Abstract
Around
| Feature | Abstract | Around |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From $13/mo | Free / from $10/mo |
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Best For | design-teams, agencies, enterprise-design, product-teams | remote-teams, hybrid-teams, developers, creative-teams |
| Founded | 2015 | 2019 |
| Version Control | ✓ | ✗ |
| Branching | ✓ | ✗ |
| Design Reviews | ✓ | ✗ |
| Collections | ✓ | ✗ |
| Inspect | ✓ | ✗ |
| Integrations | ✓ | ✗ |
| Floating Bubbles | ✗ | ✓ |
| Noise Cancellation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Auto Leveling | ✗ | ✓ |
| Screen Sharing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Reactions | ✗ | ✓ |
| Meeting Notes | ✗ | ✓ |
| Calendar Integration | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Abstract Pros
- Version control for design
- Great for teams
- Design reviews
- Branching
✗ Abstract Cons
- Sketch-focused
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
✓ Around Pros
- Minimal screen footprint with floating video bubbles
- Excellent AI noise cancellation
- Auto-equalizes audio levels between participants
- Designed for casual always-on collaboration
✗ Around Cons
- Limited features for formal presentations
- Smaller user base than major platforms
- No recording on free plan
The Verdict
Abstract is built for design teams and agencies, with a focus on version-control and branching. Around targets remote teams and hybrid teams and leads with floating-bubbles and noise-cancellation.
Pricing is close: Around starts at $10/mo versus $13/mo for Abstract — not a deciding factor on its own.
Around has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Abstract requires a paid subscription from day one.
Feature-wise, Around offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Abstract takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Bottom line: Around has a slight overall edge — but if version control for design matters most to you, Abstract may still be the right call.