# Google Chat vs NOAA Directory

The clearest difference is rating: Google Chat at 4.6 against NOAA Directory's 3.7. Google Chat also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (307K vs 3). NOAA Directory's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Google Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Chat has 307K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Google Chat ships an update weekly, NOAA Directory every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Chat | NOAA Directory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (307K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-chat/id1163852619/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noaa-directory/id1205621233/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **307K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 47.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#32** | — |
| Size | 402 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://appshunter.io/developer/583383075) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-chat/id1163852619)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Free · Business (US App Store)

Connect, collaborate, and accomplish tasks with AI-powered messaging.  Streamline teamwork with integrations and smart features. Securely communicate with your team, whether in real-time or asynchronously.

**Highlights:** AI-powered conversation summaries, Automatic message translation, AI-powered search, Action item capture, Real-time huddles, Integration with Workspace apps, Smart chips for linking

**Features:** Siri integration

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient for contacting friends
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Efficient messaging
- 🚀 Seamless integration with Google Suite
- 👍 Useful for business communication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy and unreliable
- 🤔 Confusing layout and UI
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and security
- 🔋 High battery drain
- 🤔 Lacks key features from previous Google messaging apps

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent message delivery and notification issues
- Trouble uploading media and files
- Compatibility problems on older devices
- Frequent app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add voice/video call functionality
- Improve group chat management
- Implement read receipts
- Allow customization and personalization
- Integrate SMS/MMS support


### NOAA Directory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noaa-directory/id1205621233)

Easily find contact details for NOAA personnel. Search by name, phone, or email to connect directly or save contacts. This tool streamlines communication within the organization.

**Highlights:** Search by name, phone, or email, Direct contact options, Add contacts to list, Find NOAA personnel

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Chat free?

Google Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NOAA Directory free?

NOAA Directory is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Google Chat or NOAA Directory?

Google Chat is rated higher. Google Chat averages 4.6 out of 5 from 307K ratings, while NOAA Directory averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Google Chat or NOAA Directory have ads?

Neither Google Chat nor NOAA Directory shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Google Chat or NOAA Directory?

Google Chat ships an update weekly, and NOAA Directory every 3 months. Most recently, Google Chat was updated on October 14, 2026 and NOAA Directory on October 7, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*