Around vs Microsoft Teams: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Around and Microsoft Teams comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Microsoft Teams is our overall pick for communication workflows. Pick Around if you need video conferencing.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Around
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
Best for you if:
- • You need video conferencing features specifically
- • Floating bubble interface
- • Less fatiguing calls
Microsoft Teams
Unite chat, meetings, and files with Microsoft 365
Best for you if:
- • You need communication features specifically
- • Enterprise communication hub deeply integrated with Microsoft 365
- • Chat, meetings, files, and apps in one platform
| At a Glance |  Around |  Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free tier + paid plansFree tier available | $4/moEssentials |
Best For | Video Conferencing | Communication |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Around or Microsoft Teams?
Choose Around if
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
- Lightweight video meeting solution
- Unique floating video bubbles design
- Minimal screen real estate usage
- Your work is video conferencing-shaped, not communication-shaped
Choose Microsoft Teams if
Unite chat, meetings, and files with Microsoft 365
- Microsoft 365 integration
- Full collaboration suite
- Free tier
- Your work is communication-shaped, not video conferencing-shaped
| Feature | Around | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.4/5 17,741 reviews |
| Categories | Video ConferencingCommunication | CommunicationTeam Chat |
In-Depth Analysis
Around
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
Strengths
- +Lightweight video meeting solution
- +Unique floating video bubbles design
- +Minimal screen real estate usage
- +Good for remote collaboration
- +Clean and distraction-free interface
Weaknesses
- -Acquired/discontinued service
- -Limited feature set compared to competitors
- -Smaller user base and ecosystem
- -May lack enterprise-grade features
- -Integration options are limited
Key features
Microsoft Teams
Unite chat, meetings, and files with Microsoft 365
Strengths
- +Microsoft 365 integration
- +Full collaboration suite
- +Free tier
Weaknesses
- -Can be overwhelming
- -Requires Microsoft ecosystem
Key features
Pricing: Around vs Microsoft Teams
| Plan | Around | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $4 Essentials |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $6 Business Basic |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $12.5 Business Standard |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Around pricing and Microsoft Teams pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Around
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Around
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Teams
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Around is a video conferencing tool. Microsoft Teams is in communication. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Teams
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Around
- Better fit for video conferencing
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Teams is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Around or Microsoft Teams better?
Microsoft Teams is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Around and Microsoft Teams used for?
Around: Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work. Microsoft Teams: Unite chat, meetings, and files with Microsoft 365.
What does Around cost vs Microsoft Teams?
Around is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Microsoft Teams is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.