Google Chat vs Webex: How To Choose Between Two Giants

Both Google and Cisco have major claims when it comes to chat platforms. Google has Google Chat and Cisco has Webex.

While there are obvious similarities (both support basic chat functions like messaging, file uploads, GIFs, etc.), there are some striking differences that set these two apart.

In this post, we’re going to compare the best bits of Google Chat vs Webex, and leave you ready to make an informed decision on which one is best for you.

Why is Google Chat so good?

If you already use Google Workspace, chances are you would find Google Chat more convenient for team collaboration. 

With Google Chat, you can easily communicate with team members and collaborate with them via other Google Workspace tools like Drive, Calendar, and Gmail. 

Because its interface is clean and similar to Gmail, employees will find it easier to navigate.

Another feature that makes Google Chat so good is its smart suggestion for quick replies and automated workflows.

Smart suggestion uses artificial intelligence technology to provide suggestions for quick replies in conversations and automate workflows. 

The AI technology analyzes the context of the conversation and provides relevant suggestions in real-time, saving users time and effort.

For example, in a group chat about arranging a meeting, the AI technology may suggest responses like "Sounds good" or "I'm available then" when someone suggests a meeting time. 

A chatbot could also be integrated into the same group chat to automate the process of booking a meeting room. The chatbot would respond to specific commands like "book room," and then prompt users for the desired room, date, and time.

The chatbot would then automatically reserve the room and send a confirmation to the chat. 

This automated workflow makes it easier and more convenient for users to book meeting rooms without leaving the chat conversation.

Why is Webex so good?

Webex is a popular collaboration tool that is widely used for both personal and professional meetings.

Webex meetings are known for their high-quality audio and video, and the platform is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Additionally, Webex has a variety of meeting room devices for larger settings, such as board rooms and conference rooms. 

These devices include the Webex Room Kit, Room Kit Plus, and Room Kit Mini, which are designed to integrate with existing in-office technology and provide a user-friendly experience for participants.

They offer features like wireless screen sharing, automatic camera framing, and advanced noise suppression, making them ideal for professional settings. 

Why is this so good? Imagine you and your team are having a group chat discussing a project. As the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that a video call would be more productive to visualize and discuss some details. 

With Webex, you can quickly transition from a chat to a video call without having to switch to a different app or device. This saves time and allows for a more efficient and productive meeting. 

During the video call, you can utilize features like screen sharing and recording, making it easy to share information and review important parts of the meeting later on. 

The integration between the Webex devices and the chat app makes it a convenient and efficient solution for teams with high volumes of meetings.

Integration with your office 

Webex integrates with your office through hardware solutions that provide advanced audio and video capabilities for in-person meetings. 

For example, Webex Rooms is a smart room system that integrates with video conferencing equipment to create a seamless meeting experience. 

Webex Desk Pro is another device designed for personal workspaces that combines a high-quality video camera, speaker, and microphone for an improved audio and video experience. 

These hardware solutions help to enhance your in-person meetings by enabling you to conduct them with remote participants as if they were in the room with you. 

These devices are ideal for organizations that run a hybrid work setup. 

Large ecosystem with third parties

Webex has a wide ecosystem of third-party integrations that allow you to connect to the other apps and services that you use for work. 

These integrations give you access to a wide range of functionalities and tools through a single platform, streamline your work processes, and make collaboration more efficient. 

Some examples of Webex’s third-party integrations are with: 

• Productivity tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Slack for enhanced collaboration and improved workflow. 
• Project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira for seamless collaboration and task management.
• Virtual event platforms like Cvent, Eventbrite, and Bizzabo for hosting and managing virtual events and webinars.
• Customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics for sales teams to manage leads and track customer interactions.
• Learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle to enable virtual and remote learning.

Google Chat vs Webex feature comparison

Let’s take a look at some of the basics we need to compare when looking at Google Chat vs Webex.

Google Chat vs Webex security comparison

While Google Chat has extensive security measures in place, Webex is thought of as the most secure collaboration platform.

Google Chat uses end-to-end encryption for eligible direct messages and group conversations. It also offers security options such as two-factor authentication, data loss prevention, and mobile device management.

Webex uses AES-256 encryption for all communication, as well as security features such as password protection, access controls, and data loss prevention. 

Webex also includes additional security features like compliance reporting and the ability to record and retain meetings for compliance and legal purposes.

Both Google Chat and Webex are compliant with industry standards such as SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR. However, Webex goes the extra mile to make sure that even your devices are secure. 

All Webex content, including cached content, is encrypted end-to-end. Webex Control Hub's built-in MDM capabilities ensure secure device access, including PIN lock to launch the app, admin controls for file sharing, and the disabling of message notification previews.

This ensures that no one can snoop on messages on a locked screen. You can also remotely wipe Webex messages in the event of device loss or theft.

How to choose between Google Chat and Webex

When choosing a team chat collaboration app, it is important to consider the number of your team members and ensure the app can support them all. 

Integrations with other tools your team is already using, security features, and cost, are also important to look for.

Now that we’ve explained both apps in detail, let’s look at the different use cases when either Google Chat or Webex will be the better choice. 

Choose Google Chat when:

 1 - You already use Google Workspace

Maximizing efficiency in your workflow requires choosing communication and collaboration tools that integrate with what you already use. 

If Google Workspace is your go-to, then opting for Google Chat is a good choice. 

This eliminates the need to constantly switch between platforms and eliminates compatibility headaches, freeing up time and reducing stress. 

With Google Chat, you can easily switch to Google Meet for meetings at no extra charge.

2 - You want more cloud storage space

Many would agree that when it comes to cloud storage, more is always better. And in this case, Google Chat offers more cloud storage than Webex.

Google Chat’s free plan comes with a generous 15GB of cloud storage per user for free. On the other hand, Webex offers only 1GB of local storage for its free plan. 

For business plans, Google Chat offers unlimited cloud storage while Webex comes with 10GB of cloud storage per user. Unlimited cloud storage is only available on the enterprise plan of Webex. 

3 - You want a simple and easy-to-use platform

Google Chat is a simple and easy-to-use platform that focuses on messaging and file sharing, while Webex offers a more comprehensive set of features, including video conferencing, screen sharing, and integrations with third-party applications.

Google Chat is your best bet if you run a small or mid-sized business and don’t need a robust employee engagement platform. It has a simple and similar interface to Gmail, and many employees may find it easier to navigate. 

Choose Webex when:

1 - Your organization places a high priority on security and privacy

If your organization places a high priority on security and privacy, choosing a platform that prioritizes these factors is ideal. 

Webex, as a platform, places a strong emphasis on security and privacy, making it a good choice for organizations that place a high value on these aspects.

Here are some of the ways Webex prioritizes security and privacy:

Compliance with security and privacy standards

Webex is compliant with several security and privacy standards, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR. These certifications demonstrate Webex's commitment to maintaining high levels of security and protecting user data.

Webex also provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring that communications are protected from unauthorized access. This encryption applies to all Webex Meetings, Chat, and Webex Calling services, providing a secure platform for all communication needs.

Secure meeting controls

Webex offers secure meeting controls, such as the ability to lock and unlock meetings, control screen sharing, and eject participants. These controls help ensure that meetings are secure and that only authorized participants can join and participate.

Physical and network security

Webex operates data centers with strict physical and network security to protect user data from unauthorized access. These data centers are staffed 24/7 and undergo regular security audits to ensure the highest level of security.

2 -You already use Webex devices in the office

If your organization already uses Webex devices in the office, choosing Webex over Google Chat as your chat and collaboration platform can offer a more integrated and streamlined experience. 

Using the same platform for both video conferencing and chat saves you the hassle of managing multiple platforms. This also ensures you have a consistent user experience for your team. 

Since you already have an investment in Webex devices, it can make sense to choose Webex as your overall collaboration platform to maximize the value of that investment.

The integration between Webex devices and Webex's chat and collaboration features makes it easier to switch between video and audio calls, chat, screen sharing, and other collaboration features. 

3- You own a large organization 

If you run a large organization, Webex may be a better option compared to Google Chat. 

Webex has more robust security features such as end-to-end encryption and customizable access controls, providing better protection for sensitive company data.

It also provides more customization options and integrations with other Webex services and third-party apps to increase productivity. 

Webex has larger scalability for bigger organizations, allowing you to manage multiple chat rooms and facilitate team communication effectively. You can simply switch from chat to a conference call with up to 1,000 attendees without the need to switch apps.

So there you have it. Both Google Chat and Webex are market-leading chat platforms. 

Which one will you opt for?