Google Hangouts is a way for people to talk that was made by Google. It lets people send instant messages, make voice and video calls, and chat with other people in groups. You can get to Hangouts through the website, through mobile apps for iOS and Android, or through other Google services like Gmail and Google Calendar. It lets you share your screen, react to things with emojis, and send photos and videos. Hangouts is a popular way for people and businesses to talk to each other.
Skype is a popular way to talk to people. It was made by Microsoft and lets users make voice and video calls, send instant messages, and join group chats. Skype can be used on computers, smartphones, tablets, and even smart TVs. It lets you share your screen, record calls, and send files and documents during conversations, among other things. Skype is a popular way to talk to friends, family, and coworkers around the world. It can be used for both personal and business purposes.
Google Hangouts vs Skype Pricing
The way Google Hangouts and Skype charge for their services is different. Google Hangouts is mostly a free way to talk to people. Users can use the app for free to make voice and video calls, send messages, and join group chats. But it’s important to know that some advanced features, like calling internationally or recording calls, may cost extra. For businesses, Google has a paid version called Google Workspace (which used to be called G Suite) that includes better tools for communication and collaboration, as well as tools for getting work done. Google Workspace costs different amounts based on the plan and the number of users in an organization.
There is also a free version of Skype that lets people make voice and video calls, send messages, and join group chats. For some features, like calling landlines or cell phones, you may need Skype credits, which you can buy separately. Skype also has paid plans, such as Skype Credit subscriptions and Skype for Business, that offer extra features and functions that are designed to meet the needs of business communication. Skype’s paid plans have different prices depending on the features and how much you use them.
Google Hangouts vs Skype Comparison Table
| Feature | Google Hangouts | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | Real-time text messaging and group chats | Real-time text messaging and group chats |
| Voice Calls | Voice calls to individuals and groups | Voice calls to individuals and groups |
| Video Calls | Video calls to individuals and groups | Video calls to individuals and groups |
| Screen Sharing | Screen sharing during calls | Screen sharing during calls |
| File Sharing | Sharing files and documents during chats | Sharing files and documents during chats |
| Conference Calls | Group audio and video calls with multiple users | Group audio and video calls with multiple users |
| Integration | Integration with Google Workspace | Integration with Microsoft products and services |
| Mobile Apps | Available on iOS and Android | Available on iOS and Android |
| Privacy and Security | Encrypted messaging and secure connections | Encrypted messaging and secure connections |
| Cost | Free to use for personal and business users | Free for personal use, paid plans for business |
| Call Quality | Generally good call quality and stability | Generally good call quality and stability |
| Official link | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Google Hangouts vs Skype User interface
Google Hangouts has a simple, clean interface that is designed to make it easy to use. It has a simple layout that makes it easy for users to navigate and find the communication tools they need. The interface makes chats, contacts, and recent conversations easy to see. With just a few clicks, users can easily switch between text chats, voice calls, and video calls. The interface of Google Hangouts is designed for quick and easy communication, giving users a simple and familiar experience.
Skype, on the other hand, has a better interface with more features. It has a dashboard that shows all of your contacts, chats, and call history. Skype’s interface has extra features like screen sharing and conference calling, so it can be used for both personal and business purposes. The interface looks nice and can be changed, so users can make their experience unique. Skype also has a variety of emoticons and stickers that make it easier to talk. Overall, Skype’s interface is a mix of how it works and how it looks. This gives users a lot of options and keeps them interested.
Google Hangouts vs Skype Customer Support
Most customer service for Google Hangouts is done through its Help Center. The Help Center has a lot of information, guides, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about using Hangouts. Users can solve problems and find answers to frequently asked questions on their own. Google also has a community forum where users can ask for help and talk to other users of Hangouts. But there may not be many direct ways to get personalized support, like email or live chat.
Skype has a number of ways for customers to get help. Users can go to the Skype Help Center, which has a lot of information, troubleshooting guides, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help with common problems. Skype also has customer support through email and live chat, so users can get more personalized help by talking to a support representative. Skype also has a community forum where people can talk to each other, ask for help, or talk about their own experiences.
Google Hangouts vs Skype Integration
Google Hangouts works well with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs, among other Google services. Users can start Hangouts calls right from these platforms, which makes it easy to set up meetings and work on documents together. Hangouts also works with Google Meet, which is Google’s tool for video conferencing. This lets users move easily from one platform to another. Also, Hangouts gives developers access to its API, which lets them add Hangouts features to their own apps and workflows.
Skype, on the other hand, works with products and services from Microsoft. It can be connected to Microsoft Office programs like Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint, so users can start Skype calls and meetings right from these tools. Skype also works with Microsoft Teams, which is a full-featured collaboration platform. This means that users can switch between Skype and Teams to communicate and work together. Skype also gives developers access to its API, which lets them add Skype features to their own apps.
Google Hangouts: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Integrated with other Google services like Gmail and Google Calendar.
- Free to use for personal communication.
- Supports group chats, voice calls, and video calls.
- Works well across different devices and platforms.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
Cons
- Limited features compared to other communication platforms.
- Some advanced features may require additional fees.
- Limited customer support options.
- Not as widely used or recognized as some other platforms.
Skype: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Widely recognized and used communication platform.
- Offers a range of features including voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging.
- Supports screen sharing and file sharing during calls.
- Integration with Microsoft Office applications.
- Provides options for both personal and business communication.
Cons
- Some advanced features may require paid subscriptions or credits.
- User interface can be overwhelming for new users.
- Customer support may not always be responsive.
- Call quality may vary depending on internet connection.
- Limited integration options compared to some other platforms.
Which one should you consider?
Choose between Google Hangouts and Skype based on your preferences, integration needs, and communication needs. To figure out which platform is best for your communication needs, you should look at the specific features, prices, and integration options.
FAQs
Google Hangouts, one of the biggest names in web chat, has been shut down. Google Chat has taken its place, and it does the same things. As of November 1, 2022, users who click on a Hangouts link will be sent to the Google Chat homepage instead.
Google Hangouts isn’t very useful because it’s only meant to be used by individuals. This software is easy to use, but it is also very simple. It doesn’t have a place to record, a business phone system, or ways to keep track of tasks.
