Five years ago, online conference calls were the exception. They required expensive hardware, unwieldy software, and a good experience was not always guaranteed. The recent global pandemic, with the requirement to stay socially distanced and work from home, changed all that. Now online conference calls are the norm and there are a myriad of options for hosting them successfully on ordinary PCs and laptops. Let’s look at two such options, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, and see which might be best for you!
Meet Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing app, a more business-focused version of Google Hangout. You can host up to 30 users in a high-definition meeting, which can be joined directly from a calendar entry. Users can also join by dialling in if no internet connection is available. Google Meet is excellent for personal or small business use and integrates with G Suite versions of Google Calendar and Gmail. Prices start from ‘free’, for individuals, and there are a wide range of pricing plans depending on your business needs, such as call duration, number of users and online storage.
Teaming up with Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is both a comprehensive video conferencing app and a collaboration platform. As you might expect, it integrates seamlessly with the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Microsoft Teams is aimed at businesses, rather than individuals. Teams requires a dedicated app to get the best use from it. Teams also has a basic free offering for very small businesses, with a range of further price points if you need more functionality.
Teams vs Meet – the bits they both do well
As you may have gathered, there are a lot of similarities between Teams and Meet, and just to help reinforce that point, here’s a list of some of the features they both offer!
- Online conference calls
- Screen sharing
- Multi-platform support, including PC, laptops, mobile device, and browser access
- Recording of calls for later playback
- Virtual white-boards and shared areas
- Customisable backgrounds
- Integration with calendar apps, for meeting scheduling
- Text chat
- Data and video encryption during the calls
- The ability to pretend you are wearing full business attire, even when you have your shorts and slippers on
You would be forgiven for thinking that Google Meet and Microsoft Teams are exactly the same, but they are not. They both have strengths that make them suited for different environments. Here are some areas where we think one does a better job than the other.
Google Meet – the best User Interface
Google has always had the edge over Microsoft when it comes to ease-of-use, and it’s no different here. Simple, intuitive layouts mean it’s far easier to get to grips with Google’s offering. Plus, Google uses AI to ensure the call quality is always the best it can be. Google Meet is the way to go if you value ease of use above everything else. Microsoft is by no means terrible, but an easy win for Google.
Microsoft Teams – the best Collaboration Platform
Teams is far more than just a video platform, allowing users to seamlessly collaborate with team members, whether they are inside or outside the organisation. It provides integration to apps such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Teams also make one-to-one meetings easy and productive. If you want to allow your staff to work together more productively, sharing data and ideas in a creative and secure environment, then Microsoft Teams is the most comprehensive solution available.
Microsoft Teams – Best Enterprise Security
Whilst both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams offer security, it’s the latter that integrates advanced user and endpoint management tools. Microsoft enforces multi-factor authentication (MFA) and has better tools for applying user security and usage policies. Microsoft is a clear winner here.
Who has the best Mobile App?
Microsoft Teams and Google Meet both have mobile (iOS and Android) versions of their app available, free to use. The Google app looks better and is easier to use. Microsoft has packed in more functionality, which is good if it’s something you use. It’s a case of horses for courses, so let’s score this as a draw.
Teams vs Meet, the overall winner?
It’s a close thing. If you just want video conferencing and don’t use the wider Microsoft family of products, then Google Meets is probably the way to go. Easier to learn and with a better UI, it’s a great offering. However, if you are looking for a wider collaboration tool for your users, and one that includes enterprise-level security, Teams is the better solution.
Need help setting up Teams or Google Meets?
Here at Mintivo, we are focused on helping businesses implement the right solution for their needs. Our mission is to deliver solutions and support that transform the daily working lives of those we partner with, leaving a lasting impression for all the right reasons! We put people first, offer exceptional customer service and are a trusted partner.
If you would like to find out more about Microsoft Teams, or any of the other solutions we offer, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
