Zoom vs Google Meet: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Zoom became synonymous with video calls during the pandemic. Google Meet is built into Google Workspace and works without installation. Both are reliable for meetings—your choice often depends on what you're already paying for and whether you need advanced webinar features.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zoom
Video communications platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need screen sharing features specifically
- • Video conferencing platform
- • Meetings and webinars
Google Meet
Video calls for everyone
Best for you if:
- • You need transcription features specifically
- • Video calls for remote teams
- • Calendar integration joins meetings automatically
| At a Glance |  Zoom |  Google Meet |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screen Sharing | Transcription |
Rating | 88/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Zoom | Google Meet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen SharingMeeting Scheduling | TranscriptionSubtitles & Captions |
In-Depth Analysis
Zoom
Strengths
- +Best webinar and large meeting features
- +More recording and editing options
- +Better breakout rooms
- +Works without Google/Microsoft ecosystem
- +Familiar brand that participants trust
Weaknesses
- -Another subscription to manage
- -Free tier limited to 40 minutes
- -Security concerns (mostly addressed now)
- -Can feel like paying for features you get free elsewhere
Best For
Teams running webinars, large meetings, or training sessions. Companies not in Google/Microsoft ecosystems. Sales teams who need reliable external calls.
Zoom is still the video conferencing gold standard for features. But the 'do I need to pay for it?' question is real when Meet and Teams offer good-enough alternatives bundled with tools you're already using.
Google Meet
Strengths
- +Included with Google Workspace
- +No installation needed (browser-based)
- +Tight Calendar integration
- +Simple and reliable
- +Good-enough quality for most meetings
Weaknesses
- -Fewer features than Zoom Pro
- -Webinar capabilities limited
- -Less polished UI
- -Recording features less robust
Best For
Teams using Google Workspace who need straightforward video meetings. Companies wanting to reduce tool count and costs.
Meet is 'good enough' for most video call needs. If you're paying for Google Workspace, you're already paying for Meet. The question is whether Zoom's extra features justify additional cost.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Basic Meeting Quality
TieBoth work well for standard meetings. Video/audio quality is comparable. Pick based on other factors—the core meeting experience is similar.
Large Events & Webinars
Zoom winsZoom Webinars are mature and feature-rich. Meet can handle larger meetings but lacks dedicated webinar features (registration, Q&A panels, etc.).
Ease of Joining
Google Meet winsMeet works entirely in browser with no installation. Zoom technically works in browser but pushes app installation. For friction-free external calls, Meet is simpler.
Breakout Rooms
Zoom winsZoom's breakout room implementation is more mature—easier to manage, more options. Meet has breakout rooms but they're less polished.
Cost
Google Meet winsMeet is included with Google Workspace. Zoom requires separate subscription ($149-219/user/year for Pro). If you have Workspace, Meet is effectively free.
Recording & Transcription
Zoom winsZoom's recording, transcription, and editing features are more developed. Meet's recording works but is basic. For meetings you'll reference later, Zoom is better.
Migration Considerations
Switching between Zoom and Meet is straightforward—there's little data to migrate. The change is about user habits (Zoom links vs Meet links) and calendar integration. Transition teams over 1-2 weeks. Keep Zoom access available for webinars or special events even if defaulting to Meet.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Zoom lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Zoom
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Zoom handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Zoom
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Zoom
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Zoom, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Zoom higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Google Meet more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Zoom Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Google Meet If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
Use what you're paying for. If you have Google Workspace, Meet handles most meeting needs. If you need webinars, large events, or advanced features, Zoom justifies its cost. Many companies use Meet for internal/small meetings and Zoom for larger events—hybrid approaches work fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoom more reliable than Meet?
Both are reliable for normal meetings. Zoom has handled massive scale well. Meet is backed by Google's infrastructure. Either can fail; neither fails often. Don't choose based on perceived reliability—both work.
Which is more secure?
Zoom had security issues early in the pandemic but has addressed them. Both meet enterprise security standards now. For most businesses, both are secure enough. Highly regulated industries should review specific compliance certifications.
What about Microsoft Teams for video?
Teams video conferencing is comparable to both. If you're in the Microsoft ecosystem, Teams eliminates another tool. The quality and features compete well with Zoom. Your existing platform (Google/Microsoft/neither) usually determines your best option.
Can external guests join easily?
Meet: click link, join in browser, no account needed. Zoom: prompts app installation but browser fallback exists. Meet has slight edge for external guests who don't want to install software.