CapslockMute vs Around: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between CapslockMute and Around 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: Around is our overall pick for video conferencing workflows. Pick CapslockMute if you need productivity.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
CapslockMute
Mute Zoom, Tandem, and Google Meet with a single press of the Caps Lock key on macOS.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need productivity features specifically
- • Free macOS utility remapping Caps Lock to mute/unmute in Zoom, Meet, and Tandem
- • Runs offline, collects no data, and is open-source under MIT license
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
| At a Glance |  Around | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Free tier + paid plansFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Video Conferencing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose CapslockMute or Around?
Choose CapslockMute if
Mute Zoom, Tandem, and Google Meet with a single press of the Caps Lock key on macOS.
- Fastest possible mute toggle, large key always at your fingertips
- Zero privacy concerns, collects no data and works offline
- Free and open-source with no ads or upsells
- You want a fully free tool (Around requires payment)
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not video conferencing-shaped
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 productivity-shaped
| Feature | CapslockMute | Around |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | ProductivityAutomation | Video ConferencingCommunication |
In-Depth Analysis
CapslockMute
Mute Zoom, Tandem, and Google Meet with a single press of the Caps Lock key on macOS.
Strengths
- +Fastest possible mute toggle, large key always at your fingertips
- +Zero privacy concerns, collects no data and works offline
- +Free and open-source with no ads or upsells
- +Apple-signed for trusted installation without security warnings
Weaknesses
- -macOS only, not available for Windows or Linux
- -Incompatible with Karabiner-Elements key remapping software
- -Limited to three video conferencing apps (Zoom, Meet, Tandem)
Key features
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
Pricing: CapslockMute vs Around
| Plan | CapslockMute | Around |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | 0 Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on CapslockMute pricing and Around pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
CapslockMute is free. Around is freemium.
Go with: CapslockMute
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: CapslockMute
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Around
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CapslockMute is free. Around is freemium. Go with CapslockMute if free matters most.
What's your use case?
CapslockMute is a productivity tool. Around is in video conferencing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Around
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
CapslockMute
- Completely free
- Better fit for productivity
The Bottom Line
Around is our pick. That said, CapslockMute is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CapslockMute or Around better?
Around is rated in our evaluation. CapslockMute is free and Around is freemium.
What are CapslockMute and Around used for?
CapslockMute: Mute Zoom, Tandem, and Google Meet with a single press of the Caps Lock key on macOS.. Around: Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work.
What does CapslockMute cost vs Around?
CapslockMute is completely free. Around is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.