Around vs Riverside — Which One Wins?

TLDR

Pick Around if: Design and product teams already using Miro who want lightweight video calls without leaving their workspace

Pick Riverside if: Podcasters and content creators who need studio-quality remote recording that doesn’t depend on internet quality

Our take: Around is easier to pick up, but Riverside is more powerful long-term.

 AroundRiverside
PricingFree (now part of Miro) | Included with Miro paid plansFree with 2 hours of recording | Standard $15/mo
FeaturesFloating circle video bubbles, Auto noise cancellation, Low bandwidth optimization, Screen sharing, Miro whiteboard integrationLocal recording for studio quality, 4K video recording, AI transcription and clips, Separate audio and video tracks, Live streaming to social platforms
Best forDesign and product teams already using Miro who want lightweight video calls without leaving their workspacePodcasters and content creators who need studio-quality remote recording that doesn’t depend on internet quality
Learning CurveEasyMedium

The Real Difference

Both offer free tiers, so the real question is what you get when you start paying.

Around stands out with Floating circle video bubbles and Auto noise cancellation. Riverside counters with Local recording for studio quality and 4K video recording.

Around's Achilles heel: absorbed into miro — standalone product identity is fading, and you’re locked into miro’s ecosystem now. Riverside's: overkill for regular meetings — built for production, not for your daily standup or client call. Pick whichever weakness you can live with.

Bottom Line

If you value floating circle video bubbles and design and product teams, go with Around. If podcasters and content creators matters more, Riverside is your pick. Neither is a bad choice — but one will fit your workflow better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons