Around

Name: Around
Brand: Around

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Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work

Video Conferencing Communication Productivity

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FreemiumVisit Website

Tracked since2026

0 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Lightweight video meeting solution

Biggest con

Acquired/discontinued service

TL;DR - Around

Floating bubble interface
Less fatiguing calls
Video communication

Pricing: Free plan available

Best for: Growing teams

What is Around?

Editorial review

Around is a video calling app designed for in-the-moment collaboration. Floating heads minimize distractions while keeping you present. Auto-muting, echo cancellation, and screen sharing optimized for pair work. Calendar integration surfaces relevant meeting context. Low-bandwidth mode works on any connection. Video calls designed for working together, not sitting in presentations.

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourcearound.co ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Lightweight video meeting solution
Unique floating video bubbles design
Minimal screen real estate usage
Good for remote collaboration
Clean and distraction-free interface

Cons

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

Video meetingsFloating bubblesMinimal UIScreen sharingNoise reductionBackground effects

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 26, 2026

Free

Floating video bubbles
AI face cropping
Noise cancellation
Screen sharing
Reactions and filters
Voice rooms
Note: Now integrated with Miro

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is Around worth the price?

90/100

Around offers a very generous Free tier, providing core video conferencing features without any cost.

This makes it an excellent option for individuals or small teams looking for a feature-rich, free solution. The lack of paid tiers, however, means it's not suitable for scaling teams needing advanced features or dedicated support.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

No paid tiers means no advanced features

No dedicated support for larger organizations

Potential for future feature limitations on free plan

How Around Compares to Competitors

Compared to Zoom's free tier (40-minute limit for group meetings) or Google Meet's free tier (60-minute limit, fewer AI features), Around's Free tier is exceptionally generous with no apparent time limits on meetings and robust AI features. While competitors offer paid tiers starting around $15/user/month for more features, Around currently focuses solely on its free offering, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users.

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Best Around Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

View full list →

Microsoft TeamsFreemium

Unite chat, meetings, and files with Microsoft 365

4.4

SlackFreemium

Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration

4.2

Google MeetFreemium

Seamless video meetings for Google Workspace users

4.5

ZoomFreemium

Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings

3.7

DiscordFreemium

Your place to talk and hang out

3.1

TwistFreemium

Async communication for remote teams

4.1

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

All Around alternatives6+ tools ranked, pricing + verdict per pick Around vs Microsoft TeamsHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Around vs SlackHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Around vs Google MeetHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Around FAQ

How does Around facilitate in-the-moment collaboration during video calls?

Around is designed with floating heads that minimize distractions while keeping participants present during video calls. It includes features like auto-muting, echo cancellation, and screen sharing specifically optimized for pair work, making it suitable for active collaboration.

Which teams would benefit most from using Around?

Teams engaged in remote collaboration and pair work would find Around most beneficial due to its design for working together rather than passive presentations. Its lightweight nature and clean interface support focused, distraction-free interactions.

How does Around compare to Zoom for video conferencing?

Around offers a unique floating video bubbles design and minimal screen real estate usage, which differs from Zoom's more traditional interface. However, Around has a more limited feature set and smaller user base compared to Zoom.

What kind of trade-offs should users consider when choosing Around?

Users should be aware that Around has a limited feature set compared to many competitors and may lack enterprise-grade capabilities. Its integration options are also limited, and the service has been acquired/discontinued, which could affect long-term support.

Does Around include a free tier for its video calling services?

Yes, Around is available on a free tier, allowing users to access its core video calling features. Paid plans are offered for those requiring more usage or additional features.

How does Around ensure connectivity for users with varying internet speeds?

Around includes a low-bandwidth mode, which allows it to function effectively even on less stable internet connections. This feature helps maintain call quality and participation regardless of network conditions.

Source: around.co

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