Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit many countries and forced people to stay and work at home, video conferencing has been around for a long time. Aside from a reliable app to use whenever a company meeting is called, a video conferencing tool is an essential mode of communication for individuals who are far away from each other. From long distance relationships, families working abroad, online classes, and more, these apps surely know to connect people.
With more people now shifting to remote work, video conferencing apps are also getting in demand. Two of the most used and popular online communication tools are Google Meet and Zoom. Different individuals and companies may have tried both apps already. However, these two have actually a lot of differences than we think we know. So, if you are still pondering what may be the best video conferencing tool to use, this article might just answer your question.
All About Google Meet
Google Meet formerly known as Hangouts Meet is developed by Google. It is one of the two apps that make up Google Hangouts, the other one is Google Chats. Initially, Google Meet was quietly launched as an IOS app last February 2017. Then, it was made known to the public a month after. Anyone who has a Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) account can access Google Meet.
Recently modified to secure video meetings from personal to business communication, Google Meet promises to give you protection so you don’t have to worry about data leakage and uninvited people from entering your calls. With the same type of security used in all applications designed by Google, video meetings are also encrypted by transit between you and Google. This provides a safer platform where your information will remain private and cannot be stolen.
Available Features
Google Meet offers a smooth experience through its simple interface. When sending an invitation for a meeting, you can just send a link to your teammates and wait for them to attend. No more additional plug – ins or other accounts to setup. If your members have their own Google accounts, the invitation will automatically appear in their calendar and reminders list. Whether you send out invites via link, Gmail, or calendar event, rest assured that your scheduled meeting is set to go.
It doesn’t matter whether you will be joining via phone, tablet, or computer. Since Google Meet features noise cancellation, live captions, and low-light options, you’ll still be able to maximize the most out of your meetings. Moreover, this video conferencing tool allows you to use a meeting ID over and over again. Also, if you need to attend separate meetings at once, Google Meet lets you create additional rooms that can also turn into breakout rooms for a more private and in depth meeting.
Everyone can access Google Meet. For the free version that you can try, a maximum of 60 minutes per meeting with multiple participants can be utilized. However, if you want to maximize other features, the basic G Suite package is offered at $6. This allows you to have up to 100 participants per meeting. Furthermore, your payment can also give you access to other Google apps such as Slides, Calendar, and more. Alongside with these inclusions, is an additional 30GB of your cloud storage.
Summary of Features
List courtesy of Wikipedia.
- Two-way and multi-way audio and video calls with a resolution up to 720p
- An accompanying chat
- Call encryption between all users
- Noise cancelling audio filter
- Low-light mode for video
- Ability to join meetings through a web browser or through Android or iOS apps
- Integration with Google Calendar and Google Contacts for one-click meeting calls
- Screen-sharing to present documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or (if using a browser) other browser tabs
- Ability to call into meetings using a dial-in number in the US
- Hosts being able to deny entry and remove users during a call
All About Zoom
Since lockdown measures were implemented, more people came to know about and use Zoom for their video meetings and conferences. The app is very easy to use and provides quality video and audio results. No wonder why it suddenly became one of the most downloadable and used communication tool. Before earning millions of subscribers, Zoom was first launched last September 2012 with only 15 participants allowed per meeting. On January 2013, a new version of Zoom was updated which increased the members at 25.
It was until February this year that this video tool gained popularity all over the globe with over 2.2 million users. A month after, it was reported that the Zoom app was downloaded 2.13 million times. Now, the free version of Zoom allows 100 participants in every meeting with a maximum of 40 minutes.
Available Features
Zoom is available in your Microsoft, iOS, Android, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux system. It is ideal for people who are not that techie since the interface is relatively easy to follow. Moreover, the video tool partnered with different applications such as Microsoft O365, Gmail, Safari, Chrome, Outlook, and Firefox which makes it easier to send out links and invites whenever you have a meeting.
Another feature to take note is the built-in collaboration tools offered by Zoom. You can share your screen to show presentations or videos without the need for another link or tab to be opened separately. In addition, you can also assign various hosts that will have different focus such as screen sharing, minutes of the meeting, and other administrative tasks. For a more private and in depth conference, breakout rooms are also available to utilize.
Furthermore, Zoom can readily transcribe your meetings when you record them (premium account). You can also exchange messages, and files with one another through the app’s chat feature. For a more fun experience, Zoom came up with a creative way wherein you can choose your own desired virtual background.
If you want to have access to more features, Zoom premium is priced starting at $14.99. For this payment, you’ll get the basic stuff and also additional 1GB for your cloud storage. Moreover, you can also have your meetings recorded and use later. However, if you need additional participants (up until 1000) you have to pay an extra amount.
Summary of Features
- Simple interface
- One – on – one meetings
- Group video conferences
- Screen sharing
- Virtual background
- Noise cancelling audio filter
- Browser extensions
- Record meetings
- Transcribe meetings
- Accompanying chat
- Integration of Gmail, Outlook, Safari, and other applications
The Verdict
Google Meet and Zoom are both video conferencing tools that can address your need for catch up sessions to a more serious meetings or business conferences. Although they appear similarly, there are various differences that you can point out.
Google Meet is ideal for those who already have their own Google accounts. Google Workspace doesn’t only allow you to use Google Meet but also other applications that you might find useful in your work or personal matters. Moreover, the free version of this communication tool gives you a good 40-minutes time limit to hold your meetings. If you also have participants that to need to call-in rather than join via video, this app is much preferred as it doesn’t ask for additional fees. Also, Google Meet comes in cheaper compared to Zoom.
On the other hand, Zoom is the best video conferencing tool to choose if you or your participants are not so knowledgeable with the ins and outs of complicated interfaces. Since this app has a simple look, you can easily get the hang of it. Moreover, Zoom allows you to enjoy a 60-minute time limit. Compared to Google Meet, the maximum time is a little higher. Although it has usable and attractive features, most of those can be accessed for a certain price.
Choosing between these two video conferencing tool really depends on your needs and resources as an individual or business. Whichever you choose, both will still be effective communication tools especially during these uncertain times.