The best alternatives to Google Meet
Google Meet’s January 2025 price hike, 17 % across the board, plus mandatory Gemini AI that processes meeting content without an opt-out, has pushed even loyal users to look elsewhere. If your team runs on a browser-only stack and you’re tired of free calls cutting off at 60 minutes the moment a third person joins, the gap isn’t just in the wallet; it’s in how the tool actually works for EU-based teams. European alternatives keep data on EU servers, avoid AI training on calls, and often throw in breakout rooms or persistent chat at a lower per-seat cost.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why switch from Google Meet now?
The January 2025 price increase of 17 % applies to all Workspace plans, and Gemini AI is now mandatory, processing meeting content without an opt-out. Free group calls still cut off at 60 minutes when a third person joins, and the browser-only approach can lag. European tools like Stackfield avoid these issues while keeping data on EU servers.
Are these tools really cheaper than Google Meet?
Most European alternatives undercut Google Meet’s per-user pricing. Stackfield, for example, starts at günstige Pro-Nutzer-Preise but includes tasks and chat alongside video, reducing the need for extra tools. Whereby and OpenTalk offer free plans with longer meeting durations, and Tixeo’s pricing is competitive for teams that need end-to-end encryption.
How do I move my team off Google Meet without losing data?
Google Meet itself doesn’t offer a way to export meeting recordings or chat logs. Alternatives like Stackfield or Nextcloud Talk let you import contacts and calendars via CSV or CalDAV, and some support direct migration of recordings if you’ve stored them in Google Drive. Plan a short overlap period to test the new tool with a small group before switching fully.
Which European alternative is best for GDPR compliance?
Stackfield, Tixeo, and alfaview all process data exclusively on EU servers and are ISO 27001 certified. Tixeo and alfaview add end-to-end encryption for video calls, which is useful for law firms or healthcare. Stackfield combines video with tasks and chat, so you can keep all team communication in one GDPR-compliant tool.
Do any of these tools work without a browser?
Yes, Stackfield, Tixeo, alfaview, and Whereby all offer native desktop apps for Windows and macOS. Some, like Tixeo, also support Linux. These apps typically run smoother than the browser version of Google Meet and often include features like background blur or virtual backgrounds that browser-only tools lack.
What’s the best European alternative for small teams?
Whereby and OpenTalk are strong choices for small teams. Whereby’s free plan allows 45-minute meetings for up to 100 participants, and offers paid plans with per-host pricing. OpenTalk is open-source, so you can self-host for full control over data. Both avoid the 60-minute cutoff that frustrates Google Meet users.