Comparison: Zoom vs Around
Verdict
Zoom has a slight edge with a 0.2-point higher rating. Both tools are competitive—Zoom is great for team meetings and standups, while Around excels at pair programming sessions. Test both free tiers to see which fits your team better.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zoom | Around |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | Free + $13.33/mo | Free + $10/user/mo |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Reviews | 4,521 | 312 |
| Best For | Team meetings and standups | Pair programming sessions |
| Key Feature | HD video and audio | Floating video bubbles |
Overview
Zoom and Around are both popular tools in the Video Conferencing space. Zoom Zoom is the most widely recognized video conferencing platform, known for its reliability, ease of use, and feature-rich meetings. Around Around reimagines video meetings for the way remote teams actually work.
This comparison will help you decide which tool is right for your team based on features, pricing, and use cases.
Pricing Comparison
Zoom pricing starts at $13.33/mo with a free tier available. Around pricing starts at $10/user/mo with a free tier available.
Both tools offer free plans, making it easy to test before committing. Zoom's free tier includes 100 participants, 40-min group meetings. Around's free tier includes Unlimited meetings, 8 participants max.
Key Features
Zoom key features include: HD video and audio, Breakout rooms for group work, Virtual backgrounds and touch-ups, Screen sharing and annotations.
Around key features include: Floating video bubbles, Auto-mute and noise cancellation, Echo Prevention technology, Deep Focus mode.
Both tools offer strong feature sets, but they excel in different areas. Zoom has slightly better overall ratings from users.
Pros and Cons
Zoom pros: Most reliable video platform, Easy to join meetings, Feature-rich for all use cases.
Zoom cons: 40-minute limit on free tier, Can be expensive for small teams, Security concerns in early versions.
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.
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose Zoom if: Team meetings and standups, Client calls and presentations, or if your team values most reliable video platform.
Choose Around if: Pair programming sessions, Design reviews, or if your team needs unique floating interface.
Both tools integrate well with popular remote work tools and support teams of various sizes.
Final Thoughts
Full Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Zoom or Around?
Zoom is rated slightly higher (4.6/5) by users. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Zoom excels at team meetings and standups, while Around is better for pair programming sessions.
Is Zoom free?
Yes, Zoom offers a free tier with 100 participants. Paid plans start at $13.33/mo.
Is Around free?
Yes, Around offers a free tier with unlimited meetings. Paid plans start at $10/user/mo.
Can I use both Zoom and Around together?
Yes, many teams use both tools together. Zoom and Around can complement each other—Zoom for team meetings and standups and Around for pair programming sessions. Check each tool's integrations to ensure they work with your existing stack.