Google Chat review
A capable team chat choice for organizations already centered on Google Workspace.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Google Chat is a team messaging and collaboration product for individuals, teams, and organizations. It combines direct messages and group conversations with persistent spaces for projects and topics. Spaces support threaded discussions, file collaboration with Google Workspace documents, task tracking, external guest invitations, and Google Meet huddles or calls. It is available with personal Google Accounts and across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it a natural fit for organizations already working in Google's ecosystem.
Pricing is tied to Google Workspace plans rather than a separate Chat subscription. Business Starter costs $7 per user per month billed monthly and includes Chat, 30 GB pooled storage per user, and video meetings for up to 100 participants. Business Standard costs $14 per user per month billed monthly, adding 2 TB pooled storage per user plus meeting recording and meetings for up to 150 participants. Business Plus costs $22 per user per month billed monthly, with 5 TB pooled storage per user, Vault, and enhanced security controls. Enterprise includes Chat and enterprise security and management features, with contact-sales pricing. A free plan and a 14-day free trial are also available.
The main advantage is platform fit. Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Meet, and Groups connect directly with Chat, while Asana, GitHub, Jira, PagerDuty, Salesforce, Workday, Zapier, and Zendesk extend its reach. Gemini-powered messaging assistance adds an AI option, and Chat apps support workflow integrations. Conversation history is configurable: some chats can delete after 24 hours, while history is enabled by default or required in certain spaces. Google Workspace organizations should pick Chat for integrated messaging and collaboration; teams seeking a standalone chat product without the broader Workspace structure should consider other options.
Google Chat pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Persistent spaces combine threads, files, tasks, and meeting coordination.
- Integrates with Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Meet, Groups, and third-party tools.
- Supports guest access, Gemini assistance, and apps across major platforms.
- Where it doesn't
- Paid tiers bundle Chat with broader Google Workspace plans.
- Conversation history can be configured to delete after 24 hours.
- Enterprise pricing requires contacting sales.
Google Chat fact sheet, pricing and score →
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