Discord, TeamSpeak, and Skype are three popular voice chat programs used by gamers. Discord and TeamSpeak have advanced features compared to Skype, but TeamSpeak has better voice quality. Discord has an easy-to-use API for developers to make custom bots and an extensive list of emotes. TeamSpeak is designed to manage large groups and has a better voice quality than Discord. Skype has features such as video calls and screen sharing but lacks features and reliability for gaming. Discord is the winner in features, usability, and pricing for gamers. However, TeamSpeak is better for managing large groups.
Discord vs. TeamSpeak vs. Skype: Which is the Best Multiplayer Voice Chat?
Multiplayer gaming is becoming increasingly popular and with it, the need for voice chat has become a vital part of gaming. The three most popular voice chat programs being used by gamers today are Discord, TeamSpeak and Skype. But which one is the best? In this article, we will do a detailed comparison to see which voice chat program is better suited for gamers.
Features
The first thing we compare is features. All three programs have basic features such as voice chat and text messaging. However, Discord and TeamSpeak both have some advanced features that Skype does not.
Discord Features
Discord has a lot of extra features compared to the other two programs. One of the major features is Discord Overlay, which allows you to use Discord’s overlay in-game for all games. This will display the names of the members of the channel and who is talking. This gives a more immersive experience and is particularly helpful when playing multiplayer games.
Discord has its own easy-to-use API that developers can use to make custom bots and add-ons to enhance the experience for their server members. Additionally, Discord has an extensive list of emotes that users can use in the chat, making it more fun and interactive.
TeamSpeak Features
TeamSpeak has fewer features than Discord, but it still has some great features for gamers. One of the key features of TeamSpeak is its ability to manage large groups. The program is designed to have multiple servers available, dividing members into channels, and setting up different permissions for each channel. Admins can also kick or ban members from the server if needed.
TeamSpeak also has a better voice quality than Discord, and this quality remains consistent even when the server has a large number of members. It also supports custom skins, allowing you to customize the appearance of the client according to your liking.
Skype Features
Skype is the oldest of the three and has been around for over a decade. It has a variety of features such as video calls, screen sharing, and text messaging. However, unlike TeamSpeak and Discord, Skype wasn’t designed with gaming in mind, and it lacks features that are needed for modern-day gaming.
Skype’s voice quality is not as good as that of TeamSpeak or Discord, and it can become a strain on the ear when used for extended periods. Additionally, Skype’s tendency to crash or disconnect is a source of frustration for gamers.
Usability
Usability is another important factor when choosing between Discord, TeamSpeak, and Skype. How easy is the program to use? How is the user interface? Is it user-friendly enough for beginners?
Discord Usability
Discord is very easy to use, and the design of its interface is very intuitive. It has a modern-looking interface with a clean and simple layout. The program is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and there are a large number of tutorials available on YouTube to help users get started. Discord is a program suitable for both experienced gamers and beginners.
TeamSpeak Usability
TeamSpeak has a relatively steep learning curve when compared with Discord. The interface isn’t as intuitive as Discord, and it can be confusing for beginners. However, once the user gets used to the program, they will find that it is a very powerful tool that can handle large groups with ease.
Skype Usability
Skype’s interface is simple, but it can be cluttered and confusing at times. It’s easy to set up and use, but it’s not as intuitive as Discord. Additionally, Skype’s reliability issues can make it a frustrating program to use.
Price
When it comes to pricing, all three programs offer different options. Some are free, and some require payment.
Discord Pricing
Discord is a completely free program, and it offers all the features needed for gamers to communicate. It also has a Nitro subscription that offers additional features such as better-quality screen sharing and larger upload limits for files.
TeamSpeak Pricing
TeamSpeak offers both free and paid services. Its basic version is free, but it doesn’t offer all the features that you need as a gamer. The paid version offers more advanced features such as better voice quality, custom skins, and additional security measures. The paid version is relatively cheap and affordable.
Skype Pricing
Skype is a free program, but it offers a premium version that comes with additional features. The premium version offers more advanced features such as group calling, more storage space, and better quality voice and video calling. The premium version is relatively expensive when compared to the competing programs.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between Discord, TeamSpeak, and Skype, the choice comes down to personal preference. Discord is more feature-rich and is easier to use, making it better suited for beginners. TeamSpeak is more advanced and better suited for large groups of gamers with a higher emphasis on voice quality. Skype lacks the features and reliability that gamers require.
In conclusion, Discord is the clear winner in features, usability, and pricing, making it the best program for gamers. However, it is worth noting that Discord and TeamSpeak are both excellent choices. If you have specific needs, such as managing large groups, then TeamSpeak might be the better option for you.