Around is a next-generation video collaboration tool designed to improve how modern teams connect. Unlike traditional video conferencing software, Around blends real-time and asynchronous communication, making virtual meetings feel more natural, less fatiguing, and more productive. It features unique interface elements like floating video bubbles, minimal screen footprint, and intelligent background noise reduction, specifically designed to support hybrid and remote collaboration.
Used by forward-thinking teams around the world, Around focuses on making team calls feel like a shared space for collaboration—rather than a formal, fatiguing meeting environment.
Features
Around reimagines video conferencing with innovative features that prioritize collaboration and team energy.
Floating Video Bubbles
Video feeds are shown as small, circular bubbles that hover over content. This keeps faces visible without blocking work or shared screens.
Low Bandwidth Usage
Optimized video and audio streams require less data, making Around reliable in varied internet conditions.
Minimal UI and Distraction-Free Design
A clean, modern interface designed to keep focus on content and collaboration, not the platform itself.
AI Noise Cancellation
Removes keyboard sounds, background chatter, and other distractions using smart audio filters.
Voice Rooms for Async Collaboration
Lightweight voice-only spaces allow teams to jump in and out without scheduling formal meetings.
Cross-Platform Support
Available on macOS, Windows, Linux, and browsers with no need for external downloads for guests.
Calendar Integration
Connects with Google Calendar to streamline scheduling and joining meetings.
Google Meet Integration
Join or host Google Meet calls directly through the Around interface while maintaining access to Around’s features.
Screen Sharing with Presence
Share your screen while keeping participants’ video bubbles visible—ensuring personal connection and real-time reactions.
Snapshot and Reaction Features
Take quick snapshots during meetings and share emojis or gestures to keep energy levels high.
How It Works
Around operates as a lightweight video layer that enhances rather than dominates your desktop. To start a call, users can open a room, invite teammates, or integrate with their existing calendar events.
Once in a meeting, the circular video bubbles appear on-screen but don’t block any of your workspace. These bubbles can float freely over documents, presentations, or apps, allowing you to collaborate in real time without minimizing video feeds or switching tabs.
The platform automatically detects and eliminates background noise, adjusts volume levels, and reduces video fatigue by minimizing the size and prominence of video feeds. This design reduces the cognitive load associated with traditional grid-style video calls.
In addition to real-time meetings, Around supports asynchronous collaboration with voice rooms, where teammates can leave voice notes or have casual discussions without scheduling a call.
Use Cases
Around is built for hybrid, remote, and modern collaborative teams who want less formality and more flexibility in how they meet.
Remote Teams
Keep spontaneous conversations alive with floating video and async voice rooms, supporting both structure and flexibility.
Design and Product Teams
Collaborate visually on mockups, prototypes, or design tools while keeping team faces visible.
Engineering Teams
Pair program, review code, or run standups with low-bandwidth video that doesn’t interrupt deep work.
Startup Teams
Move quickly with informal daily check-ins, live collaboration, and deep focus sessions using Around’s voice-first tools.
Creative Agencies
Present work while maintaining face-to-face energy, reducing the disconnect of standard screen shares.
Distributed Organizations
Run meetings across time zones using Around’s async-friendly setup, helping teams connect without over-scheduling.
Pricing
Around is currently free to use, as stated on its official website. The platform does not charge for its video collaboration features, making it highly accessible for startups, small teams, and remote workers.
As of the latest information available, there are no usage limits or premium tiers, although the company may introduce paid plans with additional features in the future.
Users can create an account, invite team members, and start collaborating at no cost. For the latest updates on pricing or future offerings, visit the Around pricing page or sign up on the homepage.
Strengths
Unique User Interface
Floating video bubbles reduce screen clutter and maintain a human connection without the exhaustion of full-screen video grids.
Built for Hybrid Work
Designed specifically for teams working remotely or in hybrid models, with features tailored to flexible collaboration.
Low System Impact
Efficient video and audio processing allow smooth performance even on older devices or slower networks.
Completely Free
As of now, all features are accessible at no cost, making it ideal for budget-conscious teams.
Asynchronous Options
Voice rooms and drop-in calls reduce the need for constant scheduling, supporting async work culture.
Easy Guest Access
No downloads required for guests—just join from the browser, making it great for external collaborators.
Drawbacks
Limited Meeting Tools
Lacks some advanced meeting features like breakout rooms, whiteboarding, or native note-taking tools.
Still Evolving
As a relatively new platform, Around is rapidly evolving, and some teams may find features missing compared to Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
No Mobile App
Currently focused on desktop platforms; mobile users may find it less accessible.
Integrations Are Limited
Although it integrates with Google Calendar and Meet, broader third-party integrations are limited compared to competitors.
Unclear Long-Term Pricing
As Around is currently free, it’s not yet clear what will be included in future paid plans.
Comparison with Other Tools
Around competes with mainstream video conferencing platforms by offering a radically different user experience focused on flexibility and minimalism.
Versus Zoom
Zoom offers more enterprise features like webinars and breakout rooms. Around is better for casual, creative, and collaborative teams seeking a lightweight alternative.
Versus Microsoft Teams
Teams is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365. Around stands out for its simplicity and more modern, friendly design suited to hybrid startups and creatives.
Versus Google Meet
Google Meet is widely adopted, but Around’s unique UI and noise cancellation offer a more polished and human meeting experience.
Versus Slack Huddles
Slack offers voice and video huddles, but Around provides a more feature-rich video layer with screen sharing, floating bubbles, and async tools.
Around’s edge lies in reducing video fatigue, enabling flexible collaboration, and creating a digital environment that feels more human and less corporate.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Around has received strong feedback from tech-forward teams, startups, and creative professionals who value its modern approach to video communication.
User feedback commonly highlights:
Reduced meeting fatigue
Clean, elegant interface
Natural conversations without full-screen pressure
Seamless integration with daily workflows
From user testimonials:
“Around is a breath of fresh air in a world full of boring video tools. It feels like you’re working together, not just watching a screen.”
“We use it every day for check-ins, async updates, and quick chats. It replaced three tools for us.”
“The floating bubbles and noise cancellation make Around ideal for designers and devs. It doesn’t get in your way.”
Around is also well-reviewed on Product Hunt, where it has been praised for its innovation and user-centric design.
Conclusion
Around is a modern video collaboration platform that rethinks what virtual meetings should feel like. With its floating video bubbles, smart audio filtering, and support for asynchronous teamwork, it offers a compelling alternative to traditional video conferencing tools.
Designed for remote-first and hybrid teams, Around supports natural, lightweight collaboration that removes unnecessary friction. It allows people to stay connected without the fatigue and structure of conventional video calls. By offering all of this for free, Around becomes a must-try for teams looking to upgrade their communication experience.
If you’re seeking a smarter, less stressful way to meet and collaborate, Around is a standout tool that brings the future of meetings to your desktop today.
