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Is Zoom Worth It in 2026? Our Honest Verdict
Recommended
Zoom: Zoom is the safest video meeting choice because everyone already knows it.
Rating★ 4.4/5
Starting price$13.33/user/mo (Pro)
Best forTeams that need reliable, feature-rich v
CategoryVideo & Meetings
Who Zoom Is Worth It For
- ✓Teams that need reliable, feature-rich video meetings with the widest adoption.
- ✓Most widely adopted — everyone knows how to join
- ✓Best-in-class breakout rooms and meeting features
- ✓AI Companion adds useful meeting summaries and action items
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- ✕Not ideal for organizations already committed to microsoft teams or google workspace ecosystems.
- ✕40-minute limit on free plan pushes to paid quickly
- ✕Per-user pricing adds up for large organizations
- ✕Security reputation took a hit in 2020, though issues were addressed
Is Zoom Pricing Fair?
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | 40-minute meetings, 100 participants |
| Starter | $13.33/user/mo (Pro) |
| Pro | $21.99/user/mo (Business) |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing |
Pricing verified March 2026.
How Zoom Compares
| Zoom | OBS | Loom | Descript | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $13.33/user/mo (Pro) | Free | $12.50/user/mo (Business) | $24/mo (Hobbyist, 10 hours) |
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 4.5 | ★ 4.5 | ★ 4.4 |
| Verdict | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
AICores Verdict on Zoom
Zoom is the safest video meeting choice because everyone already knows it. The meeting quality is reliable, the features are comprehensive, and the AI Companion adds genuine value. The free tier works for casual use, and the per-user pricing is competitive for teams.
AICores Editorial Review
Reviewed by AICores Editorial Team
Last updated: May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoom worth the money?▼
Zoom is the safest video meeting choice because everyone already knows it. The meeting quality is reliable, the features are comprehensive, and the AI Companion adds genuine value. The free tier works for casual use, and the per-user pricing is competitive for teams.
Is there a free version of Zoom?▼
Yes, Zoom offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $13.33/user/mo (Pro) and include additional features and capacity.
What are the best alternatives to Zoom?▼
OBS, Loom, Descript are the top alternatives. OBS is best for streamers, educators, and content creators who need professional broadcasting for free. and has a 4.5 star rating.
Who should NOT use Zoom?▼
Zoom is not ideal for organizations already committed to microsoft teams or google workspace ecosystems.. Common drawbacks include: 40-minute limit on free plan pushes to paid quickly. Per-user pricing adds up for large organizations.