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Google Meet vs Bandwidth

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Our analysts compared Google Meet vs Bandwidth based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Business Phone Systems, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Overview Pricing Benefits & Features User Ratings Analyst Summary Screenshots
Google Meet Software Tool
Bandwidth Software Tool
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Product Basics

Google Meet is a leading audio and video conferencing solution that allows Google account holders to create instant and scheduled meetings. Participants can join meetings through a web browser or a mobile device, or dial-in with password-protected numbers, with the free version allowing up to 100 attendees for up to 60 minutes. In addition to chatting, participants can share specific tabs or their whole screen in real time to collaborate with others. It provides call encryption and enhanced audio quality through noise cancelling filters. Google Workspace subscribers can hold longer meetings with more participants, raise their hands, conduct polls and Q&A sessions and record meetings which are stored by default on Google Drive.

It integrates seamlessly with other Google offerings — Calendar, Gmail and Contacts — to enable one-click meetings. Participants from third-party video conferencing systems like Cisco, Polycom, Lifesize, Sony, and Microsoft Skype for Business can join Google Meet calls through the Pexip Infinity gateway.
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Bandwidth is a cloud-based API provider that enables two-way calling, text messaging and video conferencing for leading unified communications platforms. Deployable in the cloud, on-premise or as a hybrid, it enables enterprise-level call tracking and analytics. Leveraging its robust architecture, developers can create video and video conferencing apps through WebRTC technology. Businesses can automate existing processes and call flows through its support for a wide range of codecs including VP9, VP8 and H.264. Integrating with major toll-free carriers, it ensures carrier redundancy for uninterrupted business workflows.

It ensures call security through multi-factor authentication (MFA) and phone number verification. Besides enabling click-to-call for customers, it provides intelligent call routing through IVR and automated SMS surveys for sustained customer outreach. In addition to phone number management through a dashboard, it provides number porting of up to 20,000 numbers. Working in the background, it powers integrations with Zoom, LogMein, Google, RingCentral and Microsoft through its powerful APIs.
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Product Insights

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Google Meet facilitates real-time collaboration, allowing team members to share screens, documents, and ideas as if they were in the same room, enhancing productivity and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Seamless Integration: It integrates smoothly with other Google Workspace tools like Calendar, Drive, and Gmail, streamlining workflows and reducing the need to switch between different applications for scheduling meetings or accessing files.
  • High-Quality Video Conferencing: Google Meet offers high-definition video conferencing, ensuring clear and crisp visuals during meetings, which is crucial for maintaining engagement and ensuring effective communication among participants.
  • Scalability: Whether for one-on-one check-ins or large group meetings, Google Meet scales to accommodate various meeting sizes, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes without compromising performance or reliability.
  • Accessibility: With features like live captions and a mobile-friendly design, Google Meet ensures that meetings are accessible to participants with different needs and from various locations, promoting inclusivity and flexibility.
  • Enhanced Security: Google Meet employs robust security measures, including encryption in transit and at rest, to protect your meetings and data from unauthorized access, giving businesses peace of mind regarding their information security.
  • Cost Efficiency: By reducing the need for physical meeting spaces and travel, Google Meet can help businesses save on overhead costs, making it a cost-effective solution for companies looking to optimize their operational expenses.
  • Easy to Use: With its intuitive interface and straightforward setup, Google Meet allows users to start or join meetings with just a few clicks, minimizing technical barriers and ensuring meetings start on time.
  • Global Reach: Google Meet enables teams to connect across the globe, breaking down geographical barriers and allowing businesses to tap into a wider talent pool and expand their market reach without the need for extensive travel.
  • Real-Time Feedback: Features like the chat function and Q&A in Google Meet allow for real-time feedback during presentations or discussions, enabling more dynamic and interactive meetings that can adapt to participants' responses on the spot.
  • Record and Replay: The ability to record meetings and access them later on Google Drive means that no one has to miss out on important discussions, and teams can revisit past meetings for reference or training purposes.
  • Customizable Backgrounds: Google Meet offers the option to blur or replace your background during video calls, helping to maintain professionalism and privacy, regardless of your physical location.
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  • Cost Efficiency: Bandwidth helps businesses save on communication costs by offering scalable solutions that adapt to their needs, eliminating the need for expensive traditional phone systems.
  • Flexibility: Users can manage calls, messages, and video conferences from anywhere, using any device, providing the flexibility needed in today's mobile and dynamic work environments.
  • Improved Customer Experience: Features like automated attendants, call routing, and analytics ensure that customer calls are handled efficiently, leading to improved satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Scalability: As businesses grow, Bandwidth easily scales to accommodate increased call volumes and additional features without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
  • Reliability: With robust infrastructure and redundancy protocols, Bandwidth ensures high availability and minimal downtime, so businesses stay connected with their customers and teams.
  • Enhanced Communication: Integrated voice, video, and messaging capabilities foster better collaboration among team members and more engaging interactions with customers.
  • Compliance and Security: Bandwidth adheres to industry standards and regulations, providing secure communication channels that protect sensitive information.
  • Insightful Analytics: Access to detailed call analytics helps businesses make informed decisions, optimize communication strategies, and improve overall efficiency.
  • Customization: The platform offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific operational needs and customer service goals.
  • Professional Image: Advanced features like custom greetings, on-hold music, and professional voicemail options enhance a company's image and customer perception.
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  • Safety First: Safely communicate amongst peers and colleagues without fear of data breaches or hijacking. Meets IETF security requirements for Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP). Includes anti-abuse capabilities and multiple two-step authentication options. 
  • Unlimited Meetings: Host and join free audio and video conferencing meetings anytime, anywhere for an unlimited amount of times. Available for free for up to 100 participants in a single meeting. 
  • Accessibility: Access from any device including browsers, iOS and Android with no download required. Easily invite participants to meetings via link or email address. 
  • Live Captioning: Follow along in real time with captioning generated by Google’s speech recognition technology. Meeting attendees can translate captions into their preferred languages. 
  • Screen Sharing: Collaborate on documents, share presentations and give step-by-step instructions to meeting participants using screen share, which allows anyone to present their entire screen or application window. 
  • Preview Screen: View video, adjust audio and see a list of who has already joined a meeting before entering. 
  • User Controls: Meeting hosts can mute, pin, remove participants and more using the advanced controls for meetings. 
  • Messaging: Chat with other participants through live messaging during meetings. Send files and links, as well as text. 
  • Integrations: Join meetings directly from Google Calendar or Gmail. Integrates with Microsoft Outlook, Slack and more for additional accessibility. 
  • Plan Options: Choose between a free plan, Google Workspace Essentials, and Google Workspace Enterprise. Paid plans increase the maximum number of participants allowed in a single meeting space, the amount of time allowed for a meeting and more. 
  • Google Workspace Suites: Comes as part of Google Workplace suites for education, healthcare and nonprofit organizations. Increase productivity, communication and collaboration with email, chat and video conferencing in an easily accessible workspace. 
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  • Voice API: Build a custom voice calling solution for clients. Embed programmable voice directly into the application, network or product, without possessing a telecom infrastructure. Pay only for the time used and get access to pricing. Identify and address problems related to the quality and reliability of voice calls.
  • SMS API: Attain control, flexibility and insight and efficiently send messages to the tier 1 network. Get insights into which messages are getting delivered. Access real human support and eliminate the hassles attached to having a middleman.
  • MMS API: Send powerful and engaging text messages using images, videos, audio and GIFs even on toll-free and local numbers. Get charged the same price for an MMS irrespective of the number of characters.
  • Toll-Free SMS: Easily graduate from text messages to calls on the same number. Send high-volume messages using a single number, eliminating possible confusion amongst customers. Use it as an alternative to short code and connect with customers faster.
  • Group Messaging: Enable all the clients to be in the loop and quickly initiate group discussions without installing the app or possessing a smartphone. Connect to any network in the U.S. and Canada. Activate message-ready phone numbers.
  • Emergency Calling API: Provide accurate and reliable access to public safety without investing in expensive infrastructure. Connect users when required and automatically provide location information to the best-suited public safety agency.
  • Video API: Upgrade any web-based chat or call to video and create video applications powered by WebRTC. Enhance the customer engagement experience and facilitate personal interactions and connections. Use screen sharing and live video engagement. Access an easy-to-understand billing system, eliminating confusion. Attain Inbound and Outbound PSTN calling and support audio codecs, including VP9, VP8 and H.264.
  • Authentication API: Balance security with customized authentication messages and set a code expiration timeframe. Pay only for successful authentication. Safeguard brand equity by receiving one-time passcodes on existing numbers, eliminating the risk of sharing numbers with other businesses.
  • SIP Trunking: Enable high-quality calls using the cloud-based carrier network. Manage ports, order phone numbers and gain insights into telecom cost centers. Maintain compliance with 911 regulations. Access calling and billing details record (BDR). Get easy support from the 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC).
  • Duet: Enable companies to migrate their telecom to Teams-leverage dynamic location capabilities within Teams to identify the location. Route 911 calls across the secure and highly reliable network, ensuring user safety. Acquire advantages such as fail-over control, call forwarding and real-time re-routes.
  • VoIP Origination: Access a wide-ranging coverage with direct peering connections, facilitating quality calls. Enjoy a powerful phone number solution with number ordering, porting and management tools. Support required line features and instant 911 address provisioning.
  • VoIP Termination: Eliminate the hassle of jumping on and off PSTN, allowing a reliable calling experience. Employ the geo-redundant core network with priority Tier 1 peering relationships to achieve better quality calls and fewer hops. Enable interconnections using peering agreements with major carriers across the U.S., Canada and internationally, ensuring quicker, hassle-free calls.
  • SMS Gateway: Remain up-to-date and well-versed with current messaging rules and regulations with the help of experts. Send an SMS to customers who only provide a phone number and without the aid of a cell phone. Ensure reliable delivery and connections to all major carriers.
  • Phone Number Lookup API: Attain knowledge regarding the carrier mix before sending messages, enabling the prediction of costs and message and deliverability rates. Quickly sort phone numbers, ensuring that messages are sent only to those numbers that can receive them. Use the correct type of multi-factor authentication.
  • Local Phone Numbers: Carry out business more innovatively by giving customers a personal and local touch. Add brand personality, context and privacy along with number ordering and provisioning. Assure customers that they can secure better help and understanding by talking to a real person who understands the business. Access the Bandwidth Phone Number Dashboard to track which numbers are getting more usage.
  • CNAM: Enable the lookup to pick from a database full of caller ID information displayed when someone calls. Easily add, update or delete entries using the portal or API. Add a personal touch to sales calls, employ CNAM to look up any number and help minimize missed calls and spam calls.
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Product Ranking

#2

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#14

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 27162 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 427 reviews
89%
of users recommend this product

Google Meet has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 27162 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

92%
of users recommend this product

Bandwidth has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 427 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (5680)
4.6 (180)
4.46 (11001)
4.6 (124)
4.5 (10306)
4.6 (110)
4.5 (144)
4.4 (9)
4.1 (31)
4.9 (4)

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Bandwidth stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Seamless Integration with Google Workspace: Google Meet is tightly integrated with Google Calendar and Gmail, making scheduling and joining meetings effortless. This integration streamlines workflows and enhances productivity for businesses that rely on Google Workspace.
High-Quality Video and Audio: Google Meet delivers reliable video and audio quality, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication during virtual meetings. This is crucial for maintaining professionalism and engagement in business settings.
Robust Security Features: Google Meet prioritizes security with features like data encryption and meeting access controls. These measures protect sensitive business information and ensure the privacy of virtual meetings.
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Scalability: Bandwidth's platform is designed to grow with your business, allowing you to easily add new phone lines and features as needed. This scalability ensures that your phone system can adapt to your evolving communication requirements.
Cost-Effectiveness: Bandwidth offers competitive pricing plans, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. Their transparent pricing structure helps you understand your costs upfront, avoiding any surprises on your phone bill.
Reliability: Bandwidth has a strong reputation for reliability, ensuring that your phone system is always available when you need it. Their robust infrastructure and network redundancy minimize downtime and service interruptions.
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Limited Functionality for Phone Calls: Google Meet's primary function is video conferencing, so its features for phone calls are limited. Users have expressed frustration with the lack of call recording, voicemail transcription, and other essential phone features.
Integrations and Compatibility: Integrating Google Meet with non-Google applications and CRMs can be challenging, limiting its compatibility with existing business workflows. This can hinder productivity and create additional steps for users.
Call Quality Issues: Users have reported experiencing dropped calls, audio lag, and poor video quality, particularly in areas with unstable internet connections. These issues can disrupt important business conversations and create a negative impression.
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Call Quality Issues: Bandwidth's call quality has been reported as inconsistent, with users experiencing dropped calls, choppy audio, and latency issues, particularly in areas with weaker internet connections. This can be disruptive and unprofessional for businesses that rely on clear and reliable communication.
Customer Support Challenges: Bandwidth's customer support has received mixed reviews, with some users finding it difficult to get timely and effective assistance. Long wait times and unhelpful responses can be frustrating for businesses that need prompt resolution to technical issues.
Limited Features: Compared to some competitors, Bandwidth's feature set may be perceived as lacking, particularly for businesses with advanced communication needs. Features such as call recording, voicemail transcription, and integrations with CRM systems may be limited or require additional fees.
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Google Meet seems to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for folks already plugged into the Google ecosystem. Users rave about its seamless integration with other Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Calendar, making it a breeze to schedule meetings, share documents, and collaborate in real-time. The interface is clean and intuitive, even for non-techies, which is a major plus. Google Meet also gets kudos for its top-notch video and audio quality, ensuring smooth and clear communication. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it's included with Google Workspace, making it a cost-effective option for businesses. However, no software is perfect. Some users find Google Meet's feature set a bit basic compared to rivals like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. For instance, it lacks some advanced features like breakout rooms and virtual backgrounds, which can be bummers for larger meetings or those who want to spice things up. Additionally, while Google Meet's security is generally solid, some users have raised concerns about data privacy, especially in light of Google's data collection practices. So, if you're super privacy-conscious, you might want to think twice. All in all, Google Meet is a reliable and user-friendly video conferencing tool that's perfect for businesses and individuals who value simplicity and integration with Google Workspace. It's a solid choice for everyday meetings, but if you need bells and whistles or have strict privacy concerns, you might want to explore other options. Just remember, the tech landscape changes quickly, so it's always a good idea to check for the latest updates and features before making a decision.

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Is your business phone system stuck in the dark ages? Need to expand your communications bandwidth? Bandwidth might be the solution you're looking for. User reviews from the past year highlight its strengths in call quality, reliability, and scalability, making it a top choice for businesses of all sizes. The platform's user-friendly interface and robust API integrations allow for seamless communication management, whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise. Users particularly appreciate the flexibility to port existing numbers and integrate with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. Bandwidth's competitive pricing and pay-as-you-go model also make it a cost-effective solution for businesses with fluctuating communication needs. However, some users have noted that customer support can be slow at times, and the initial setup process may require some technical expertise. Additionally, while Bandwidth offers a wide range of features, some advanced functionalities may require additional fees. Despite these minor drawbacks, Bandwidth remains a popular choice for businesses seeking a reliable and scalable communication solution. Its ease of use, extensive features, and competitive pricing make it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their communication processes and enhance overall productivity. If you're ready to ditch your outdated phone system and embrace the future of business communication, Bandwidth is definitely worth considering.

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