Video conferencing has become an integral part of our professional and personal lives, and Zoom came out as one of the leading protagonists. As the digital landscape continues to advance, so do our needs and preferences for online communication tools. Whether one is examining budget or looking for something new to try, or simply refining their subscriptions, they'd find themselves questioning a switch away from Zoom.
This guide will take you through the simple, easy process of how to cancel your Zoom subscription. We will walk you through this so that you get all the necessary information, so you can make your decision and then execute it quickly. Let's navigate through the world of subscription management and further look at the alternatives beyond Zoom.
Table of Contents
1. Why users might want to cancel Zoom Subscription?
2. Important Considerations Before Cancelling
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling Zoom Subscription
4. What happens after a user cancels their Zoom subscription?
5. Best Alternatives to Zoom for Video Conferencing
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why users might want to cancel Zoom Subscription?
These factors make it rather reasonable to cancel the Zoom subscription:
- Cost-cutting measures: Every dollar counts in the current economic climate. Companies may realize that Zoom's price no longer fits into their budget, especially if they are doing less video conferencing than before. Companies are trying to cut costs in any way possible, and subscription services are often one of the first areas where they look to cut costs.
- Feature mismatch: Perhaps the needs of the organization have changed. Businesses might be searching for features they require but Zoom does not offer. Maybe they require more intricate collaboration tools, better integration with the current software ecosystem, or security features specific to what is not in their existing Zoom plan. In these cases, paying for a subscription that only is utilized at a fraction of its capabilities is no longer reasonable. Learn more about Zoom’s features.
- Performance problems: The users have experienced various technical hitches that are making them lose their flow. In most cases, Zoom offers services reliably, but poor video quality, audio lags, or connectivity issues could be very frustrating, more so if they occur frequently.
- Exploring other options: It seems as if it is a hotbed of competition with new innovations coming regularly in this video conferencing market. Other companies have been seen to be taking out an interest in other service providers offering some unique facilities better suiting their needs or business type.
Important Considerations Before Cancelling
The user should take some time to reflect on the following before canceling in order to make easy transition:
- Backup data: The user should make sure to download important recordings, logs of conversations, and files that zoom stores. Even though it is designed to retain that data after the cancellation by default for a period, it never hurts the users to carry their precious information in backups.
- Review scheduled meetings: The user should check their calendar for any upcoming meetings or webinars that might be affected by the cancellation. It's important to reschedule these or move them to the new platform of choice to avoid any disruptions.
- Inform the team: If the user belongs to an organization, the change needs to be communicated to all concerned parties. This involves the team members, clients, and other external partners that may have their meetings through Zoom.
- Know your billing cycle: Make sure you get a good idea of what portion of your subscription time has passed and when to drop it without losing your money in the potential refund. Of course, we understand a contract can be confusing. So, if the user has 3 months subscription left with their existing tool, they get the first 3 months with Feta free.
- Review alternative solutions: Before ditching, the user should have a plan on how they will meet video-conferencing needs going forward. Whether switching to some other platform or using their free services, it can't hurt to be ahead of the game. Refer to this exhaustive list of Zoom alternatives.
Step-by-Step guide to cancel Zoom subscription
Now, let's walk through the process of canceling your Zoom subscription on:
- Web
- App Store
- Google Play
Web
- Sign in to your Zoom account at zoom.us.
- You will find Plans and Billing from the left navigation menu and then click on Plan Management.
- You'll discover all the plans that are currently active on your account.
- Click on Manage on the plan that you want to cancel.
- Click on Cancel Plan.
- When prompted, click Cancel Subscription.
- You will receive an email for a cancellation confirmation.
App store
- Turn on your iOS device (iPhone or iPad) and locate the Settings app.
- Open the Settings app.
- At the top of the Settings menu, you'll see your Apple ID profile. Tap on your name or profile picture.
- In the Apple ID menu, scroll down and click on "Subscriptions."
- You'll see a list of all your active and expired subscriptions. Find "Zoom" in this list.
- Tap on the Zoom subscription to view its details.
- On the subscription details page, you'll come across options for different plans. Scroll to the bottom.
- Click on "Cancel Subscription" or "Cancel Free Trial" if you're still in the trial period.
- A confirmation popup will appear. Read the information about when your subscription will end.
- Click on "Confirm" to finalize the cancellation.
- You'll see a confirmation message. Note: Your Zoom subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle.
- You will receive an email with a cancellation confirmation from Apple.
Google Play
- On your Android device, find and tap the Google Play Store app to open it.
- In the top-left corner of the Play Store, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
- From the menu, click on "Payments & Subscriptions."
- You'll see a list of all your subscriptions managed through Google Play. Scroll through this list to find Zoom.
- Click on the Zoom subscription to open its details.
- On the subscription details page, you'll see information about your current plan and renewal date.
- Scroll down and click on the "Cancel subscription" button.
- Google Play will ask for a reason for cancellation. This is optional, but you can select one from the list provided.
- After selecting a reason (or skipping it), tap "Continue."
- After reviewing it, click "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
- A final confirmation popup will appear. Click on "Yes" to confirm your cancellation.
- You'll see a cancellation confirmation screen. Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period.
- Optional: Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Google Play.
What happens after a user cancels their Zoom subscription?
After canceling the subscription, a user can expect the following:
- Access to feature: The user will continue to enjoy all their paid features until the end of his current billing cycle. Then, their account will be reverted back to the free basic plan.
- Restrictions on Meeting: When the user's subscription expires, the individual will find themselves within the confines of the free plan and thus the meetings will have time bounds, especially for group meetings taking forty minutes.
- Scheduled meeting: Any meeting that may occur beyond the last end date for the user shall not be cancelled but shall fall within free constraints.
- Data retention: Zoom will normally retain the user's data for a limited time after cancellation. It would be best if the user could back up anything of importance before cancelling. Retention periods can vary; the user should check out Zoom's current policies on this.
- Refund: The refund policy is not the same for all the plans and depends on the date of cancellation of the plan. In general, Zoom doesn't give a partial refund for unused time, though one should look at the latest terms of service for this.
- Account status: Your account will still be active; it will simply be a free plan. You can upgrade again at a later time if you need to change it.
After canceling your Zoom subscription, one would be eager to know how to delete Zoom account and uninstall Zoom.
Best Alternatives to Zoom for Video Conferencing
These are the best video conferencing options as an alternative to Zoom: Feta, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, GoToMeeting, Slack Huddle, Skype, Jitsi Meet, RingCentral Video, Whereby.
- Feta
- Google Meet
- Microsoft Teams
- Cisco Webex
- GoToMeeting
- Slack Huddle
- Skype
- Jitsi Meet
- RingCentral Video
- Whereby
Let’s explore each alternative separately.
Feta
Feta has been changing the way virtual meetings are conducted because, with added capabilities of its AI-powered platform, it runs through all cycles of meetings-from preparation to follow-up, automating tasks like taking the minutes, updating the project tool, and creating knowledge base library. While doing this, Feta lets the energy of teams be more directed to core discussions and decision-making.
Features:
- AI-powered meeting summaries enhance team coordination
- Live translation and transcription facilitate global collaboration
- Built-in scheduling and agenda management streamline meeting organization
- Effortless integration with common workplace software
- Collaborative tools like digital whiteboards boost interactive sessions
Feta aims to elevate every meeting and make a meaningful contribution towards team objectives by optimizing the entire process and maintaining essential context.
See this fair comparison of Zoom vs. Feta.
Transitioning to a new platform can be challenging, but Feta aims to simplify this process. Users can receive up to three months of complimentary service that matches their existing Zoom plan. To take advantage of this offer, interested parties need only complete a brief online form.
Pricing
Feta is currently offering an exclusive Alpha program to a limited number of users. This program provides a unique chance to experience Feta's cutting-edge collaboration tools firsthand. Participants may benefit from personalized support, customized solutions, and assistance in integrating Feta with existing systems. Interested parties are invited to apply for this restricted access opportunity.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a video meeting application from Google that has been integrated into Google Workspace. Google Meet allows up to 250 participants per call and, among other features, supports real-time captioning and screen sharing. However, it also has its limits.
It has limited group calls to 60 minutes, which means long meetings are not feasible, and it does not allow breakout rooms or polling in case of interactive workshops or training sessions. It limits the customization of virtual backgrounds so that branding opportunities are lost. Moreover, it has limited integration with Google Workspace applications, which may be a hassle for teams that have a diverse software ecosystem in use.
Google Meet is free for personal use with time limits, while business plans start at $6 per user per month. See how Google Meet's pricing compares to Zoom's pricing in Zoom vs. Google Meet pricing.
If Google Meet is not needed anymore, you should look for top Google Meet alternatives.
Check out this honest comparison of Google Meet vs. Feta.
Also check how Google Meet compares to Zoom and Microsoft Teams in, Zoom vs. Google Meet and Google Meet vs. Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that combines the features of chat, video meetings, and file storage. The use of it becomes easier with its screen sharing and background blur capabilities and its seamless integration into the apps offered in Office 365.
Despite its functionality, Teams has some downsides. Its interface tends to be quite complex; therefore, new users find it difficult, hence a greater learning curve. The platform requires a Microsoft account for the users to log in, which puts a restriction on who can use the platform. Users of the video layout cannot make it as flexible as competitors, and this limits the view at bigger meetings.
It is capped at 100 GB per organization on free accounts, which may be somewhat tight for teams that would share a lot of files, or dealing with very big files or documents. On the other hand, it does offer a free account, and business plans cost about $4 per user a month.
In case if you interested, here's a well curated list of top Microsoft Teams alternatives.
We have created a very unbiased comparison of Microsoft Teams vs. Feta
Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams, entails how these two apps compares to each other. Also see how Zoom's pricing compares to Microsoft Team's pricing in Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams pricing.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is an enterprise video-conferencing and collaboration-focused service. It also brings in AI-powered transcription capabilities, virtual backgrounds, and even gesture recognition capabilities.
But the service has its downsides as well, one of them being its highly complicated interface, with much difficulty to understand how things work for a first time user. It's relatively costlier than many other platforms, so some small businesses or users are put in tight spots. For mobile users, there is less functionality as compared to when used by the desktop application. The slow pace of its customer support has also been criticized at times; especially when assistance is needed on an urgent basis, it frustrates.
Webex provides a free plan, with paid plans starting at $13.50 per user per month.
Here's a very truthful comparison on how Feta stacks against Webex in Cisco Webex vs. Feta
We have curated a handy list of top Cisco Webex alternatives.
Zoom vs. Webex, encompasses a very fair comparison between the two.
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a hosted video-conferencing application. The features include HD video, desktop sharing ability, and drawing tools.
However, the platform has a few shortcomings. It does not have features such as digital whiteboards that many modern video conferencing platforms have begun to adopt. GoToMeeting does not provide a free version; this might deter some of the small teams or one-person businesses that wish to test the service. The integrations on the platform are also fewer than some of its newer counterparts, which makes workflows complicated for a team that is already operating on several different tools. Its user interface feels dated compared to more modern alternatives, which can impact user experience.
Plans for GoToMeeting start at $12 per organizer per month.
You can also check out top GoToMeeting alternatives.
Zoom vs. GoToMeeting showcases how these two app compares to each other.
Slack Huddle
Slack is basically a group messaging platform that offers video call functionality. It has the transition from text to video, screen sharing capabilities, and it has good integrations with other applications.
Slack also has several weaknesses in its video conferencing features. Video conferences in the free plan cannot consist of more than 15 participants. Such can be restrictive for most group teams. The platform lacks advanced video features like breakout rooms or hand raising, which are often necessary for structured meetings or workshops. Slack does not come with any inherent virtual background feature- most video conferencing systems implement this by default these days. Further, video quality may degrade with a high number of participants, which impacts user experience in more significant meetings.
Slack offers a free plan, with paid plans starting at $6.67 per user per month.
Skype
Skype is an application that enables users to conduct video chats and voice calls. It supports up to 100 participants and features screen sharing and live subtitles.
Skype does not support advanced business features like breakout rooms or detailed admin controls, which are sometimes necessary for business use. The file-sharing size is only 300MB, which can be very limiting if you are working with bigger files or presentations. Skype does not support end-to-end encryption for calls, which might be a drawback for privacy-conscious users. Performance issues in larger group calls have also been reported by some users, which may affect the quality of meetings involving many attendees.
Skype is free for personal use, while Skype for Business is being phased out in favor of Microsoft Teams.
Refer to top Skype alternatives, if you are looking for alternatives to Skype.
Skype vs. Feta, is an honest comparison between the two.
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is an open-source platform that encrypts video calls without needing the account to be present for someone to use it. Besides, it allows self-hosting, which makes it an interesting solution for organizations with a special set of security or customization needs.
There are plenty of downsides to using Jitsi Meet. It requires technical expertise for the customization of the deployment. Thus, it is very challenging for someone with poor technological know-how and even to an organization which is not supported by its IT. This also does not offer sophisticated features like breakout rooms or advanced analytics. Hence, it doesn't support structured meetings or a data-driven team. It's also pretty far from a commercial alternative's polish interface. With more people in it, the platform will not be stable, and even video quality may also lose its quality. Quality may decline if large meetings and webinars take place.
The platform is free to use.
RingCentral Video
RingCentral Video is a module in RingCentral's unified communications platform where team messaging and file sharing meet task management as well as video conferencing.
Even though it provides a feature set, RingCentral Video has limitations. At a higher cost than some standalone solutions with just video conferencing-only feature sets-this would be unappealing to organizations using video calling functionality only. The slightly complex feature set on the platform might be confusing for applicants who require merely video conferencing and heighten the learning curve. Unlike other competitors that are browser-based, RingCentral Video must be downloaded and installed from the Internet, which often causes a hassle for prompt, impromptu meetings. Audio quality is reported to be less reliable in various cases when meetings are conducted.
RingCentral Video plans start at $19.99 per user per month.
Whereby
Whereby is a video conferencing web-based platform that allows customized meeting rooms with no download required.
However, it has certain limitations. Even in the paid version, Whereby limits participants to 100, which can be confining for large organizations or webinars. The platform integrates with fewer options than the other platforms, which might result in complicated workflows for teams that use several different tools. Whereby also lacks features such as a breakout room or host-level controls, which are used for more structured meetings and workshops. The free plan has just one user and meeting room, which may not be expansive enough for small teams or organizations looking to try the service before committing to a paid plan.
Whereby offers a free plan, with business plans starting at $9.99 per user per month.
When choosing among these alternatives, consider factors such as team size, budget, required features, integration needs, and ease of use. Many of these platforms offer free trials, which are helpful in determining which solution best fits your specific requirements.
All these options have their pros and cons. While choosing a suitable platform for your needs, you may consider the following factors:
- Team size: There are a couple of platforms designed for a small team, while others have the capability for large-sized meetings.
- Budget: All the platforms vary in their pricing structure from free application up to an enterprise-level plan.
- Workflow demands: What is your need: screen sharing, recording, and breakout rooms?
- Integration requirements: In case you are using heavy-duty tools, make sure that the platform you're going to use supports integration very easily.
- Security requirements: Some industries have very particular security requirements that may not be available in any particular platform.
- Ease of use: Consider the technical know-how of your team and their comfort level in using that platform.
Comparison
Alternative | Features | Limitations | Pricing |
Feta | AI-powered summaries, live translation, transcription, scheduling, agenda management, digital whiteboards | In early stage | Exclusive Alpha program |
Google Meet | Screen sharing, real-time captions, integrates with Google Workspace | Free version limits calls to 60 minutes, lacks breakout rooms and polling, limited virtual background customization | Free, business plans start at $6/month |
Microsoft Teams | Chat, video meetings, file storage, screen sharing, background blur, Office 365 integration | Complex interface, requires Microsoft account, limited video layout options | Free, business plans start at $4/month |
Cisco Webex | AI transcription, virtual backgrounds, gesture recognition | Complex interface, higher pricing, limited mobile app features, slow customer support | Free, paid plans start at $13.50/month |
GoToMeeting | HD video, desktop sharing, drawing tools | Lacks digital whiteboards, no free plan, limited integrations, dated interface | Plans start at $12/month |
Slack Huddle | Transition from chat to video, screen sharing, app integrations | Video calls limited to 15 participants in free plan, lacks breakout rooms and virtual backgrounds | Free, paid plans start at $6.67/month |
Skype | Video chat, voice calls, screen sharing, live subtitles | No breakout rooms, limited admin controls, file sharing limited to 300MB, no end-to-end encryption | Free, Skype for Business being phased out |
Jitsi Meet | Encryption, no account needed, custom deployments | Requires technical expertise for customization, lacks advanced features, less polished interface, instability with large groups | Free |
RingCentral Video | Team messaging, file sharing, task management, video conferencing | Higher pricing, complex features, requires installation, occasional audio issues | Plans start at $19.99/month |
Whereby | Customizable meeting rooms, browser-based, no downloads | Participant limit of 100, limited integrations, lacks breakout rooms, free plan limited to one user | Free, business plans start at $9.99/month |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I reactivate my Zoom subscription after canceling?
Yes, you can reactivate your subscription; you will have to log into your account and select a plan. Your account remains active on the free plan, making it easy to upgrade when needed.
If you are interested in Zoom's plans, check out our detailed article on Zoom Pricing.
Will I get a refund if I cancel in the middle of the billing cycle?
The refund policy is a little different with Zoom, though. Generally, they don't do prorated refunds for unused time. But the best source would be to check out the terms of service from Zoom as it is constantly being updated.
How long will I have access to my Zoom data after canceling?
Zoom does not keep data for very long after cancelling an account, although that depends on the plan, but you should still have backed up your data.
What happens to my scheduled meetings after I cancel my subscription?
Any meetings scheduled after your subscription end date will be present but will be limited to free plan limits. This typically consists of being only allowed on group meetings for 40 minutes.
How can I export my data from Zoom before canceling?
Zoom offers options to download meeting recordings, chat logs, and other data. To do this:
1. Log into your Zoom account on the web portal.
- Go to the "Recording" section.
3. Here, you can download any cloud recordings.
4. For your chat logs, go to the "Account Management" section and look for an option to export account data.
Host Better Meetings with Feta
There have been far too many video conferences because of the rapid increase in remote work that exposed all the shortcomings that these many video conferencing tools carry. Users fight against annoying updates, jittery screen sharing, and a number of AI features that aren't as good as marketed. Fast succession of meetings can make you lose context and a badly integrated digital space just divides it.
These "minor" glitches snowball into major productivity drains. Instead of helping to make remote work easier, these tools become the obstruction, with professionals stuck in a loop of troubleshooting rather than moving on with projects.
Enter Feta: our answer to these common frustrations. This AI-driven platform streamlines meetings, preserves crucial information, and offers an intuitive, natural interface.
Feta elevates the concept of video conferencing, serving as a holistic productivity solution. With AI-generated summaries, live transcription, and seamless workflow integration, it boosts team efficiency and simplifies virtual collaboration, allowing professionals to focus on what truly matters – their work.
Migrating from Zoom to the Feta
Embracing a new communication tool can feel overwhelming, but Feta aims to ease that process. It is offering a trial period of up to 90 days at no cost, mirroring your current Zoom package. Claiming this promotional offer is as simple as filling this online form.
Interested in seeing how Feta stacks up against Zoom? We've compiled an in-depth, impartial review of Zoom vs. Feta. This analysis dissects the core functionalities of each service, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
We're now offering early access to a select group of users. Join our pioneer program to experience Feta, which is free for three months. Ready to experience meetings like never before?