Google Chat vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Google Chat's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Google Chat
This App
Slack
Nemesis
Webex
Contender
Mattermost
Contender
Microsoft Teams
Contender
Zoom Workplace
Peer
Spike: Email, Chat, AI & Notes
New Kid
Core Identity
DeveloperGoogle LLCSlack Technologies, Inc.CiscoMattermost, Inc.Microsoft CorporationDiscord Inc.Zoom Video Communications, Inc.Vector Creations LimitedSpike Interactive Ltd.
CategoryBusiness--Business-Social Networking-Business-
PlatformAndroid, iOS--iOS, Android-iOS, Android-Android, iOS-
Store Metrics
Rating4.6 / 5--4.8 / 5-4.7 / 5-3.3 / 5-
Ratings Count300,533--5,455-3,418,501-574-
PriceFree--Free-Free-Free-
Release DateFeb 28, 2018--Jul 10, 2017-May 21, 2015-May 5, 2016-
Last UpdatedMay 4, 2026--Apr 16, 2026-Apr 27, 2026-Apr 2, 2026-
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixed--mixed-negative---
Score45/100--42/100-35/100---
Praises
  • Direct communication via email addresses simplifies connectivity without requiring phone numbers or iCloud accounts
--
  • Self-Hosting & Open Source
-
  • Community-driven social interaction provides a reliable space for connecting with friends and hobbyists
---
Complaints
  • Post-update connectivity errors prevent users from loading messages or accessing their chat history
--
  • App Stability and Crashes
-
  • Frequent application crashes and freezing behavior post-update disrupt core communication and voice chat functionality
---
Requests
  • Integrated voice and video calling features are requested to restore previous communication capabilities
----
  • Simplified account recovery and login processes to reduce reliance on phone number verification
---
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Native Workspace integration creates high switching costs for existing Google users
  • Gemini AI summarization embeds intelligence directly into the document lifecycle
  • Cloud-native security architecture simplifies enterprise compliance requirements
--
  • Strong brand reputation in high-security sectors
  • Robust self-hosting capabilities
  • Clear focus on data sovereignty
-
  • Persistent server-based community structure drives high switching costs
  • Real-time presence triggers increase DAU/MAU ratio
---
Weaknesses
  • Post-update connectivity errors prevent message loading
  • Threaded conversation layout lacks user-controlled toggles
  • High CPU usage on iOS causes hardware overheating
--
  • Poor mobile app stability
  • Recurring notification bugs
  • Sync issues
-
  • Frequent post-update crashes erode daily active habit
  • Complex account verification creates high-friction entry barriers
  • Premium tier pricing exceeds category median
---
Pricingfreemium--subscription-freemium-free-
MomentumActive----Intense-Intense-
Update Cadence5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~10d avg----5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~5d avg-5 versions-

Compare Google Chat head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google Chat, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0