Archive article - published on May 11 2020
Google Meet Versus Zoom: An Overview
Both Google Meet and Zoom are video conferencing and remote working software platforms. Between the two, there is a great deal of overlap in terms of quality and functionality.
For example, both are serving thousands of organizations that have allowed their employees to work from home. You can host virtual meetings for large groups of several hundred participants or one-on-one interviews.
Additionally, each offers free versions of their software (with feature limitations), along with three options to upgrade. Zoom offers Basic (free), Pro, Business, and Enterprise. Google Meet now comes as a complementary Google service included with a free Gmail account, or in its more robust form as part of a G-Suite (Basic, Business, or Enterprise) subscription.
3 Reasons Why Google Meet is Better Than Zoom
But upon closer look, users are spotting significant differences between how these two productivity apps work and what they have to offer.
The growing consensus among tech reviews and power users is that G-Suite - including Google Meet - is the better option all-around. Here are three critical reasons why.
1. Security
Zoom boasts end-to-end (E2E) encryption, but experts find this a slight exaggeration.
Instead, it is more accurate to say that Zoom uses transport layer security (TLS) encryption. While TLS does a great job of protecting the conferencing space from intruders, it does not protect private conversations from Zoom itself. Actual E2E encryption protects your communications from outsiders and the software provider.
Google is a bit more transparent about Meet’s security. Encryption occurs “in transit,” and this prevents Google or outsiders from intercepting private conversations. That said, if a hacker finds their way into your or your employees’ computer/server, they can access information shared over a Google Meet.
“Encrypted in transit” is generally more secure than is TLS encryption.
2. Cost
For Zoom Basic, you can enjoy nearly everything that Zoom has to offer. The glaring exception is that all free Zoom meetings may not exceed 40 minutes. For most organizations, it makes more sense to upgrade to a paid subscription starting at just under $15/month.
On April 29, Google announced,
“Starting in early May, anyone with an email address can sign up for Meet and enjoy many of the same features available to our business and education users, such as simple scheduling and screen sharing, real-time captions, and layouts that adapt to your preference, including an expanded tiled view.”
Google Meet’s free version caps your meetings at one hour. But upgrading to any G-Suite subscription lifts this restraint.
G-Suite subscriptions start at $6/month/user. For large organizations, this can get expensive. However, G-Suite is much more comprehensive than its video conferencing app. G-Suite is a full productivity package that includes branded email services, shared calendars, word processing, presentation software, cloud storage, and more.
3. Ease of Use
For larger groups, Zoom has a slight advantage over Google Meet. Both apps offer space for up to 100 participants on their basic plans.
Google announced that it will allow up to 250 participants (ordinarily available for Enterprise members only) with a G-Suite Basic subscription from now until the end of September. For most organizations, this is more than enough conferencing capacity.
With max upgrades, Zoom allows up to 500 participants. But this feature comes at a significantly higher cost.
Zoom will integrate with Microsoft and G-Suite. But since Meet is open to all for free (for up to 60 minutes), plus temporary Enterprise features on a G-Suite Basic subscription, Zoom’s integration potential hardly seems to matter.
Lastly, Google Meet’s call-in feature (something that Zoom has yet to provide) is also a huge plus.
In Conclusion: Google Meet Versus Zoom
Google Meet is most likely to fulfill your productivity needs and more. Its features are more versatile and Meet also offers higher security at a lower cost.
If you’re new to Google Meet and G-Suite software, connect with one of our experts today. We can guide you through the process and help you maximize all that G-Suite has to offer.