Google Hangouts is a communications platform developed by Google that allows users to engage in various communications channels such as text, voice calls, video chats or video conferencing. It is integrated into Google+ and Gmail and has mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. In this article, we covered user reviews and pricing. Ready to try Google Hangouts? Sign up for a free account.
Google Hangouts Pricing
Google Hangouts is completely free to use for receiving and making calls as well as video conferencing. While most Google apps are free, businesses with paid G Suite accounts get additional features such as increased cloud storage. G Suite pricing range from $3 to $25 per user per month.
Ready to try Google Hangouts? Sign up for a free account.
Popular Video Conferencing Software 2020
Video Conferencing Software | Best For |
|---|---|
Businesses that want a complete phone system package with built-in video conferencing | |
Businesses that want the best combination of features like reporting and cloud storage | |
Companies that already use GoTo products like GoToConference or GoToWebinar | |
Organizations that want free integration with Salesforce, G Suite, Slack, and other business applications | |
Business owners that need a video conferencing solution that supports international callers | |
Companies that want to host free meetings for up to 1,000 participants |
What Google Hangouts Does Well
Users who gave Google Hangouts a positive review liked that they can use the service for free. They also said that the platform is easy to use and is accessible virtually anywhere with good internet connection and by anyone with a Google account. Many also appreciated that it supports group video conferencing.
One user who gave Google Hangouts a positive review on G2 Crowd said that the program provides her with exactly what she needs to communicate on a daily basis, both at work and in her personal life. She also said that it is straightforward to use and that that video quality is generally good. Lastly, she likes that she can access the platform from multiple devices and that it is free of charge.
What Google Hangouts Does Not Do Well
Users who gave Google Hangouts a negative review said that they encounter bugs and glitches while using the program. Some reported that it can be slow to respond at times and that the system would randomly crash.
One user who gave Google Hangouts a critical review on Capterra said that while he’s happy with the ease of use, the mobile version app sometimes gets stuck. He also reported that images failed to send at times. He mentioned that good internet bandwidth is required for seamless video conferencing and that a 4G connection won’t be enough to support video calls.
Top Video Conferencing Software Pick from Fit Small Business
6 Best Video Conferencing Software for 2018: Zoom, Join.me, GoToMeeting, and more — Video conference applications help companies with remote employees or business owners who need to conduct webinars or online coachings to make remote communication easier. In this guide, we compare Zoom vs. Join.me vs. GoToMeeting to give you an idea which of the best video conference software would suit your needs in terms of features, price, and customer support.
Google Hangouts Features
Check out the list below of some of Google Hangouts’ features:
See Features
- Audio Calls
- Video Conferencing
- Instant Messaging
- HD Video Calls
- HD Screen Sharing
- HD Auto Screen Focus
- Mobile Apps
- Google Application Integration
Google Hangouts FAQ
What are the requirements to use Hangouts?
See Answer
Three things are needed to start using Hangouts: a Google Account, a computer or phone with a camera and microphone, and an internet or data connection.
What operating systems work with Hangouts?
See Answer
Hangouts works with the current version and two previous major releases of the following operating systems: Mac OS X, Windows, Chrome, Ubuntu, and other Debian-based Linux distributions.
Is there a limit to the number of participants in Google Hangouts?
See Answer
Yes. You can use Hangouts to talk with more than one person at the same time. Conversations can include up to 150 people. Video calls can include up to 25 people. Everyone who wants to join a group conversation must use Hangouts.
Popular Integrations
Here is a list of some of Google Hangouts’ popular integrations:
View Integrations
- Slack
- Zendesk
- UberConference
- Smartsheet
- HipChat
- FreshService
- Flowdock
- Liferay
- West Unified Communications
- Sprint
- Lucid
- Google Apps
Google Hangouts Alternatives
Not sure if Google Hangouts is the right fit for you? Read our reviews of all top video conferencing software.
