Comprehensive Review of Around: The Best Tool for 2025

Introduction

Around is a video conferencing tool tailored for remote work, focusing on providing a seamless communication experience that minimizes fatigue often associated with traditional video calls. Designed with remote teams, developers, and creative professionals in mind, Around aims to create a more engaging and productive virtual meeting environment. The platform's unique features and intuitive interface make it a compelling choice for those seeking to enhance their remote collaboration.

Upon first launching Around, users are met with a clean and modern interface that invites exploration. The focus is clearly on usability, with features designed to facilitate smoother interactions and less distraction during calls. The smart audio technology, which helps filter out background noise and enhances voice clarity, is particularly noteworthy. This is especially beneficial in home office settings where interruptions may be common.

Key Features Deep Dive

One of Around's standout features is its smart audio technology. By employing advanced algorithms, Around effectively isolates voices from background noise, allowing participants to engage in conversations without the typical distractions found in a home office environment. This feature is particularly advantageous for remote teams where members may be in varied surroundings, providing a more professional and focused meeting atmosphere.

Another notable aspect of Around is its spatial video layout. Unlike traditional video conferencing tools that display participants in a fixed grid, Around uses a spatial design that mimics in-person interactions. This feature creates a more natural flow of conversation, as users can move their video tiles around the screen, emulating the dynamics of a physical meeting room. This design choice significantly enhances user engagement and reduces the fatigue often associated with prolonged video calls.

When compared to competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, Around holds its ground by prioritizing features that reduce cognitive load. While those platforms offer a wider array of functionalities, such as extensive integrations and chat features, Around’s focus on video quality and audio clarity positions it uniquely for teams that prioritize visual communication. Additionally, Around's minimalistic interface reduces distractions, encouraging more productive meetings.

Furthermore, Around's recording and playback options offer teams the ability to revisit discussions, making it easier to keep track of important points and decisions made during meetings. This feature, combined with the platform's ability to share screens and documents, rounds out a robust set of tools that cater specifically to the needs of remote teams.

Pricing & Value

Around offers a flexible pricing model that includes a free tier, allowing users to test the platform before committing. The paid plans start at $10 per user per month, which provides enhanced features such as higher participant limits and additional integrations. This tiered approach ensures that users can choose a plan that fits their specific needs, making it accessible for both small teams and larger organizations.

In terms of value, Around is a great investment for teams that rely heavily on video communication. The unique features focused on reducing fatigue and enhancing audio quality provide a significant return on investment for teams that conduct frequent meetings. While it may not offer as many features as some competitors, the emphasis on quality over quantity is where Around excels, making it worth considering for teams that prioritize effective communication.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Smart audio technology that minimizes background noise
• Spatial video layout promotes natural conversation flow
• User-friendly interface reduces distractions
• Free tier available for testing
• Recording and playback features enhance meeting productivity

• Cons:
• Limited integration options compared to competitors
• More suitable for smaller teams; scalability may be a concern
• Lacks some advanced features found in other platforms

Who Should Use Around?

Around is ideal for remote teams, especially those in creative fields or development environments where communication quality is paramount. User personas that would benefit most from Around include project managers, designers, and developers who require frequent collaboration and brainstorming sessions. The platform's design encourages active participation, making it particularly useful for teams that thrive on dynamic discussions and creativity.

However, teams that require extensive integrations with other software tools or those that conduct large-scale meetings may find alternatives like Zoom or Microsoft Teams more suitable. Around's focus on quality over quantity makes it less ideal for situations where advanced features like extensive chat functionalities and large participant limits are necessary.

Final Verdict

Overall, Around presents a compelling option for remote teams looking to enhance their video communication experience. Its focus on minimizing fatigue through smart audio and spatial video layout makes it a standout in a crowded market. While it may not offer the depth of features found in some competitors, its unique approach to video conferencing is refreshing and effective for those who prioritize communication quality.

In conclusion, if you are part of a remote team that values effective communication and engagement during meetings, Around is definitely worth considering. Its free tier allows you to try before you buy, making it a low-risk option for teams looking to improve their remote work experience.