Gather vs SoWork (2026): Which Virtual Office Is Better?

SoWork is the better choice if you need a free plan or the lowest price. It is free for up to 10 members, and paid plans start at $5.40 per member per month. Gather is the better choice if your team wants Gather's playful 2D world and a longer trial. Gather has no free plan, but it offers a 30-day free trial and then Essential at $12 per member per month billed annually, or $15 billed monthly. Both are avatar offices. If you want your team on live video in an office that looks real, Katmai is the third option.

This comparison is published by Katmai. Prices come from each vendor's own pricing page in October 2026; check them before you buy.

Gather vs SoWork at a glance

Choose Gather if

• your team wants a playful 2D world and will spend the workday in it
• you want a 30-day trial before you pay
• you host guests often, because Gather does not bill for them

Choose SoWork if

• you need a free plan for a team of up to 10
• price matters most: Basic is $5.40 per member per month, billed annually
• 30-minute meetings are enough on the free plan, or you plan to upgrade

A third option: Katmai

Gather and SoWork both represent your team as avatars. Katmai takes the other approach: live video of real people in a photorealistic 3D office, in the browser with no headset. It suits teams that want an office that feels real, and client-facing companies whose clients join by link at no cost. Katmai is $25 per user per month, with every feature included and no minimum number of users. You start with a demo, and the Katmai team sets up your office.

FAQ

Is SoWork cheaper than Gather?

Yes, at the published prices. SoWork is free for up to 10 members, and its paid plans start at $5.40 per member per month, billed annually. Gather has no free plan, and Essential is $12 per member per month billed annually, or $15 billed monthly. SoWork Premium is also $12 per member per month billed annually, or $15 billed monthly.

Which has the longer free trial, Gather or SoWork?

Gather. It offers 30 days of every feature, and SoWork offers 7 days.

Do Gather and SoWork both use avatars?

Yes. Both represent people as avatars in a virtual office. Katmai uses live video of real people in a photorealistic 3D office instead.

Is Gather still free?

No. Gather's free plan ended when Gather 2.0 launched on September 15, 2025.

What is the best alternative to Gather and SoWork?

For live video presence in an office that looks real, Katmai, at $25 per user per month with every feature included.

Related: Gather pricing · SoWork pricing · Katmai vs Gather · Katmai vs SoWork · Kumospace vs Gather · Every Katmai comparison · Book a Katmai demo