Around vs Loom — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Around and Loom to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Loom takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for remote teams who want to replace meetings with async video communication.. 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 | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(45) | ★★★★ 4.5(312) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $10.99/user/mo (Pro) | $15/creator/mo (Business) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, mac | web, ios, android, mac, windows |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | No | Yes |
| Best For | Remote teams who want lightweight, camera-on meetings that reduce video fatigue. | Remote teams who want to replace meetings with async video communication. |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Around | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
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
Loom
Pros
- ✓Simplest screen recording to shareable link workflow
- ✓AI Summary extracts key points and action items
- ✓Eliminates meetings that should have been a video
Cons
- ✕Free plan limited to 25 videos at 5 minutes each
- ✕Per-creator pricing adds up for teams where everyone records
- ✕Video quality settings are limited on lower plans
The Bottom Line
Both Around and Loom are solid tools in the Video & Meetings space. Loom edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for remote teams who want to replace meetings with async video communication.. 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.