Hangouts, developed by Google, has been a popular communication platform for individuals and businesses alike. It offered a range of features such as messaging, voice calls, and video conferences. However, with the ever-evolving landscape of communication tools, it's always good to explore alternatives and competitors to find the best fit for your needs. In this article, we'll explore the 10 best Hangouts alternatives and competitors that you can consider in 2024.

1. Slack

Slack is a widely-used communication tool that offers instant messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing capabilities. It allows teams to collaborate in real-time, create channels for different projects or topics, and integrate with various other tools. Slack provides a user-friendly interface and extensive customization options, making it a top choice for businesses and remote teams.

2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform that combines chat, video meetings, and file storage. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications and offers features like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and live captions. With its enterprise-level security and scalability, Microsoft Teams is an excellent alternative to Hangouts for organizations of all sizes.

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3. Zoom

Zoom gained immense popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as a reliable video conferencing solution. It offers high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, and recording capabilities. Zoom is known for its ease of use and supports large meetings with up to thousands of participants. Whether you need to host a business meeting or catch up with friends and family, Zoom is a versatile Hangouts alternative.

4. Discord

Originally designed for gamers, Discord has grown into a widely-used communication platform for communities and teams. It offers text and voice chat channels, video calling, and screen sharing. Discord's intuitive interface and customizable settings make it a popular choice for casual conversations and organized communities.

5. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a widely-used messaging app that offers encrypted messaging, voice calls, and video calls. It supports group chats and allows file sharing, making it suitable for both personal and professional communication. With its massive user base and cross-platform compatibility, WhatsApp is a convenient Hangouts alternative for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues.

6. Telegram

Telegram is a secure messaging app that focuses on privacy and customization. It offers features like self-destructing messages, secret chats, and end-to-end encryption. Telegram supports group chats, voice calls, and video calls. With its user-friendly interface and extensive bot ecosystem, Telegram is a great alternative to Hangouts for those who prioritize privacy and customization options.

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7. Skype

Skype has been a popular communication tool for many years, offering instant messaging, voice calls, and video calls. It provides features like screen sharing, call recording, and live subtitles. Skype works well for both personal and business communication, and its integration with Microsoft products makes it a convenient choice for those already using the Microsoft ecosystem.

8. Viber

Viber is a messaging and calling app that offers free voice and video calls, as well as instant messaging. It supports group chats, stickers, and file sharing. Viber's focus on privacy and security, along with its easy-to-use interface, makes it a reliable Hangouts alternative for personal and professional communication.

9. WeChat

WeChat is a multipurpose app widely used in China that combines messaging, social media, and mobile payment functionalities. It offers features like voice and video calls, group chats, and mini-programs for various services. WeChat's popularity and extensive feature set make it a worthy alternative to Hangouts, especially for those interested in connecting with users in China or for conducting business in the Chinese market.

10. Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing tool that offers secure and encrypted communication. It supports features like screen sharing, recording, and live streaming. Jitsi Meet can be easily self-hosted or used on the web without any installation. With its simplicity and privacy-focused approach, Jitsi Meet is a great alternative to Hangouts for those looking for a free and open-source solution.

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In conclusion, while Hangouts has been a popular communication platform, exploring alternatives and competitors can help you find the best fit for your specific needs. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive collaboration tool like Slack or Microsoft Teams, a reliable video conferencing solution like Zoom, or a secure messaging app like Telegram or WhatsApp, the 10 alternatives mentioned above offer a diverse range of options to consider in 2024. So, assess your requirements, try out different platforms, and choose the one that suits your communication needs the best.