Around vs Hopin: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 12, 20268 min read

Choosing between Around and Hopin is a common decision for video conferencing buyers in 2026. Both Around and Hopin are established players, founded in 2020 and 2019 respectively. Around serves 200K+ users while Hopin has 100K+ orgs users globally. Around differentiates with floating bubble ui and screen sharing, while Hopin leads with virtual events and expo halls. In this head-to-head comparison, Around earns a higher hiltonsoftware.co score of 86/100 — but the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and team size.

🔴
Around
Video Conferencing
86
hiltonsoftware.co Score
RECOMMENDED
VS
🎪
Hopin
Video Conferencing
84
hiltonsoftware.co Score

Quick Comparison

Around
Hopin
Starting Price
$9/user/mo
$99/mo
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
200K+
100K+ orgs
Founded
2020
2019
Rating
4.3/5
4.2/5
Best For
Remote teams wanting a less formal, always-on vide...
Organizations running large virtual conferences an...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

AroundHopin
90Ease of Use81
94Features88
95Value for Money83
82Customer Support81
84Integrations84
87Scalability88
90Learning Curve86

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Around
+Minimal screen real estate
+Fun social feel for teams
-Niche interface may not suit all
-Smaller user base
Hopin
+Best-in-class virtual event platform
+Networking features are unique
-Expensive for large events
-Overkill for simple meetings
AI Verdict

After comparing Around and Hopin across features, pricing, and user satisfaction, Around takes the lead with a score of 86/100 versus Hopin's 84/100. Around's key advantages include "minimal screen real estate" and "fun social feel for teams". That said, Hopin has its own strengths — particularly "best-in-class virtual event platform" — making it a viable alternative for specific use cases.

Both Around and Hopin offer free plans, lowering the barrier to entry. Around's paid plans start at $9/user/mo while Hopin begins at $99/mo. Evaluate which paid features — Noise cancellation, Team spaces (Around) vs Networking, Sessions and stages (Hopin) — justify upgrading for your team.

Bottom line: Choose Around if you need remote teams wanting a less formal, always-on video presence. Go with Hopin if your priority is organizations running large virtual conferences and networking events. Both are strong video conferencing tools — we recommend trying the free plan of each before committing.

CHOOSE AROUND IF:

Remote teams wanting a less formal, always-on video presence.

CHOOSE HOPIN IF:

Organizations running large virtual conferences and networking events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Around better than Hopin in 2026?
Around scores 86/100 on hiltonsoftware.co compared to Hopin's 84/100. Around stands out for "minimal screen real estate" and is best for Remote teams wanting a less formal, always-on video presence. Hopin is known for "best-in-class virtual event platform" and suits Organizations running large virtual conferences and networking events. Your specific workflow and team size should guide the decision.
What is the pricing difference between Around and Hopin?
Both offer free plans. Around starts at $9/user/mo and Hopin at $99/mo. When comparing value, consider that Around (founded 2020, 200K+ users) includes features like Floating bubble UI, Screen sharing, Noise cancellation. Hopin (founded 2019, 100K+ orgs users) offers Virtual events, Expo halls, Networking. The right choice depends on which features matter most to your team.
What are the main differences between Around and Hopin?
The key differences come down to focus and approach. Around excels at Floating bubble UI, Screen sharing, Noise cancellation, while Hopin focuses on Virtual events, Expo halls, Networking. Around's main advantage is "minimal screen real estate", though some users note "niche interface may not suit all". Hopin's strength is "best-in-class virtual event platform", but "expensive for large events" can be a drawback. Both serve the Video Conferencing market but target different user profiles.
Can I switch from Around to Hopin?
Switching between Around and Hopin is possible since both operate in the Video Conferencing space. Before migrating, export your data from Around and check Hopin's import capabilities. Key features to verify compatibility: Floating bubble UI, Screen sharing, Noise cancellation (Around) vs Virtual events, Expo halls, Networking (Hopin). Consider running both tools in parallel during a trial period to ensure a smooth transition.
Which is better for small teams: Around or Hopin?
Both tools offer free plans, so evaluate based on features. Around is ideal for Remote teams wanting a less formal, always-on video presence, while Hopin fits Organizations running large virtual conferences and networking events. Try both during their trial periods to see which fits your team's workflow.

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