Head-to-head · Team Communication Software
Google Chat vs Lark
Google Chat leads on 0 checks, Lark on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGoogle Chat · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Google Chat
Google Chat scores higher on our rubric for team communication software: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.
Google Chat is the better fit for teams already working in Google Workspace. Lark is the better fit for distributed teams wanting a broad workplace suite.
- Google Chat fits best
Teams already working in Google Workspace
- Lark fits best
Distributed teams wanting a broad workplace suite
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Side by side
| Feature | Google Chat 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Lark 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #3 in Team Communication Software | #8 in Team Communication Software |
| Best for | Teams already working in Google Workspace | Distributed teams wanting a broad workplace suite |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $7/user/mo | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 14 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Live chat, Email, Community, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Compliance | SSO/SAML, 2FA | SOC 2 |
| Integrations | 14 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Google Chat 0/3 · Lark 0/3 | ||
| Video meetings | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| External guest access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Custom retention controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Message history limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Meeting participant limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| File storage per user | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Google Chat is a cloud-based messaging and collaboration service for individuals, teams, and organizations. It combines direct messages, group conversations, persistent spaces, threaded discussions, file sharing, tasks, external guest… Read the review → |
Lark is a cloud collaboration workspace that brings team messaging, organized channels, group chats, video meetings, documents, sheets, slides, calendars, email, approvals, wikis, and workflow tools into one product. It is aimed at… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Google Chat — where it wins
- Persistent spaces and threaded discussions organize team topics.
- Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Gmail, Calendar, and Meet work together.
- Guest access, tasks, Gemini features, and third-party integrations broaden collaboration.
Where it doesn't
- Advanced security and management controls require higher Workspace tiers.
- Message history settings can vary by account and administrator configuration.
- Google-centered workflows may fit less naturally with non-Google ecosystems.
Lark — where it wins
- Combines messaging, meetings, documents, calendars, email, and wikis
- Supports web, desktop, and mobile apps across major operating systems
- Adds translation, no-code automation, and external app connections
Where it doesn't
- Starter limits teams to 20 users and 18 months of message history
- Regional pricing presentation can make tier comparisons less straightforward
- Its wide workplace scope may exceed the needs of chat-focused teams
- Google Chat8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A flexible Google Workspace team hub with spaces, threads, guests, tasks, and integrations.
Visit Google ChatFull verdict → - Lark8.5/10 · Free plan
A broad collaboration suite for distributed teams that need chat plus workplace tools.
Visit LarkFull verdict →
More comparisons
All team communication software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update