Google Chat vs Zoho Cliq

Google Chat8.9Visit Zoho Cliq8.9Visit

Google Chat #4 in Google Workspace Communication Tools 8.9/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Google Chat

vs

Zoho Cliq #5 in Google Workspace Communication Tools 8.9/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Zoho Cliq

• Google Chat fits best

  Google Workspace teams wanting persistent chat spaces

• Zoho Cliq fits best

  Teams already using Zoho collaboration tools

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Side by side

Feature	Google Chat 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Zoho Cliq 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.9
Ranking	#4 in Google Workspace Communication Tools	#5 in Google Workspace Communication Tools
Best for	Google Workspace teams wanting persistent chat spaces	Teams already using Zoho collaboration tools
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$7/user/mo	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	14 days	14 days
Free trial length	14 days	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, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs
Compliance	SSO/SAML, 2FA	GDPR, 2FA
Integrations	14 integrations	7 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Google Chat 0/3 · Zoho Cliq 0/3
Google Calendar sync	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Meeting recording	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
SSO support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Communication modes	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Max call participants	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Mobile apps	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Persistent spaces and threaded discussions keep team conversations organized. Share and collaborate on Docs, Sheets, and Slides in conversations. Guest access, tasks, and Gemini features extend collaboration in spaces.	Combines threaded chat, channels, calls, meetings, and file sharing Guest access and external Networks support partner collaboration Bots, functions, API support, and Zoho and Office 365 integrations
Cons	Paid Workspace pricing is per user, and annual billing is needed for listed lower rates. Message history can vary with account and administrator settings. Its strongest fit is teams already working within Google Workspace.	Several advanced controls and reports are limited to higher tiers Its verified integrations favor Zoho and Office 365 ecosystems Paid-plan costs are not stated here
Our verdict	Google Chat brings direct messages, group conversations, and persistent spaces together for individuals, teams, and organizations. It suits Google Workspace teams that want ongoing discussions organized by topic, with threaded replies,… Read the review →	Zoho Cliq brings one-to-one and group messaging, channels, threaded discussions, calls, meetings, file sharing, reminders, and integrations into one business communication app. It is aimed at organizations that need more than internal… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Google Chat — where it wins

  • Persistent spaces and threaded discussions keep team conversations organized.
  • Share and collaborate on Docs, Sheets, and Slides in conversations.
  • Guest access, tasks, and Gemini features extend collaboration in spaces.

  Where it doesn't

  • Paid Workspace pricing is per user, and annual billing is needed for listed lower rates.
  • Message history can vary with account and administrator settings.
  • Its strongest fit is teams already working within Google Workspace.

• Zoho Cliq — where it wins

  • Combines threaded chat, channels, calls, meetings, and file sharing
  • Guest access and external Networks support partner collaboration
  • Bots, functions, API support, and Zoho and Office 365 integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • Several advanced controls and reports are limited to higher tiers
  • Its verified integrations favor Zoho and Office 365 ecosystems
  • Paid-plan costs are not stated here

• Google Chat8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A strong fit for Workspace teams that want organized spaces, threads, and shared files.

  Visit Google ChatFull verdict →
• Zoho Cliq8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A broad team communication app with strong Zoho connections and a free plan.

  Visit Zoho CliqFull verdict →