Hangouts is an attractive option for smaller organizations, thanks to its ability to offer most of its features without any cost. This is particularly significant since it integrates seamlessly with the Google suite of apps, both for consumers and enterprises. If you already have a Google account, you can use Hangouts to make and join video calls without incurring any additional expenses.

To initiate a call using Hangouts, simply select a person from your contact list, search for their name or email address, and click on it. While the video quality may not be as impressive as some other services, such as Zoom, it still gets the job done. To start a call, you can find the option to do so in the sidebar of Gmail.

Google's free tier has a participant limit of 25 individuals, but enterprise users with an active subscription can access Hangouts Meet, which allows for up to 100 participants. This means that if you want to hold video meetings throughout the workday without spending a penny, you can do so with Hangouts.

One notable feature of Hangouts is its lack of time limits on calls, even on the free tier. This makes it an attractive option for organizations that require extended video conferencing sessions. Additionally, Hangouts offers conference calls for up to 15 participants in paid plans.

While Zoom may be a more functional option for those looking for advanced features, Google Hangouts is a solid choice for its ease of use and affordability. With no time limits on free calls, it's an attractive option for small businesses or individuals who want to hold video meetings without breaking the bank.

In November 2022, Hangouts replaced the consumer-facing Google Duo app, with the Duo mobile app being renamed Meet and the original Meet app set to be phased out. Hangouts is one of two apps that constitute the replacement for Google Hangouts, with the other being Google Chat.

Google hangouts video call limit