Google Meet Vs Zoom- Which one is right for you?
Google Meet and Zoom are video conferencing applications that allow individuals from all around the world to network and connect amongst one another. These conferencing applications have been around for many years but, have most recently been in high demand, skyrocketing due to the worldwide pandemic. Remote working as well as remote learning has now become the new norm and has forced individuals to connect with one another through a screen.
With this being said, both conferencing applications are a great way to connect with others face to face, especially during the pandemic. However, choosing between both conferencing applications can be quite difficult. So, in today’s article, we will be comparing Google Meet and Zoom through taking a look at 4 crucial features both applications provide, in order to hopefully assist you in choosing which conferencing application is best suited for your needs.
Pricing
Google Meet:
Google Meet allows users to connect with up to 100 participants for free but with some restrictions such as time limits, no access to past meeting recordings as well as live streams. However, these restrictions can be overcome through purchasing the Google Workspace Essentials for $8 USD a month.
Zoom:
Zoom, similar to Google Meet allows users to connect with up to 100 participants but, also comes along with its restrictions towards free users such as the participant limit, time limit as well as the inability to view past meetings. However, through purchasing a Zoom license for $15 a month, users can communicate and enjoy each call without strict limitations and instead added advantages.
Participant and Time limit:
Google Meet:
As stated above, Google Meet allows users to invite up to 100 participants. However, when using the free license, each meeting can only occur for the duration of an hour. After the hour has finished, the Google Meet will officially end for all participants. But, through purchasing the Google Workspace Essentials license users can connect for up to 24 hours per call.
Zoom:
Similar to Google Meet, Zoom permits up to 100 users on a call but limits each meeting to 40 minutes when using the free license. However, through purchasing a Zoom license, users no longer need to worry about meeting time constraints for all conferences can be as long as 30 hours per call.
Screen Sharing and Emojis
Google Meet:
Google Meet does allow the host of a conference to share the screen with the other participants but does not allow the host to allocate screen sharing privileges with any other individuals in the meeting. This here can be quite inconvenient for users, especially for those using the application to share team or group ideas. In terms of interaction, Google Meet comes with a wide variety of options for all users to use and interact with while meetings are in session such as live subtitles or a chatroom. This can be extremely helpful to those who choose to not turn on their mics while others are speaking, but still, wish to interact with them or people with hearing impairments.
Zoom:
Similar to Google Meet, the host of a conference has the ability to share their screen with the rest of the participants. But, unlike Google Meet it also allows the host to give permission to other users in the conference to do so as well. This here is extremely beneficial to all users for it allows everyone to share their ideas with one another in a more visual way. In terms of emojis, Zoom gives a wide option of filters such as different background choices, GIF’s as well as a dozen of emojis to choose from. This here gives participants the ability to connect in a fun, lighthearted way, while also having a good time conversing in each meeting.
Privacy
Google Meet:
Privacy and security are something Google Meet values heavily. In order to ensure the safety of its users Google Meet has taken a variety of precautions such as using Encryption for all data, using meeting codes to make sure uninvited guests are not attending meetings, along with continually evolving their security features by complying with data protection laws and other industry standards (Google, 2021)
Zoom:
Just as Google Meet, Zoom values the privacy and security of its users through using encryptions for all data, creating a waiting room for all attendees, enabling local recording storage as well as cloud recording storge. Along with this Zoom has created an audio signature function which embeds all user’s personal information into an audio file, which can be shared to further help identify if a participant is recording a meeting without the permission of the host (Zoom, 2021).
Final thoughts
Overall, Google Meet and Zoom are both sufficient applications for anyone looking to connect and network with a large group of people, in a convenient matter. When comparing the two side by side, both applications have very similar functions and abilities so, when deciding which one to pick, it is up to you to choose what you think personally, works best with your job obligations.