Around vs Whereby
Compare Around vs Whereby: pricing, features, pros & cons. Our verdict: Around is better for most teams. See the full comparison.
Quick Verdict
Both Around and Whereby are excellent choices with identical 4.4/5 ratings. Around excels at pair programming sessions, while Whereby is better for client video calls. Choose based on your team's specific workflow and existing tool stack.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Around | Whereby |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | Free + $10/user/mo | Free + $8.99/mo |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Reviews | 312 | 567 |
| Best For | Pair programming sessions | Client video calls |
| Key Feature | Floating video bubbles | No download or account required |
Overview
Around and Whereby are both popular tools in the Video Conferencing space. Around Around reimagines video meetings for the way remote teams actually work. Whereby Whereby (formerly appear.
This comparison will help you decide which tool is right for your team based on features, pricing, and use cases.
Pricing Comparison
Around pricing starts at $10/user/mo with a free tier available. Whereby pricing starts at $8.99/mo with a free tier available.
Both tools offer free plans, making it easy to test before committing. Around's free tier includes Unlimited meetings, 8 participants max. Whereby's free tier includes 1 meeting room, 45-min meeting limit.
Key Features
Around key features include: Floating video bubbles, Auto-mute and noise cancellation, Echo Prevention technology, Deep Focus mode.
Whereby key features include: No download or account required, Personal meeting room URL, Screen sharing and recording, Virtual backgrounds.
Both tools offer strong feature sets, but they excel in different areas. Around has slightly better overall ratings from users.
Pros and Cons
Around pros: Unique floating interface, Very lightweight on system resources, Great for pairing and collaboration.
Around cons: Smaller user base, Not ideal for formal presentations, Limited webinar features.
Whereby pros: Easiest for guests to join, Clean, simple interface, No software to maintain.
Whereby cons: Limited meeting time on free tier, Fewer features than Zoom, Not ideal for large webinars.
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose Around if: Pair programming sessions, Design reviews, or if your team values unique floating interface.
Choose Whereby if: Client video calls, Quick team meetings, or if your team needs easiest for guests to join.
Both tools integrate well with popular remote work tools and support teams of various sizes.
The Verdict
Choose Whereby if:
4/5 ratings. Around excels at pair programming sessions, while Whereby is better for client video calls. Choose based on your team's specific workflow and existing tool stack.
Try Whereby →Full Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Around or Whereby?
Around is rated slightly higher (4.4/5) by users. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Around excels at pair programming sessions, while Whereby is better for client video calls.
Is Around free?
Yes, Around offers a free tier with unlimited meetings. Paid plans start at $10/user/mo.
Is Whereby free?
Yes, Whereby offers a free tier with 1 meeting room. Paid plans start at $8.99/mo.
Can I use both Around and Whereby together?
Yes, many teams use both tools together. Around and Whereby can complement each other—Around for pair programming sessions and Whereby for client video calls. Check each tool's integrations to ensure they work with your existing stack.