What is Google Meet: Is it the same as Google Duo? Surely you have asked yourself this question and rightly so. Although both platforms are very similar, there are notable differences between them, mainly depending on the use you are going to give them.
To help you clarify this doubt, in this article we explain their differences in detail so you can see which of these two options is the one that best suits your needs.
What is Google Meet and what are its main features?
Google Meet is the evolution of Hangouts within G-Suite, a platform developed by Google for videoconferencing, both in web browsers and mobile devices (Android and iOS), and is mainly focused on teams and users in the work and professional environment.
Unlike other applications (such as Google Duo), Google Meet is paid or premium, at least to get all the advanced and important features for companies. In addition, it is the main competitor of platforms such as Houseparty, Zoom, Messenger Room, among others.
To use it, just visit the Google Meet website or download the app directly to your Android or iOS device. The operation is very simple, as you will simply find the option to create a meeting or join one using an invitation code.
These codes are unique passwords that are created exclusively for each video call, making it a secure method of communicating. In addition, if you wish, you can schedule and program meetings using Google Calendar.
It is important to note that Google Meet can only be used with users who have a Gmail account, otherwise they will not be able to participate. However, this communication tool has different interesting features that you should know about, which we present below.
- It supports meetings of up to 250 participants, making it an ideal space for group videoconferences of up to 100 people in its basic version and up to 250 people according to the G-Suite plan you have.
- Supports meeting recording, perfect for reviewing the topics discussed in the videoconference and sharing it with other users who were not present.
- Own phone number, since depending on the G-Suite Enterprise plan available to the user, Google Meet may provide the ability to create a phone number for each meeting, a facility for those who do not have access to mobile data or WiFi.
- It allows you to make presentations, even directly from the screen of your mobile or computer, manage the camera, zoom in or out, and without losing image quality.
What is Google Duo and what are its main features?
When we refer to Google Duo, we are talking about an application for the web by entering duo.google.com and mobile devices, with a similar operation to Apple’s FaceTime, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or even Skype, in which you can make audio and video calls through your phone number, with mobile data or via WiFi.
Unlike Google Meet, this is a free alternative, both for iOS and Android. This time, it uses your phone number so you can communicate with anyone in your contact list who also has the application.
It is developed with an end-to-end encryption system, as well as very interesting features such as Knock Knock, to see live videos of the caller before even picking up. It also has other additional features, such as:
- Allows video calls with up to 32 participants, which compared to Google Meet is a disadvantage.
- High-quality video, as it supports video quality up to Half HD 720p.
- It is developed and optimized for operation with low-bandwidth mobile networks. In addition, it automatically adapts to the connection strength, switching between mobile data and WiFi to ensure call quality.
- It features end-to-end encryption, which provides greater security and privacy in communication.
- Supports video messaging, in addition to audio and video calls, you can send text or video messages to your contacts as desired.
- Knock Knock is an Android exclusive feature, which allows you to preview the caller before answering the call.
Google Meet or Google Duo: Which one should I use?
As you may have noticed throughout this article, the differences and the target audience for each of these two applications are very clear. Therefore, you should consider the following:
Google Meet is mainly intended for the professional, work, and even academic environment, being the main competition to services such as Zoom or Jitsi Meet, where participants can only join videoconferences through a Google account.
In addition, its integration with Google Calendar and other G-Suite applications boosts productivity and teamwork, helping to deal with different topics without leaving the same place through the option of sharing screens, presenting files, documents, presentations, scheduling meetings, and more.
It is protected by an encryption system that works even during the live transmission of the conference or when it is stored in Google Drive. However, it supports 720p video quality with a maximum call duration of 24 hours.
Of course, we can’t forget about its price, because yes, it is a premium app that is included in the G-Suite with plans starting at $8 per active user per month depending on the plan you choose.
For its part, Google Duo is mainly designed for the personal sphere, in the practicality and convenience of casual communication, something we see reflected in the limit of participants.
Although it has many features of Google Meet such as image quality, being able to use phone numbers, synchronization with the agenda, access from mobile applications or the web, it is more an alternative to traditional messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, or others, and is not focused so much on the professional.
Not to mention that it is free. At this point, it will depend more on your needs when choosing one or the other.
