In the early days of the pandemic, the name Zoom became analogous with any communication — work, keeping in touch with loved ones, and more — and understandably so. The classic interface was an excellent starting point for an introduction to videos, but there’s only so much that Zoom allows you to do.
This is where Zoom’s Video SDK differs from the version you’re familiar with — where it offers a way to integrate it onto your platform. But just because it was a reliable tool then doesn’t necessarily mean that it offers you everything you’re looking for.
What is it you should be looking at when you make a decision on a Video Conferencing SDK platform? The features it has on offer, how much it allows you to customize it for your use case, the work it takes to integrate it onto your platform, if it is scalable, and the price it’s offered at.
On these parameters, Zoom leaves much to be desired.
Let’s dive in.
Where Zoom SDK falls short
Giving credit where it's due — Zoom made itself synonymous with all forms of video conferencing, but as a Video SDK, it has a fair number of limitations.
- Interactivity features are minimal when it comes to live video. The features that are available in regular Zoom video calling, such as screenshare and chat, are available, and you cannot add on a whiteboard functionality which is critical for making the experience interactive.
- The video SDK is limited to support for video calls
- Zoom very specifically caters to an audience that is looking at business communication — making it harder to be molded for cases that go beyond this.
- It gobbles resources in comparison to any other SDK that is currently available in the market — in terms of CPU, and memory and its SDK footprint size is at 75 MB.
- Zoom’s support is lacking, at best. Replies are slow, and even basic support can be heavy on your wallet.
- Integrating and working with the Zoom Video SDK can be complex.
- Zoom limits roles to host and participant, which can be restrictive depending on the use case you’re looking to integrate it for
At the end of the day, it all comes down to pricing. Let’s get a deeper understanding of Zoom SDK pricing.
But if you are looking for reconsidering zoom, then we have a list of Zoom video sdk alternatives ready.
Zoom SDK Pricing: The make-or-break factor
Pricing information is crucial, but even on that front, limited functionality aside — Zoom SDK’s pricing information isn’t the most transparent, with information unavailable in some cases.
Both Dyte and Zoom Video SDK offer 10,000 free minutes each month.
Let’s see how they stack up on other parameters.
Video and audio
Zoom’s Video SDK pricing is based on usage, with the price based on the number of session minutes in a month. For example, if six users are part of a 15 minute video session, then it counts as 90 minutes. For this, Zoom’s Video SDK is priced at $0.0035/user/minute.
It does not differentiate between audio and video and does not support audio rooms, which means the $0.0035/user/minute will be charged regardless.
💡 Dyte offers pricing for video at $0.004 /user/minute, but it falls to $0.001/user/minute for audio.
Missing features
Plug-ins are chargeable on Zoom. Additionally, whiteboard as a feature is unavailable on Zoom Video SDK.
For a video SDK that is on a pay-per-usage basis, Zoom also does not offer volume-based discounts.
💡 Plugins are free on Dyte, and whiteboard as a feature is available as well.
Custom backgrounds and screenshare are available on both platforms. Dyte offers volume based discounts as well.
Recording
Having recording capabilities in a video SDK empowers users to capture, preserve, analyze, and distribute video content, opening up a wide range of possibilities for communication, education, documentation, and entertainment.
It’s integral to have the ability to record as it facilitates documentation and analysis in various domains. For example, in educational settings, teachers can record lectures, demonstrations, or presentations for students to review later.
Zoom Video SDK pricing levies $0.004/user/minute for recording, and costs will mount quickly, particularly in rooms with several participants, making it a concern in which interactivity is a requirement.
💡 Dyte charges a flat rate of $10 for every 1,000 minutes that are recorded.
Storage
Along with recording, storage is a crucial capability that shouldn’t add to your woes. To store on the Zoom cloud, the company charges a rate of $100 per month for 1TB.
💡 The first seven days of storage are free on Dyte. Post this, storage is priced at pass-through AWS rates of $0.023 per GB per month.
Streaming out with RTMP
Streaming out is often a requirement that is a deal breaker for those whose use case requires them to reach a wider audience or for tasks that involve the participation of many. While Zoom does use the RTMP protocol to stream meetings, the pricing for it is through Zoom's Webinar pricing, for which one has to contact Zoom sales to obtain the information.
💡 Streaming out with RTMP is available on Dyte and is charged at $15 for 1,000 minutes of HD audio.
HIPAA Compatibility
For clients in the US healthcare sector, complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, which is a federal law, is a requirement.
Zoom’s Video SDK charges $14.99 per month for HIPAA compliance. If you require a HIPAA BAA, you will need to contact their sales team. Their sales team will evaluate the estimated usage and quote the charges accordingly.
💡 HIPAA compliance is available on Dyte at no extra charge. However, BAA charges are $500/month.
Support
Video SDK support can help developers save time, avoid problems, and get the most out of their SDKs. No matter how well-designed a video SDK is, there will always be the occasional problem.
Access to support can help developers quickly resolve these problems and get their applications back up and running.
Support is lackluster on Zoom Video SDK along with its limited functionality, with prices for support going up to $1,900 a month.
💡 Support is available for free on Dyte 24x5.
End note
Dyte is a developer-friendly video SDK that offers easy customization and extensibility. It offers a range of user-friendly features such as virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, chat, polls, analytics, and more — making it a versatile video conferencing SDK that can be used for various purposes. Dyte can be the perfect solution for you if you’re looking for a reliable video SDK that offers quick integration.
Dyte is highly customizable and can use Dyte's API to integrate it with your existing systems and applications. You can also use Dyte's UI kit to create a branded video conferencing experience for your users.
Looking for a developer-friendly video SDK with a wide range of features?
Your search ends here with Dyte. Try now!
