Google Meet

Google Hangouts is a communication platform developed by Google which includes messaging, video chat, SMS and VOIP features.

Plans and pricing

Google Meet isn’t a standalone product—it’s part of G Suite, which includes the platform in addition to a range of useful business apps.

G Suite offers three professional plans—Basic ($6 per month with access to Google Meet for up to 100 people), Business ($12 per month with access to Google Meet for up to 150 people), and Enterprise ($25 per month, with access to Google Meet for up to 250 people).

You can access each plan via desktop, Android, and iOS.

Features and utilities

Google Meet is packed full of features that rival those of its competitors. Three areas stand out in particular, though: its mobile conferencing, video chat features, and integrations with other Google apps.

Google Meet’s frictionless interface means you can set up a video conference with up to 250 participants simply by sending out an invite link.

The platform is fully optimized for Android and iOS, and its Enterprise plan enables swift dial-in functionality with a dedicated meeting phone number for conversing on the go, even without mobile data.

Google Hangout Meet boasts a range of useful video chat features including a live polling option for real-time decision-making, text-based chat, and file and image-sharing capabilities. Each of these features is geared towards making video conferences as cohesive and productive as possible.

The platform seamlessly synchronizes with G Suite for enhanced connectivity and collaboration. For businesses that rely on frequent video conferences and collaborative meetings, tools such as Google Docs and Calendar are invaluable when it comes to ideas sharing or delivering projects. I've only done a few calls over the Meet app, and in my experience, the quality tends to be on par with Slack's video calling, which I've always found underwhelming. Both have some lag issues. For video calls, I much prefer to use Zoom.

If you require video calling for external communications, Google Meet also integrates with select external platforms via Google's Pexip Infinity Platform.

Use Hangouts to keep in touch. Message friends, start free video or voice calls, and hop on a conversation with one person or a group. Say more with photos, stickers, and emoji.

• Include all your friends with group chats for up to 150 people.
• Say more with status messages, photos, emoji, stickers, and animated GIFs.
• Turn any conversation into a free group video call with up to 10 friends.
• Call any phone number in the world (and all calls to other Hangouts users are free!).
• Connect your Google Voice account for phone number, SMS, and voicemail integration.
• Keep in touch with friends across all your devices.
• Message friends anytime, even if they're offline.
• Manage mobile app remotely with Google Cloud.

Note: Mobile carrier and ISP charges may apply. Calls to Hangouts users are free, but other calls might be charged.