Basic instant messaging and video calling for free
Updated September 21, 2019

Basic instant messaging and video calling for free

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Google Hangouts

I'm using Google Hangouts daily to communicate with employees I hire. I've been using previous old Google "Talk" version as well. Very easy and intuitive. Most of the times or maybe even always, the person I hire has gmail account and can message with me immediately. This is a big deal that I don't need to require installing anything new. Time saving.
Chat archives can be easily searched, images can be sent as well, but the problem is that other files cannot be sent through it. The latter can create issues and can be irritating but you can always use the same e-mail account to send those other files.
Additionally I like that I can immediately share the screen or make a video call. No problems here. Also mobile app is very useful.
  • Uses gmail account which most people have. No need to install anything new (unless you want a mobile app).
  • Video conferencing with multiple people works well and allows screen sharing.
  • Instant messaging is fast and reliable. Sound notifications are not irritating.
  • For me missing file sending is a missing functionality that should be implemented. Only images can be sent.
  • Sending images using the desktop gmail website interface could also be improved, takes too long to add the image.
  • More privacy settings would be useful.
  • Google Hangouts is free. For starting businesses or those who want to reduce costs it's a good way to communicate instead of using paid project management software.
  • Saves a lot of time because employees I hire usually already used it or have Google account. I don't need to instruct them how to get it and how to use it.
I changed to Google Hangouts from Skype because many times hired employees didn't have it, so they had to create an account and it gave trouble and waste time.
Also Hangouts allows for easy screen sharing, while back in the days Skype didn't have that feature. I remember Skype having features that required paying, Hangouts is all free to use.
Every time I contacted Google's support they immediately answer on the chat without waiting. Email communication replies are the same or next day as well. If no progress is made they will send update anyway, that things are being handled.
Usually any issue reported is being resolved, they won't leave me on my own and can even grant bonus space on their disk or similar things related to software that gives problems.

Do you think Google Hangouts (Classic) delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Google Hangouts (Classic)'s feature set?

Yes

Did Google Hangouts (Classic) live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Google Hangouts (Classic) go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Google Hangouts (Classic) again?

Yes

Google Hangouts is a great alternative not only for businesses but also if you don't want to have a Facebook account to use their Messenger for private purposes. Google account is required, so if you dislike the company you will have to look for other solutions. However registering with google gives the ability to use additional apps such as Google Drive and they complement each other.

Google Hangouts (Classic) Feature Ratings

Hosted PBX
Not Rated
Multi-level Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Not Rated
User templates
Not Rated
Call reports
2
Directory of employee names
5
Answering rules
Not Rated
Call recording
Not Rated
Call park
Not Rated
Call screening
Not Rated
Message alerts
Not Rated
Video conferencing
8
Audio conferencing
7
Video screen sharing
Not Rated
Instant messaging
Not Rated
Mobile app for iOS
8
Mobile app for Android
8