Our verdict: Zoom is the app most people already know how to join, which makes it an easy choice for calls with clients, classes and family. The free Basic plan is generous on participants but cuts group meetings off after 40 minutes. Recording to the cloud and longer meetings require a paid plan.
About Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace is the desktop app from Zoom Communications. It combines Zoom Meetings with Team Chat, Whiteboard, Notes, Mail and Calendar, and Clips for short recorded video messages. You can join a meeting without an account, but hosting requires a free sign-up.
The free Basic plan lets you host unlimited meetings with up to 100 participants, each limited to 40 minutes when other people are present. Paid plans raise the limit to 30 hours, add cloud recording and phone dial-in, and include the AI Companion assistant that writes meeting summaries.
What it does well
- Video meetings. Host or join meetings with screen sharing, breakout rooms, reactions and virtual backgrounds.
- Team Chat. Persistent chat channels that continue before, during and after meetings.
- Whiteboard. Shared online whiteboards with sticky notes, drawing tools and comments.
- Translated captions. Live captions in meetings, with translation into many languages on supported plans.
- Clips. Record your screen and camera and share a short video message instead of a meeting.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who join or host calls with clients, schools and groups that already use Zoom.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who needs free group meetings longer than 40 minutes or open-source software.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Familiar to most meeting participants
- Up to 100 people on the free plan
- Chat and whiteboard in the same app
- Join without an account
Cons
- Free group meetings end after 40 minutes
- Cloud recording and AI Companion require a paid plan
- Closed source
How to install Zoom Workplace
Download the 64-bit installer from zoom.us and run it; it installs for the current user without extra offers. You can join a meeting by ID without signing in. Before your first call, open Settings → Audio and Video to test your microphone, speakers and camera.
Questions about Zoom Workplace
Is Zoom free?
Yes. The Basic plan is free and allows unlimited meetings for up to 100 participants, each limited to 40 minutes. Paid plans remove the limit.
Do I need an account to join a Zoom meeting?
No. You can join with a meeting link or ID. You need a free account to host meetings.
What happens after 40 minutes on the free plan?
Meetings with other participants end automatically. You can start a new meeting, or upgrade for meetings of up to 30 hours.
