Overview

Lifesize was founded in 2003 in Austin, Texas, by Craig Malloy and Michael Kenoyer and is a pioneer in HD video conferencing: in 2008 it delivered the industry's first 1080p/30fps full-HD video conferencing system, focused on a "professional room hardware + cloud meetings" combination - a classic video conferencing provider. Its product line centers on the Lifesize Cloud platform and the Lifesize Icon room system series, interoperating with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and Google Meet.

Lifesize serves mid-size and large enterprises and institutions, reaching 10,000+ businesses worldwide; branchless banks such as Starling Bank rely entirely on its video conferencing for customer communication. Around 2022, Lifesize was acquired by Enghouse Systems, a Canadian enterprise software group, and now sits under Enghouse Video, integrated with Serenova's CxEngage omnichannel contact center; the website has migrated to enghousevideo.com/lifesize.

Key Strengths

  • Professional hardware DNA: Founded in 2003 in Austin and first to deliver a 1080p/30fps HD video conferencing system in 2008, with 20+ years of hardware and audio/video expertise. See remote team toolchain.
  • 4K room systems: The Lifesize Icon series spans models 400/500/600/700/800 with 4K Ultra HD output and professional microphone arrays, fitting everything from small to large conference rooms.
  • Interoperability with mainstream ecosystems: Lifesize Cloud interoperates with 4 major meeting ecosystems - Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and Google Meet - so enterprises avoid buying separate hardware per platform.
  • Scaled deployment experience: Serves 10,000+ businesses worldwide; branchless banks such as Starling Bank rely entirely on its video conferencing, with stability proven in financial-grade scenarios.
  • Flexible hybrid deployment: 2 deployment models - cloud meetings and on-premise room terminals - combine freely to fit remote work, hybrid work, and video customer service.

Product Ecosystem

Lifesize Cloud

A cloud meeting platform offering HD audio/video meetings, screen sharing, recording, and meeting bridges, billed per host, with interoperability across Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and Google Meet.

Lifesize Icon Room System Series

All-in-one room hardware from Icon 400 to Icon 800 with 4K Ultra HD video, professional audio, and one-touch join, upgrading a traditional conference room into a smart video room when paired with Lifesize Cloud.

Hybrid Work and Video Customer Service

Lifesize provides an integrated solution spanning meeting rooms, cloud meetings, and remote collaboration for hybrid work; after the acquisition it integrates with the CxEngage omnichannel contact center for video customer service, remote reception, and virtual concierge scenarios. See customer service platform guide.

Limitations

  • Limited cloud meeting market share: In the cloud meeting market, Lifesize's user scale and ecosystem richness are smaller than mainstream brands such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
  • Hardware-plus-subscription pricing is high: Room terminals are a one-time hardware purchase and cloud meetings are billed per host, making total cost high for budget-constrained small teams, which are better served by mainstream SaaS meeting software.
  • Post-acquisition product transitions: After the Enghouse acquisition, the website and product line went through transitions, reducing roadmap and pricing transparency; enterprises should confirm long-term support and upgrade plans.
  • Relatively closed hardware ecosystem: Compatibility with meeting tablets and third-party cameras is weaker than general platforms, limiting deep customization.

Use Cases

  • Mid-size and large conference room upgrades (recommended ★★★★★): Icon series 4K terminals plus Lifesize Cloud as an integrated deployment.
  • Hybrid work and remote collaboration (recommended ★★★★): A unified solution for meeting rooms, cloud meetings, and remote work. See remote team management tools comparison.
  • Enterprises needing Teams/Zoom/Webex interoperability (recommended ★★★★): One set of hardware connects to 4 major meeting ecosystems.
  • Video customer service and remote reception (recommended ★★★): Integrated with the CxEngage contact center for financial and healthcare scenarios.
  • Budget-sensitive small teams (recommended ★★): Evaluate lightweight options such as Zoom and Google Meet first.

Pricing

Plan Billing model Key features
Lifesize Cloud Per host/month (see website) Cloud meetings, recording, screen sharing, Teams/Zoom/Webex/Meet interoperability
Icon room terminals One-time hardware purchase 4K meeting terminals, professional microphones, content sharing, one-touch join
Enterprise volume Custom quote Integrated deployment of meeting rooms + cloud meetings + contact center

Note: Lifesize has been acquired by Enghouse Systems; the latest pricing depends on the official website/Enghouse quote. This is a framework of plans.

FAQ

  • How is Lifesize different from Zoom? Lifesize focuses on a full solution of professional room hardware plus cloud meetings, while Zoom is more of a pure cloud meeting app; enterprises upgrading existing physical meeting rooms suit Lifesize better, while light users can evaluate Zoom.

  • Which meeting apps do Lifesize room systems support? The Icon series supports 4 major ecosystems - Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and Google Meet - so one set of hardware connects to different platforms. More team communication options are covered in team communication tools comparison.

  • Is Lifesize suitable for small teams? The hardware-plus-subscription combination is pricey, so small teams are better off with free or low-cost SaaS meetings such as Zoom and Google Meet; see remote team toolchain.

  • Does Lifesize still work after the Enghouse acquisition? The product line continues, the website has migrated to enghousevideo.com/lifesize, and it integrates with the CxEngage contact center; enterprises should confirm long-term support and upgrade plans with the vendor; see tech stack evaluation guide.

  • How reliable is Lifesize? It serves 10,000+ businesses worldwide, and branchless banks such as Starling Bank rely entirely on it for customer communication, with stability proven in financial scenarios; see remote team management tools comparison.