If you’ve been using Zoom for years, you might have noticed a recent shift — the company has rebranded its broader platform as Zoom Workplace. What started as a go-to video conferencing tool is now positioning itself as a complete collaboration hub. Naturally, this has led to a bit of confusion: Is Zoom now Zoom Workplace? And if so, what’s changed?
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between the two, compare their features, and show where both fall short — especially when stacked against a true all-in-one alternative like Lark.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a well-known name in the world of online communication, originally rising to fame as a simple, reliable video conferencing app. Over time, it’s grown beyond basic calls, now offering webinars and light collaboration features — though its core strength is still connecting people face-to-face, virtually, from anywhere in the world.
Image source: zoom.com
Key features include:
HD video and audio conferencing for clear, professional calls, whether it’s a quick team check-in or a client presentation.
Breakout rooms, screen sharing, and recording so teams can split into smaller groups, present materials, and keep a record of discussions.
Integration with third-party apps like Google Drive, Slack, and Dropbox to make meetings more productive without switching tools.
Ideal for: Small startups, mid-sized companies, or large organizations that need a straightforward, easy-to-use platform for video meetings and webinars. In a Zoom vs Zoom Workplace comparison, Zoom stands out for its simplicity — it does meetings exceptionally well, without overloading users with extra tools they might not need.
Read more about How to Create Zoom Meetings from Your Lark Calendar
What is Zoom Workplace?
Zoom Workplace is Zoom’s reimagined platform, designed to be more than just a place for video calls. It combines the familiar meeting experience with tools for chatting, sharing files, and managing tasks — all within a single workspace. The idea is to help teams collaborate before, during, and after a meeting without jumping between different apps.
Image source: zoom.com
Key features include:
Full team collaboration suite that blends meetings, messaging, and content sharing in one environment.
Integrated chat, task management, and document sharing so conversations and project updates stay in the same place.
Enhanced project management capabilities that let teams assign work, set deadlines, and track progress alongside their video calls.
Ideal for: Businesses that want an all-in-one workspace for both communication and collaboration. In a Zoom vs Zoom Workplace comparison, Zoom Workplace appeals to teams looking to handle daily discussions, project updates, and file sharing in the same space where they already hold their meetings.
Zoom vs Zoom Workplace: Which has better features?
Image source: zoom.com
When comparing Zoom vs Zoom Workplace, it quickly becomes clear that the two are built for slightly different priorities. Zoom keeps its focus on delivering the smoothest possible meeting experience, while Zoom Workplace expands into a broader set of collaboration tools. Here’s a closer look at what each platform brings to the table.
Zoom’s top features
High-definition video and audio: Zoom’s HD quality ensures that meetings feel clear and professional, whether you’re speaking with a client across the country or collaborating with a remote teammate. Good audio and video quality reduces miscommunication and makes long calls less tiring.
Virtual background support: With Zoom’s virtual backgrounds, you can hide distractions or brand your backdrop for a professional touch. This feature is especially handy for remote workers who don’t have a dedicated home office setup.
Breakout rooms for focused discussions: Breakout rooms let hosts split larger meetings into smaller, focused sessions. This is perfect for workshops, classroom activities, or team brainstorming without leaving the main meeting.
Webinar hosting: Zoom’s webinar feature supports large-scale presentations with registration, attendee management, and Q&A tools. It’s a strong choice for marketing events, training sessions, and public announcements.
Zoom Workplace’s top features
Unified collaboration tools (chat, file sharing, meetings): Zoom Workplace centralizes core communication tools, so you can move from a chat conversation to a meeting and share files without switching apps. This makes collaboration more continuous and less fragmented.
Integrated project management tools: With built-in task tracking and project boards, Zoom Workplace helps teams assign work, monitor deadlines, and track progress — all within the same platform where meetings happen.
File and document sharing, with editing capabilities: Instead of sending files over email, you can share and co-edit documents right inside Zoom Workplace. This keeps files up to date and reduces version-control headaches.
Task management integration: Tasks can be created, assigned, and tracked directly from conversations or meeting notes, ensuring follow-ups don’t get lost once the call ends.
Comparisons
When it comes to Zoom vs Zoom Workplace, the biggest difference lies in scope. Zoom is laser-focused on delivering top-tier video conferencing — it’s fast to set up, easy to join, and familiar to millions of users worldwide. This makes it ideal for teams that mainly rely on scheduled meetings and webinars to get work done.
Zoom Workplace, on the other hand, is built to go beyond meetings by adding chat, file sharing, and task management into the same space. This creates a more holistic work environment where conversations, documents, and project updates live side-by-side. While this added functionality can reduce the need for multiple apps, it also introduces a steeper learning curve. In short, Zoom is the better pick for simplicity and speed, while Zoom Workplace suits teams looking for a broader, all-in-one collaboration setup.
Zoom vs Zoom Workplace: Which has better automation?
Automation can be a real time-saver, helping teams cut down on repetitive tasks and keep projects moving without constant manual input. In the Zoom vs Zoom Workplace comparison, both platforms offer automation, but their focus areas are quite different.
Zoom’s Automation features
Webinar registration automation: Zoom can automatically handle event registrations, sending confirmations and reminders to attendees without manual follow-up. This is particularly useful for recurring marketing or training webinars.
Meeting scheduling: Through calendar integrations, Zoom can schedule meetings directly from tools like Google Calendar or Outlook. This eliminates the back-and-forth of finding a suitable time.
Custom integrations via Zapier: For teams wanting more customization, Zoom connects with Zapier, allowing workflows like automatically creating a meeting link when a new project is added to a task manager.
Zoom Workplace’s Automation features
Built-in task automation for workflows: Zoom Workplace includes native tools to automate routine project tasks, such as assigning follow-up actions after a meeting or updating status boards when work is completed.
Automated meeting scheduling based on team availability: Instead of manually checking calendars, the platform can automatically find open time slots and set up meetings for all participants.
Document and file approval routing: When documents need sign-off, Zoom Workplace can automatically route them to the right people, keeping the approval process smooth and trackable.
Comparisons
While Zoom’s automation is tailored to meetings and webinars, Zoom Workplace spreads its automation capabilities across communication, task management, and document workflows. This makes Zoom Workplace better suited for teams with complex, interconnected processes — though it may be more than a small team really needs.
Zoom vs. Zoom Workplace: Which has better pricing plans?
Pricing can make or break a platform’s appeal, especially for teams trying to balance cost with functionality. In the Zoom vs Zoom Workplace comparison, both offer free and paid options, but the way they structure their plans reflects their different priorities.
Image source: zoom.com
Zoom Pricing
Free plan (limited features): Zoom’s free tier allows unlimited one-on-one meetings and 40-minute group meetings. It’s a good starting point for individuals or very small teams that don’t mind time limits.
Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans: Paid plans increase meeting duration limits, expand participant capacity, and add features like cloud recording, reporting, and advanced admin controls. The pricing scales depending on the number of hosts and meeting size requirements.
Zoom Workplace Pricing
Free plan with basic features: The free tier includes messaging, basic task tools, and standard video meetings. However, advanced project management features and more storage require upgrading.
Pricing tiers for different team sizes and feature access (Pro, Business, Enterprise): Higher tiers unlock expanded storage, enhanced task and document tools, and additional administrative controls for larger organizations.
Comparisons
Zoom’s pricing model is heavily tied to meeting capacity and duration, making it easy to scale if your main need is larger calls. Zoom Workplace, however, prices based on overall team collaboration — so if you want the full suite of chat, tasks, and file management, you’ll need to consider the higher tiers.
Zoom vs Zoom Workplace: Which is easier to use?
Ease of use often determines how quickly a team can adopt new software. In the Zoom vs Zoom Workplace debate, the learning curve varies depending on whether you want a simple meeting tool or a multi-feature workspace.
Zoom’s ease of use
Intuitive meeting setup: Zoom’s setup process is straightforward — create a meeting, share the link, and you’re ready to go. Even first-time users can figure it out without much guidance.
Simple interface, especially for first-time users: The layout is clean and uncluttered, focusing on core meeting controls like mute, share screen, and chat. There’s little to distract from the task at hand.
Popular across industries, so familiarity is high: Because Zoom is used widely in education, business, and events, many users already know the basics, reducing onboarding time for new teams.
Zoom Workplace’s ease of use
More complex due to multi-functional platform: Zoom Workplace combines chat, meetings, file sharing, and task tools, which can make the interface feel busier compared to standard Zoom.
Features like task management and document collaboration add a learning curve: Teams may need time to adjust to navigating between different collaboration modules, especially if they’re coming from single-purpose tools.
Comparisons
Zoom is the faster option for getting started — you can set up and join meetings in seconds. Zoom Workplace offers a richer set of collaborative features, but those extras come with added complexity. For teams willing to invest time in learning the system, the payoff is a more comprehensive workspace; for those who want instant usability, Zoom still has the edge.
Zoom vs Zoom Workplace: Which is more secure?
Security plays a huge role in choosing the right platform, especially for teams handling sensitive information. In the Zoom vs Zoom Workplace comparison, both options offer strong protection, but their focus areas differ.
Image source: zoom.com
Zoom security features
End-to-end encryption (for meetings): Zoom offers end-to-end encryption for meetings, ensuring that only participants can view or hear the conversation — not even Zoom’s servers.
Password-protected meetings: Hosts can require passwords for entry, adding an extra layer of security to prevent unwanted participants from joining.
Waiting rooms for enhanced security: Waiting rooms let hosts control who enters the meeting, so only approved attendees can join.
Zoom Workplace security features
Integrated security across chat, meetings, and file-sharing: Zoom Workplace applies its security protocols to every communication channel, not just video calls, creating a more comprehensive safety net.
Admin controls for permissions and access restrictions: Admins can set granular permissions to determine who can view, edit, or share specific files and tasks.
Role-based permissions for project collaboration: Project roles come with tailored access rights, ensuring team members only see or change what’s relevant to their work.
Comparisons
Zoom’s security measures are strong for video conferencing, making it a trusted choice for secure meetings. Zoom Workplace extends this protection across the entire collaboration suite — including chat, files, and projects — making it a better fit for teams that want end-to-end security for all types of work, not just calls.
Zoom vs Zoom Workplace: Which is right for you?
Choosing between Zoom and Zoom Workplace comes down to how your team works day-to-day. Some organizations want the fastest, simplest way to hold meetings, while others prefer a platform that handles every aspect of communication and collaboration in one place.
Image source: zoom.com
When Zoom might be the right choice
Small teams needing straightforward video conferencing: If your team’s main need is to connect over clear, reliable video calls, Zoom’s core platform gets the job done without extra complexity.
Companies with basic video conferencing and webinar needs: For organizations that regularly host meetings or webinars but don’t require integrated project tools, Zoom is a budget-friendly, low-maintenance option.
Teams that prioritize simplicity and ease of use: Zoom’s minimal learning curve and widespread familiarity make it easy to adopt, even for users who aren’t tech-savvy.
When Zoom Workplace might be the better fit
Larger teams that need a complete communication and collaboration suite: Zoom Workplace combines meetings, messaging, file sharing, and tasks, giving big teams a central space for all work-related discussions and updates.
Businesses looking for an integrated platform for meetings, tasks, file sharing, and messaging: This setup keeps all project context in one environment, reducing the need to juggle multiple apps.
Organizations with complex workflows that need project management tools: Zoom Workplace’s built-in task management and workflow automation help streamline approvals, assignments, and progress tracking.
Comparisons
In a Zoom vs Zoom Workplace scenario, Zoom is the clear winner for teams that just want dependable video calls and webinars. Zoom Workplace is better suited for businesses aiming to manage communication, documents, and tasks in one integrated platform — especially if they have complex, ongoing projects that require more than just a meeting link.
Where Zoom Workplace falls short
Even with its expanded feature set, Zoom Workplace has some noticeable gaps that can impact the overall user experience:
Fragmented experience: While it offers multiple tools, they can feel like separate modules rather than parts of a single, seamless system.
Pricing can be expensive with add-ons: The cost rises quickly if you need more advanced features or higher usage limits.
Document collaboration still lacks maturity: Editing tools work, but they aren’t as advanced or fluid as dedicated document platforms.
AI is still limited to Zoom contexts (meetings, chat): Its AI features don’t extend deeply into other workflows like tasks or document creation.
Interface consistency varies between modules: Switching between chat, meetings, and tasks can feel disjointed due to design differences.
Because of these drawbacks, many teams start looking for an alternative that delivers the same breadth of functionality but with tighter integration, more consistent design, and better value. This is where Lark stands out — offering a truly unified, all-in-one collaboration experience that’s built for both communication and productivity from the ground up.
Why Lark is the best Zoom Workplace alternative
Lark is a complete collaboration platform that brings video conferencing, chat, document creation, and project management into one connected environment. Unlike Zoom or Zoom Workplace — where features can feel like separate add-ons — every tool in Lark works together naturally, so you can move from a meeting to a chat to a shared document without breaking focus. For teams comparing Zoom vs Zoom Workplace, Lark not only matches their meeting capabilities but also delivers a smoother, more unified work experience.
Key features:
Lark Meetings: Built-in video conferencing with live translation
Lark Meetings provides high-quality video and audio for everything from daily stand-ups to global conferences. Its live translation feature supports over 100 languages, making it easy for multinational teams to collaborate without language barriers. This function runs directly in the meeting, so there’s no need for extra apps or plugins.
Lark Messenger: Real-time chat with file sharing, bots, and threads
Lark Messenger keeps communication organized and easy to follow with threaded conversations, quick file sharing, and instant previews. Built-in bots help with everyday tasks like setting reminders or fetching information, while messages and files stay connected to your meetings and tasks, ensuring important context is never lost.
Lark Docs: Real-time co-editing with permissions, comments, versioning
Lark Docs allows multiple team members to work on the same document at the same time. You can leave comments, tag colleagues, adjust access settings, and revisit earlier versions whenever needed. Documents can even be opened and edited during a Lark Meeting, making collaboration more fluid than switching between separate tools.
Lark Calendar: Works hand-in-hand with chat and meetings
Lark Calendar does more than track dates — it ties directly to your conversations and events. You can schedule a meeting straight from a chat, see team availability instantly, and attach relevant documents or tasks so everything you need is ready before the call starts.
Lark Base: Project management hub
Lark Base combines the flexibility of a database with the structure of a project board. Create custom workflows, track tasks in Kanban or table views, and connect them with the relevant documents or messages. Automatic updates keep everyone aware of progress without constant manual check-ins.
Key differentiators:
Seamless integration between all tools
Native collaboration—edit docs during calls, comment in calendar events
Truly global: Translates over 100 languages
Affordable pricing and free plan with rich features
Why Lark is better than Zoom and Zoom Workplace
All-in-one platform: Unlike Zoom or Zoom Workplace, Lark brings together video conferencing, chat, document editing, and project management in one connected workspace. This removes the need to juggle separate apps and keeps all work in a single, consistent environment.
Mobile-friendly: Lark is built with a mobile-first mindset, ensuring that teams can hold meetings, edit documents, share files, and manage tasks seamlessly from their phones, without losing functionality.
Cost-effective: Lark’s free plan includes features that Zoom’s free version doesn’t offer — from advanced meeting tools to collaborative documents and project boards — making it a better value for businesses of all sizes.
Works smoothly with business tools: Lark can work alongside a wide range of business apps and services, streamlining workflows without forcing users to rely on extra third-party platforms. This makes it easier for teams to keep their tools and data connected while staying within Lark’s ecosystem.
Conclusion
When comparing Zoom vs Zoom Workplace, the decision comes down to whether you need a simple, dependable video conferencing tool or a broader, all-in-one workspace. Zoom remains a top choice for straightforward meetings and webinars, while Zoom Workplace adds chat, file sharing, and task management to create a more complete platform.
However, for teams looking for a solution where every tool works together effortlessly from day one, Lark offers a smarter path forward. With video conferencing, chat, documents, project boards, and AI-powered features all in one place, Lark helps teams work faster, stay organized, and avoid the inefficiencies of switching between multiple apps.
FAQs
Is Zoom Workplace the same as Zoom?
Not exactly. Zoom Workplace is essentially Zoom expanded into a broader collaboration platform, adding chat, file sharing, and basic project management to the familiar meeting tool. If you’re after a setup where these features feel truly connected and easy to use, Lark offers them all in one environment with richer functionality.
Is Zoom Workplace free?
Yes, it has a free tier, but the feature set is limited, and many advanced tools are locked behind paid plans. Lark’s free plan includes meetings, chat, documents, project management, and AI tools — giving you more from the start without hidden costs.
Is Zoom Workplace suitable for hybrid or remote teams?
It can work for hybrid and remote setups, but onboarding can take time due to its multi-module structure. Lark is designed from the ground up for distributed teams, with a mobile-first approach, real-time collaboration, and built-in translation to support global work.
Can Lark replace both Zoom and Zoom Workplace for teams?
Absolutely. Lark offers the same high-quality meetings Zoom is known for, plus chat, documents, tasks, and AI assistance in one platform — removing the need for separate subscriptions.
Does Zoom Workplace work with project management tools?
Yes, but often through additional connections with third-party apps. Lark includes its own full project management system, Lark Base, so you can track work, store data, and manage workflows without leaving the platform.
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