Google Hangouts was a cross-platform application that provided instant messaging features but was officially retired on November 1, 2022. Soon after, Google split up the features into two different apps: Google Chat (for personal use) and Google Meet (for professional use), which provided the same functionality to both individual and business users. Some of the key features of Google Hangouts allowed users to send messages, make video calls, phone calls, and send text messages. It also allowed users to conduct meetings and host web conferences.
If you came here looking for Google Hangouts, we can help. Capterra is the #1 destination for finding software and services. We have over two million verified reviews from software users, so we can identify the most relevant, highest-rated unified communication products you should consider instead.
We highlight the five best Google Hangouts alternatives: products that offer the same core features—such as chat, messaging, multi-channel communication, and multi-user collaboration—and which have the highest user ratings and popularity.
Unified communication solutions combine real-time communication services, such as voice and video conferencing, instant messaging, presence information, and collaboration tools, with non-real-time communication methods such as email, voicemail, and fax. The primary goal of unified communication software is to streamline communication within organizations, enabling employees to access and use different communication channels from a unified interface.
Below is the list of the best 5 Google Hangouts alternatives for the unified communication needs of your business.
What are the top 5 alternatives to Google Hangouts?
Here are the top five Google Hangouts alternatives, listed in descending order of total Shortlist score (Read how we selected these five products here).
1. Slack
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
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Device compatibility
Ranked as top performer in Capterra’s 2023 Unified Communication Software Shortlist.
What are the unified communication features of Slack?
Slack allows users to create channels for team-wide communication or specific projects, departments, or topics.
Slack allows users to share files, documents, and images within conversations.
Slack provides an extensive app and bot ecosystem that allows users to add additional functionality to their workspace.
Industries Slack caters to
Slack is a collaboration platform that is widely used across various industries. It caters to industries such as technology, startups, software development, marketing, media, communications, consulting, design, and many others.
Check out what people are saying about Slack here.
2. Grasshopper
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Popularity score
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Device compatibility
Ranked as an established player in Capterra’s 2023 Call Tracking Software Shortlist.
What are the unified communication features of Grasshopper?
Grasshopper offers various call management features to enhance communication such as call screening, call transfer, and call recording.
Grasshopper includes voicemail functionality, allowing callers to leave messages when businesses are unavailable.
Grasshopper integrates with various business tools and services, such as CRM systems, help desk software, and collaboration platforms.
Industries Grasshopper caters to
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system primarily targeted at small businesses and entrepreneurs. It caters to industries such as professional services, consulting, e-commerce, online businesses, freelancers, and startups.
Check out what people are saying about Grasshopper here.
3. Weave
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Popularity score
Rating score
Device compatibility
Ranked as an established player in Capterra’s 2023 Call Tracking Software Shortlist.
What are the unified communication features of Weave?
Weave includes a team messaging feature that allows secure internal communication within the practice. Team members can send messages, share files, and collaborate in real time.
Weave offers text messaging capabilities, enabling users to send and receive text messages from within the platform.
Weave provides automated appointment reminders via text, email, or voice calls.
Industries Weave caters to
Weave is a communication and healthcare management software designed for the healthcare industry. It caters to various healthcare sectors such as dental practices, optometry, orthodontics, medical clinics, and veterinary clinics.
Check out what people are saying about Weave here.
4. GoTo Connect
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Popularity score
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Device compatibility
Ranked as a top performer in Capterra’s 2023 Unified Communication Software Shortlist.
What are the unified communication features of GoTo Connect?
GoTo Connect integrates with other popular productivity tools and applications such as calendars, CRM systems, and help desk software.
GoTo Connect provides presence indicators that show the availability and status of users.
With GoTo Connect, users can conduct video conferences and virtual meetings. It supports multi-party video calls, screen sharing, meeting recording, and collaboration features like virtual whiteboarding and annotation.
Industries GoTo Connect caters to
GoTo Connect, formerly known as Jive, is a unified communications platform that caters to businesses across multiple industries. It is suitable for small, medium, and large enterprises looking for a comprehensive communication solution.
Check out what people are saying about GoTo Connect here.
5. Front
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Popularity score
Rating score
Device compatibility
Ranked as a top performer in Capterra’s 2023 Unified Communication Software Shortlist.
What are the unified communication features of Front?
Users can mention specific team members in conversations using @mentions, alerting them to important messages or requests.
To streamline communication and save time, Front offers the ability to create and use templates or canned responses.
Front provides a space for internal discussions among team members. This feature allows users to communicate within the context of a specific conversation or message, enabling seamless collaboration and coordination.
Industries Front caters to
Front is an email management and collaboration software solution designed for teams and businesses that heavily rely on email communication. It caters to industries such as customer support, sales, marketing, PR, and any other industry where managing high volumes of emails and collaboration among team members is essential.
Check out what people are saying about Front here.
Here’s how the top 5 alternatives compare with Google Hangouts
Comparing products based on pricing, customer support, and mobile app availability
The cost of the software is a primary concern for any business heading towards a purchase decision. We have compared the starting price of the top five alternatives mentioned in the article. Most products on the market levy per user, per month subscription model. We have also compared which of them offer a free forever version in the table below along with their free trial information.
Good customer support can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively you can resolve any issues or questions you have about the software. Mobile apps also provide a platform for sending messages, holding video conferences, and sharing files remotely.
It becomes important for businesses to compare the solutions on the basis of customer support. Having reliable and responsive customer support ensures that businesses can address any issues or concerns promptly, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Understanding the different costs involved, such as upfront costs and recurring costs, can help in preventing unexpected financial burdens and ensures that the software investment fits within the allocated budget. We have compared them for you in the table below.
Comparing the top 5 alternatives based on user reviews
We drilled down into user reviews from the last two years on such factors as ease of use, features, and value for money. The highest product ratings in each area are bolded in the table below, so you can more easily identify which products stand out where.
/ Key takeaways
Among these top five alternatives, Slack is highly rated for the value for money that it offers. Followed by GoTo Connect.
Users rated Slack as the best regarding ease of use and user interface. Followed by Front.
On the basis of features and functionality offered, users rated Slack the best followed by Front.
Users would highly recommend Slack followed by Front.
Users rated Slack the best on the basis of the overall performance of the solution, followed by Front.
The final verdict: how to select the best Google Hangouts alternative
While the core functionalities of unified communications software remain similar across businesses, the specific needs may vary based on the industry, business model, and objectives. Some businesses may prioritize Voice Over IP (VoIP), and instant messaging features while others may need file sharing and real-time collaboration. Read the buyer’s guide about the types of unified communications software, the benefits of using the unified communication platform, and more.
When evaluating unified communication software, users from different industries consider the specific factors to ensure it meets their communication and collaboration needs:
Hospitality industry: Users from this industry are focused on guest communication. Features for connecting with guests, managing reservations, and providing personalized customer service. Businesses should look for integration capabilities offered that would allow them to connect with various communication channels, including phone, email, and chat, to handle guest inquiries and requests.
Manufacturing industry: Users might need Push-to-Talk (PTT) functionality which allows for instant voice communication for workers in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, or construction sites. Businesses should check for integration with manufacturing systems to receive real-time alerts, notifications, and production updates.
Legal industry: Lawyers will need features like call transcription, and call recording for compliance purposes. Legal personnels should check if the system offers encryption and security features for sharing confidential legal documents and case files.
Finance industry: Bankers or accountants from this industry should check if the system offers call recording and archiving features to meet regulatory requirements, such as Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) regulations. Integration with financial trading platforms for real-time communication during trading activities would be good to have the capability.
Education industry: Users should check for capabilities that would support them to conduct online classes, video conferences, screen share, and collaborate using interactive whiteboards. For companies, features that enable students to collaborate and work together on assignments and projects are essential.
Healthcare industry: Users of the solution from this industry should check that the software meets the security and privacy requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Healthcare companies should also check if the system provides encryption and secure transmission of patient information and medical records. Integration with video conferencing and remote consultation tools for virtual patient visits will be a good-to-have feature.
Want more? Check out our Shortlist for unified communications to see a longer list of highly-rated, popular products. You can also view our full unified communications software directory to check out Google Hangouts alternatives.
More available resources
If you are specifically looking for a unified communication system for small businesses, explore your options here.
Explore some of the free unified communication platform options here.
Read Cross-Functional Communication Best Practices to Boost Collaboration.