Zoom as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (full desktop calling support)
Updated
Our verdict
Zoom is a solid replacement for Microsoft Teams if your primary need is video and voice meetings with screen sharing. It works reliably on Linux and supports large meetings, webinars, and cross-platform sync. However, it lacks deep real-time document collaboration and tight integration with office productivity suites. Best for organizations that prioritize conferencing over collaborative editing, or for teams already using Zoom. Not ideal if you depend on Teams’ integration with Outlook, SharePoint, or collaborative Office workflows.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary
- Price
- freemium
- Latest version
- 7.2.1.5760 (September 21, 2026)
- Rating
- —

What works the same
- Both support high-quality video and voice calls with screen sharing
- Offer persistent group and direct messaging with file sharing
- Provide desktop, web, and mobile clients with sync
- Support large teams and enterprise deployment
- Integrate with calendar systems like Outlook and Google
What is different
- Zoom does not support real-time co-editing of documents like Teams with Office 365
- No built-in wiki or team channels structure; organization is meeting-focused
- Lacks deep integration with Microsoft 365 services like OneDrive or SharePoint
- Fewer administrative controls and compliance features compared to Teams
- Call recording is available, but cloud storage requires a paid plan
Opening your Microsoft Teams (full desktop calling support) files
Zoom does not directly open or export Microsoft Teams chat logs, meeting recordings, or channel content. File sharing in Zoom transfers files as-is, but there's no automated way to import Teams files or messages. If documents were stored in Microsoft 365, they can be manually downloaded and shared in Zoom. Migration of historical data requires third-party tools or manual export from Teams before switching.
Switching from Microsoft Teams (full desktop calling support) to Zoom, step by step
- Export important files and chat history from Microsoft Teams before leaving
- Install Zoom via Flathub or official .deb/.rpm package for best Linux support
- Import contacts and schedule initial meetings to notify team members
- Set up Zoom cloud recording and enable security settings as needed
- Train team on Zoom-specific features like waiting rooms and webinar modes
Key features of Zoom
- Join and host video meetings with up to 500 participants
- Share screen or specific applications during calls
- Host webinars with registration and analytics
- Group messaging with file sharing
- Virtual backgrounds and touch-up appearance filters
- Call recording to local or cloud storage
- Keyboard shortcuts for mute, share, and leave
- Integration with calendar systems like Google and Outlook
How to install Zoom on Linux
flatpak install flathub us.zoom.ZoomFrequently asked questions
Can I use Zoom on Linux without issues?
Yes, Zoom has a native Linux client available via Flathub and the official site. It supports video, screen sharing, and messaging reliably, though some features like virtual backgrounds may have limited GPU acceleration depending on your setup.
Does Zoom support calling like Microsoft Teams?
Zoom supports voice and video calls, including desktop calling during meetings. However, it does not replace Teams' PSTN calling or business phone system features. Zoom Phone exists but is a separate add-on service.
Can multiple people edit a document together in Zoom?
No. Zoom does not include real-time collaborative editing. You can share a document during a meeting, but actual editing must happen in external tools like Google Docs or LibreOffice, then shared separately.
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