Around vs Gather
Around is lightweight video calling tool with floating bubbles, noise cancellation, and minimal screen space, while Gather is virtual office space with spatial audio, customizable maps, and proximity-based chat. Around is built for remote teams wanting lightweight, always-on video, whereas Gather targets remote teams wanting a virtual office with spatial audio.
| Feature | Around | Gather |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Custom Maps | — | ✓ |
| Floating UI | ✓ | — |
| Games | — | ✓ |
| Lightweight | ✓ | — |
| Noise Cancellation | ✓ | — |
| Screen Sharing | ✓ | — |
| Spatial Audio | — | ✓ |
| Virtual Office | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both Around and Gather are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: Around offers Floating UI, Lightweight and Noise Cancellation that Gather lacks. Gather brings Custom Maps, Games and Spatial Audio that Around does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Where each tool shines: Around's biggest strengths are: includes floating ui as a core feature, purpose-built for video conferencing workflows. includes noise cancellation as a core feature, purpose-built for video conferencing workflows. Gather's biggest strengths are: includes spatial audio as a core feature, purpose-built for video conferencing workflows. includes virtual office as a core feature, purpose-built for video conferencing workflows.
Watch out for: With Around, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Gather, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Around if
- You need a tool built for remote teams wanting lightweight, always-on video
- You specifically need Floating UI and Lightweight
- You care about includes noise cancellation as a core feature, purpose-built for video conferencing workflows
choose Gather if
- You need a tool built for remote teams wanting a virtual office with spatial audio
- You specifically need Custom Maps and Games
- You care about includes virtual office as a core feature, purpose-built for video conferencing workflows
- The free tier works for you: free for 10 users
frequently asked
What is the difference between Around and Gather?
Around is lightweight video calling tool with floating bubbles, noise cancellation, and minimal screen space, while Gather is virtual office space with spatial audio, customizable maps, and proximity-based chat. Around is built for remote teams wanting lightweight, always-on video, whereas Gather targets remote teams wanting a virtual office with spatial audio.
Should I use Around or Gather?
Around is built for remote teams wanting lightweight, always-on video. Gather is built for remote teams wanting a virtual office with spatial audio. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Around over Gather?
Choose Around if You need a tool built for remote teams wanting lightweight, always-on video; You specifically need Floating UI and Lightweight; You care about includes noise cancellation as a core feature, purpose-built for video conferencing workflows.
When should I choose Gather over Around?
Choose Gather if You need a tool built for remote teams wanting a virtual office with spatial audio; You specifically need Custom Maps and Games; You care about includes virtual office as a core feature, purpose-built for video conferencing workflows; The free tier works for you: free for 10 users.
related comparisons
Zoom vs Around · Google Meet vs Around · Whereby vs Around · Around vs Riverside · Around vs Jitsi · Around vs Daily.co · Around vs Webex · Zoom vs Gather