VoIP has allowed us to change how we communicate with others, be it across the street or across the pond. As we progress toward more intricate methods of communication, like Web conferencing, we’re seeing that these add-ons and features are using our Internet connections in a much more efficient way. There are a handful of services out there, so maybe it’s a little difficult to decide which is best. The optimum video conferencing software is highly dependent on the type of service you are looking for, be it to connect with friends and family overseas, to use for business calls and conferences or simply to communicate faster and cheaper in your day-to-day life. So, who does it better, Skype (News - Alert) or Google Hangouts?
Both Skype and Google Hangouts have valuable assets, though some work better for certain purposes than others. Skype is a standalone product based on traditional VoIP calling, whereas Google (News - Alert) Hangouts is built into Google+ and Gmail Web services by way of a Chrome extension. With Skype, you simply create an account online and download the appropriate app for your operating system. With Google Hangouts, you’ll need a Google account that also has Google+ activated.
Skype comes with voice and video calls to other users, as well as instant messaging and file transfers. You can also pay a little bit extra for mobile calling, international calling, and text messaging. This is a viable option for people who still want to use a phone calling feature. With Google Hangouts, you can make voice and video calls to other Google+ and Gmail users, and while you will still be able to send instant messages and share files, you will not have the ability to call landlines or make international calls unless you are a paid business user. You can, however, instigate a public video conference on air, making it a useful tool for businesses that want to reach out to customers in a unique way.
There are apps available for both services on most mobile devices, and when it comes to call quality, where Skype lacks, Google Hangouts thrives. Comparatively speaking, it seems Google Hangouts offers better quality due to its focus on multi-person video chats.
Both seem to rank well in terms of use; they are straightforward and simple to use.
Skype seems to do better for those who want to use it for international calling whereas Google Hangouts is better for business and conference calling solutions.
Perhaps comparing these two is akin to modern rivalries such as Ford (News - Alert) versus Chevy or Windows versus Mac; it all comes down to needs, expectations, and what features you prefer.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson