Topia vs ZEP

Topia is a browser-based platform for interactive virtual worlds where people can explore, create, collaborate, communicate and play. Participants’ audio and video connect as they approach one another and disconnect as they move away. World owners can customize spaces and embed live streams, websites, music, apps, games and collaborative tools. Access can be restricted with passwords, account authentication, approved guest lists, scheduled opening hours or SAML SSO. Topia lists integrations including Slack, Miro, Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Sheets and Calendly, alongside an SDK, APIs, JavaScript and C# client libraries, and webhooks for custom applications and data flows. The free Demo plan has a 50-person capacity, with broadcasting and screen sharing each limited to one. PRO is billed at $4 a month per user and starts at $100 per month; enterprise pricing is custom. At capacity, arriving users wait until space becomes available. Topia recommends Chrome, Edge and Brave; Firefox and Safari support is in beta. Mobile use is audio-only and in beta, with desktop or laptop recommended.

ZEP is a web service for virtual spaces used for online gatherings, offices, bootcamps, and events. People can connect through video, reactions, chat, and spatial audio; rooms accommodate up to 20 participants, and guest access and screen sharing are supported. The Map Editor lets users place objects, add links or videos, and design maps. ZEP’s site presents ZEP, ZEP QUIZ, and ZEP SCHOOL as separate services. In ZEP QUIZ, teachers create quizzes, students join as avatars, and results are available in real time. QUIZ AI can generate questions from a topic or uploaded class materials and create answer choices. Students can join in a browser using a QR code or entry code, without installing an app. The displayed quiz plans cap concurrent users at 200. ZEP School offers spaces for a school’s teachers and students, with tailored estimates, administrative documents, and multiple payment methods for schools. The Free plan costs nothing and has limited access to premium maps and question types. ZEP lists no mobile apps.