Google Meet and Zoom are the most popular video conferencing options. Both offer many features and different pricing options so it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. This article will compare Google Meet vs Zoom in terms of cost, features, ease-of-use and usability.
Google Meet is one of the many products part of Google Workspace, which was formerly known as G-Suite. Zoom, a relative newcomer to the block, offers some cool features that are worth looking at when it comes to comparing the two.
Google Meet vs Zoom
Video conference software such as Zoom and Google Meet are invaluable tools for small businesses and individuals.
There are many videoconferencing apps, but Zoom is the most used with more than 200 million daily users. Google Meet offers a free version that doesn’t need to be downloaded and is available for everyone with a Gmail account. Each service has its pros and cons, so make sure to read on to discover which one is right for you.
It’s not hard to see that most people use Google Meet and Zoom free of charge. We’ll take a look at some of the best features. These two services are great for video chats with friends and for a conference call where up to 50 people can join.
Accessibility and Availability Comparison
Zoom is the most widely used free videoconferencing software. However, Google Meet has a major advantage over Zoom. Participants can join group meetings using their preferred web browser with Google Meet, but they will need to open the client in order to be able participate in Zoom meetings. Both programs offer mobile clients for Android and iOS so that you can videoconference from anywhere.
Google Meet also has the added benefit that you can access it through your browser, Chrome, or other browsers without any plugins or downloads. Zoom offers a Google login option that allows you to schedule meetings without requiring any additional account setup.
There are time limitations for meetings that are free. Zoom has a 40-minute limit, while Google Meet has removed its time limits for free meetings.
Features and Functions Comparison
One of the most important features of any videoconferencing service is how easy it is to control and use. Zoom’s free account offers excellent controls, such as an audio-video preview screen before meetings, meeting host controls, cross-platform compatibility with Microsoft Office apps and Google Apps seamlessly integrated into your video conference system.
The most recent update for Google Meet includes a new set of features that make it more competitive with Zoom. The first one is the ability to use Emoji responses, which will allow participants to show their reactions without typing out an answer. Another feature being added is the preview screen that lets hosts review who’s joining before they enter into meetings or monitor those who have been booted from them.
Zoom offers virtual backgrounds and the ability to record group meetings on your computer for free. Google Meet only recently started offering background blurring, but it requires a paid G Suite subscription.
Google Meet now has Zoom’s whiteboard and polling capabilities, but it is only available on the web version. You’ll have to use a separate application like Chrome Canvas or Jamboard if you want those features in Google Meet.
Google Meet vs Zoom Premium Versions
With Google Meet, your employees will have the opportunity to join meetings up to 300 hours in length and with a max of 150 participants. This includes 24/7 customer support, meeting recording capabilities for on-the-go work sessions that can be saved directly onto Google Drive.
Meanwhile, Google’s Enterprise version offers all the features you need for conference calls with up to 250 participants, plus live streaming of your meeting for up to 100,000 people. The intelligent noise cancellation will make sure that everyone can hear each other clearly.
Zoom Pro costs $15 per month and is designed to eliminate time limits on meetings, record them in 1GB storage, let you live-stream meetings directly to social media sites like Facebook or YouTube from anywhere around the world, allow more management options such as adding a meeting participant without having him download Zoom software first by inviting through email or phone with SMS verification.
Zoom also has a Pro account that offers Zoom Video Webinars, Zoom Room for live video conferences with up to 25 people at once, and API access. This is great if you need licenses or audio plans.
Security Comparison
Google Meet is the clear winner when you compare the two in terms of security. Zoombombs are disruptive Zoom meetings by people using offensive content. This happened last year. Zoom has taken great measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. Due to the superior encryption on Google Meet, however, nothing like this has occurred.
The paid version of Google Meet offers only a few improvements. Zoom, however, gives users more value. It allows developers access for $15 per month. Both programs can be purchased for the same price as G Suite plus Meet Plus ($20month).
Both apps can be used to adjust audio and video settings.
Google Meet and Zoom allow you to set up video chats without worrying about someone joining in with a dreadful webcam.
You can also use mute to silence participants. This is a great way to control time and avoid wasting it.
Google Meet participants must have an Account with Google
Google Meet is secure. All participants must be verified. It’s great that Google Meet doesn’t require guest accounts. Anyone who wants to join your meeting needs a Gmail account.
You don’t need to create an account in order to join a Zoom meeting. You can invite people to a Zoom meeting by using your email domain.
Zoom’s best feature is the ability to create private groups with certain members. This ensures that no one outside of your organization can see what’s being discussed. It’s a great tool for team meetings.
Joining Restrictions Comparison
Zoom has a waiting area where people can wait before being allowed in. You can choose the person you wish to see and then let them in the waiting room.
You can limit how early people can join your meeting using the new Google Meet app. This will ensure that guests can’t get in after the event starts.
It’s a good idea to have a waiting area for those who arrive early if you have back-to-back meetings. If they aren’t being used, they can use the same Zoom meeting space.
Conclusion
It is up to you which features are most important to you. Both are great video conferencing tools, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a low-cost option with a lot of features, then Google Meet is probably the best choice. However, if you need a tool that’s easy to use and highly customizable, then Zoom may be better suited for your needs.
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David Campbell is the editor of the Right Inbox blog. He is passionate about email productivity and getting more done in less time.