Zoom vs. Google Meet: In-Depth Comparison

In 2024, Zoom and Google Meet remain leaders in video conferencing, each catering to different needs. Zoom offers a robust feature set with high participant limits, breakout rooms, and advanced webinar capabilities, making it ideal for large businesses. Google Meet focuses on simplicity, affordability, and seamless Google Workspace integration, perfect for small to medium-sized businesses. The choice between the two depends on factors like company size, budget, and existing tools. This comparison outlines key differences in features, pricing, and use cases to help you decide the best platform for your business.

This in-depth comparison highlights the key differences in features, pricing, and use cases, helping you make an informed decision about the best platform for your business in 2024.

Zoom vs. Google Meet: A brief overview

Zoom: Best for advanced features

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Overall Score

4.58/5

Pricing:

4.38/5

Accessibility:

4.58/5

Software features:

5/5

Support and reliability:

4.58/5

UX:

4.5/5

Pros

• Breakout rooms for enhanced collaboration
• High participant limit on higher tiers
• Easy and extensive integration
• Granular meeting controls
• Comprehensive webinar features

Cons

• High bandwidth requirements
• Limited functionality in free plans

Key features

Breakout rooms: Allows hosts to split participants into separate, smaller sessions for focused group work during a larger meeting.

Zoom apps: Integrates directly with popular business applications, enabling users to access tools like Trello, Dropbox, and Asana within the Zoom interface.

Webinar platform: Supports up to 50,000 attendees with features like registration, Q&A, polls, and attendee analytics for professional event management.

Waiting rooms: Hosts can place participants in a virtual waiting area before admitting them into the main meeting, enhancing security and meeting control.

Custom live streaming: Offers the ability to live stream meetings and webinars to platforms like YouTube and Facebook, expanding the reach of events.

Transcription and recording: Automatically generates searchable transcripts of recorded meetings, aiding in post-meeting documentation and review.

About

Zoom has emerged as a frontrunner in the video conferencing market since its founding in 2011, with its popularity skyrocketing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform’s success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set, which cater to businesses of all sizes.

One of Zoom’s key advantages over competitors like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet is its advanced features. These include breakout rooms, which allow participants to split into smaller groups for focused discussions, and customizable virtual backgrounds that add a professional touch to meetings. Additionally, Zoom boasts extensive integration capabilities, supporting over 2,000 third-party applications. 

While Zoom’s pricing starts at $149.90 per year per license, which may be higher than some alternatives, the platform offers a scalable solution that can accommodate a wide range of needs. From small teams to large enterprises with up to 1,000 participants in a single meeting, Zoom provides a flexible and reliable video conferencing experience. This makes it particularly well-suited for businesses that require high-quality video and audio communication, as well as those that host large-scale webinars or events.

Some of its newest features include translated captions, which make meetings more accessible for global teams, and Zoom Clips, which allow users to record and share short-form videos.

Also read: 6 Best Zoom Alternatives of 2024

Google Meet: Best for accessibility

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Overall Score

4.49/5

Pricing:

4.38/5

Accessibility:

4.58/5

Software features:

4.64/5

Support and reliability:

4.58/5

UX:

4.25/5

Pros

• Seamless integration with Google Workspace
• Real-time captions powered by Google AI
• No time limit for paid plans
• Low-cost premium plans
• Join meetings without an account

Cons

• Lacks some advanced features for large webinars
• No breakout rooms in basic plan
• Participant capacity limitations

Key features

Real-time captions: Provides live captions during meetings, powered by Google AI.

Google Calendar integration: Seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar for easy scheduling and joining of meetings.

Noise cancellation: Features AI-driven noise cancellation to filter out background noise.

Tiled layout: Displays up to 49 participants simultaneously in a tiled view.

Advanced security: Includes strong security measures like two-step verification and encryption in transit.Companion mode: Allows joining meetings on multiple devices simultaneously for enhanced participation.

About

Google Meet, formerly a part of Google Hangouts, is naturally well-suited for organizations already leveraging Google Workspace. The platform’s seamless integration with other Google tools, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive, makes it an attractive choice for businesses deeply entrenched in the Google ecosystem.

Its real-time captions, powered by Google’s advanced AI technology, enhance accessibility and make it easier for participants to follow along, even in noisy environments or when dealing with language barriers. Additionally, the platform boasts impressive noise cancellation. Google Meet also prioritizes security, offering encryption and two-step verification to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.

Compared to Zoom, Google Meet’s strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. This is especially valuable for teams already accustomed to Google’s suite of applications. The platform’s intuitive interface and straightforward setup process make it a popular choice for smaller businesses and educational institutions. Moreover, Google Meet’s pricing is highly competitive, starting at just $6 per user per month as part of Google Workspace, making it an affordable option for organizations with limited budgets.

However, the trade-off for Google Meet’s ease of use is a lack of some of the advanced features offered by platforms like Zoom. For example, Google Meet’s webinar capabilities are more limited, and it offers fewer customization options for meeting settings. As a result, Google Meet is best suited for businesses that prioritize affordability, security, and a seamless user experience within the Google ecosystem, rather than those requiring extensive customization or advanced webinar features.

Recent updates include the introduction of Companion Mode, which allows users to join meetings from multiple devices simultaneously, and an increase in participant capacity to 500 users.

Differences between Zoom and Google Meet

When comparing Zoom and Google Meet as business video conferencing tools, several distinct differences emerge that cater to various organizational needs. Below is a detailed table highlighting the key differences, followed by an in-depth analysis of these distinctions.

Integration and ecosystem compatibility 

If your business relies on a wide range of third-party tools, Zoom’s extensive integration capabilities, with over 1,500 app integrations through its Zoom App Marketplace, might be the better choice for you. However, if your organization is already heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, Google Meet’s tight integration with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive can provide a seamless experience that boosts your team’s productivity.

Participant capacity 

If you frequently host large-scale webinars or virtual events, Zoom’s support for up to 1,000 participants might be more suitable for your needs. Google Meet, on the other hand, can accommodate up to 500 participants, which may be sufficient for most businesses but could fall short if you require a more extensive reach.

Customization and virtual backgrounds 

When it comes to personalizing your meeting experience, Zoom offers more options for virtual backgrounds, allowing you to create custom images or videos as your backdrop. This can be especially useful if you need to maintain a consistent brand presence or want to ensure privacy during meetings. While Google Meet also offers virtual backgrounds, the options are more limited compared to Zoom.

Recording and playback 

If you need to keep detailed records of your meetings for training, compliance, or future reference, Zoom’s user-friendly recording and playback features might be the way to go. You can easily record meetings, save them in the cloud, and share them with others. Google Meet also offers recording capabilities, but they may be limited depending on your Google Workspace tier, which could be less flexible for your organization’s needs.

Security and administration 

Both Zoom and Google Meet offer strong security measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication. However, Zoom provides more advanced host controls, like the ability to lock meetings, remove disruptive participants, and “suspend participant activities” in case of an emergency. If your organization requires tight administrative oversight, these granular controls might give Zoom an edge over Google Meet.

Platform availability and user experience 

If you prefer using a dedicated desktop app for your video conferences, Zoom offers apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This can be handy if you find browser tabs cluttered and want to manage your meetings more easily. On the other hand, Google Meet is entirely web-based, which makes it simple for users to join meetings across different platforms without installing additional software. However, this might be less appealing if you prefer a standalone app experience.

Also read: 6 Best Virtual Meeting Platforms for 2024

Similarities between Zoom and Google Meet

Zoom and Google Meet share many core functionalities that make them both strong contenders in the market. Whether you choose Zoom or Google Meet, you can expect high-quality video and audio. Both platforms include essential features like screen sharing, and both offer the ability to record meetings for future reference so you can revisit important discussions when needed.

Security is a top priority for both Zoom and Google Meet, so you can trust that your meetings will remain private and secure. Each platform offers end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, giving you peace of mind when discussing sensitive information or collaborating with external partners.

Another similarity between Zoom and Google Meet lies in their user interfaces, which are designed with you and your team in mind. If you’re already using Google Workspace tools like Gmail and Google Calendar, you’ll find that Google Meet integrates natively, making it easy for you to navigate and manage your meetings. Zoom, while offering a desktop app, also emphasizes ease of use, with a simple interface that allows you to quickly schedule or join meetings without any hassle.

When it comes to accessibility, both Zoom and Google Meet have you covered. As web-based platforms, they allow you and your team to join meetings directly from your browsers, without the need for additional software. This makes it convenient for participants across different devices and operating systems to connect easily, ensuring that everyone can be part of the conversation. Moreover, both platforms have adapted to modern needs by offering live captioning, which enhances accessibility for participants with hearing impairments or those in noisy environments, making sure that no one is left out.

Comparing plans and pricing

If you’re just starting out or have a smaller team, Google Meet’s Business Starter plan might be the way to go. At just $6 per user per month, it’s significantly more affordable than Zoom’s Pro plan, which comes in at $13.32 per user per month. Both plans support up to 100 participants, but if you need features like social media streaming and cloud storage for recordings, Zoom’s higher price point might be justified.

As your business grows and your needs change, you might consider upgrading to the next tier. Google Meet’s Business Standard plan, at $12 per user per month, allows meetings with up to 150 participants and includes recording capabilities and a generous 2 TB of pooled storage per user. On the other hand, Zoom’s Business plan, priced at $18.32 per user per month, supports up to 300 participants and includes features like single sign-on (SSO) and managed domains. However, the higher price may only be worth it if you really need those larger meeting capacities and advanced administrative controls.

For larger organizations with more complex needs, both platforms offer Enterprise plans that can accommodate up to 1,000 participants. Google Meet’s Business Plus plan, at $18 per user per month, includes a whopping 5 TB of storage and advanced security features like eDiscovery and data retention policies. This could be a great fit if your organization has substantial storage and compliance requirements. Zoom’s Enterprise plan, while requiring custom pricing, generally provides unlimited cloud storage and more extensive webinar tools, which could be ideal if you’re focused on hosting large-scale events or frequently need high-capacity meetings.

Who wins for pricing?

Google Meet.

Google Meet is generally more cost-effective, especially for those with smaller teams. Zoom, while more expensive, offers a richer feature set and is better suited for larger organizations with more complex needs.

Comparing ease-of-use

If you and your team value simplicity and seamless integration, Google Meet might be the better fit. Its user interface is streamlined and intuitive, especially if you’re already familiar with other Google applications like Gmail and Google Calendar. When you’re working within the Google Workspace ecosystem, everything just feels connected—scheduling meetings, sharing documents, and collaborating in real-time becomes a natural part of your workflow. This simplicity is a huge plus, particularly if you want to minimize learning curves and ensure everyone in your organization can easily access and participate in meetings.

Another advantage of Google Meet’s simplicity is its accessibility. Since it’s web-based, participants can join meetings directly from their browsers without needing to download any additional software. This eliminates technical barriers and makes it easier for less tech-savvy users to get involved. Plus, the consistent experience across different devices and platforms means that you and your team can join meetings from anywhere without worrying about compatibility issues.

Zoom, on the other hand, offers a more feature-rich environment that can be both powerful and overwhelming, depending on your needs. If you’re looking for advanced capabilities like breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, and extensive meeting controls, Zoom’s desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux provide a superior meeting experience. 

Zoom’s richness in features can come at the cost of simplicity. If you’re new to the platform, you might need some time to explore and familiarize yourself with all the bells and whistles. This learning curve can be daunting if your primary need is straightforward video conferencing and you just want to get up and running quickly. 

Having said this, both are relatively easy to use compared to some of the other options on the market, like Cisco Webex with its plethora of customization options and administration controls.

Who wins for ease of use? 

Google Meet. 

When it comes down to user experience, Google Meet generally comes out on top, thanks to its simple and intuitive interface. If you and your team are already using Google Workspace tools like Gmail and Google Calendar, Google Meet will feel like a natural extension of your workflow. This means you can schedule meetings, share documents, and collaborate in real-time without ever leaving the Google ecosystem.

Also read: Best Web Conferencing Software

Comparing webinar and event capabilities

Zoom and Google Meet have both emerged as powerful platforms for hosting virtual events, each with its own strengths and capabilities. Zoom has long been a go-to choice for large-scale webinars and events, offering an impressive array of features designed to engage and manage sizable audiences. With the ability to accommodate up to 50,000 attendees, Zoom provides automated recording, in-depth analytics, and customizable registration pages, making it a top pick for professional, high-profile virtual gatherings. The platform’s interactive tools, such as live polling, Q&A sessions, and breakout rooms, further enhance the attendee experience and foster active participation.

While Google Meet has traditionally been seen as a more straightforward video conferencing solution, its recent partnership with Brandlive has significantly expanded its event capabilities. This integration allows Google Meet to host webinars and events with an astonishing capacity of up to 1 million participants. By leveraging Brandlive’s platform, businesses can now create fully customized and professionally managed events within the Google Meet ecosystem.

This includes features like branded event sites, sophisticated registration processes, and detailed analytics. Google Meet also offers extensive live-streaming options, enabling organizations to reach up to 100,000 internal viewers or stream directly to YouTube for a staggering 8 million public viewers.

Who wins for webinar and event capabilities?

Zoom. 

Zoom is the clear winner with its native, feature-rich platform designed specifically for these purposes. With the ability to accommodate up to 50,000 attendees and advanced tools like breakout rooms, customizable registration, and detailed analytics, Zoom provides a level of functionality and flexibility that sets it apart. While Google Meet has made significant strides in enhancing its event capabilities through a partnership with Brandlive, Zoom remains the more comprehensive and integrated solution for businesses needing robust webinar functionality.

Comparing customer support

Zoom provides 24/7 customer support, including live chat, phone, and email, across all its paid plans, starting from the Pro level. Higher tiers like the Business and Enterprise plans offer additional perks, such as a dedicated customer success manager and prioritized response times.

However, Zoom’s customer support has received mixed reviews. While larger enterprise clients tend to have positive experiences, with one Gartner review noting that “Zoom has always been quick to resolve issues for our enterprise team,” smaller users often report frustrations. 

Google Meet, on the other hand, integrates its customer support within the broader Google Workspace offering. All Google Workspace tiers include standard support, but users can upgrade to enhanced support for quicker responses. Reviews suggest that Google Meet’s support is slightly better perceived among small to medium-sized businesses. 

One user mentioned on Trustpilot, “Google Meet’s support has been consistent, especially with the standard issues we’ve encountered as a small team.” Despite this, it’s important to note that Google Meet’s support also has its limitations, particularly for more complex or enterprise-level issues where the support may not be as good as some users would like.

Who wins for customer support?

Zoom. 

While users have their gripes with both platforms, Zoom takes the lead with its 24/7 availability, including live chat, phone, and email support across all paid plans, starting from the Pro level. Higher-tier plans offer additional benefits such as a dedicated customer success manager and prioritized response times. In contrast, Google Meet integrates its support into the broader Google Workspace, meaning it lacks a dedicated support structure specifically for video conferencing, making Zoom the better choice for businesses that prioritize comprehensive and accessible support.

Also read: How to Manage Zoom Fatigue in the Workplace 

Comparing meeting times

As a free user, you’ll find Google Meet offers a longer meeting duration than Zoom. You can host meetings for up to 60 minutes on Google Meet, compared to Zoom’s 40-minute limit for group meetings. This extra time can be valuable if you need slightly longer sessions without upgrading to a paid plan. Both platforms allow you to include up to 100 participants in free meetings, which should be sufficient for your small team meetings or casual virtual gatherings.

If you opt for paid tiers, you’ll notice a significant increase in meeting duration on both platforms. With Zoom, you can host meetings lasting up to 30 hours across all paid plans, starting from the Pro plan. This is considerably longer than most businesses need. Google Meet’s paid plans, part of the Google Workspace package, allow you to host meetings for up to 24 hours. This 24-hour limit applies to all tiers, from Business Starter to Enterprise, giving you ample time for extended meetings, albeit slightly less than Zoom.

Who wins for meeting times? 

It’s a tie. 

If you need longer, uninterrupted meeting durations, Zoom provides more flexibility, especially with its extensive 30-hour limit on paid plans. However, for most standard business meetings, you’ll likely find Google Meet’s 24-hour cap more than adequate. It may also prove to be a more cost-effective option for you, given its broader integration with Google Workspace tools.

Customer reviews

Zoom has garnered mixed reviews from users, especially when it comes to its performance during the height of the pandemic. On Trustpilot, a user mentioned, “While Zoom is packed with features and offers great functionality, their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. The wait times are too long, and sometimes the issues aren’t fully resolved.”​ Another user on Gartner highlighted, “Zoom works great for our large-scale webinars and has made virtual events seamless, but the learning curve can be steep for new users.”​ Despite the criticisms, many users appreciate Zoom’s extensive features, with one reviewer on G2 stating, “The breakout rooms and the ease of use for non-tech savvy participants have been game changers for our virtual training sessions.”​

Google Meet
Google Meet tends to receive praise for its simplicity and integration with Google Workspace, but it isn’t without its critics. A user on Trustpilot noted, “Google Meet works well for our small team meetings, especially with the real-time captions, but sometimes it feels a bit too basic, and we miss some of the advanced features that Zoom offers.” Another reviewer on G2 commented, “Google Meet’s integration with Google Calendar and Drive makes scheduling and file sharing incredibly smooth, but the lack of features like breakout rooms in the lower-tier plans is a drawback.” Despite some limitations, users generally appreciate the platform for its ease of use and seamless integration with other Google services.

Choosing the best solution for your business

If comprehensive, customizable video conferencing capabilities are a top priority and you have the budget to support it, Zoom is likely the better option. Its advanced features and flexibility can elevate your virtual meetings and events, making it a worthwhile investment for businesses with complex video conferencing requirements.

On the other hand, if ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and integration with Google Workspace are more important to your team, Google Meet offers significant value. Its simplicity and affordability make it an attractive choice for businesses that want to facilitate collaboration and communication without breaking the bank or overwhelming users with complex features.

As you evaluate your options in 2024, take the time to carefully assess your business needs, existing tools, and budget constraints. Consider the specific features that are most critical to your team’s success, and weigh them against the costs and learning curves associated with each platform. By taking a thoughtful, strategic approach, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the video conferencing solution that best aligns with your goals and sets your business up for success in the years to come.If neither of these solutions are right for your business, check out our full Video Conferencing Software Guide for more of the best options on the market today.

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