# Smart Group vs Google Chat

The clearest difference is price: Google Chat at Free against Smart Group's $7.99. Google Chat also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (306K vs 64). Smart Group's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Google Chat is free to download; Smart Group costs $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Google Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Chat has 306K ratings behind it against 64, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Smart Group's written reviews are positive against 47% of Google Chat's.

Smart Group ships an update every 4 months, Google Chat weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart Group | Google Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.3 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-group-email-smstext/id378476242/reviews) | **[4.6 (306K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-chat/id1163852619/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 64 | **306K** |
| Positive reviews | 32.6% of reviews | **47.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #149 | **#30** |
| Size | 40 MB | 394 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shan Shan Liu](https://appshunter.io/developer/312352870) | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) |

## What reviewers say

### Smart Group

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-group-email-smstext/id378476242)

**Currently charting:** #149 Top Paid · Business (US App Store)

Automatically organize contacts into dynamic groups based on custom criteria. Send emails and text messages to these smart groups instantly. Manage distribution lists and utilize customized templates for efficient communication.

**Highlights:** Automatic smart group creation, Send group SMS/Text and Email, Assign contacts to multiple groups, Customized templates and signatures, Distribution list management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Google Chat

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

**Currently charting:** #30 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart Group free?

Smart Group costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Google Chat free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Smart Group or Google Chat?

Google Chat is rated higher. Smart Group averages 4.3 out of 5 from 64 ratings, while Google Chat averages 4.6 from 306K ratings.

### Do Smart Group or Google Chat have ads?

Neither Smart Group nor Google Chat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Smart Group or Google Chat?

Smart Group ships an update every 4 months, and Google Chat weekly. Most recently, Smart Group was updated on September 26, 2026 and Google Chat on September 28, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Smart Group or Google Chat?

Smart Group currently peaks at #149 in the App Store charts, and Google Chat at #30. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*