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About Google Chat

Google Chat is an instant messaging tool that enables teams to easily communicate and collaborate using a secure chat environment.

Learn more about Google Chat

Pros:

Great to use for communication with community members.

Cons:

Sometimes my messages don't get delivered. It keep saying message failed, not sure if it was my internet connection problem.

Google Chat ratings

Average score

Ease of Use
4.6
Customer Service
4.4
Features
4.3
Value for Money
4.6

Likelihood to recommend

8.5/10

Google Chat has an overall rating of 4.5 out 5 stars based on 2,329 user reviews on Capterra.

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Filter reviews (2,329)

Aminuddin
Aminuddin
Information Technology Manager in Malaysia
Verified LinkedIn User
Telecommunications, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Simple instant chat software

5.0 4 years ago

Comments: Having a simple quick messenger is really improving my work progress and letting me and my team to connect quickly to collaborate on task quickly. Wonderful experience is all that i can said.

Pros:

Google Hangouts is free to use and comes with Gmail account. I can create and join multiple chat group to help me separating from work group chat and personal and social group chat. Another thing that i like is, it can be easily accessed from my smartphone as i mostly only have my smartphone when i am out from office.

Cons:

What i like the least with Google Hangouts is, it has limitation on file size that can be sent thru the software. I can only sent and attach a maximum of 200MB file size, and need to switch to other file transfer software to sent a file that sized more than 200MB. Other than that, this software is very helpful in connecting me and my colleague.

Ariel
HR Manager in US
Automotive, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Tired of mass company emails? Try google chat!

5.0 last month New

Comments: Our company enjoys google chat. It's easy, efficient, and keeps everyone in our company on the same page.

Pros:

Our company utilizes google chat on a daily basis throughout the day. Google chat is mostly how we communicate to 50+ employees at two separate locations. We have a chat group specifically for all employees as well as multiple different chat groups for different departments. The feature to @ a group or person is a perk as well. The convenience of sending a quick message in google chat is a lot more efficient than typing up a mass boring email. You can also download the app!

Cons:

I don't have anything that I can consider a con for google chat.

Justin
DevOps Engineer in US
Computer Software, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Cheap but frustrating

3.0 3 years ago

Comments: Google is clumsily trying to turn Google Chat into something like Microsoft Teams, but it isn't really working. It still doesn't have nearly the sort of integration support that Teams does and it's certainly nowhere in Slack's territory. But if you want something that "works" just to have a chat platform, well, it's there.

Pros:

Google Chat is included with a Google Workspace subscription, so if money is an issue, using Google Chat can help you save money versus paying for something much more expensive like Slack.

Cons:

Google Chat's interface is frustrating to say the least. They killed the Google Chat desktop application, and the web application has a habit of being slow and clunky. There aren't nearly the same sort of integrations with Google Chat as with Slack or even Microsoft Teams; and believe it or not, I've actually spoken with the [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] at Google, and he's an absolute idiot. Thanks to him, for instance, every time you paste in a link in Google Chat, a MASSIVE preview bubble appears, and there's no way to disable this. He seems to think it's the bee's knees.

Muhammad Daud
Muhammad Daud
IT Manager in UK
Verified LinkedIn User
Financial Services Software, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Google Space team collaboration tool

5.0 2 months ago

Comments: Overall I found Google Chat easy to use, integrate, and train the staff. It is good for team collaboration, easy to share files, and create the workspace.

Pros:

I have tried different messaging apps and platforms and Google Chat so far is a very light and easy-to-use app. It offers a variety of features like Real-time Messaging, Spaces, File Sharing, Task Management, and Security. Recently Google Chat has also updated AI features.

Cons:

There is a limitation in integrating the codes and logs like Slack within Channels.

Jamie
Prompt Engineer in US
Computer & Network Security, 5,001–10,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Easy communication tool

5.0 last month New

Comments: It is easy to use and easy to communicate with team members and individuals. It helps me be more efficient, and there is no "free" version or addons that we need to get.

Pros:

I like the ease of use, and I don't have to download any application. We use it for project group, social groups, and company and team announcements, so I am in chat all day everyday. I can also pin it so I always know where it is, and I can set notifications that don't interrupt me all day. I can also pin certain people and groups to easily find them, because those are the ones I need most often.

Cons:

Because we use it so much, I do get a lot of pings from chats I don't really care about, like a social chat, but I still need to be a part of them. That is really my only complaint, and compared to the upsides, it's really nothing.

Cody
HR Generalist in US
Apparel & Fashion, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Chat review

5.0 last month New

Comments: It's been great and makes starting chats with clients and employees as simple as possible.

Pros:

It's easy to create, manage, collaborate, & suspend chat conversations with everyone I need to.

Cons:

On some devices, it has the tendency to run a bit slow.

Jatin
Communication system tester in Canada
Construction, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Good Chat opinion

5.0 last month New

Comments: User-friendly interface
Seamless integration with other Google apps
Reliable performance
Robust features for teams and businesses

Pros:

Real-time messaging and file sharing Integration with other Google apps like Drive and Calendar Ability to create groups and chat with multiple people at once End-to-end encryption for secure conversations

Cons:

No support for sending large files (limited to 100MB)

Alexander
Repair technician in US
Biotechnology, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Google chats is a great way to stay connected!

4.0 4 weeks ago New

Comments: Overall google chats is a great way to keep in contact with colleagues and share pictures, documents or other files

Pros:

I like how chats syncs with my google account so i can use in on my desktop or phone.

Cons:

One thing i dont like is that on mobile, when i use chats connected with my work email it will automatically sign me out of my personal email accounts

Devin
AP Manager in US
Oil & Energy, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Google Chat review

4.0 last month New

Pros:

I like the ease of use and ability to have group chats.

Cons:

I don't really like the layout on the messaging screen.

Jinisha
Technical assistance in India
Computer Hardware, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

A Seamless Communication Tool for Google Workspace Users"

4.0 last month New

Comments: Overall, Google Chat offers a streamlined and efficient communication experience, especially for users already integrated into the Google Workspace ecosystem. Its strong integration with Google services like Drive, Calendar, and Meet facilitates seamless collaboration. The platform supports both direct messages and group conversations, making it versatile for different communication needs.

Pros:

one of its strengths is its integration with other Google Workspace tools. This makes it easy to share documents, schedule meetings, and collaborate on projects seamlessly within a unified platform. Its ability to facilitate both one-on-one and group conversations, along with its strong search functionality, also enhances productivity and communication for users.

Cons:

Compared to other messaging platforms, it may lack some advanced features and customizability options. Although it integrates well with Google Workspace, it may not work as smoothly with non-Google tools.

Christine
Executive Director in Kenya
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

A user-friendly messaging tool

5.0 3 years ago

Comments: The app is free to use and is a cheap way for communicating with employees, especially, since I have employees who have the habit of ignoring text messages. I can send unlimited texts at no cost whatsoever, which is a very cost-effective way of communicating with employees.

Pros:

I like it how easy it is to search for a contact within the chat. It also enables me set reminders, which keeps me on tabs of all the things I need to do throughout the day. The messaging app is reliable and very secure. It allows for all of us with Gmail accounts to interact seamlessly. It is a wonderful tool that has reduced the number of messages in my inbox. If I want my chatbox to read unavailable, I can easily sign out from the chat.

Cons:

The pop up messages can be so distracting especially when concentrating on work. At times the messages fail to send and I cannot make out if its the internet connection that has issues or the app. At times the app can be too slow and groggy.

Tara
Creative Director in US
Design, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Easier than Skype

4.0 5 years ago

Comments: One of our group does not have a smartphone (hard as that is to imagine nowadays), so chatting with him on a computer is the best way to enjoy face-to-face communication. We tried Skype, Facebook messages, and Google Hangouts with varying success, but Google Hangouts Chat was the most reliable and by far the easiest to figure out—and it is completely integrated with other G Suite features, so file sharing and accessing contacts is effortless.

Pros:

It makes chatting with my writing group very easy—while I'm reading their submissions in my Gmail, I can see if they are online, and I can shoot them a quick message in the moment. It is already part of the G Suite, so no extra programs need to be installed. At the same time, that means I can communicate with anyone who has emailed me without sharing other contact information. We were able to have three people involved in the conversation easily, and I enjoyed being able to turn off the view of myself.

Cons:

Sometimes the video/ sound is intermittent, much the way Skype cuts in and out or a FaceTime call will freeze. I believe the speed of your internet connection and that of your companions plays a critical role.

Christibe
Director of Practice Management in US
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Google Chat is a team game changer

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: It has been seamless from implementation to getting everyone's buy in and participation.

Pros:

The ability to have everyone in the same place when we cannot physically be in the same place is outstanding

Cons:

I am no techy so I am not sure anything is missing per se but I am sure I will love enhancements at they are unveiled

Lindsey
Marketing & Creative Services Director in US
Hospitality, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Google Chat Makes Remote Work Possible

5.0 3 years ago

Comments: We began using Google Chat when our team moved to remote work in 2020. We now use it across our entire team to share quick updates, check in, ask questions, and avoid endless calls and meetings. It helps us stay productive, collaborate, and remain in touch while we work remotely.

Pros:

We use Google Chat across all of our teams to quickly get information out or to share updates. It drastically cuts down on the calls, emails, texts, and even meetings that are required for our team because we can quickly and effectively communicate on Chat. The history makes it easy to go back in conversations if you forgot something, and it is super intuitive to use overall. I love that it is also easily accessible in mobile without having to download an additional app!

Cons:

I wish it was a little more user-friendly in terms of sharing documents - but once we have shown our team how to do it they have all figured it out! I really don't have anything to add as this software is so great for our team.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Civic & Social Organization, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Chat : Easy Chat ...Reliable Communication

5.0 2 years ago

Pros:

With Google chat you need not to share your phone number which is quite annoying at times to share . With Google chate is provides safe and secure enviornment to the users and they can even block the users whith whome they dony want to interact with.

Cons:

Google Chat is not widly deployed in the community as other chat tools are . That chat tools provided by other major players in social media chatting are more comfortable i believe.

Tyler
Estimator in US
Construction, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Simple to use and preferred over other chat systems

4.0 2 years ago

Comments: Fantastic user interface and easy to use tools. It has been a life saver in many instances!

Pros:

I love that we have full history available for all chats and channels. This is very useful as in the roofing business, sometimes it can take years to finish large commercial jobs through various phases. This history helps keep all of our internal company conversations and data at our fingertips.

Cons:

I wish that the search feature could be a little more user friendly. You have to remember which person you were chatting with to find a specific word or topic and a lot of our communications cross-over other individuals or channels so finding a specific thing takes more time than it should.

Leo
Leo
Account Executive in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Computer Software, 10,000+ Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Chat provide the best communication with the aweasome video chat.

5.0 5 years ago

Comments: Chat is the best software for the communication purpose. I would really like this software because it is the most powerful messaging tool. The best thing that I really liked about it is that I can easily share the important information with the group video chat. Hence, for me it is the best tool for the communication and collaboration. It allow me to easily connect with my relatives, colleagues and team members.

Pros:

Chat is so easy to use with the versatile features. We can easily communicate with each others at anytime and at anywhere in the world with the help of this efficient software. This software provide the best video communication services. The great advantage that this software provide us is that it makes the best communication by the instant messages, calling and the awesome video chat. It allow us to easily connect with the relatives, colleagues any team members. This software is also the most powerful messaging software. So, Chat software is a great for the fast conversation. The another advantage that this software provide us the great options for the direct messages to anyone and that's why Chat software is also a best source of communication.

Cons:

The disadvantage of this software provide us is that it does not provide the best options for the audio and video calls and also messaging with the great collaboration. So, there are some features that are missing, so it should must enhanced the features. This software should also need some extraordinary options and then all the business companies get benefited from the Chat software. The another disadvantage of this efficient software is that it does not allow us for the video calls and conferences. But otherwise, it also provide the biggest benefit for us is that we can share all of our important information with the group video chat with our colleagues and team members.

Turan
IT Admin in Türkiye
Automotive, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

All features in one software

5.0 last year

Comments: Like all Google products, this service and product has been prepared with user comfort in mind. Simple, advanced, professional software. A system that can be used and works on every platform. Minimum resource consumption, maximum performance. Zero storage usage. Online access. Secure data access.

Pros:

Hangouts is one of the best chat and communication programs released after its removal from the market. Being fast, easy and practical, it offers comfort to all users. Unlike normal chat software, it offers an ideal service for meetings, thanks to its event tool, project presentation, calendar integration and plug-in tools. Thanks to its mobile integration, it can be accessed from anywhere and from any platform.All your files, images and other data are safely stored on Google servers.

Cons:

It is very difficult to find a negative or negative trait. It serves all levels and platforms, from basic to maximum. Identify your needs and start using it.

Dlamini Percis
Dlamini Percis
Lecturer in South Africa
Verified LinkedIn User
Education Management, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Google Hangouts Review

5.0 4 years ago

Comments: I have first-hand experience with using Google Hangouts (Classic). I use it daily for local and international communication, chats groups, audio, and video calls. Specifically, I use Google Hangouts for my meetings, lecturers and conference presentations regardless of time and location constraints. It has been a highly effective platform for one-on-one and group interaction. Besides, Google Hangouts is compatible with iOS and Android apps. I highly recommend Google Hangouts for individual, professional and business use.

Pros:

Google Hangouts is an integrated communication app that allows users to make calls, send messages, and attend video conferences. I use Google Hangouts (Classic) for my lectures, departmental, faculty and international communication. Setting up Google meeting is easy, even from a shared work calendar. As a lecturer, I communicate effectively and remotely with my students, particularly during the COVID -19 pandemic because social distancing is a norm. Google Hangouts also has a user-friendly interface, launched from a web browser, with buttons for calls, video, instant messenger, messenger and chats. It also allows for seamless integrating with other apps, Google Docs or Drive and can be launched from Gmail.

Cons:

I have not encountered problems with Google Hangouts yet.

Kevin
Kevin
Inside Sales Manager in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Consumer Electronics, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Very good chat, but not quite up to the level of Apple iMessage

4.0 2 years ago

Comments: Overall, Google Chat solves the issue of business communication being slowed down by long e-mails back and forth. Business colleagues are more likely to quickly answer Google Chats than to answer e-mails, and group chats allow for great collaboration.

Pros:

Google chat is overall a great product. It's integration into Gmail and excellent mobile execution help maximize work productivity. I like that messages can be edited after being sent, that images can be pasted inline, and that hyperlinks can be added.

Cons:

I don't like that Google chat allows for only one hyperlink or inline image per chat message. I also wish the feature to send chats to your Gmail was more robust (so I could pick and choose what portion of the chat gets sent) and that it was easier to add someone to a group chat. I wish Google chat was more like Apple iMessage in polish and execution.

Hussain
Sales and Marketing Specialist in Germany
Food & Beverages, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

A popular tool for meetings, webinars, and seminars!

4.0 2 years ago

Comments: It has a feature for reminding the missed messages. This caters to all the important conversations and does not let go of any important message. This software is very reasonable in price. This tool helps ease integration.

Pros:

Google Chat allows group chat options in both personal and professional spheres. It is a great platform that can be used on both desktops and mobile phones. It takes just a few simple steps to install and can be used afterward. It allows meetings, webinars, and seminars. It does not take long to connect and provides fast connectivity. Due to its organized system, it enhances customer relationships by providing better services. Shares the files in no time. The interface is simple and easy to use. Another plus point is that it requires low bandwidth.

Cons:

Background themes are outdated and dull. Voice and video quality get low at times. Sometimes the user faces confusion while using the call feature as it sends links rather than calling directly. The feature of instant video has been removed. It does not offer a free trial. The quality of voice and video calls should be improved, as it will encourage the user to switch to this platform. New and interesting background themes should be introduced to boost the user’s inclination toward the software. Free trials must be allowed to make the user aware of the features.

Joshua
Joshua
VP of IT in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

A efficient collaborative software for your team.

4.0 last year

Comments: One of the nicest tools we use at work is Google Chat because it's so easy to use. There are no downloads necessary, and there are no restrictions on the operating system you are running; all you need is an internet connection. The only problem with Google Chat is that it occasionally jumps, so it would be excellent if they could fix it. Till now it has perfectly fine for us and we think this can suit all types of companies with different sizes.

Pros:

The best features of Google Chat are -- make internal and operational improvements.- make better decisions.- The technical help is fantastic.- There is no restriction on how many individuals can participate in the chat.- Private chat rooms are an option.- Boost the agility of corporate processes.- SSO is top notch and works perfectly fine.- Customised notifications are also available.- If your network bandwidth is low then also it works perfectly fine.

Cons:

The cons of the Google Chat are -- The no. Of characters which you can send in a message is limited.- Text boxes have a frustrating tendency to resize themselves.- Docking the conversation list is not possible.- Conversations frequently veer off topic.- Finding precise examples or keywords might occasionally be difficult.- There might be some scepticism regarding the Google privacy policy.

Tyler
Tyler
Freelance Graphic Designer in Canada
Verified LinkedIn User
Graphic Design Software, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Essential.

5.0 5 years ago

Pros:

What's not to like? It's a chat function! It's very basic but I find it essential for dealing with colleagues. I work freelance right now, so am using it less these days, but in the past have worked in charities and it is essential to day to day communication with co-workers. It allows you to easily and quickly ask small questions without clogging up the inbox with unnecessary emails, and also without physically getting up and having to disturb people in the middle of their work day. I've been with orgs that have used project management software; they have been very expensive and in the end the only function we've really ended up using is the chat. GSuite already has that, and it's free.

Cons:

It doesn't pretend to be anything different, but it's very basic. If Google expanded it even a little bit it could easily supplant things like Slack, which many people/organizations are currently making use of, as it allows for things like topic threads and easier group file sharing. I would love to see Google flesh this app out a bit more - as it is it is good, but it could be so much better.

Adra Safiya
Adra Safiya
Human Resources Recruitment Assistant in Malaysia
Verified LinkedIn User
Retail, 5,001–10,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Team communication with Google Hangouts

5.0 3 years ago

Pros:

In my experience, Google Hangouts is fairly easy to use for team communication, or with anyone on my contact list. It will automatically shown which user is available in real-time and user don't need to change their availability status when they login to the application. File sharing also work flawlessly.

Cons:

This software is rebranded to Google Chat, and with it, some of the feature that it used to has have been removed or reallocated. Video call are now separated to Google Meet, which mean we have to use another software to have a video call. It would be better if they keep everything on one place.

Venkanna
Venkanna
Seller Partner Support in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Consumer Services, 10,000+ Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

The most Underrated messenger

5.0 3 years ago

Comments: I love hangouts. I believe this app and it is a Secured one. But team need to concentrate more on some issues. Still this app is the most Underrated app and I want hangouts team to look into these technical issues.

Pros:

I love using hangouts. I suggest using this app due to following reasons: 1. This is more secured chat app than many 2. Easy to connect 3. Meetings are easier here as this is integrated with google 4. Smileys, GIF's and emotes which are funny and can enjoy using them 5. Switching voice call to video and vice-versa. this is the first app to introduce this feature

Cons:

1.The call timer wont stop immediately, I encounter this glitch after I end the call and this is sometimes irritating too. 2. Sending Voice notes. I hope this function will be added soon and I bet the usage of this app will increase with this one feature. 3. One more difficulty with hangouts I face is with ringtones, I could not change ringtone of calling and notification on Realme 5 pro. 4. Sometimes i need to uninstall the app and reinstall as it keep on popping up "the app isn't responding"