Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users
Denisa Alimani - PeerSpot reviewer
Group Senior IT Auditor at LafargeHolcim
Real User
Easy to use; have not run into any issues
Pros and Cons
  • "I appreciated having the basic features like screen sharing and camera options."
  • "In the next release, I would like to see call recording made available."

What is our primary use case?

My primary use case of Google Hangouts is virtual meetings with my team.

What is most valuable?

I appreciated having the basic features like screen sharing and camera options.

What needs improvement?

In the next release, I would like to see call recording made available.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Google Hangouts for two years.

Buyer's Guide
Google Hangouts
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Google Hangouts. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,158 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the stability of this solution a nine, on a scale from one to 10, with one being the worst and 10 being the best.

How are customer service and support?

I have never contacted customer service as we didn't have any issues with this solution.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We use Zoom in parallel to Google Hangouts.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was fine because this solution is easy to use.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend Google Hangouts to other people. This product comes with a Google email account.

Overall, I would rate Google Hangouts an eight, on a scale from one to 10, with one being the worst and 10 being the best.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Soumi Sarkar - PeerSpot reviewer
Content Consultant at Zensciences
Real User
Top 5
Has good sound quality and is good for internal and external meetings
Pros and Cons
  • "I find the sound quality of Google Meet a valuable feature. You can join Google Meet with just your phone. You only need the link of the meeting to join."
  • "There is no recording feature in Google Meet. However, Zoom has the recording feature and we use it for any calls that require recording."

What is our primary use case?

Google Meet is used mainly for internal and external meetings. In some of the brand cases, we are using Microsoft Teams, which would be once every two or three months. Otherwise, we use Google Meet for all internal and external calls.

What is most valuable?

I find the sound quality of Google Meet a valuable feature. You can join Google Meet with just your phone. You only need the meeting link to join.

What needs improvement?

There is no recording feature in Google Meet. Zoom has a recording feature and we use it for any calls that require recording.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Google Meet for at least two years. I have probably been using this tool longer than that since I joined my current organization only two months back.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have found Google Meet to be a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I believe Google Meet to be a scalable tool. There are about 100-200 employees in my organization who use Google Meet.

How are customer service and support?

I have not personally used the support. I think the admin team is quite happy with Google Meet since they have been using it for quite a long time. I will rate the customer service and support a nine and nine and a half out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used Zoom previously. I switched because Google Meet is easier to use than Zoom since the latter requires an app to connect.

How was the initial setup?

The setup is straightforward. You need to have a laptop and click on the meeting link. Even if it is a video call, nobody keeps their videos on. The setup is straightforward and requires nothing out of the box.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Google Meet a nine out of ten. I use the latest version of the tool, and will most likely recommend this tool depending on the use case. However, I would not recommend it for too heavy or high-intensity calls.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Google Hangouts
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Google Hangouts. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,158 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Roger Chan - PeerSpot reviewer
Product Manager at Slalom Consulting
Real User
Top 5
Helps our organization keep in touch with colleagues with a valuable video call feature
Pros and Cons
  • "The video call feature is the most valuable."
  • "Can be improved by including a larger library of video filters and adding custom filters."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case for the solution is to keep in touch with colleagues, for meetings and interviews. We deploy the solution on cloud.

How has it helped my organization?

Google hangouts has served as a way to facilitate conversations across people within and outside of the organization, making it very easy to connect with people and stay in contact if needed. 

What is most valuable?

The video call feature is the most valuable because it's a free video chat provider that is universal and requires minimal product knowledge. 

What needs improvement?

The solution can be improved by including a larger library of video filters and adding custom filters.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using the solution for a couple of years, and we are currently using the latest version.

What other advice do I have?

I rate the solution a seven out of ten. The solution is great and integrates well with Google Calendar.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
HaiPham - PeerSpot reviewer
Managing Director at sea-solutión
MSP
Top 5Leaderboard
Great for virtual meetings with good pricing and a straightforward implementation
Pros and Cons
  • "It's very easy to use."
  • "It would be ideal if they could include in the offering a virtual whiteboard for users when they are running meetings."

What is our primary use case?

If we need to hold an online meeting, we use Google Hangouts.

What is most valuable?

The solution is useful for virtual meetings. I like that we can do voice or video calls. There are also screen-sharing capabilities.

It is straightforward to set up the solution. 

It's very easy to use. 

The product is stable.

I find the solution to be scalable. 

The pricing is good.

What needs improvement?

It would be ideal if they could include in the offering a virtual whiteboard for users when they are running meetings. 

We'd like to have remote control so that if I share my screen, others can use it and manipulate it. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for 15 years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is stable and reliable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

My understanding is the solution scales well. We do have less than 25 users at this time using Google. Less than ten people use Google Hangouts. We do not yet have any plans to increase usage.

How are customer service and support?

I've never dealt with technical support. I cannot speak to how helpful or responsive they are. The product has always worked for me, and therefore I've never needed to reach out. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We've used several virtual meeting solutions, like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and sometimes Skype. We tend to use Hangouts as we host our email with Google and it is included.

How was the initial setup?

The implementation process is simple to set up. I work in IT and therefore it is very easy for me to understand how to use it. Since it is cloud-based, you can simply just start using it. 

What about the implementation team?

I did not need a consultant or integrator to help me with the setup. I could handle it myself. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is not too expensive. I pay $6 per user per month for Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Hangouts.

What other advice do I have?

I'd recommend the solution to others. 

I would rate the solution nine out of ten. It's really good.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
J M Chari - PeerSpot reviewer
Director, High Technology Practice at Triniti Corporation
Real User
Top 20
Provides efficient integration features and has a straightforward setup process
Pros and Cons
  • "The product is stable."
  • "The platform's screen-sharing feature and the participant panel could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

Google Meet is primarily used for collaboration activities among employees and team members within our organization. It is also utilized for meetings with customers who use Google services.

What is most valuable?

The product's Gemini AI component is the most valuable feature, automatically summarizing meeting notes. This feature is beneficial as it effectively captures the essence of the meetings.

What needs improvement?

The platform's screen-sharing feature and the participant panel could be improved. The current interface for sharing the entire screen could be more effective, and the participants' panel is considered clumsy compared to competitors like Webex or Teams.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Google Meet for over three or four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is stable. I rate the stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The platform is scalable, accommodating up to 200 participants in a meeting without constraints.

I rate the scalability a nine. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I previously used Zoom and Microsoft Teams, primarily due to customer preferences. I switched to Google Meet for its integration with Google services.

How was the initial setup?

The setup was straightforward. I rate the process a nine out of ten. 

What other advice do I have?

I recommend the product for those already using other Google services due to its seamless integration. However, improvements in certain features and better integration with Google Calendar would enhance the overall experience.

I rate it a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Flag as inappropriate
PeerSpot user
IT Consultant at VCosmos
Consultant
Offers seamless integration with other Google Workspace apps and real-time captioning and translation features
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Google Hangouts for me is content sharing."
  • "One area where I see room for improvement in Google Hangout is the voice quality during meetings."

What is our primary use case?

I use Google Hangout to showcase case studies and solutions when consulting with clients about data security and data center work. It is a convenient way to present information and have discussions with clients remotely.

How has it helped my organization?

Google Hangouts, including Google Hangouts, has greatly facilitated remote collaboration for me. By using it alongside Teams, I can easily connect with peers and colleagues, no matter where we are. It has made virtual presentations and meetings much more convenient, allowing us to share and present information without needing to be physically present.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Google Hangouts for me is content sharing. It is incredibly useful, especially when working remotely, as it allows me to easily share presentations, documents, or other materials with clients during meetings.

What needs improvement?

One area where I see room for improvement in Google Hangout is the voice quality during meetings. Compared to Microsoft Teams, I find the voice quality to be somewhat lacking.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the stability of Google Hangouts as a ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of the solution is good. I use Google Hangouts only twice per week for my projects.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Before using Google Hangouts, I used a variety of solutions depending on the client or peers I was communicating with. This included Microsoft Teams for collaboration and sometimes WhatsApp for smaller meetings or quick conversations with up to four or five people.

How was the initial setup?

I would rate the easiness of the initial setup as a nine out of ten.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Before choosing Google Hangouts, I evaluated other options like Skype and Zoom. I have used Skype extensively in the past, and Zoom was another important collaboration tool used in my work life.

What other advice do I have?

I have encountered some audio quality issues with Google Hangouts, but not video quality issues. Video quality problems usually stem from network instability rather than an issue with Google Hangouts itself.

For someone considering using Google Hangouts in a professional environment, I would suggest they stick with platforms they're already comfortable with, like Skype or Microsoft Teams. However, for everyday communication needs outside of enterprise settings, Google Hangout could be suitable, but for larger-scale meetings, I would recommend considering options like Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Overall, I would rate Google Hangouts as a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Google
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Faculty at NSUT
Real User
Top 10
A solution that is intuitive, simple, and free of cost
Pros and Cons
  • "I think the simplicity of the whole thing is its valuable feature."
  • "I think the version that I'm using doesn't allow recording. I guess it's more of a licensing issue than anything else, and it needs to be improved."

What is our primary use case?

Mostly, I use the tool for discussions and meetings with other individuals.

What is most valuable?

I think the simplicity of the whole thing is its valuable feature. It's quite intuitive and simple to set up and start. So that's what I like.

What needs improvement?

Earlier, I think there were some plug-ins for attendance and all, but that's one part that is missing. I believe if you have a license, you might get that. Also, I think the version that I'm using doesn't allow recording. I guess it's more of a licensing issue than anything else, and it needs to be improved. Attendance could be one issue since it is one feature that can be provided and can be useful.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Google Hangouts for three years. I am using the solution on my personal account with Google. So, it is an individual account. Also, I am using the solution's latest version.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I never tried its scalability. I have never used it for more than two, three, or four participants, so I am not sure of its scalability.

The solution has a maximum of only two or three users.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used Zoom in the past. Zoom has a time limit, while Google Meet doesn't. I think that's the major difference between the two products.

How was the initial setup?

The setup is straightforward.

The deployment takes not more than five to ten minutes.

Regarding the steps for deployment, I think if you have a Google account, then all you need to do is click on Google Hangouts and start using it. I don't think that there are any deployment steps required.

I don't think any technical staff is required for the deployments and maintenance.

What about the implementation team?

The installation can be done by yourself.

What was our ROI?

The solution is worth the money.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The individual account is free of cost. So, it is not expensive.

For individual use, there's no license requirement as such. For storage or some other purposes, if I go beyond 15 GB, then I need to buy something. Otherwise, it's not required.

What other advice do I have?

I found it quite intuitive and simple, so I would recommend users use it.

Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Victor Claveria - PeerSpot reviewer
Logistics Division Manager at 3PL
Real User
Top 10
Extremely stable, highly scalable, and quick to access
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution's stability is the most valuable feature."
  • "The UI has room for improvement."

What is our primary use case?

I use the solution for my online class.

What is most valuable?

The solution's stability is the most valuable feature.

What needs improvement?

The UI has room for improvement. I have a hard time navigating through the features.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I give the stability a ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I give the scalability a nine out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. No installation is necessary. I only need to log in with my Gmail account in order to use the solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We pay an annual license to use the solution.

What other advice do I have?

I give the solution a nine out of ten.

We have around ten people using the solution.

We have plans to increase the usage in the future.

I would recommend this solution as it is a stable and effective virtual meeting platform.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Google
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Google Hangouts Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: January 2025
Product Categories
Virtual Meetings
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Google Hangouts Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.