How much control do you really have over your data when using Google’s video conferencing platform – Meet? Not much. This is one of the key reasons why businesses look for a Google Meet alternative suitable for their needs.
Since Google Meet is a cloud-based service operated by Google, all meeting data – including recordings, chat logs, and participant details – are stored within Google's infrastructure. For industries with strict compliance regulations or those handling sensitive information, this is a major concern.
But privacy isn’t the only issue. Companies we speak with often struggle with limited recording options, the inability to customize the platform to match their workflows, and escalating costs for larger teams. No wonder they search for a Google Meet alternative that provides greater flexibility, security, and cost efficiency.
In this guide, we compare the top Google Meet competitors, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. We’ll also explain when a custom-built video conferencing platform may be the best long-term solution.
Let’s get straight to it.
Why look for an alternative to Google Meet anyway?
Google Meet hardly needs an introduction. As one of the most widely used video conferencing tools, it has become a go-to platform for businesses, educators, and individuals looking for a reliable way to communicate online. Integrated seamlessly with Google Workspace, it offers a streamlined experience for users already familiar with Google’s ecosystem.
The pros of Google Meet
Google Meet has a number of significant advantages that make it a strong contender in the video conferencing space:
- Ease of use: with a clean and intuitive interface, starting or joining a meeting is effortless, even for non-technical users.
- Seamless Google Workspace integration: Google Meet works flawlessly with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive, making it easy to schedule, join, and manage meetings.
- No software installation required: since it’s browser-based, users don’t need to download additional software, making it accessible across devices.
- Scalability and stability: Google’s infrastructure ensures high-quality video and audio, even for large meetings.
- Security features: end-to-end encryption, two-step authentication, and other built-in security measures help protect user data.
- Live captions and AI features: automatic real-time captions improve accessibility, and AI-driven noise cancellation enhances audio clarity.
- Freemium model: a free tier is available with limited features, making it accessible to casual users.
Why businesses seek Google Meet alternatives
Despite its strengths, Google Meet isn’t the perfect solution for everyone. Businesses, educators, and those privacy-conscious users may seek an alternative to Google Meet for several reasons:
- Limited free plan: the free version restricts meeting duration and lacks advanced features, pushing users towards paid plans.
- Lack of customization: Google Meet follows a one-size-fits-all approach, which might not suit businesses needing a tailored user experience.
- Recording limitations: meeting recordings are only available to paid Google Workspace subscribers, and they are stored on Google Drive, limiting storage control.
- Privacy concerns: as a Google product, user data may be subject to Google’s data collection policies, which might not be ideal for organizations prioritizing data sovereignty.
- Advanced moderation and controls: while Google Meet has basic host controls, it lacks in-depth moderation features such as advanced role management or AI-driven moderation tools.
- Integration restrictions: while it integrates well with Google services, connecting with third-party tools or custom enterprise solutions can be challenging.
- Higher costs for large teams: as businesses scale, premium plans can become costly, making open-source or self-hosted solutions more attractive.
If you’re looking for more flexibility, privacy, or advanced features for your business, exploring Google Meet alternatives could be the right move. To help you make the best choice, we’re comparing the top alternatives in the next section.
Top 5 Google Meet competitors: features, pros, and cons
While Google Meet is a powerful tool, it’s not the best fit for everyone. Some Google Meet alternatives offer superior security, greater customization, and cost savings. Below, we compare five of the best apps similar to Google Meet, outlining their key features, pros, and cons.
1. Zoom – the industry leader in video conferencing
Zoom has become synonymous with video meetings, offering a robust set of features tailored for businesses, teachers, and large-scale events. It’s one of the most popular Google Meet competitors, known for its reliability and feature-rich environment.
Pros:
- High-quality video and audio, even in low-bandwidth conditions.
- Feature-packed, including virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and webinar hosting.
- Strong security with end-to-end encryption (available for certain plans).
- Extensive integrations with productivity and CRM tools.
Cons:
- Security concerns due to past “Zoom-bombing” incidents (though mitigated with updates).
- Paid plans required for longer meetings and advanced features.
- More resource-intensive than some browser-based alternatives.
Best for: Businesses needing a scalable, feature-rich video conferencing tool; educators and event hosts.
2. Microsoft Teams – best for Office 365 users
Microsoft Teams is more than just a video conferencing app—it's a full collaboration suite. If your business already uses Office 365, Teams is an ideal alternative to Google Meet due to its deep integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Pros:
- Built-in chat, file sharing, and document collaboration.
- Strong security and compliance features, making it ideal for enterprises.
- Unlimited meeting duration on the free plan.
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new users due to its complexity.
- Works best within Microsoft’s ecosystem, limiting flexibility for non-Office users.
Best for: Businesses already using Microsoft Office 365 and those requiring a collaboration-focused platform.
3. Jitsi Meet – a free alternative to Google Meet
Jitsi Meet is one of the best Google Meet open-source alternatives, providing free, unlimited video conferencing with no account required. It’s a fantastic choice for privacy-conscious users and developers looking for a self-hosted option.
Pros:
- 100% free and open-source, with no meeting time limits.
- Privacy-focused with end-to-end encryption support.
- Self-hosting option available for full data control.
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features found in commercial products.
- Self-hosting requires technical expertise.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users, developers, and organizations looking for a free alternative to Google Meet.
4. BigBlueButton – tailored for online education
Unlike general-purpose video conferencing tools, BigBlueButton is designed specifically for online learning. It’s widely used by schools and universities, making it a unique Google Meet alternative in the education sector.
Pros:
- Built-in whiteboard, polling, and interactive tools.
- Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle.
- Open-source and customizable for educational institutions.
Cons:
- Requires self-hosting, which can be complex for non-technical users.
- Lacks some business-focused features, such as webinar monetization.
Best for: Schools, universities, and online training programs needing an education-first video conferencing solution.
5. Whereby – a simple, lightweight Google Meet alternative
Whereby is a browser-based video conferencing tool that emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. Unlike Zoom or Microsoft Teams, there’s no need to download software, making it ideal for quick, hassle-free meetings.
Pros:
- No software installation required—works directly in a browser.
- Simple, clean interface with minimal setup.
- Custom branding available for businesses.
Cons:
- Limited free version with a maximum of 45-minute meetings.
- Fewer advanced features compared to competitors.
Best for: Small businesses, freelancers, and teams needing a lightweight, no-fuss alternative to Google Meet.
Choosing the best Google Meet alternative for your needs
Need enterprise-level features? Zoom or Microsoft Teams is the best way to go.
Want a free and open-source option? You’ll love Jitsi Meet.
Focused on online education? BigBlueButton is the best tool for you.
Prefer a simple, hassle-free tool? Choose Whereby.
Need unique features? Go custom.
While apps like Google Meet offer great alternatives, they still have limitations. If your business requires full control, advanced integrations, and unique features, a custom-built video conferencing solution may be the best choice—something we’ll explore in the next section.
When a custom Google Meet alternative might be the best choice
While the platforms discussed in the previous section offer different features and advantages, they all come with inherent limitations. Businesses with specific security, customization, or integration needs may find that even the best Google Meet competitors do not fully meet their requirements.
Building a custom video conferencing solution allows for complete control over infrastructure, security, branding, and feature development, ensuring that the platform aligns perfectly with business needs. Below are the key advantages of opting for a tailored alternative to Google Meet.
Full control over data and security
One of the main reasons companies seek an alternative to Google Meet is data privacy. Many industries, such as healthcare, finance, and legal services, must comply with strict regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, or SOC 2. These aren’t the platform’s strengths, and thus a Google Meet alternative may help you maximize security and regain full control over your data – as long as you choose wisely. The below criteria are of the greatest significance.
- Self-hosting options: a custom solution allows businesses to host meetings on their own servers, ensuring data remains private and within their control.
- Advanced encryption and security features: unlike third-party solutions that follow standard security protocols, a custom-built platform can include end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and granular access control based on business needs.
- Compliance with industry regulations: businesses can implement security measures that align with specific regulatory requirements, reducing compliance risks.
Custom features and integrations
Most apps similar to Google Meet offer a predefined set of features, which may not cover all business needs. A custom-built video conferencing platform provides flexibility to include:
- Bespoke meeting controls: advanced role-based permissions, AI-powered moderation, and custom breakout room functionalities.
- Seamless CRM and productivity tool integrations: custom-built solutions can integrate directly with in-house CRMs, project management tools, or AI-driven analytics dashboards.
- White-labeling and branding: companies can personalize the interface, add custom logos, and match the video conferencing experience to their brand identity.
- AI and automation enhancements: features like AI-powered transcription, real-time translation, automated meeting summaries, and sentiment analysis can be integrated to improve productivity.
Better performance and scalability
Unlike third-party platforms that serve a broad audience, a custom video conferencing solution can be optimized for specific business needs, ensuring:
- Lower latency and higher quality: businesses can optimize infrastructure for high-definition video and audio without being affected by the bandwidth limitations of external providers.
- Scalability based on demand: whether a business needs support for thousands of concurrent users or a niche, high-performance solution for private meetings, a custom platform can be designed to scale accordingly.
- Reduced downtime risks: hosting a proprietary solution minimizes reliance on external service providers, preventing disruptions due to third-party outages.
Advanced meeting moderation and compliance features
For businesses that require greater control over meetings, a custom Google Meet alternative can introduce:
- AI-powered moderation: automatically flag inappropriate behavior or background noise disruptions.
- Custom access controls: set up meeting permissions based on user roles, ensuring that only authorized participants can access sensitive discussions.
- Automated compliance logging: securely archive meeting transcripts, recordings, and participant logs to meet regulatory compliance needs.
Cost efficiency in the long run
While developing a custom solution requires an initial investment, it can be more cost-effective over time:
- No recurring subscription fees: unlike commercial services that charge per user, a self-hosted solution eliminates ongoing licensing costs.
- Optimized resource allocation: businesses can build a solution that only includes the features they need, avoiding unnecessary expenses on bloated software packages.
- Better ROI for large enterprises: companies with frequent large-scale meetings may find that investing in a dedicated solution provides long-term financial benefits.
Who should consider a custom video conferencing solution?
We’re not saying a custom-built alternative to Google Meet is always the best choice! There are, however, certain industries for which it may be the right way to go. These include:
- Enterprises and large companies that require advanced security, custom integrations, and scalability.
- Healthcare, finance, and legal sectors that must comply with strict privacy and data regulations.
- Educational institutions and e-learning platforms needing specialized interactive features such as AI-based tutoring or gamified engagement tools.
- Customer support and sales teams that require CRM-linked video conferencing for personalized customer interactions.
- Tech startups and SaaS companies looking to offer a white-labeled video conferencing solution as part of their product.
By developing a custom platform, businesses gain full control over their video conferencing experience, ensuring it aligns with their operational goals and security requirements. The next section will explore how our expertise can help companies build a tailored Google Meet alternative that meets their exact needs.
How we can help you build a tailor-made Google Meet alternative, or integrate a ready-to-use tool into your existing setup
Building a custom Google Meet alternative requires expertise in real-time communication, cloud infrastructure, and security. As a software development company specializing in chat and messaging applications, we provide end-to-end development services, from initial planning to deployment and ongoing support.
How much does it cost to build a Google Meet alternative?
The cost of developing a custom video conferencing alternative to Google Meet depends on multiple factors, including the required features, infrastructure setup, and scalability needs. Below is a general estimate based on different levels of complexity:
These figures vary based on specific business needs, third-party service integrations, and infrastructure choices – see below for more details.
What affects the cost and development timeline?
Several factors influence the cost and time required to build a Google Meet alternative:
Core functionalities
The number and complexity of features significantly impact development costs. A simple video conferencing tool may only include:
- Video and audio calls
- Screen sharing
- Chat messaging
- Basic participant controls
A feature-rich platform may include:
- Cloud recording and storage: requires backend infrastructure and database management.
- AI-powered enhancements: such as real-time transcription, automatic meeting summaries, or sentiment analysis.
- Custom integrations: connecting with third-party apps like CRMs, project management tools, or learning management systems (LMS).
- Breakout rooms and interactive tools: needed for education or large-scale webinars.
- Advanced security and compliance: end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regulatory compliance logging.
Deployment model: cloud-based vs. self-hosted
Hosting the platform on cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure allows for easier scaling, but it comes with ongoing infrastructure costs. Alternatively, a self-hosted solution provides full control over security but requires dedicated server infrastructure and maintenance.
- Cloud-based: faster to deploy, requires ongoing hosting fees.
- Self-hosted: requires more setup time and upfront investment but reduces long-term costs for large-scale businesses.
Scalability requirements
If the platform needs to support thousands of concurrent users, a scalable architecture is necessary. This includes:
- Load balancing
- Optimized media streaming protocols like WebRTC, or advanced protocols like XMPP, Matrix or MQTT
- Redundant infrastructure to ensure uptime
As a general rule, higher scalability leads to increased development time and costs.
We have a separate article dedicated to chat app architecture – it will help you familiarize yourself with the basic concepts as well as the decisions that need to be made when you take the journey to building a custom Google Meet alternative.
Security and compliance
If the platform must comply with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2, additional security measures will be required:
- Advanced encryption protocols
- User authentication and role-based access control
- Data retention policies and secure storage
These features require additional development time but are critical for industries handling sensitive data. If you opt for SaaS, you may want to read our SaaS compliance guide for every founder – there is a lot involved when ensuring compliance.
UI/UX customization and branding
For businesses looking for a white-labeled chat solution with video conferencing option, custom UI/UX design is essential. This involves:
- Personalized meeting layouts
- Custom domain and branding
- User-friendly interfaces with interactive elements
A fully branded experience requires additional design and front-end development work.
AI and automation features
AI-powered features add significant value to a Google Meet alternative but also increase development complexity:
- Automated transcription and meeting summaries – requires NLP (Natural Language Processing) models.
- Real-time translation – integrates machine translation services.
- AI-powered noise cancellation – uses advanced audio processing algorithms.
While these features improve user experience, they require specialized expertise and additional development time.
Why work with us on your custom Google Meet alternative?
With extensive experience in chat and video communication development, we offer:
- Custom-built solutions tailored to your business needs.
- End-to-end development from initial planning to deployment and maintenance.
- Expertise in real-time communication using WebRTC, VoIP, and AI-powered enhancements.
- Scalable infrastructure solutions designed for optimal performance.
- Security-first development to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
Choosing the right Google Meet alternative is about more than just picking another off-the-shelf tool. Of course, this may work perfectly in some cases, but if, as a business owner, you prioritize data security, seamless integrations, and tailored user experiences, a custom-built video conferencing platform offers the ultimate solution.
If your business is struggling with data privacy concerns, high subscription costs, or limited platform flexibility, it’s time to explore a custom-built solution.
Let’s build a video conferencing platform designed for your business – on your terms. Get in touch with our team today to book a free discovery call and learn how we can help you develop a secure, scalable, and feature-rich alternative to Google Meet.
