Team messaging and spaces built into Google Workspace
Google Chat is Google's messaging app for direct messages, group conversations and spaces, the shared rooms where teams discuss projects in threads. It sits next to Gmail and works closely with Drive, Docs and Meet, so files and meetings can be shared without switching apps. It is free with a personal Google account, while companies get admin controls and Gemini features through Google Workspace.
- features
- 5
- alternatives
- 8
- platforms
- 3
- Updated
- Oct 12, 2026
Features
Our take
Pros
- Built into Gmail, so Workspace users need no extra app
- Works closely with Drive, Docs and Meet for files and calls
- Free to use with a personal Google account
Cons
- Fewer third-party integrations and bots than Slack
- Little appeal outside the Google Workspace ecosystem
Editorial assessment by the Alternatives.tools team, based on what the product is known for. Not a user review.
Best Google Chat alternatives
See all 8 alternatives
SlackFreemiumChannel-based messaging and collaboration for work teams
4.1(53.5K) · App Store
Microsoft TeamsFreemiumChat, meetings and calls inside the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
4.8(3.4M) · App Store
DiscordFreemiumVoice, video and text chat for communities and groups
4.7(3.6M) · App Store
MattermostFreemiumOpen sourceOpen-source, self-hostable team messaging for secure operations
4.8(5.6K) · App Store
ZulipFreemiumOpen sourceOpen-source team chat organized by conversation topics
26Kstars
Rocket.ChatFreemiumOpen sourceOpen-source chat platform for teams and customer conversations
4.4(3.7K) · App Store
User reviews
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