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Comparison

Google Chat vs. Wire

Get the facts on collaboration security: from encryption standards to privacy features, find out which tool is better suited for protecting your business communication.

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Wire vs. Google Chat: Feature Comparison

 
Feature Wire Google Chat
Security & Privacy
Protocol Implementation MLS TLS 1.2+ encryption at transit and rest
End-to-End Encryption icon check green inverted Poor
Local Encryption Key Storage icon check green inverted Poor
Encryption-At-Rest icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Post-Compromise Security icon check green inverted Poor
Perfect Forward Secrecy icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Visible Cross-Signed Device Verification icon check green inverted Basic
Fleet Device Verification icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Zero Knowledge icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Zero Trust Architecture icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Core Messaging
1:1 Messaging icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Private Groups icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
E2EE Public and Private Channels icon check green inverted Poor
E2EE History Sharing Coming soon Poor
Screen Sharing icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
E2EE File Sharing icon check green inverted Poor
Text Formatting icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Notification Settings icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Account Personalization icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Availability Status icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Read Receipts icon check green inverted Groups only
GIFs icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Chat History Backup & Recovery icon check green inverted Poor
Cross Platform Backups Coming soon Not E2EE
Send Audio Messages icon check green inverted Poor
Pin Conversations Poor icon check green inverted
Mark Message as New Poor icon check green inverted
Native Self-Deleting Messages icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Conversation Reactions (Emojis) icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Conversation Search Available in groups icon check green inverted
Global User Search (Public Cloud) icon check green inverted Partial spam protection
Archive or Organizing Conversations icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
E2EE 1:1 Audio or Video Calling icon check green inverted Poor
E2EE Large Group Conference Calling icon check green inverted Poor
WebRTC Simulcast icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Guest Access without Sign-Up icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Guest Links with Passwords icon check green inverted Poor
Integration & Ecosystem
Public Cloud icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Private Cloud icon check green inverted Poor
On-Premises icon check green inverted Poor
Customizations, SLAs available icon check green inverted Assistance required
Deploy Third Party Integrated Apps (Bots) icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Federation Scale and Flexibility icon check green inverted Poor
Secure Federation icon check green inverted Poor
Management
User Roles & Permissions icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Single Sign-On (SSO) icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
SSO Supports Complex IT Environments icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Automated User Management (SCIM) icon check green inverted Partial
Create Guest Rooms icon check green inverted Partial
App Lock icon check green inverted Poor
Add/Manage Your Devices icon check green inverted Limited
Restrict File Sharing icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Restrict Guest Links icon check green inverted Limited
Additional Feature Configuration icon check green inverted icon check green inverted
Team and Workspace Management icon check green inverted icon check green invertedicon check green inverted

The competitive data presented on this page was collected as of August 2025, based on information available on support.google.com and in Google's whitepapers. This information may change or be updated without prior notice. Wire does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided.

 

Summary

Wire vs. Google Chat, Which One Is Better?

Google Chat is built for integration within Google Workspace, making it ideal for teams who value seamless collaboration. However, it does not provide default E2EE, and Google’s infrastructure allows administrators - and potentially Google itself - access to content, which can introduce privacy risks.

Wire takes a fundamentally different approach:

  • E2EE by default: always on, with no admin override.
  • Flexible deployment: choose public cloud, private cloud, or on-premises hosting.
  • Zero-trust, zero-knowledge architecture: even Wire cannot access your data.

If your priority is uncompromising security and privacy without sacrificing collaboration, Wire protects where Google Chat cannot.

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certified-1
Open Source. Auditable. Transparent.

Fully Open-Source Security for Verified Collaboration

Wire is one of the few secure collaboration platforms that is fully open source, from protocol to application. This means no black boxes, no hidden logic, no key escrow, and full auditability. With Wire, you get transparent, peer-reviewed cryptography plus the highest industry certifications:

  • ISO 27001
  • ISO 27701
  • FedRAMP
  • FIPS 140-2
  • NIST 800-17

Built to Meet Enterprise Demands.

MLS Protocol

Ensure secure, scalable communication for large teams with the latest IETF standard, perfect for regulated industries and high-trust environments.

E2EE by Default

Messages, files, and calls are fully E2EE by default, no setup required. Only you and your designated recipients can access the messages.

SSO & SCIM

Easily manage identities and access control at scale with seamless Single Sign-On and automated provisioning via SCIM for simplified log-in.

ID Shield

Protect your team with added layers of verification, ensuring only the right people gain access to sensitive environments.

Conferencing

Host secure voice and video calls with up to 200 participants. Every session is encrypted end-to-end and secured using MLS.

Guest Management

Invite external collaborators with custom permissions. Maintain full control while enabling secure, temporary participation in shared spaces.

Secure Federation

Collaborate across organizational boundaries with different security clearances without compromising on security and privacy.

Flexible Deployment

Deploy on your terms, whether in the private cloud, public cloud, or on-premises. Maintain compliance and retain full control over infrastructure.

Google Chat FAQ

What is Google Chat and how do I access it?

Google Chat is an enterprise messaging service by Google, integrated into Google Workspace. It supports direct messages and threaded group “Spaces,” accessible via website, mobile apps, or within Gmail.  

On the other side, Wire offers the same cross-platform convenience with enhanced security, providing fully E2EE chat, voice/video calls, and file sharing across devices by default.

Is Google Chat secure? Does it offer end-to-end encryption (E2EE)?

Google Chat encrypts messages in transit (TLS) and at rest, but does not provide end-to-end encryption. Messages are accessible to Google or workspace administrators. 

By contrast, Wire’s encryption is end-to-end by default, for messaging, calls, and files, with a zero-trust, zero-knowledge model that even prevents administrators (and Wire itself) from accessing content. Your messages can only be read by the intended recipients.

Can I share files and attachments in Google Chat?

Yes. Files can be shared directly or through Google Drive, making collaboration simple.

Wire offers similar file sharing capabilities, but with the added assurance that every file transfer is encrypted end-to-end, along with features like ephemeral messages and secure guest access for external collaborators. Another powerful product called Wire Cells is coming really soon and it changes the way we work with files. Stay tuned!

What are Spaces in Google Chat, and what features do they offer?

Spaces in Google Chat enable threaded team conversations, integrated file sharing, and task assignments, features that help teams coordinate and keep projects on track within the Google Workspace ecosystem.

Wire delivers these same collaboration capabilities, but with an uncompromising focus on security and privacy. Every mode of communication, whether it’s a 1:1 chat, a small group discussion, or a private or public channel remains fully protected with end-to-end encryption.

Can administrators manage messages and enforce policies in Google Chat?

In Google Chat, administrators can access chat history, export data, and enforce retention policies, useful for governance, but a potential privacy concern.

Wire offers comparable admin controls within a zero-knowledge framework, ensuring operational oversight without exposing message content. This means sensitive information stays confidential, even during audits or compliance checks, giving teams both control and security.

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