ZoomLinux
vs
Google MeetWindows
Zoom as a Linux alternative to Google Meet
Updated
Our verdict
Zoom is a solid replacement for Google Meet on Linux, especially for users who host or frequently join structured meetings. It offers strong audio/video performance, reliable screen sharing, and calendar integration. While it requires an account for full features, joining without one is still possible via link. The proprietary nature and lack of end-to-end encryption may concern privacy-focused users, but for teams prioritizing functionality over ideology, Zoom works well out of the box on Linux via Flatpak or deb/rpm packages.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary
- Price
- freemium
- Latest version
- 7.2.1.5760 (September 21, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support multi-participant video calls with screen sharing
- Work across Linux, Windows, and macOS with similar UI
- Integrate with Google Calendar and Outlook for meeting scheduling
- Allow joining meetings directly from a link without mandatory account
- Offer chat, recording, and presentation tools during calls
What is different
- Zoom requires a client app for full functionality, while Google Meet runs in-browser
- Google Meet offers end-to-end encryption; Zoom does not (only AES-256 encryption in transit)
- Zoom allows virtual backgrounds and touch-up filters, Meet lacks these
- Zoom has local and cloud recording; Meet only records in Google Workspace environments
- Meet is free for most users; Zoom limits free meetings to 40 minutes with 3+ participants
Opening your Google Meet files
Google Meet doesn't generate downloadable meeting files by default, so there's nothing to 'open' in Zoom. Meeting recordings and transcripts from Meet are stored in Google Drive and aren't directly importable into Zoom. However, exported videos (if manually saved) are standard formats like MP4, which Zoom can play back. Zoom's own recordings are saved as MP4 files, making them broadly compatible with other tools.
Switching from Google Meet to Zoom, step by step
- Install Zoom via Flathub or download from zoom.us for better integration
- Import your Google Calendar by linking your Google account in Zoom settings
- Test audio and video in a test meeting to ensure proper device selection
- Share your new Zoom link instead of Meet links for scheduled calls
- Use Zoom’s 'Schedule in Google Calendar' option to automate invites
Key features of Zoom
- Join and host video meetings with up to 500 participants
- Share screen or specific applications during calls
- Host webinars with registration and analytics
- Group messaging with file sharing
- Virtual backgrounds and touch-up appearance filters
- Call recording to local or cloud storage
- Keyboard shortcuts for mute, share, and leave
- Integration with calendar systems like Google and Outlook
How to install Zoom on Linux
flatpak install flathub us.zoom.ZoomFrequently asked questions
Can I join a Zoom meeting without installing the app on Linux?
Yes, you can join via the web client in Chrome or Chromium, but screen sharing and some features are limited. Full functionality requires the desktop app.
Does Zoom support end-to-end encryption like Google Meet claims to?
No. Zoom uses AES-256 encryption for data in transit, but not end-to-end encryption for meetings. Google Meet offers true end-to-end encryption for eligible users.
Is Zoom free for Linux users?
Yes, the basic Zoom plan is free on Linux, but group meetings time out after 40 minutes. Paid plans remove this limit and add admin controls.
3 other alternatives to Google Meet
Jitsi MeetJitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing client that connects to any Jitsi server for secure…Open sourceFreeFlatpakJitsi Meet vs Google Meet
ElementElement is an open‑source, matrix‑based chat and video‑conference client for Linux.Open sourceFreeFlatpakElement vs Google Meet
JamiJami is a free, peer‑to‑peer chat and video‑call client that works without central servers.Open sourceFreeFlatpakJami vs Google Meet