# Google Chat Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra

> With the help of Capterra, learn about Google Chat Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Team Communication products and more.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/175800/Chat

---

# 

 Google Chat Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons

Last updated on March 13, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.

[Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[Users](#users)[Pros and Cons](#pros-cons)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Integrations](#integrations)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews)

Google Chat

## What is Google Chat?

Google Chat is an instant messaging tool that enables teams to easily communicate and collaborate, regardless of physical location. It is designed to simplify 1:1 messaging as well as group collaboration. With this tool, users can securely connect and share files with their teams. Via seamless integration, Google Chat can be used directly in Gmail to centralize all communications. Using dedicated spaces, teams can participate in topic-based discussions, share relevant ideas, and streamline projects.

## What is Google Chat used for?

[Team Communication](https://www.capterra.com/team-communication-software/)

Top alternative

Featured

Overall rating

Based on 2,378 user reviews

Reviews sentiment

Positive

91%

Neutral

7%

Negative

2%

Pros & cons

Intuitive and simple interface

Reliable everyday communication tool

Limited messaging features

Inconsistent notification system

Contact vendor  
for pricing

Free trial  
not available

Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Do you work for Google Chat?[Manage this product listing](https://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=https://www.google.com/webhp&name=Google Chat)

## Compare with a popular alternative

Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status.

### Google Chat

4.5 (2,378)

VS.

[4.7 (24,036)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135003/Slack/reviews/)

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Starting Price

$8.75

Per User, Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

Ease Of Use

4.6 (2,378)

Ease Of Use

4.6 (10,908)

Value For Money

4.6 (1,365)

Value For Money

4.5 (6,658)

Customer Service

4.4 (1,290)

Customer Service

4.4 (6,409)

## Google Chat alternatives

[4.6 (5,044)](https://www.capterra.com/p/153140/Connecteam/reviews/)

Starting price

$29.00

Per User, Per Month

[4.3 (666)](https://www.capterra.com/p/141842/Weave/reviews/)

Starting price

Contact vendor for pricing

[4.5 (13,544)](https://www.capterra.com/p/184581/Asana-PM/reviews/)

Starting price

$10.99

Per User, Per Month

[4.6 (5,720)](https://www.capterra.com/p/147657/monday-com/reviews/)

Starting price

$9.00

Per User, Per Month

[View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/175800/Chat/alternatives/)

## Who uses Google Chat?

Based on Capterra reviews from the past 2 years

## Pros and Cons

Intuitive and simple interface

96% positive reviews out of 424

Most users report ease of use enables quick onboarding, minimal training, and efficient daily communication.

Vivek Y

DevOp Enginner, 201 - 500 employees.

"The best thing about the product is that it is very user friendly that even a beginner can use it with easy with any complexity. And it is very helpful in making our day to day communication much easier and faster."

Limited messaging features

36% negative reviews out of 270

Some users report messaging lacks advanced options, like message replies, editing, read receipts, and easy file sharing.

Roberto I

Digital traffic specialist, 501 - 1,000 employees.

"However, the inability to see if messages have been viewed is a drawback, as it can create uncertainty and delay in communications."

Reliable everyday communication tool

93% positive reviews out of 270

Most reviewers describe communication as consistent, allowing instant messaging across locations for personal and business needs.

Nikki E

Junior Partner Support SPecialist, 5,001 - 10,000 employees.

"Google chat is very helpful when it comes to communication as it cover wide location, so we can communicate even our clients from other countries."

Inconsistent notification system

61% negative reviews out of 119

Some reviewers describe notification issues, such as missed alerts, confusing settings, and disruptive notification sounds.

Eric C

CFO, 501 - 1,000 employees.

"Notifications do not reflect read messages properly."

Streamlined team collaboration

95% positive reviews out of 227

Most reviewers indicate team communication is seamless, supporting quick updates, group chats, and remote coordination.

Connectivity and lag issues

75% negative reviews out of 111

Most users report performance and speed problems, including frequent lags, slow file sharing, and connection interruptions.

kwandile K

Reviewer, 1 employee.

"The instant messaging is not instant it is slow and has lags"

## Features

Features with the highest number of reviews are displayed first. Those that have no reviews appear next, sorted alphabetically.

Mobile Access

4.6 (611)

60.72% of 611 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Mobile access lets you stay connected and collaborate from anywhere, whether on Android or iOS. Users think the app is easy to use, mirrors desktop functions, and keeps them productive on the go, though some note occasional minor delays.

Alerts/Notifications

4.5 (546)

56.41% of 546 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Google Chat offers customizable alerts and notifications that keep you informed about new messages and mentions. Some reviewers find these timely and helpful for quick responses, while others mention notification overload or occasional delays.

Real-Time Chat

4.7 (515)

64.08% of 515 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

With this capability, you can instantly communicate with colleagues, making teamwork seamless and efficient. Reviewers appreciate the fast message delivery, easy group or private chats, and the convenience of seeing when others are typing.

File Sharing

4.4 (415)

55.66% of 415 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

It gives you the ability to easily share documents, images, and links directly in chats, with strong Google Drive integration. Some users say sharing is simple and supports many formats, but a few mention sending multiple files can be cumbersome.

Search/Filter

4.3 (374)

50.53% of 374 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

This aspect helps you quickly locate past messages, files, or keywords in conversations. Reviewers indicate the search is useful for finding information, though some wish for more advanced options and easier navigation across multiple chats.

Collaboration Tools

4.4 (337)

48.37% of 337 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Provides a channel for team members to share media files, communicate, and work together

Google Chat 16 features

Google Chat offers customizable alerts and notifications that keep you informed about new messages and mentions. Some reviewers find these timely and helpful for quick responses, while others mention notification overload or occasional delays.

Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases

Synchronize with other calendars to view mutual availability and schedules

Provides a channel for team members to share media files, communicate, and work together

Import and export data to and from software applications

It gives you the ability to easily share documents, images, and links directly in chats, with strong Google Drive integration. Some users say sharing is simple and supports many formats, but a few mention sending multiple files can be cumbersome.

Mobile access lets you stay connected and collaborate from anywhere, whether on Android or iOS. Users think the app is easy to use, mirrors desktop functions, and keeps them productive on the go, though some note occasional minor delays.

Reporting on how each user, task or process has advanced since its initiation

With this capability, you can instantly communicate with colleagues, making teamwork seamless and efficient. Reviewers appreciate the fast message delivery, easy group or private chats, and the convenience of seeing when others are typing.

Timed notification for any upcoming task, deadline, appointment, or activity

Digitally share screen view with others

This aspect helps you quickly locate past messages, files, or keywords in conversations. Reviewers indicate the search is useful for finding information, though some wish for more advanced options and easier navigation across multiple chats.

Allow users to access multiple services after entering their login credentials once

Create, manage and track all task activities and progression

Set up connections to third-party platforms to improve business processes

Connect with meeting participants remotely over video

Features

4.3 (2,378)

4.3

Based on 2,378 reviews

## Pricing

Value for money

4.6 (1365)

### Starting price

Contact vendor  
for pricing

Free trial  
not available

Value for money

4.6 (1,365)

4.6

Based on 1,365 reviews

## Integrations

[

Google Docs](https://www.capterra.com/p/160756/Google-Docs/)[

Google Drive](https://www.capterra.com/p/161425/Drive/)[

Google Workspace](https://www.capterra.com/p/247901/Google-Workspace/)[

Gmail](https://www.capterra.com/p/202338/Gmail/)[

Google Meet](https://www.capterra.com/p/176572/Google-Hangouts/)[

Google Calendar](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/)

## Support, customer service and training options

Customer Service

4.4 (1290)

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

Deployment

-   Web
-   Android
-   iPhone/iPad

Typical users

-   Freelancers
-   Small businesses
-   Mid size businesses
-   Enterprises

Customer Service

4.4 (1,290)

4.4

Based on 1,290 reviews

## User reviews

Overall rating

4.5

Based on 2,378 reviews

Filter by rating

5(1532)

4(629)

3(172)

2(32)

1(13)

Mentioned topic

Sorted by most recent

LW

Levin W.

Cashier

Food & Beverages

### "Perfect chatting app "

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

March 8, 2026

Overall experience customer support is great helps you with problems the schedule and calendar I love it

Pros

like Google Chat because it makes communication quick and simple. I can send messages, share files, and work with others in group chats It also connects with other Google tools which makes collaborating on projects easier

Cons

One thing I dislike about Google Chat is that it can send too many notifications and sometimes important messages are hard to find in busy group chats

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AU

Anonymous User

Realtor

Real Estate

### "Google chat good for the basics"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

February 21, 2026

Overall, it does the job and get it done correctly. Customizable options, no bugs or problems, and great customer support.

Pros

Google chat is a basic chatting system easier to use that other platforms and gives value for money.

Cons

I would say that Google chat could use some updates in features and curb appeal as it seems a little dated.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AU

Anonymous User

Counselor

Education Management

### "Google is the best! "

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

February 13, 2026

Pros

Easy to use and access through google. Google is one of the most used sites today so it easy to contact others that have Google accounts.

Cons

Other networks does not have access so you have to make sure other are Google users so you can communicate.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Nazim S.

manager

Real Estate

### "My Google Chat experiences"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

January 19, 2026

I use it very often and I'm very happy with it. I also recommend it to my friends. This makes them happy too.

Pros

It's very simple for the end user. It's an easy-to-use program. The interface is especially user-friendly. I recommend it.

Cons

I don't think it has any negative aspects. It's very easy and simple to use. It's easier than its competitors, in my opinion.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

OB

Oli B.

Project Coordinator

Marketing and Advertising

### "A helpful tool"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

January 17, 2026

A helpful tool for communicating with my team, great value for money and customer support with no bugs or issues.

Pros

Great value for money, customer support and features. No bigs or issues and doesn't have a big learning curve.

Cons

No major issues I can think of as of yet, been a very helpful tool and has good user interface and is straightforward.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Brandy Z.

CEO and Principal Consultant

Professional Training & Coaching

### "Works pretty well but prefer Microsoft Teams"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

January 1, 2026

It works as quick communication, but I find that it doesn't do its intended job because sometimes I do not even know if I have received a message, unless I get an email notification telling me that there is a message I need to respond to.

Pros

It is easy to chat with others as well as hop on a quick video call without there being too much human error (or for people without much computer experience). It's easy to copy and paste photos from snips to share quick info. I would say I like the video feature the best - you just send a video link by pressing a button and then you can video talk immedately on Google Meet.

Cons

The notifications of chat are not enough - most time I do not even know if I received a Google chat notification. I do get emails from it, but with chat, you typically want to know immediately. I prefer Microsoft Teams Chat. I would recommend that Google make the message pop up in a better location or maybe a different noise so I know I received a chat.

Alternatives considered

[Microsoft Teams](https://www.capterra.com/p/168668/Microsoft-Teams/)

Reasons for choosing Google Chat

Cost less and seemed easier to implement vs Microsoft.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

MG

Mike G.

Member of Technical Staff

Computer Hardware

### "Great software, but can be even better with a good mobile app."

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

2.0

2.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

December 30, 2025

Overall I'd say gchat is solid. With good integration with google meet and calendar, it is a solid choice for business customers.

Pros

Google chat is incredibly responsive and convenient. It is included in GSuite so relatively affordable compared to slack. The interface on the web is extremely polished and efficient. Learning curve is low, and feature is extensive. There are tons of integration that works with gmail and gcal.

Cons

I think the customer service of Google can be improved. It is hard to reach a human agent and often times tickets for bugs gets bounced to completely different departments. I also think the mobile app can be improved. The images are downsampled in such a fashion that it's barely readable.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

EZ

Esther Z.

RECRUITER

Hospital & Health Care

### "REALLY LOVING GOOGLE CHAT"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

December 24, 2025

MY OVERALL EXPEREINCE WITH GOOGLE CHAT IS AMAZING AMZING I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE IT IT BRINGS ME THROUGH MY DAY!!

Pros

I LOVE GOOGLE CHAT IT TAKES ME THROUGH THE DAY \\, I DONT KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITH OUT IT!! IT IS VERY EASY TO USE AND STRAIGHT FOWRAD!!

Cons

EVERYTHING IS AMAZING THE ONLY THING I WOULD ENJOY IS THAT IF HAVE TO DELETE A MESSAGE IT SHOULD SAY'DELETED BY AUTHOR' OVERALL ITS AWESOME!!!

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

MS

Mariane Stephanie T.

Manager

Business Supplies and Equipment

### "google chat to converse with friends who are connected on google"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

5/10

December 22, 2025

Pros

the interface of google chat is quite simple and with no complexity. new chatt pops us while connected and catches your attention. the messaging is instant

Cons

Google chat is used by very few people, making it easy to forget. it is not interesting to use it if you want to hold with many people at the same time. And, if you doant have a google account, you wont be able to use google chat, hence limiting it's sphere of operation

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Amee P.

Educational Assistant

Primary/Secondary Education

### "Perfect for Quick Communication"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

December 22, 2025

It has been a game changer for work. It is easy to send messages back and forth with coworkers and helps keep us all on the same page. I love that it offers group chats too!

Pros

I like how easy it is to use. It's easy to communicate quickly with others. You can send links, invites, images, gifs and more which is great.

Cons

There is not a thing that I do not like about Google Chat due to its amazing ease of use. I have no complaints.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

[View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/175800/Chat/reviews/)

Popular comparisons

[Microsoft Teams vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/168668-175800/Microsoft-Teams-vs-Chat)[Telegram vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/175800-180347/Chat-vs-Telegram)[Slack vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/135003-175800/Slack-vs-Chat)[Connecteam vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/153140-175800/Connecteam-vs-Chat)[Google Workspace vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/175800-247901/Chat-vs-Google-Workspace)[Google Meet vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/175800-176572/Chat-vs-Google-Hangouts)[Flock vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/151072-175800/Flock-vs-Chat)[Discord vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/175800-240238/Chat-vs-Discord)[Basecamp vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/56808-175800/Basecamp-vs-Chat)[Mattermost vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/170524-175800/Mattermost-vs-Chat)

[Weave vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/141842-175800/Weave-vs-Chat)[Pumble vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/175800-218055/Chat-vs-Pumble)[Asana vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/175800-184581/Chat-vs-Asana-PM)[monday.com vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/147657-175800/monday-com-vs-Chat)[Nifty vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/172519-175800/Nifty-vs-Chat)[GoTo Meeting vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/163332-175800/GoToMeeting-vs-Chat)[Workplace from Meta vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/168669-175800/Workplace-vs-Chat)[Webex Suite vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/175800-237272/Chat-vs-Webex)[ClickUp vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/158833-175800/ClickUp-vs-Chat)[Microsoft Viva Engage vs Google Chat](https://www.capterra.com/compare/175800-227175/Chat-vs-Yammer) 

Independent research methodology

Capterra's researchers use a mix of verified reviews, independent research and objective methodologies to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust. While we may earn a referral fee when you visit a provider through our links or speak to an advisor, this has no influence on our research or methodology.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/)

How Capterra verifies reviews

Capterra carefully verified over 2.5 million+ reviews to bring you authentic software experiences from real users. Our human moderators verify that reviewers are real people and that reviews are authentic. They use leading tech to analyze text quality and to detect plagiarism and generative AI.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-verify-reviews/)

How Capterra ensures transparency

Capterra lists all providers across its website—not just those that pay us—so that users can make informed purchase decisions. Capterra is free for users. Software providers pay us for sponsored profiles to receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Sponsored profiles include a link-out icon that takes users to the provider's website.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-ensure-transparency/)