Google One subscription for Google Meet

To use the premium features of Google Meet, like longer duration, I choose Google One as subscription instead of Google Workplace. Here is why.

As a web strategist and freelance professional, finding the right tools to streamline my workflow is crucial. I’ve recently made some choices regarding online video conferencing and cloud storage solutions.

In this article, I’ll share my insights on why I opted for Google Meet over Zoom and Google One instead of Google Workplace, hoping to aid fellow online professionals in making informed decisions.

Clean and simple Google Meet start screen.

Google Meet: A Simplified Alternative to Zoom

The world of online video conferencing has been dominated by platforms like Zoom. However, its increasing complexity and cost prompted me to seek an alternative. Enter Google Meet.

Here’s why it stood out:

1. Simplicity for Users and Guests: Unlike Zoom, Google Meet offers a user-friendly interface. This simplicity extends to my clients and collaborators, making it easier for everyone to connect, right through the browser.
2. Progressive Web App (PWA) Advantage: Google Meet’s PWA can be pinned to the Mac dock, offering quick access and seamless integration.
3. Integration with Google Calendar: The seamless integration with Google Calendar is handy, simplifying scheduling and management of meetings (and works with notetaker Fireflies.ai).

Google Meet as app on the Mac

Choosing Google One Over Google Workplace

While Google Workplace is a robust solution, it’s designed with teams and larger enterprises in mind. I personally never really liked it, it is oversized for the individual professional by design.

Here’s why Google One is a better fit for my individual freelancing needs:

1. Simplicity and Individual Focus: Google One, unlike Google Workplace, is tailor-made for individual use. Its intuitive design suits freelancers who don’t need complex team-oriented features.
2. Avoiding Over-Integration: Google Workplace tends to delve deep into hosting and email services. My preference is to use Google primarily for search, SEO, calendars, online meetings, and scheduling.
3. Value-Added Features: The transition to Google One offered me more than just storage. The addition of features like VPN, high-quality video meetings (1080p), and integrated booking pages streamlined my workflow considerably.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the right tools can make a significant difference in productivity and efficiency. For freelancers and individual professionals, Google Meet and Google One offer a blend of simplicity, functionality, and integration that can simplify the digital life.

As someone who continually refines their online strategy, I find these tools to be invaluable in my day-to-day operations. I hope my experience helps you in making the best choice for your professional needs.

Originally published at https://www.hoeijmakers.net on December 7, 2023.