There are a lot of similarities between Zoom’s meeting client for VDI and its other solutions, but it also has some major differences that make it stand out from the rest.
Note: An overview of the VDI client is provided in this article at a high level. You can compare the desktop client with the web client in a detailed manner.
In this article, we will cover the following topics:
- How does Zoom VDI compare to Zoom on other platforms
- How Zoom VDI is optimized
How does Zoom VDI compare to Zoom on other platforms
| Feature | VDI client | Desktop client | Web client |
| Recording | Cloud only | Local or Cloud | Cloud only |
| Virtual Backgrounds and Filters | ✔
hardware permitting |
It does not require a green screen, any camera can be used, as long as the hardware permits | Using third-party apps, hardware permitting |
| Sharing | Desktop, apps, portion of desktop | Desktop, apps, audio, camera, Airplay, portion of desktop | Chrome (desktop and apps) Edge (desktop and apps), Firefox (desktop only) |
| Dual monitor mode | ✔ | ||
| Video participants | Up to 49 visible at once, hardware permitting | Up to 49 visible at once | Active speaker |
| Video resolution | 1080p max, 360 typical on thin hardware | 1080p max | 720p max |
| Breakout sessions | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Computer audio (VOIP) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Zoom Phone | Optimized on all platforms (v5.9.0+): Citrix/Mac Citrix/Windows Citrix/Linux* VMware/Windows VMware/Mac VMware/Linux* AVD/Windows AVD/Linux**All Supported Linux Plugins |
✔ | |
| Optimized video screen sharing | Enabled through Registry | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reactions | Limited set of reactions | ✔ | |
| Screen capture | ✔ | ||
| Push to talk | ✔ | ✔ | |
| HID functionality on Jabra headsets | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Sharing multiple applications at once | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Archive meeting | Windows, Mac, and Linux | ✔ | |
| Share computer audio | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 7×7 gallery view | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Language interpretation | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Drag and move video in wall view | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Multi-pin | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Immersive Scenes | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Supports simultaneous meetings | ✔
2nd meeting in fallback |
✔ | |
| Dual Cameras | ✔ |
How Zoom VDI is optimized
A best case scenario is that the media plugin will offload all video encoding and decoding tasks to the Zoom cloud via the network, bypassing the VDI infrastructure in order to achieve optimal performance. There is always an exchange of control information over the VDI channel, such as authentication and window locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zoom and Zoom VDI?
On select operating systems and virtual desktop agents, the VDI plugin offloads Zoom Phone media, similar to the optimized meeting experience. Through a direct network connection, the plugin is able to process media locally and create a richer quality experience.
How do I check my Zoom VDI version?
Zoom desktop clients are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. By selecting your profile picture, then Help, and finally About Zoom, you will find all the information you need. There will be a Zoom Desktop Client version displayed.
What is the Zoom desktop client?
Combined with simple online meetings, Zoom combines video conferencing, group messaging, and cloud-based video conferencing.
Does Zoom have a web client?
By using the Zoom web client, you can join Zoom meetings and webinars through a web browser without downloading any software or plugins. It allows users with limited download and installation capabilities to use their web browser to join Zoom meetings without having to download the application.
Is Zoom desktop client free?
Start video conferencing with your friends and colleagues worldwide by downloading Zoom on your PC. The Zoom remote conferencing service lets you create video calls, host online meetings, and collaborate with others. It is free to use Zoom, but additional features are available with paid subscriptions.
Zoom Help 
Rahul Gupta