Review of Google Hangouts
We primarily use Google Hangouts for internal meetings. We use gmail as our email service, so google hangouts integrates easily into our …
Overview
What is Google Hangouts (Classic)?
The classic version of Google Hangouts is a communication platform that includes messaging, voice, VoIP, and video call capabilities. It was part of Google’s G Suite offering and integrated with applications such as Gmail and Google+. Users of the classic…
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Popular Features
- Video conferencing (79)9.393%
- Audio conferencing (79)9.393%
- Mobile app for iOS (73)8.686%
- Mobile app for Android (71)8.181%
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What is Google Hangouts (Classic)?
The classic version of Google Hangouts is a communication platform that includes messaging, voice, VoIP, and video call capabilities. It was part of Google’s G Suite offering and integrated with applications such as Gmail and Google+. Users of the classic version of Hangouts will be migrated to the…
Entry-level set up fee?
- No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://workspace.google.com/pricing.ht…
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- Free Trial
- Free/Freemium Version
- Premium Consulting/Integration Services
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Alternatives Pricing
What is Google Meet?
Google Meet, formerly Hangouts Meet, replaces the former Google Hangouts as the company's G Suite integrated web conferencing tool, allowing users to join meetings directly from a Calendar event or email invite from a computer, phone, or conference room. G Suite's Enterprise edition also creates a…
What is Zoom?
Zoom helps consolidate communications and collaboration in the boardroom, classroom, operating room, and everywhere. Zoom is an intelligent collaboration platform that makes connecting easier, more immersive, and more dynamic. Zoom technology facilitates collaboration through solutions like Zoom…
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What is Google Hangouts (Classic)?
Google Hangouts is a communication platform that includes messaging, voice, VoIP, and video call capabilities. This platform is part of Google’s G Suite offering and integrates with applications such as Gmail and Google+. Pricing for G Suite plans range from $5-$25 per user per month.
Callers can use Hangouts to:
- Start a chat conversation or video call.
- Make phone calls using Wi-Fi or data.
- Send text messages with a Google Voice or Google Fi phone number.
Hangouts sync automatically across devices. Hangouts started on a computer, can continue with chat on another device, like a phone.
- In March 2017, Google announced plans to evolve classic Hangouts to focus on two experiences designed to help bring teams together: Hangouts Chat and Hangouts Meet. Both Chat and Meet are available for G Suite customers and will be made available for consumer users as well. Google is planning to transition users from classic Hangouts to Chat and Meet after June 2020.
- Classic Hangouts is not available in China.
Google Hangouts (Classic) Video
What is Google Hangouts?
Google Hangouts (Classic) Technical Details
| Operating Systems | Unspecified |
|---|---|
| Mobile Application | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
The classic version of Google Hangouts is a communication platform that includes messaging, voice, VoIP, and video call capabilities. It was part of Google’s G Suite offering and integrated with applications such as Gmail and Google+. Users of the classic version of Hangouts will be migrated to the new Hangouts Chat collaboration tool, and Google continues to support conferencing via the new Hangouts Meet.
Reviewers rate Video conferencing and Audio conferencing and Instant messaging highest, with a score of 9.3.
The most common users of Google Hangouts (Classic) are from Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
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Reviews
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September 01, 2022
Love this!
I use Google Hangouts for meetings! We are a hybrid company so a lot of our meetings are done virtually with multiple team members. One feature that's really great is being able to put the Google Hangout information in the calendar invite so it's super easy for people to find.
- Easy to access
- Clear signal
- Ability for multiple people to join from different IP addresses
- Cleaner dial in options
- Ability to blur background
- Offering of different backgrounds similar to zZom
November 04, 2021
Best performance for calls and finding frequent contacts.
Google Hangouts (Classic) was used by a particularly small team in our organization, where we needed more of a legacy solution for a well-known client so that they could feel comfortable. It was the perfect communication tool since we already had a long-term relation, so using Hangouts was organic, simply moved our conversations from email to easy-to-find chats or calls.
- Easy to find frequent contacts
- Light calls
- Fast chats
- Handling multiple work-spaces
- Handling multiple accounts in the same window
July 25, 2021
Free and must have communication tool
In the last 15 months, Google Hangouts has become my personal favorite tool in my entire organization. With more than 80% workforce and departments working from home, the best go-to tool is Google Hangouts. It syncs with the calendar, sends timely reminders, the option to ping and sends DM. Being a marketing manager, I also need to interact a lot with external agencies, presentations, etc. All this has become so smooth with Google Hangouts. It feels like I am seating in my cabin and doing one-to-one interactions. I would heavily recommend this tool to everyone.
- It can be accessed smoothly with laptops, mobile and desktops.
- Easy to sync calendar, reminders, and set up meetings.
- Not limited to internal users only. Mostly available with external vendors as well.
- I wish more compatibility with other apps like Dropbox.
- It is limited to typing only. If a voice message option can be added, that would make a lot of difference.
- Auto settings to mute/unmute other users is recommended.
We have been using Google Hangouts within our company for interaction with clients & colleagues. It's being widely used within our KPO segment for the purpose of internal meetings & also sometimes for interaction with our clients. Since we are in a google ecosystem where all the applications we use are mainly from G-suite, it was very natural that would use google hangouts as our instant messaging platform.
- Easy to setup platform especially if the organization is already in Google ecosystem.
- User interface is very easy on the eye & minimalistic.
- All the Gmail events are properly synced up with google hangout.
- Very good & versatile mobile application.
- Call & video quality connection becomes very unstable when on low latency network.
- Could improve on its sending invite option & make it more easy.
- Automatic away status can be implemented if not active on platform.
June 09, 2021
Google Hangouts (Classic) Review
Google Hangouts was used across our organization, both for internal meeting purposes, as well as client-facing calls. It was a quick and easy solution (especially since our email is powered by Gmail) that allowed us to quickly connect with audio and video conferencing, with very few cases of technical issues.
- Audio Connection
- Video Connection
- Ability to quickly invite others
- Ability to Chat
- Tile layout for headshots used to be a tricky item
- I don't believe it had a recording capability in years past
- Conversations from chat were not archived / emailed to host
May 19, 2021
A great product for its time!
Google Hangouts (Classic) has now been superseded by the more modern Google Chat and is therefore not compatible with Google Workspace for Education. Prior to Google Chat being widely used, Hangouts was used at our school for inter-staff communications and well as a way for students to communicate with their teachers. This was particularly heavily used during the first lock down in March 2020. It offers a quick instant messaging service with the ability to make calls or video calls within the app.
- Has built in calling and video calling from within the app or web page
- Can be used by anyone with a Google account
- On Android phones, can be used to receive SMS messages as well
- Has now been superseded by Google Chat
- Does not work with Google for Education accounts
- No longer integrated with Gmail after the phase out completes
Google Hangouts (classic) is part of a series of tools that sit in an in between space. They are not primary company tools, but they serve a niche function when other tools are not able to be used. In particular, some messaging needs or video conferencing needs that require connection with external parties informally are ideal opportunities to use Google Hangouts (classic).
- Ad-hoc video conferencing / meetings with external collaborators
- Mobile video conferencing
- Integration with other Google-based tools.
- Security
- Integration into the formal corporate toolset
- Integration into Office365
April 22, 2021
A great tool for instant messaging, not much more.
[Google Hangouts (Classic)] is used as the main form of communication between coworkers. It reduced the use of emails for short and quick communication between 2 people or small groups.
- Ease of use
- Ability to create groups
- File sharing systems
- Ability to use apps and web based
- It could use more integration with calendar
- Better notification setting for web based solution
- Should allow to have the ability to withdraw messages
It was used as a messaging app to communicate between staff / teams with the purpose of discussing work related matters. It can also be used to communicate with customers / clients. It is surely a useful software / app to use for communication across the organization. However, there are still improvements needed when it comes to organizational chart and contact list.
- Friendly user interface, sometimes it does not feel like you are chatting about work
- It comes in all devices and all have slick UI. Not like some other messaging apps which are inconsistent between desktop / mobile version
- Amazing alternative option for sms / mms
- Lack of organizational chart if you are in a big organization
- Some concerns regarding to privacy
- Cannot communicate with other messaging softwares
April 13, 2021
A good addition if you're already in the Google system, but far superior platforms exist for businesses.
We used hangouts across the small organization as a means of contact. It was a natural move as we also used Gmail for all our email services. Hangouts were primarily used for the chat function only, video calls, etc. we would leverage different programs. Before Covid-19, we'd use the chat function to communicate privately or ask specific questions without scheduling a meeting. We'd also have a lot of client calls where we could communicate in the background regarding the next steps and additional questions we should ask.
- Integration with Gmail for a full experience, everything is in 1 place!
- Ability to send/share images and files quickly via hangouts.
- Chat function and group chats.
- Emojis are difficult to use and not the best vs. iPhone.
- Slow video features, less attractive than other video platforms.
- The phone app is difficult to use, very easy to accidentally make a video call, and hard to back out of it. App can be very sluggish.
Google Hangouts (Classic) is used mostly for intra-departmental communication, especially during the year-plus of remote work thanks to COVID-19. It is more efficient and quicker to use than phone calls or emails, and helps keep our team connected. Easy to see when colleagues are available and works well on both computers and mobile devices.
- Quick, casual chats
- Easy to use and non-intrusive
- Archived chats are searchable, for reference
- Seamless UX across all devices
- Wish it was easier to search previous chats on the mobile app
- Custom away messages would be helpful
- Occasionally face a lag with the mobile app, showing notifications at a delay
Google Hangouts (Classic) has been deployed across the entire organization. It is a convenient way for staff to have virtual meetings and integrates well with our other Google Workspace/G Suite products. It is a convenient way to have informal meetings either scheduled or on the spot. The ability to launch directly from Gmail is also convenient.
- Videoconference
- Google Workspace/GSuite Integration
- Screensharing
- Webinar features
- Recording available at all levels (not just higher tier)
- Improve video sharing experience
April 07, 2021
Google Hangouts- Simple Solution for Quick Communication
We are using it across the organization for different types of communication- internal, external, chat, video conferencing and for screen share. This software helps us connect easily with each other from anywhere and also allows us to connect to individuals outside in an easy manner. We’ve used this for employees or students that are unable to attend in person.
- Simple screen share
- Minimal setup
- OS agnostic including mobile
- Works well with low speed connections
- Screen share on mobile
- Better chat extension on Chrome
- Better invite options
Hangouts is used by nearly all employees in the company as a quick, easy communication tool. It comes in extremely handy as a way to keep from having to track people down to ask them questions face to face, especially given the pandemic; it is great for things that are not quite as time sensitive, as people have some time to respond; and it prevents employees from needing to use their personal phones all day. It works as well, if not better, than most paid communication platforms for intraoffice messaging that I have used, and given the (lack of) cost, it is perfect.
- Can set up different user groups with various personnel. In our case, we have different groups for different vehicle brands, one group for service advisors, one group for management, etc. Information can then be tailored to the correct people.
- It is a contact less form of communication in an environment where various different people NEED to interact with one another throughout the day. Very helpful given the covid.
- Setup and implementation are incredibly easy. Especially if work domain for email is attached to gmail like ours is
- Ability to use Gmail search bar to search through chat history is very handy
- I would like to see improved video support, so that saved videos can be sent back and forth via Hangouts more easily, without having to start a separate meet chat
- More pronounced notifications of messages would be helpful; pop up notifications are good, but once there is one, additional messages do not pop up
- Custom muting times would be great, so that if I am in a 90 minute Zoom meeting, I can set it for that time; right now, it is 1 hour or 2 hours. Easy to forget.
April 02, 2021
Google Hangouts delivers easy of use
I love Google Hangouts [(Classic)] for the ease of use for meetings and to talk to individuals in various ways. Google is so dominant and so many have access to it. It's the easiest way to hop on a meeting to chat via video or audio.
- Video chat
- Easy to connect
- Easy to set up and use
- There's audio/video problems once in a while
November 24, 2020
Great tool but still has room for improvements
Google Hangouts (Classic) was our internal communication tool including chats groups and audio video calls. Google Hangouts (Classic) helps us to connect to every colleague. Sometimes Google Hangouts (Classic) feels buggy, but overall it’s a good tool. After the introduction of Google Chat, our organization switched to Google Chat, and now we are no longer using Google Hangouts (Classic) is not being used
- Chats
- Group chats
- Audio/video calls
- Fun stickers
- Audio call
- Video call
- Stickers
- Mobile apps
November 03, 2020
Free Video Conferencing Tool
We use it internally and externally for virtual business meetings. It helps everyone connect online when we can not meet in person.
- Easy to set up
- Allows screen share
- Free
- Allow recording
- Access is not tied to email
- In some settings, it allows for more participants
May 26, 2020
The Connector - Google Hangouts
I have been using Google Hangouts for a long time now, I find it very reliable because first of all it is easy to use, and while emailing you can sidewise have chat with your colleagues, friends, etc. Other then this you can send files, documents, images, and videos as well. You can do screen sharing and video calling with the clients, colleagues, friends, and family members.
- Screen sharing.
- Video conferencing.
- Chatting.
- Emojis.
- Sending documents.
- They should allow you to connect more than 100 people at a time.
- A news feed should be there.
December 30, 2019
Google Hangouts Review
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Our whole organization is using Google Hangouts for organization-wide communication between employees. It helps us to show demos from offshore locations to customers by sharing the screen. This is a good and much-needed product.
- Google Hangouts extension is available. It provides a separate window to see the messages.
- Video quality is great.
- Video/voice call recording feature.
December 11, 2019
Hangout with Google Hangouts
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use Gmail as our email server, hence Google Hangouts is available to all in the company. It is a good communication device. We use it to message each other and schedule meetings as employees are located in different sites. Many employees have a Gmail account, so most times there is no learning curve in training employees how to use the app.
- Easy to use. Little to no training required.
- No set up required as we use it with Gmail server.
- Google Hangouts can only be used if you have a Google account. This is not much of a problem as many people have it.
- It lacks advanced features like a waiting room for participants that join early.
November 18, 2019
Hangouts is just that... a hangout
We use Google Hangouts for communications outside of our internal network. It solves the problem of communicating with people outside our network without having to leave our desktop.
- the interface is user friendly
- the use case is to the point
- it is easy to add and remove contacts
- file sharing isn't the greatest
- history deletion
- connecting different accounts to the interface
October 21, 2019
Great Free Video Conference Tool
Google Hangouts can be utilized to have others join by video. It oversees other programs by being able to have a lot of multiple users on the same hangout. Other programs only allow a few. It is great that Google Hangouts is free and useful in that manner. It is easy to use for Google users.
- Easy to use with a Google Account.
- Multiple users can join via email.
- Sending out invitations to email and having the user reminded of the upcoming hangout.
- Sometimes a little too basic for sharing screens.
October 08, 2019
Google Hangouts - Free Group video call available for all
I had used Google Hangout several times in the last 6-7 years. I didn't use them officially in my work organization. I had used it in my friends circle to connect with friends. The best part about this Google Hangouts is multiple people can do video calling. It is one of the first free software to provide this feature.
- Group video call
- Call history
- Status updates
- It is very easy to use, but for some reason it is not very popular
- Marketing can be improved
- Users Privacy can be improved - that could be one reason why many do not use
September 26, 2019
Google Hangouts: good value for the price you pay
We implemented Google Hangouts as a result of migrating to Google GSuite which included it as a part of the service. We use it across the whole organization, and it resolved communication issues that we had previously had. Our users were able to establish meetings with other users without leaving the office.
- Ease of use
- Excellent video/audio quality
- The Chrome plugin sometimes does not show updates
- Google Hangouts and Google Meetings should just be one platform
September 26, 2019
Good program, but features are duplicated by other apps now
We use it for inter office communication and out of office. Easier for people to reply from the computer or setup a quick screen sharing or web conference.
- Chatting
- Copy and paste of documents or images
- Easy to video conference platform
- Lack of integration into business services
- Mobile app doesn't always give same experience
- Would like to keep as a tab in chrome vs pop out