Overview of Zoom and Google Meet
Zoom and Google Meet are two of the most widely used video conferencing tools for business communication today. Zoom is known for its interactive meeting tools and robust webinar features, while Google Meet excels with its deep integration in Google Workspace and ease of use for organizations on Google’s ecosystem. Key user segments for Zoom include organizations needing advanced meeting control, webinars, or collaborative workshops. Google Meet typically appeals to users looking for a simple, reliable solution built around Google productivity tools. Their primary business products are Zoom Pro and Zoom Business, versus Google Workspace, which unlocks advanced features in Google Meet.
- Key Takeaways
- Zoom offers advanced features like breakout rooms and webinars; Google Meet focuses on tight Workspace integration and simplicity.
- Zoom supports up to 1,000 participants on paid plans; Google Meet caps at 500 participants for Google Workspace tiers.
- Both platforms offer HIPAA compliance and major security standards, but differ in encryption and administrative controls.
- Google Meet’s live captions and Calendar integration simplify scheduling and accessibility for Workspace users.
| Feature | How Zoom handles it | How Google Meet handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participant limit (paid plans) | Up to 1,000 | Up to 500 | Zoom: Large events, Google Meet: Medium meetings |
| Meeting duration (free) | 40 min | 60 min | Google Meet for longer free meetings |
| Breakout rooms | Available | Not publicly specified | Zoom: Interactive sessions |
| Live captions | Live transcription available | Available with real-time translation | Google Meet: Accessibility, global teams |
| Meeting recording | Available | Available on some paid plans | Both: Record-keeping/training |
| Gmail/Calendar integration | Not publicly specified | Deep integration | Google Meet: Workspace users |
| End-to-end encryption | Available | Not publicly specified (encryption in transit) | Zoom: Highly sensitive meetings |
| HIPAA compliance | Paid plans | Enterprise plans | Both: Healthcare/compliance-focused |
| ISO/IEC 27001 | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
Meeting Limits and Participant Capacity
Zoom’s free plan lets you host meetings of up to 100 participants for 40 minutes. Paid Zoom plans raise limits to as many as 1,000 participants for up to 30 hours per meeting. Google Meet’s free tier also supports 100 participants but allows 60-minute meetings. With Google Workspace, you can increase participant limits to 500 and run sessions for up to 24 hours. If you need longer meetings or large virtual events, Zoom’s higher limits make it a strong choice. For internal meetings or classes, either platform offers sufficient capacity on paid plans.
Pricing Comparison
Zoom offers a free plan with a strict 40-minute limit on group meetings. Zoom Pro starts at $149.90 per year per user, providing longer meetings and additional features. In comparison, Google Meet includes a free plan with a 60-minute group meeting cap. Google Workspace, starting at $6 per month per user, extends those capabilities—unlocking advanced features and longer meetings. For large organizations or teams, Zoom’s higher base price may be justified by its unique features. Meanwhile, Google Workspace offers a broader productivity suite at a lower entry cost.
Core Features and Differences
Zoom distinguishes itself with features like breakout rooms for workshops, advanced polling, waiting rooms, whiteboarding, live transcription, and support for webinars and training. Google Meet focuses on direct integration with Gmail and Google Calendar, offering live captions, hand-raising, and real-time translation to boost accessibility. If your use case calls for collaborative breakout sessions or interactive events, Zoom stands out. For streamlined scheduling and real-time translation, Google Meet’s integration is the advantage.
Security and Compliance
Zoom offers end-to-end encryption, SSO (single sign-on), and is GDPR and HIPAA compliant on paid plans. Google Meet encrypts data in transit, supports SSO, meets GDPR, and offers HIPAA compliance on enterprise-level subscriptions, all while leveraging Google’s extensive security infrastructure. If strict end-to-end encryption is required for highly confidential meetings, Zoom may have the edge. Both platforms can meet healthcare compliance needs with the right plan tier. Regarding ISO/IEC 27001 certification, this detail is not publicly specified for either platform based on the available data.
Recording and Transcription
Both Zoom and Google Meet offer meeting recording, though on Google Meet this is available only on select paid plans. Zoom provides live transcription across its meeting tiers. Google Meet has built-in live captions and supports real-time translation to multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for international teams. These features are especially beneficial for training, inclusion, and post-meeting review.
Integrations and Workflow Compatibility
Google Meet integrates directly with Gmail and Google Calendar, making it easy to schedule, join, and track meetings from within your email or calendar workflow. This streamlines meeting planning for teams already working within Google Workspace. Zoom’s integration options are not publicly specified in the current evidence, so if deep calendar and productivity suite connection is a must, Google Meet is the more transparent choice. For teams reliant on Google’s apps, this tight integration enhances everyday productivity.
Business Use Case Scenarios
If you’re running large workshops, public webinars, or corporate training with interactive elements, Zoom is typically preferred due to its breakout rooms and robust event controls. For organizations using Google Workspace, Google Meet simplifies scheduling and minimizes friction—ideal for quick meetings, recurring check-ins, or education settings. Companies in highly regulated industries should review which plan tiers enable HIPAA compliance and adequate security controls on both platforms.
Considerations Not Publicly Specified
Certain details—such as customer support options, data storage locations, or API rate limits—are not publicly specified for either platform based on current sources. If your business relies on specific support channels or data residency requirements, these should be checked directly with the vendor before making a decision.
When to Choose Zoom vs Google Meet
Choose Zoom if you need advanced meeting management (breakout rooms, webinar hosting, whiteboarding) or support for very large participant numbers. It’s also a strong pick for enterprises prioritizing end-to-end encryption. Opt for Google Meet if your team works within Google Workspace, values direct calendar and Gmail integration, and benefits from features like live captions and translation. For typical business meetings or education, Meet’s simplicity and lower entry cost are compelling.
Conclusion
Both Zoom and Google Meet offer reliable video conferencing, strong security, and core business features. Zoom stands out for interactive events and large-scale webinars, while Google Meet wins on workflow integration and accessibility for Workspace users. The choice depends on your organization’s scale, required integrations, and budget for advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform is better for business meetings: Zoom or Google Meet?
It depends on your priorities. Zoom offers more advanced features for interactive meetings and large webinars. Google Meet is better for businesses focused on simplicity and Google Workspace integration.
How do Zoom and Google Meet compare on security and compliance?
Zoom provides end-to-end encryption and HIPAA compliance on paid plans. Google Meet offers encryption in transit, HIPAA compliance for enterprise plans, SSO, and benefits from Google’s broader security infrastructure.
Are there major differences in feature sets between Zoom and Google Meet?
Yes. Zoom has breakout rooms, polling, webinars, and whiteboarding. Google Meet is simpler but features live captions, real-time translation, and direct Workspace integration.
Which is easier to use: Zoom or Google Meet?
Google Meet is generally easier for organizations already using Google Workspace, with simple meeting links and built-in scheduling. Zoom requires a standalone app but has more robust meeting controls.
What integrations are available for Zoom and Google Meet?
Google Meet integrates directly with Gmail and Google Calendar. Zoom’s integration options are not publicly specified here; you may need to consult official documentation for the latest details.
How does the pricing structure differ between Zoom and Google Meet?
Zoom Pro starts at $149.90/year/user. Google Workspace with Meet starts at $6/month/user. Google Meet’s paid features come as part of Workspace plans, which may lower costs for Workspace users.
Do Zoom and Google Meet support the same meeting participant limits?
No. Zoom supports up to 1,000 participants on paid plans, while Google Meet’s maximum is 500 on Workspace subscriptions.