Can You Use Zoom for Free? Simple Explanation & Everything You Need to Know!

In short: yes. Zoom is also available free of charge. You can get started right away — no subscription, no credit card required.

But how much do you actually get in the free version? And where are the limits?

1. What Does the Basic Version of Zoom Cost?

The free version is called "Zoom Basic" — and it offers more than you might expect:

• Unlimited 1:1 meetings
• Group meetings with up to 100 participants
• 40-minute time limit for group calls
• Screen sharing and whiteboard features
• Virtual backgrounds and chat function

That’s more than enough for many personal needs — and even for basic work meetings with small teams.

2. Are There Any Hidden Costs?

No. You can use Zoom for free as long as you like.

There is no sudden trial period that runs out.

The limitations are clearly defined:

• Group meetings end automatically after 40 minutes
• No cloud recording (only local recording)
• No phone support or admin tools

If you need more, you can upgrade at any time. But there’s no pressure.

3. What Does Zoom Cost If You Want More?

Here’s a brief 2025 pricing overview:

• Zoom Basic (Free): See above
• Zoom Pro (~€14–15/month): Longer meetings, 5 GB cloud storage, user management
• Zoom Business (~€18–20): For small businesses, with branding, transcriptions, reports
• Zoom Enterprise: For large companies — custom pricing

There are also add-ons for webinars, Zoom Phone, and large-scale events.

4. Who Is Zoom Basic Suitable For?

Zoom Basic is perfect for:

• Personal video calls with friends and family
• Volunteer groups and local associations
• Students and study groups
• Startups and small teams with short meetings

Tip: If the 40-minute time limit bothers you, just restart the meeting or take turns hosting.

5. Conclusion: Your Needs Decide Whether Zoom Free Is Enough

Zoom Basic isn’t just a starter plan — it’s a fully usable solution for a wide range of situations.

Sure, Zoom Pro and Business have their advantages. But you don’t have to pay anything to try Zoom, understand how it works, and use it productively.

Which version makes sense for you depends on your needs.

P.S.: There are also third-party tools that can automatically pull out meeting minutes, summaries, and tasks, and send them straight to your productivity or CRM tools. That way, you can take your meeting follow-up to the next level.