Google Meet vs. Zoom: Which Video Conferencing Tool to Choose
Learn the difference between Google Meet and Zoom, including their pricing models, video conferencing features, and security/compliance controls.
Video conferencing is a necessity for today’s distributed teams. However, many teams face a difficult decision — whether to use Google Meet, the video conferencing product built into Google Workspace, or Zoom.
In this article, we’ll leverage insights and expertise from Vendr’s purchasing experts to get an inside look at how top companies choose between Google Meet and Zoom. We’ll cover key considerations for companies, including:
- What is the difference between Google Meet and Zoom?
- Google Meet pricing vs. Zoom pricing.
- Enterprise video conferencing needs and solutions.
- Google Meet and Zoom FAQs.
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What is the difference between Google Meet and Zoom?
Zoom and Google Meet are similar in terms of basic video conferencing features. Both enable users to schedule and start meetings, join others’ meetings, use features such as document collaboration, screen sharing, and whiteboards in real time, and participate in chats built into the meetings.
However, each has a few advantages that make a difference to some companies.
Why companies choose Zoom
Zoom has more robust accessibility features. Users can join Zoom meetings without making an account or downloading an app, making it ideal for teams with frequent external-facing meetings (e.g., sales organizations).
In addition, Zoom has more integration options and is often the first video conferencing product to receive new integrations. It also offers ideal webinar functionality and has options for specialized event features such as breakout rooms and Q&A chats.
Why companies choose Google Meet
If an organization already uses Google Workspace, using Meet can help consolidate its tech stack and save costs. Google Meet is directly compatible with other Google Workspace products, such as Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and more.
Plus, as shown below in the pricing comparison, Google Workspace is cheaper than Zoom on a user-per-user basis.
Google Meet pricing vs. Zoom pricing
Google Meet is priced with a Google Workspace license as a whole. On the other hand, Zoom is priced as a standalone tool, with added features such as phone and email options at some tiers.
Google Meet pricing structure
The lowest tier of Google Meet is available to anyone with a Google Account. This free version enables the user to create video meetings with up to 100 participants and stay up to 60 minutes per meeting. There isn’t a time limit for mobile calls and 1:1s.
Your team will need a Google Workspace plan to access a paid version of Google Meet. Here are the tiers offered for Google Workspace and the features of Google Meet included at each level:
Zoom pricing plans
Zoom has five plan options. Each tier includes the previous tiers’ features, along with additional capabilities. Here are all of the available Zoom plans:
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Enterprise video conferencing needs and solutions
Many enterprises prioritize security, compliance, scalability, and support when choosing a new tool. We’ll look at how these features compare in Google Meet and Zoom.
Security and compliance features
Both Zoom and Google Meet align with common compliance standards and security recommendations, such as:
- Alignment with GDPR and SOC2.
- Adherence to Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Data Protection Act (DPA) regulations.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Single Sign-on (SSO).
- Real-time encryption.
Zoom provides unique security features for hosts to leverage, such as password protection and waiting rooms for verifying participants. Google Meet delivers a different set of security controls, as it’s built on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and benefits from its built-in protections such as robust hardware-level security.
Scalability and support
Google Meet and Zoom offer different scalability features. If you already use Google Workplace, Google Meet can scale in line with other parts of your business. For instance, if you add a new Gmail user, this new user will be guaranteed access to Google Meet with no additional costs to your business. Zoom offers other scalability features, such as compatibility with partner organizations that use Microsoft and webinar offerings.
Regarding customer care and support, both platforms offer access to self-serve learning centers, and collaborative communities. Google Meet users can receive support if they are a Google Workplace Admin. Enterprises can also add an additional level of customer care at one of two levels:
- Enhanced Support, which offers a one-hour response time for priority cases and direct access to product experts.
- Premium Support, which offers a 15-minute response time for priority cases, a dedicated technical account manager, and training options
A Zoom plan comes with more customer care options at no additional charge. It offers a chatbot and 24/7 access to Zoom’s Global Support Centers. Zoom also offers two tiers of customer support based on your plan, including:
- Pro Plan support, which allows users to submit web tickets, access live chat support, and use live phone support (admins only).
- Business / Business Plus / Enterprise Plan support, which enables all of the support options in the pro plan, plus an option for admins to meet with an agent on video.
How Vendr gets companies better deals on video conferencing software
Vendr enables companies to get in touch with expert negotiators and save thousands on SaaS. Our experts have insights into discount levers that can drastically cut costs on purchasing video conferencing software. We can help your team present negotiation angles such as aligning with a competitive contract range, bundling services, and leveraging timing at specific points of the calendar year.
Sign up for a free-forever Vendr account to get more insights into negotiating your Zoom or Google Workspace contracts.
Google Meet and Zoom FAQs
Which is more cost-effective for large enterprises, Google Meet or Zoom?
While Google Meet costs less per month, large enterprises should consider their existing tech stacks and see the available integrations with each option to decide which is the better fit. Enterprises can also consider negotiation strategies to lower the licensing costs of either solution.
Can either platform be integrated with other enterprise tools?
Google Meet and Zoom both integrate with other Google Workspace apps (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc.), various customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, and more. However, only Zoom is compatible with Microsoft apps.
How do both platforms accommodate users with disabilities?
Both Zoom and Google Meet offer accessibility features such as captioning and transcription options, video features for highlighting a sign language interpreter alongside the main speaker, customizable display settings (e.g., font sizes and colors), and screen reader support.
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