Google Meet vs. Zoom Comparison: Features, Pricing, and More

With remote work and virtual meetings becoming common, video conferencing tools are now a must. Two of the most popular options are Google Meet and Zoom. Each offers different features, pricing, and user experience. Knowing how they compare will help you choose the right one.

The Basics of Google Meet and Zoom

Google Meet, formerly known as Google Hangouts, is avideo conferencing technology built by Google to provide secure and dependable virtual meetings. It is part of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), which means it works seamlessly with other Google services such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive. Originally launched as part of Google Hangouts, Google Meet has evolved into a standalone product focusing on business and education users.

Zoom is a dedicated video conferencing tool widely known for its easy-to-use interface and advanced features like breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and webinars. Zoom quickly became a top choice for businesses, schools, and personal use, especially during the rise of remote work and virtual learning. Its strength is the capacity to host huge meetings with high-quality video and audio.

What is the Difference Between Google Meet and Zoom?

Understanding the differences between Google Hangouts and Zoom might assist you in making an informed decision. Both offer excellent video conferencing solutions, but they differ in key areas.

Ease of Use

Google Meet prioritizes simplicity in its design. It is web-based; therefore, there is no need to install anything. The UI is simple and easy to use, with few options for customization.

Zoom offers a lot more customization options, which can feel overwhelming at first. It requires a desktop app for full functionality but gives you greater control over your meeting settings.

Meeting Duration

Google Meet’s free plan allows 60-minute group meetings (unlimited for one-on-one). Paid plans let you run meetings up to 24 hours long.

Zoom’s free plan allows for only 40-minute group sessions. If you upgrade, meetings can last up to 30 hours.

Participant Capacity

Both platforms support 100 participants on their free plans. However, the numbers grow with premium subscriptions:

Google Meet: Up to 1,000 participants on Enterprise plans.
Zoom: Up to 1,000 participants on Enterprise plans, with more flexibility in mid-tier packages.

Video Quality and Background Options

Both platforms support HD video with options to blur or replace your background.

Google Meet offers basic touch-up filters and lighting enhancements.

Zoom goes further with custom virtual backgrounds and advanced video filters.

Chat Features

Google Meet saves chat logs for recorded meetings.

Zoom supports private messaging and ongoing chats before, during, and after meetings.

Breakout Rooms

Google Meet offers breakout rooms on paid plans, allowing up to 100 sessions per call.

Zoom includes breakout rooms on all plans, with up to 200 sessions per meeting.

Collaboration Tools

Both come with a built-in whiteboard for brainstorming. Sticky notes, comments, and custom colors are standard on both platforms. Zoom offers additional templates for enhanced collaboration.

Screen Sharing

Google Meet covers the basics—sharing windows and browser tabs. Zoom adds advanced options like second camera support and app-specific sharing.

Recording and Closed Captions

Google Meet provides recording on paid plans, and saving files to Google Drive.

Zoom’s free plan includes local recording, while cloud recording is reserved for premium users.

Security and Integrations

Google Meet focuses on encryption and two-factor authentication. It integrates with over 200 apps.

Zoom provides similar security but adds advanced host controls. It works with nearly 3,000 third-party apps for greater flexibility.

AI Features

Google Meet offers AI-powered meeting recaps, real-time translations, and audio/video enhancements. These are available in the Business Standard plan and above.

Zoom includes an AI Companion for meeting recaps, brainstorming, task tracking, and multi-speaker views. It’s available starting from the Pro plan.

Customer Support

Both platforms provide help centers and community forums. Premium users can access advanced support options. Zoom also has chatbot assistance for faster responses.

Cost Comparison of Google Meet and Zoom

Google Meet Pricing

Google Meet offers both free and paid plans, depending on the features you need. Here’s a breakdown:

Free Plan: Suitable for people with minimal video conferencing requirements
Business Starter: $6 per user per month
Business Standard: $12 per user per month
Business Plus: $18 per user per month
Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger organizations with advanced features

Zoom Pricing

Zoom also provides a free plan for individuals and multiple paid plans for businesses:

Free Plan: Limited features and meeting duration
Workplace Pro: $15.99 per user per month
Workplace Business: $21.99 per user per month
Enterprise: Custom pricing for organizations with advanced requirements

Is Google Meet the Same as Zoom?

While they have differences, Google Meet and Zoom share many similarities that make them both popular video conferencing tools.

• Both platforms offer extended meeting durations for paid users, allowing longer sessions compared to free plans.
• Both applications allow you to plan meetings in advance and issue calendar invites to attendees.
• Hosts can mute participants, control their audio/video settings, and remove participants if necessary.
• Both offer live captioning to improve accessibility during meetings.
• Both have user-friendly mobile apps for joining and hosting meetings on the go.
• Both platforms support large meetings with hundreds of participants, especially with upgraded plans.
• Both give meeting hosts the ability to manage participant settings, such as who can speak or present during the session.
• Participants can effortlessly attend meetings via a shared link, without the need for elaborate settings.

Is Google Meet Better Than Zoom?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Google Meet is ideal if you already use Google Workspace and want seamless integration with Gmail, Calendar, and Drive. It’s great for small to medium businesses, educators, and casual users.

While Zoom is better suited for large-scale meetings, webinars, and users who need advanced features like breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and webinar hosting.

If you prioritize security, Google Meet’s encryption and integration with Google’s cloud services give it an edge. However, if you require more control with meeting setup and customization, Zoom provides additional possibilities.