Around is a lightweight video calling app designed to minimize distraction during remote work — featuring small floating video bubbles that don't cover your screen, automatic background blurring, and noise cancellation. Unlike Zoom (full-screen takeover), Around shows small circular participant faces that float over your work. Optimized for Mac with minimal CPU usage. Acquired by Miro in 2022. Targets remote teams that need video presence without the full-screen interruption of traditional video calls.
Around
Lightweight video calls for focused remote work
Best for: Remote workers wanting lightweight video presence that doesn't interrupt workflows with Zoom's full-screen takeover during collaborative work sessions
- Free plan
4.0/5 ratingEditorial score 73/100around.co
The editorial note
What to know about Around
Is it right for you?
Who Around suits
Choose it if
- Remote workers wanting lightweight video presence that doesn't interrupt workflows with Zoom's full-screen takeover during collaborative work sessions
Look elsewhere if
- Formal client presentations or webinars requiring polished full-screen video (Zoom or Google Meet provides the professional appearance expected for external calls)
What you get
Key features
- Floating video
- Background blur
- Noise cancel
- Screen share
- Reactions
- Recording
Works with
Integrations3
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Floating bubbles
- No screen takeover
- Auto background blur
- Noise cancellation
- Miro acquired
- Mac optimized
Cons
- Acquired by Miro (may change)
- Smaller feature set
- Less known
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Remote Work
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- around.co
The verdict
Our take on Around
Best lightweight video app for collaborative remote work sessions where Zoom's screen takeover breaks focus. Around's floating bubbles serve developers and designers who need video presence during collaborative coding or design reviews — remote teams doing pair programming choose Around because the small floating faces enable side-by-side video collaboration without Zoom's full-screen interface taking over the workspace.
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