Hangouts vs Conversations Comparison

Compare features to find which solution is best for your needs.

Hangouts

Google Hangouts was a versatile communication platform offering instant messaging, voice and video calls, and SMS capabilities directly from web browsers and mobile devices. Integrated deeply with Gmail and other Google services, it provided a convenient way to connect and collaborate across various platforms. by Google

Free

Categories:

Available for:

Windows Online Android iPhone Chrome OS Android Tablet iPad Google Chrome Android Wear

Alternatives Details Website

Conversations

Conversations is a privacy-focused, open-source XMPP/Jabber client for Android. It offers robust end-to-end encryption using OMEMO and OTR, supports modern XMPP extensions, and provides a secure, decentralized messaging experience without relying on proprietary servers. It's an ideal choice for users prioritizing security and open standards. by siacs.eu

Freemium

Categories:

Available for:

Android Android Tablet Self-Hosted

Alternatives Details Website

Summary

Hangouts and Conversations are both powerful solutions in their space. Hangouts offers google hangouts was a versatile communication platform offering instant messaging, voice and video calls, and sms capabilities directly from web browsers and mobile devices. integrated deeply with gmail and other google services, it provided a convenient way to connect and collaborate across various platforms., while Conversations provides conversations is a privacy-focused, open-source xmpp/jabber client for android. it offers robust end-to-end encryption using omemo and otr, supports modern xmpp extensions, and provides a secure, decentralized messaging experience without relying on proprietary servers. it's an ideal choice for users prioritizing security and open standards.. Compare their features and pricing to find the best match for your needs.

Pros & Cons Comparison

Hangouts

Pros

Strong integration with Gmail and other Google services.
Supports multiple communication methods in one app.
Seamless conversation synchronization across devices.
Free to use with an existing Google account.
Allows sending and receiving SMS from a computer.

Cons

Development and focus shifted to other Google products.
User interface could be less intuitive for some compared to competitors.
Some features were eventually transitioned or deprecated.
Reliability of calls or video could occasionally be dependent on network conditions.

Conversations

Pros

Strong end-to-end encryption (OMEMO, OTR).
Decentralized, open-source architecture.
Adherence to open XMPP standards.
Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Active development and community support.
Focus on user privacy and security.

Cons

Requires contacts to also use XMPP clients for seamless communication.
Feature parity (e.g., advanced calling features) can depend on server and client XEP support.
User base smaller than proprietary messaging applications.
Configuration might require basic understanding of XMPP for choosing servers.