Gather vs SoWork: Virtual Office Comparison (2026)

1. TLDR verdict

For teams seeking an AI‑driven virtual office with flexible immersive graphics, integrated chat/meetings and built‑in analytics, SoWork is the better choice. It offers a 2.5D world that can be switched to a Simplified Mode for teams preferring a traditional interface. SoWork’s AI captures meeting notes and action items automatically, and its pricing scales for teams of all sizes with volume discounts. When Gather is a fit: if you want a single plan with up to 100 members, a straightforward web‑based workspace and minimal configuration.

2. Fast comparison

SoWork is best for

• Teams needing spatial video calls, instant text chats and integrated AI‑meeting summaries.

• Leaders who require detailed team analytics to monitor participation and productivity.

• Companies wanting to switch between an immersive 2.5D view and a Simplified Mode.

• Teams valuing customisable environments inspired by The Sims.

• Organisations seeking integrations via Zapier, Slack and Google Calendar.

• Large teams expecting volume discounts when scaling beyond 100 users.

Gather is best for

• Smaller teams (up to ~100 members) that prefer a single plan with unlimited meetings, chat and basic recording/transcription quotas.

• Teams wanting a “drop in” workspace focused on social interaction and quick conversations.

• Users who value built‑in fun elements like go‑karts, interactive gongs and simplified & immersive views.

3. Feature comparison table

4. Perks

SoWork perks (always present)

• Free migration from other virtual offices – SoWork rebuilds your map for free.

• Free custom map for Premium teams over 30 users.

• Free logo on avatar apparel (hoodies, hats, T‑shirts) for Premium teams over 30 users.

• Volume discounts for 100+ users (list price for 100 users shown as upper bound).

Gather perks

• Free 30‑day trial with up to 50 members and limited recording/transcription hours.

• No other perks are stated publicly; check during trial for potential onboarding incentives.

5. Definitions

• Active member vs seat – An active member is a user currently logged into the platform; a seat is a licensed slot that may or may not be active at any given time.

• AI meeting notes – SoWork AI creates a transcript of the meeting and summarises decisions and action items. Gather’s AI transcriptions capture speech for up to 30 hours per month.

SSO vs SCIM – SSO (single sign‑on) allows users to log in with a single identity provider; SCIM automates user provisioning. Both are Enterprise features in SoWork; Gather’s availability is not publicly stated.

6. Pricing + price math

Below is a sample calculation for 10, 25 and 50 users, assuming all seats are active. SoWork’s Basic tier is priced at $6 per user per month or $5.40 per user per month billed annually (10% discount), while its Premium tier costs $15 per user per month or $12 per user per month when billed annually (roughly a 20 % discount). Gather’s Essential plan is $15 per user per month with a 20 % discount when billed annually (≈$12 per user per month).

100‑user list price note, for SoWork, the list price for 100 users is $600/month for Basic and $1 500/month for Premium when billed monthly (or $1 200/month when billed annually) before volume discounts. SoWork offers volume discounts above 100 users; details are not publicly stated, so contact sales.

7. UI / UX

• Onboarding flow – SoWork allows teams to create a workspace and invite colleagues via link; there is a free plan for up to 10 people with limited features. Gather provides a 30‑day free trial and invites via email or link.

• Navigation clarity – SoWork’s immersive 2.5D interface includes avatars and rooms; the Simplified Mode simplifies navigation for first‑time users. Gather uses a flat, top‑down view with options like “Simplify Your View” and “Mini Mode”.

• Time to start a meeting – In SoWork, walk up to a colleague’s avatar or click their name to start a video call. Gather users can instantly join conversations by clicking a colleague in the virtual office.

Admin clarity – SoWork’s Enterprise tier includes role‑based admin controls and SSO/SCIM; roles are clearly defined for admin, member and guest. Gather allows admins to set user roles (Admin, Member, Guest) and assign desks.

8. Artistic direction

• SoWork – Offers a 2.5D isometric world with a Sims × Animal Crossing aesthetic and vibrant, customisable environments. Users can decorate offices, place furniture and design custom maps. The Simplified Mode presents a cleaner, non‑world interface.

• Gather – Presents a flat, map‑based workspace. Avatars resemble pixel‑style characters; the atmosphere emphasises fun and social interactions with objects like go‑karts, gongs and interactive elements. It offers simplified and immersive views but lacks 2.5D depth.

9. Ease of use

Simplified Mode is the key adoption lever: users can start with the simplified interface and later graduate to the immersive world. SoWork also minimises friction by integrating chat, meetings and AI notes into one application; there is no need to juggle multiple tools. Gather reduces scheduling friction by enabling quick drop‑in conversations and offers a simplified view, but its plan caps meeting recordings and transcriptions. Friction points like high video loads are mitigated in SoWork by switching to Simplified Mode, which lowers CPU/GPU demand. Both platforms require stable internet connections; SoWork’s 2.5D view may be heavier but the Lite Mode (Simplified Mode) compensates.

10. Ease of doing business with

Pricing clarity – SoWork clearly lists Basic ($6 per user per month across monthly and annual billing) and Premium ($15 per user per month, or $12 per user per month when billed annually). Gather offers a single Essential plan at $15 per user per month, with a 20 % discount for annual billing (reducing the monthly equivalent to $12 per user).

• Procurement readiness – SoWork offers self‑serve signup and free migration; volume discounts require contacting sales. Gather offers a 30‑day free trial and contact‑sales for custom plans beyond the Essential tier.

• Admin controls – SoWork provides detailed admin roles, SSO/SCIM and analytics; Gather offers role assignment but lacks publicly stated SSO/SCIM for Essential.

Security & compliance – Both vendors claim data encryption; SoWork’s Enterprise includes SOC 2 compliance, while Gather’s security page is limited – verify during trial.

11. Customer support / service

• SoWork – Premium plan includes priority live support. Support channels include chat and email, with direct access to the founding team (as stated in SoWork marketing).

• Gather – Customer support details are not fully disclosed for the Essential plan; the company emphasises a community and self‑service resources. Contact sales for SLA and response times.

Verify during trial – Test response times via chat or email; check if there is a knowledge base or live support.

12. CPU/GPU performance and battery

SoWork’s immersive 2.5D world uses more GPU/CPU resources than a flat UI; switching to Simplified Mode reduces the load. Gather’s flat, 2D environment is generally lightweight, and the platform includes a “Mini mode” for low‑resource operation. Neither company publishes exact performance numbers, so test on your hardware. For longer battery life on laptops, choose Simplified Mode or Mini Mode.

13. Future direction

Public signals show SoWork investing heavily in AI functionality (meeting summaries, action items, team analytics). The product roadmap emphasises deeper integrations and analytics, suggesting a focus on productivity and organisational insights. Gather originated as an events tool and pivoted to remote work; its product updates focus on adding fun objects, simplified views and social features. Teams prioritising work‑grade AI and analytics may prefer SoWork’s direction; teams that want event‑style environments and playful elements may favour Gather. No unsupported claims should be made beyond what is publicly stated.