Google Meet is Google’s video conferencing platform that allows users to make video calls, either one-on-one or with larger groups. It was launched in 2017 as a business-oriented product and was made available to everyone in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for video conferencing skyrocketed. Some of the key features of Google Meet include HD video calls, screen sharing, real-time captions, scheduling and joining meetings via a link or meeting code, and the ability to call into meetings via phone.
With many people still working and learning remotely, services like Google Meet remain essential for connecting co-workers, classmates, friends and family via video call. But how good is Google Meet compared to competitors like Zoom or Microsoft Teams? Does it have the right mix of features, call quality, pricing and accessibility to be a viable everyday video calling solution? Let’s take a deeper look at the pros and cons.
Video and Audio Quality
One of the most important factors in choosing a video conferencing platform is the quality of the video and audio. No one wants to struggle to see or hear the other participants in a meeting.
Overall, Google Meet provides high-definition HD video up to 720p resolution for both one-on-one calls and group calls with up to 100 participants. The video quality adjusts based on the participant’s bandwidth, so those with slower connections can still participate. But it may downgrade to standard definition for very large meetings.
The audio quality is also generally very good, provided participants have decent microphones and internet connections. Google Meet uses WebRTC protocols for direct peer-to-peer connections which helps reduce latency and lag. Noise cancellation features also help minimize background noise.
Compared to competitors, Google Meet delivers similar HD video and audio capabilities as platforms like Zoom, Webex or Microsoft Teams. All these mainstream options can deliver solid call quality for both small meetings and larger events. But business users that need 4K resolution video or enterprise-grade audio may need to look at more advanced (and expensive) conferencing solutions.
Features
In addition to good core video and audio, Google Meet offers a robust set of features for meetings and collaborating:
Screen sharing – Meet allows participants to share their full screen or individual windows and tabs. Hosts can control screen sharing permissions.
Live captions – AI-powered live captions automatically transcribe the meeting. Captions can be enabled by participants if needed.
Recording – Meetings can be recorded and saved to Google Drive, with permission from the host.
Calendar integration – Users can schedule Meet meetings via Google Calendar. Join info is included in the event.
Virtual backgrounds – Custom backgrounds help hide distracting environments.
Polling – Simple yes/no polling questions can be added to meetings.
Breakout rooms – Large meetings can be split into smaller breakout sessions.
Attendance tracking – The host can see who has joined and left a meeting.
Mute control – The host can mute and unmute participants.
Chat – Participants can chat during the meeting.
The core features like screen sharing, live captions, muting, and virtual backgrounds make Google Meet very functional for both work meetings and casual catch-ups with friends or family. More advanced features like breakout rooms and polls allow for interactive meetings with larger teams or classrooms. Overall, Meet provides a robust set of essential video meeting tools, on par with competitors. But it lacks some specialty features like whiteboarding or extensive webinar controls.
Call Limits
One important consideration for larger events is how many participants a video call can support. Here are Google Meet’s limitations:
– One-on-one calls – No participant limit
– Free users – Up to 100 participants per call
– Business & Education users – Up to 250 participants per call
– Enterprise customers – Up to 250 participants per domain (can be increased)
So for the average user’s needs -scheduling team meetings, virtual hangouts, classroom activities etc. – Meet’s 100 participant limit for free users is very generous. For context, Zoom’s free plan also caps at 100 participants. And that’s enough capacity for most small business or personal video call needs.
Of course, large enterprises or schools that need 500+ attendees on a single call will need to look at paid plans, both for increased capacity and features like advanced security controls. But Google Meet checks the box for supporting most everyday video calling scenarios.
Ease of Use
For mass adoption, a video conferencing tool needs to be straightforward for the average user to operate. Complicated interfaces or hard-to-find controls will turn users off.
Fortunately, Google Meet has a very clean, intuitive interface. For starters, users can easily join meetings from Google Calendar event invites, via meeting links, or dialing in by phone. Once in the meeting, core controls like mute, camera toggle, screen sharing, chat, and leaving the call are easily accessible.
The mobile apps and browser interfaces are also very consistent, allowing users to switch devices seamlessly. In general, Meet follows Google’s ethos of simplified, user-friendly design. While more complex features like breakout rooms may take some learning, the basics are very easy for both casual and business users to pick up. And the ubiquitous nature of Google apps like Gmail and Calendar lower the barrier to entry even further.
Availability and Accessibility
For a video chat platform to be useful, it needs to work consistently and be accessible from anywhere on any device. Google Meet is in a very strong position here, compared to some competitors.
Since Meet runs on Google’s robust cloud infrastructure, the service is highly reliable with minimal downtime. And users can join meetings from just about any device:
– **Desktop** – Windows, Mac, Chrome OS
– **Mobile** – Android, iOS
– **Web** – Works in modern browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge
– **Telephone dial-in** – Users without computers/internet can call in
This omni-channel access combined with Google’s scale gives Meet a leg up. Users are less likely to encounter compatibility issues or get locked out from meetings when traveling or switching devices. Google also provides telephony dial-in numbers for over 90 countries worldwide – key for international teams.
The only potential gap is lack of native apps for some TV platforms like Fire TV or Android TV. But with mobile, web and dial-in access users still have plenty of ways to join Google Meet calls from televisions or smart displays.
Cost Value
Of course, cost is an important factor when choosing a video conferencing solution. Here’s a breakdown of Google Meet’s pricing and value:
Google Meet Free Version
– Up to 100 participants
– 60 minute limit on group calls
– Key features: Video calling, screen sharing, chat, mute, etc.
– Limited meeting recording (to Google Drive)
– Free version works for personal Google accounts
Google Workspace Business Plans
– $6 – $18 per user / month
– 150 – 250 participants per call
– 24 hour call limit
– Additional features like attendance tracking, polling, breakouts
– Expanded cloud storage and document collaboration
– Works with G Suite business domains
Compared to competitors, Google Meet’s free offering is very competitive:
– Zoom’s free plan also caps at 100 participants and 40 minute group limit
– Microsoft Teams free version allows only 45 minute group calls
– Webex’s free tier supports only 50 minute group calls
So you can really accomplish a lot without paying on Google Meet. While business plans offer more advanced features and call limits, the free version will meet many smaller teams and personal needs. And Google Workspace business plans cost about the same as competing products like Zoom Business or Microsoft 365 Business when you factor in all included apps and storage.
Security
Data privacy is top of mind for many users when adopting new video conferencing solutions. Google Meet uses the following security measures:
– Encryption (in transit and at rest) – Data is secured using HTTPS and AES 128 encryption.
– User controls – Hosts manage join permissions, access, mute settings, etc.
– Authentication – Google account required to join meetings.
– Random meeting codes – Prevent unauthorized access with randomized, unique IDs.
– No plugin downloads – 100% web-based so no unnecessary software.
Compared to Zoom, Google Meet has had a stronger security posture from the start, avoiding issues like zoombombing. Google also has extensive experience securing user data andpreventing breaches at scale.
For regulated industries, Meet also offers advanced controls like retention policies, key management, and compliance certifications not seen in some competitors. All in all, Meet provides enterprise-grade security and reduces the risks associated with consumer tools.
Integration with G Suite
As part of the G Suite family, Google Meet integrates closely with popular Google apps like Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, and more. This creates a frictionless experience for businesses already using Google’s productivity suite. Some examples include:
– Schedule Meetings via Google Calendar. All details are included automatically.
– Start meetings quickly from Google Chat rooms.
– Present Google Slides or Docs directly in a meeting.
– Record meetings and save directly to Google Drive for sharing and playback.
– Access contacts from your company directory for meetings.
No having to switch contexts across apps or relearn different UIs. Everything is connected across G Suite for easier collaboration. Competing tools lack this deep G Suite integration. While Meet works as a standalone app, integration with Google’s ecosystem is a major advantage for business and education users.
Summarized Pros and Cons
**Pros:**
– Excellent video and audio quality
– Robust core features like screen sharing and live captions
– Free version supports up to 100 participants
– Easy to use interface across devices
– Runs reliably on Google’s infrastructure
– Available via web, mobile, and dial-in globally
– Competitive free and paid pricing tiers
– Enterprise-level security and compliance
– Tight integration with G Suite apps
**Potential Cons:**
– Maximum of 250 participants per call (must upgrade for more)
– Lacks some advanced features like whiteboarding or webinar capabilities
– No native apps for some TV platforms
– Business version requires G Suite subscription
Conclusion
For most everyday video calling needs, Google Meet provides an excellent combination of quality, features, accessibility and value. It really shines when integrated with G Suite’s collaboration and productivity apps, creating a streamlined workspace. But even as a standalone tool, Meet outperforms competitors in many regards.
The free version of Google Meet delivers on core video meeting capabilities like mobile support, large group calls, screen sharing and more with minimal limitations. And businesses can upgrade to affordable G Suite plans to unlock additional features, larger meeting capacities, enterprise-grade security and endless call times.
Compared to alternatives like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, Google Meet runs on extremely reliable infrastructure while matching or exceeding their core features and pricing. Limitations like max meeting size and advanced webinar tools do exist, but Meet checks all the boxes for 80-90% of use cases.
For individuals, families, small teams, and large organizations alike, Google Meet provides a dependable video meetings solution for work, school or staying connected. With Google’s scale and experience delivering robust cloud software, Meet isn’t going anywhere. So don’t hesitate to make it your go-to video conferencing platform.