "Create a Free Meeting. You then get a link you can share for the invite (tap the copy icon and drop it on the clipboard) and click Start Call. In contrast, Zoom requires a sign-up process.

Another reason people prefer Skype for video conference calls is that they already have Skype. I have been using Skype for job interviews, recording podcasts, and a variety of other needs since before quarantines and shelters were set up, because Skype is already everywhere, with apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Skype Meet Now also allows you to blur the background. This is not as cool as Zoom's custom backgrounds, but still helps protect your privacy. Keep in mind that this feature is not available in the web app; Skype also allows you to save a recording of your meeting for up to 30 days.

Also, if you don't want to download and install software, or simply can't because what you install is regulated by your company, you can use Skype Meet Now on the web (Zoom also offers this).

If you are making a video call with friends or family, you might opt for Skype Meet Now, which has no time limit, since you often need at least two parents or friends. In contrast, Zoom group meetings (calls with three or more people) have a 40-minute time limit. If you need more than that, you will need to upgrade to Zoom Pro, which costs $15/month.

Zoom is a more impressive voice chat service: whereas Skype's Meet Now offers a grid view, Zoom lets you see up to 49 people at a time, in large 5x5 grid pairs (go figure. (Click here to see how to view everyone in Zoom).

The limit of simultaneous callers is also higher with Zoom, allowing 100 participants to be called at a time. This is double that of Skype Meet Now, which does not have a Premium version; Skype's only paid feature is international long distance calling.

Supervisors who want to have one-on-one meetings with their direct reports will be happy with Zoom, which has no limits on meetings.

Zoom also has some more fun tricks (perhaps to set the mood after trolls invade Zoom.) It's nice that Skype has messaging rooms for sharing messages and photos, but a guide on how to change the Zoom background, provide Zoom users with a real way to liven up their calls. This way, you can make the background a photo of your choice that fits your mood and personality, and pretend you are somewhere other than on the couch or in your temporary home office.

Zoom's web app is available for those who cannot download it, and its feature set is more limited, like Skype Meet Now in the web browser.

Skype is no longer just a video calling app, with a new way to easily initiate conference calls without having to download an app or create an account. Because of its ease of use, Skype Meet Now is a great option, but still the more limited of the two.

If you use a strong password and understand Zoom's privacy settings, there is no reason not to use Zoom unless you have reached the time limit limit. In any case, both are relatively easy to set up, and it's great that if one doesn't work well, you can easily jump to the other.