VDI client features comparison

The Zoom meeting client for VDI has similar features and functionality compared to its other solutions, but it also has some key differences. 

This article provides a high-level comparison of the VDI client with the Zoom desktop app and Web App. Learn more about the differences between the desktop and web client

This article covers:   

How does Zoom VDI compare to other Zoom platforms

FeatureDesktop clientVDI clientsZoom Web App
(Web client)
Windows, macOS, LinuxChromeOS
General Meeting features
Computer audio (VOIP)
Video resolution1080p max1080p max, 360 typical on thin hardware720p max720p max
Video participantsSpeaker and gallery views, with up to 49 visible at once, hardware permittingSpeaker and gallery views, with up to 49 visible at once, hardware permittingUp to 49 visible at once, hardware permittingSpeaker and gallery views
7x7 gallery view
Custom gallery view 
Pin multiple video tiles 
Immersive view  
Dual cameras   
Virtual backgrounds and filters
(functionality varies by hardware)

(hardware permitting)

(functionality varies by hardware)

(functionality varies by hardware)
Dual monitor mode   
RecordingLocal or cloudCloud onlyCloud onlyCloud only
Breakout rooms
Language interpretation 
Meeting reactions
Screen sharing features
Screen sharingDesktop, apps, audio, camera, Airplay, portion of desktopDesktop, apps, portion of desktopDesktop, apps, portion of desktopDesktop and apps
(varies by browser)
Optimized video screen sharingEnabled through RegistryEnabled through Registry
Share computer audio with shared content 
(varies by browser)
Share computer audio only

(client and plugin version 6.0.10 or higher)

  
Share video   
Sharing multiple applications at once  
Share video from 2nd camera   
Mouse control for zoom-in/-out   
Sharing slides as a virtual background   
General audio features
Push to talk  
HID functionality on Jabra headsets  
General features
Screenshot/screen captureBasic screen capture: 5.15.2 or higher

Screen capture in Webinars: 5.16.10 or higher

  
Archive meeting
Simultaneous meeting support

(2nd meeting in fallback mode)

 
General Webinar features
Webinar Backstage

(version 5.15.10 or higher)

  
Production StudioViewer or presenter support only, requires version 5.15.10 or higher  
Webinar reactions✔ (Windows and macOS)

Limited support on Linux

General Team Chat features
Share video as message   
Other supported Zoom products
Zoom PhoneOptimized on all platforms:

- Citrix (Windows, macOS, Linux*)

- VMware (Windows, macOS, Linux*)

- AVD (Windows and Linux*)

*All supported Linux plugins

VDI Client 5.17.10 or later
Zoom Clips   
Zoom Huddles   
Zoom Contact Center

Audio optimization for Contact Center in version 5.11.2 or higher and Video optimization for Contact Center in version 5.17.11 for the following platforms: 

- Citrix (Windows, macOS, Linux*)

- VMware (Windows, macOS, Linux*)

- AVD (Windows and Linux*)

*All supported Linux plugins

  

Note: The Zoom Web App and VDI client for ChromeOS will follow closely with each other in terms of feature support, as these offerings are based on the similar web browser-based platforms. 

How Zoom VDI is optimized

In the most optimal case, the media plugin will offload video encoding and decoding and communicate over the network directly to the Zoom cloud, bypassing the VDI infrastructure. Control information such as authentication and window location is always sent over the VDI channel.