Around vs Butter — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Around and Butter to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Butter takes the lead with a 4.3 rating and is best for facilitators running workshops, trainings, or interactive sessions. Around (4.0) is the better pick if you need remote teams who want lightweight, camera-on meetings that reduce video fatigue..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Around | Butter |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(45) | ★★★★ 4.3(42) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $10.99/user/mo (Pro) | $19/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, mac | web |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | No | No |
| Best For | Remote teams who want lightweight, camera-on meetings that reduce video fatigue. | Facilitators running workshops, trainings, or interactive sessions |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Around | Butter |
|---|---|---|
| Floating circle video bubbles | — | |
| Auto-framing | — | |
| Echo and noise cancellation | — | |
| Lightweight minimal design | — | |
| Screen sharing | — | |
| Recording (Pro) | — | |
| Built-in polls | — | |
| Timer and agenda | — | |
| Breakout rooms | — | |
| Emoji reactions | — | |
| Recording | — |
Around
Pros
- ✓Floating video bubbles reduce meeting fatigue
- ✓Excellent echo cancellation for co-located teams
- ✓Minimal interface encourages quick, focused calls
Cons
- ✕Limited to Mac and web — no Windows or mobile
- ✕Not suitable for formal meetings or webinars
- ✕Smaller feature set than Zoom and Google Meet
Butter
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for workshops
- ✓Engagement tools keep people active
- ✓Beautiful interface
Cons
- ✕Overkill for regular meetings
- ✕25-person limit on free tier
- ✕No mobile app
The Bottom Line
Both Around and Butter are solid tools in the Video & Meetings space. Butter edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.3 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for facilitators running workshops, trainings, or interactive sessions. However, if you prioritize remote teams who want lightweight, camera-on meetings that reduce video fatigue., Around is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.