Hybrid Meetings That Just Work: Why SMBs Love Owl Labs & Nexvoo
Small teams shouldn’t need big budgets—or a full-time AV engineer—to run great hybrid meetings. Here’s how two SMB-friendly options, Owl Labs and Nexvoo, make that possible.
In the post‑pandemic workplace, your conference gear has one job: make it feel like everyone is in the same room. For SMBs, that means simple setup, dependable audio, and smart video framing in compact spaces like huddle rooms and small conference rooms. Two brands consistently hit that sweet spot: Owl Labs and Nexvoo.
Owl Labs: 360° Presence with Plug‑and‑Play Simplicity
Owl Labs’ all‑in‑one Meeting Owl places a 360‑degree camera, mic, and speaker at the center of the table. Its AI auto‑focus shifts attention to active speakers and preserves context with a panoramic room view—so remote participants aren’t guessing who’s talking. Teams appreciate the quick “plug in and go” setup and broad compatibility with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, which keeps IT requests to a minimum. In practice, the 360° capture helps smaller rooms feel inclusive for remote attendees without complex multi‑camera layouts.
Nexvoo: Feature‑Rich, Budget‑Smart for Huddle Spaces
If you’re outfitting several small rooms, Nexvoo delivers a compelling price‑to‑performance ratio. The Nexvoo N149 is built for huddle spaces and small groups, pairing a wide‑angle 4K camera with speaker tracking and auto‑framing to keep the conversation centered. Like Owl, it’s plug‑and‑play and works with mainstream conferencing platforms, reducing the need for extra drivers or specialty gear. Many SMBs choose Nexvoo when they want modern framing features and solid audio pickup without stepping up to higher‑priced enterprise tiers.
Which One Fits Your Rooms?
Both solutions are excellent for SMBs, but room size and meeting style matter.
- Huddle rooms (2–6 people): Nexvoo N149 shines with its wide FOV and cost‑efficiency, especially when you need to replicate a standard setup across multiple rooms.
- Small-to-medium rooms with dynamic discussion: Owl’s 360° view and intelligent speaker tracking can feel more natural for interactive sessions and workshops where voices come from all directions.
Buying Tips for SMB Decision‑Makers
- Right‑size the mic pickup. Prioritize devices that maintain clear audio at the back of the room; great video can’t fix poor sound.
- Keep it single‑cable simple. USB‑based, plug‑and‑play units reduce friction and training needs.
- Plan for your platform. Verify compatibility with your primary meeting app (Teams, Zoom, Google Meet).
- Standardize where possible. One repeatable kit per room type speeds onboarding and support.
- Test in your worst room. Glass walls and hard surfaces can exaggerate echoes; trial devices in the toughest space first.
Bottom Line
Owl Labs and Nexvoo both deliver what SMBs need most: reliable, easy‑to‑use AV that respects your time and budget. Choose Owl if you want the most immersive, center‑of‑table experience with 360° presence. Choose Nexvoo if you value affordable replication across multiple small rooms without sacrificing intelligent framing.
Some systems we use and integrate into our SMB's networks:
