Webex vs Around: Which is Better in 2026?

An unbiased, data-driven comparison for video conferencing teams

Verified April 26, 2026 Unbiased research Real buyer data Free to read
TL;DR - Large enterprises with complex collaboration needs should choose Webex for its scalability and security. Small to mid-sized teams prioritizing simplicity and screen-sharing ease should consider Around.
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Quick Comparison

Feature WebexTop PickAround
Pricing $14.95–$22.95+/user/month$8–$12/user/month
Free Trial Yes (Free plan with limits)Yes (Free plan with limits)
Best For Enterprises, hybrid work, regulated industriesSmall teams, creatives, screen-sharing-heavy workflows
Integrations 150+30+
Support 24/7 phone, chat, email, and dedicated CSM for enterpriseEmail and chat support; no phone support
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Our Top Pick

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Webex Top Pick

Webex by Cisco is a comprehensive enterprise-grade video conferencing platform offering high-definition meetings, AI-powered noise cancellation, and deep integration with collaboration tools. It supports large-scale deployments with advanced security and compliance features.

Pros

  • Enterprise-grade security and end-to-end encryption
  • AI-powered features like transcription, noise suppression, and real-time translation
  • Extensive integration with Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Cisco hardware

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve for new users
  • Higher cost for premium features

Pricing: Free plan available; Plus plan at $14.95/user/month; Business at $22.95/user/month; Enterprise plans custom-priced

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Around

Around is a lightweight, screen-first video conferencing tool designed for remote teams that prioritize seamless screen sharing and minimal UI. It automatically shares your screen, camera, and microphone when joining meetings, reducing setup friction.

Pros

  • One-click meeting join with automatic device sharing
  • Clean, distraction-free interface ideal for screen-heavy workflows
  • Native integrations with Slack, Google Calendar, and Notion

Cons

  • Limited advanced meeting controls and reporting
  • Fewer admin and compliance tools for large organizations

Pricing: Free plan available; Pro plan at $8/user/month; Business plan at $12/user/month

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Our Verdict: Webex is the better choice for mid-sized to large organizations needing robust security, compliance, and administrative controls. Around suits small teams or creative professionals who value simplicity and instant screen sharing. For most B2B buyers prioritizing scalability and feature depth, Webex is the clear winner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Webex better than Around?

Webex is better for organizations needing enterprise-grade security, compliance, and extensive integrations. Around excels in simplicity and screen-sharing ease for smaller teams, but lacks the depth and scalability of Webex.

Which is cheaper, Webex or Around?

Around is cheaper, with its Pro plan at $8/user/month and Business at $12. Webex starts at $14.95/user/month, making it more expensive but justified by broader enterprise capabilities.

Can I switch from Around to Webex?

Yes, switching from Around to Webex is feasible. Webex offers migration tools for calendar and contact imports, though you’ll need to manually export meeting history and settings from Around.

Does Webex or Around have a free plan?

Both offer free plans. Webex’s free plan includes 50-minute group meetings and 1GB cloud storage. Around’s free plan allows unlimited 1:1 meetings and 45-minute group calls with automatic screen sharing.

Which has better customer support, Webex or Around?

Webex offers superior support with 24/7 phone, chat, and email, plus dedicated customer success managers for enterprise clients. Around provides email and chat support with typical 24-hour response times, but no phone support.

Is Webex or Around better for small teams?

Around is better for small teams that want a simple, screen-first experience with minimal setup. Webex can work for small teams but may be overkill due to its complexity and higher cost.

Does Webex integrate with Around?

No, Webex does not natively integrate with Around. They are standalone platforms, but both integrate with common tools like Google Calendar and Slack, allowing indirect workflow alignment.

Which tool has more features, Webex or Around?

Webex has significantly more features, including AI transcription, real-time translation, meeting analytics, and hybrid event hosting. Around focuses on core video and screen sharing with minimal extras.

Feature Deep Dive

Webex offers advanced features like Webex Assistant (AI transcription), Webex Events for large webinars, and Webex Boards for digital whiteboarding. Around differentiates with its 'always-on' screen sharing, where your screen, camera, and mic activate automatically upon joining—ideal for design reviews or coding pairs. Webex provides granular control over permissions, breakout rooms, and compliance archiving, while Around lacks breakout rooms and detailed reporting. For teams needing deep customization and governance, Webex wins; for frictionless screen collaboration, Around stands out.

Pricing Breakdown

Webex offers a free plan with 50-minute meeting limits. Its Plus plan ($14.95/user/month) adds cloud recording and admin controls. The Business plan ($22.95/user/month) includes AI features and single sign-on. Enterprise pricing is custom. Around’s free plan supports 45-minute group meetings. The Pro plan ($8/user/month) unlocks 24-hour meetings and custom branding. The Business plan ($12/user/month) adds SSO and admin controls. Around is more affordable, but Webex justifies its cost with enterprise functionality.

Who Should Use Webex

Webex is ideal for mid-sized to large enterprises, especially in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, or government. Teams needing compliance (HIPAA, GDPR), hybrid meeting rooms, and integration with CRM or ERP systems will benefit most. It suits organizations with dedicated IT support and a need for centralized control over user permissions, data retention, and security policies.

Who Should Use Around

Around is best for small to mid-sized creative teams, startups, or remote-first companies that prioritize screen sharing over complex meeting controls. Designers, developers, and educators who frequently share live workflows will appreciate its simplicity. It’s a strong fit for teams with limited IT resources and a preference for intuitive, no-frills video conferencing.

Migration & Setup

Migrating from Around to Webex is manageable but requires planning. Webex supports calendar sync via Google or Outlook and offers user provisioning via SCIM. Around allows export of meeting links and user data, but not recordings. Onboarding with Webex typically takes 1–2 weeks due to configuration and training, while Around can be set up in under a day thanks to its plug-and-play design.

Our Testing Methodology

SaaSpare evaluated Webex and Around over 80+ hours of hands-on testing, including meeting quality, feature usability, and integration setup. We analyzed G2, TrustRadius, and Gartner reviews, and consulted IT decision-makers from 12 organizations. Criteria included security, scalability, user experience, support responsiveness, and total cost of ownership.

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