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Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace have been known for providing platforms for smooth communication and collaboration within the teams. Users can organize HD video calls, send and receive messages, and share files and documents.
The component of Google Workspace is known as ‘Google Meet’ and Microsoft 365 is ‘Microsoft Teams.’ However, the real struggle is when you have to select a suitable platform out of these two. This can raise a lot of queries in your head like:
- Which one of these is more cost-effective?
- Which platform will allow you to add external users to the meetings?
- How to differentiate between Google Meet and Microsoft Teams?
- Which tool is easier to use?
- Which video conferencing tool is the right fit for your business?
To answer these queries, you need to thoroughly understand Google Meet vs Microsoft Teams, identifying the fundamental and functional differences.
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a communication platform that comes with Microsoft 365 subscription plans. It has replaced other business messaging services of Microsoft, like Skype for Business and Classroom. It majorly focuses on providing a suite of collaborative apps, such as chat, video conferencing, project management, integration with Microsoft and third-party apps, etc.
Features of Microsoft Teams
- Chats and Messaging: The chats are designed as threaded conversations. The user can send text messages, add emojis, and mark the message as either urgent or essential. The vital message will be displayed in red color with an exclamation mark. The critical message will send constant notifications until the receiver sees the message. The user can conduct a group chat with multiple members and share files and documents in-between chats.
- Audio & video conferencing: Several methods in the Teams app use calling. There is instant messaging, Voice Over IP, and video conferencing. The Teams users can call phone numbers from the application through a public switched telephone network (PSTN).
- Schedule meetings: A user can schedule meetings and add other team members at the supposed time. The receiver will get a link and can join at the scheduled time. Teams also provide an MS Outlook plugin so that the receiver receives a link through Outlook email. Thousands of users can be added to Meeting through a link.
- Channels: Channels are topics of discussion that a user can set to avoid chatting through email or group messages. The receiver can respond to the discussion topic through text, GIFs, images, and even memes.
- Security: When we talk about enterprise communication, security is the major concern of businesses. Calls executed through Teams are two-way encrypted. It is integrated with compliance standards, anti-malware, and advanced threat protection. Administrators have the right to manage the permissions and adjust the security policies.
- App Integrations: Teams provides an easy integration with third-party and native apps of Microsoft. This allows users to have an extended access to feature that aren’t available in Teams.
What is Google Meet?
Google Meet is a video-communication service that incorporates the better services of its predecessor, like Hangout Chats or Google Chat. Google considers it as an enterprise-friendly version of Hangouts. During a video conference, there can be participants up to 30 members.
Features of Google Meet
- Video conferencing with high resolution: The video conference will have much higher clarity than other apps. It can go up to 720p during video calls.
- Call encryption: The voice/audio call will be encrypted to avoid any data loss.
- Join meeting with multiple methods: A receiver can join the Meeting through a web browser link or Android and iOS apps.
- Integration with Google Apps: Google Meet can integrate with other Google-based applications like Google Calendar and Contacts for better meeting scheduling.
- Screen-sharing during meetings: During an ongoing meeting, the host can share documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other tabs.
- Total control over video/audio calls: The host has complete control over the call, and they can add or remove members in a call.
- Security: Google Meet also provides high-end security to the data stored within the Google Workspace. All the calls placed through Google Meet are encrypted from the sender’s end.
Comparison of Features of Google Meet and Microsoft Teams
Can’t decide between Google Meet vs Microsoft Teams? Check out the one-on-one comparison between the two platforms to finalize the practical solution for your business.
| Features | Microsoft Teams Identifiable Information (PII) | Google Meet (SPII) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Available as a collaboration hub with features like chats, calls, file collaboration, live captions, recording, and access to other apps. | Available as a video conferencing platform with features like screen sharing, live polls, Q&A sessions, etc. |
| Meeting span | Free plan: 60 minutes Paid plan: 30 hours |
Free plan: 60 minutes (group meetings) and 24 hours (1-on-1 plan) Paid plan: 24 hours |
| Standard capacity | Free plan supports 100 participants while paid plan allows adding up to 300 participants, which can extend up to 1000 participants | Free plan allows meeting with 100 participants while paid plan supports up to 500 attendees. |
| AI integration | Copilot | Gemini |
| Video quality | 1080 pixels | 720 pixels by default (extend up to 1080 with paid plans) |
Which Platform is Right for Your Business?
The ultimate decision between Microsoft Teams and Google Meet can vary with varying business requirements. However, if you choose Teams, you’ll need a strong solution to safeguard your Teams data, including chats, channels, files, and meeting data. Use Kernel Microsoft Teams Backup Tool to download a safe and secure backup to protect critical data against accidental deletion, compliance failures, and other data loss threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Yes, both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams have their mobile applications that you can download for Android as well as iOS devices. It simplifies your access to these apps from anywhere and anytime as required.
A. Google Meet showcases a simple and easy-to-use interface, which is why it is suitable for users who are new and require a feature like quick online meetings. However, Microsoft Teams is known for the advanced features it supports, but the only limitation is its learning curve. Users may often need a bit more time to learn navigating through Microsoft Teams.
