Virtual Coworking vs Physical Coworking: Which Is Better?

Coworking is on the rise. The number of coworking spaces globally has more than doubled from 12,100 in 2016 to over 26,000 in 2020. COVID may have changed that a little, but the core desire to connect and work alongside other bosses still holds strong.

I’ve been dipping in and out of physical coworking spaces globally since 2017, and after clocking over 130 hours of virtual coworking in the last 6-months alone (thanks COVID), I’ve got a few experiences to share to help you make a decision that’s right for you. This is a battle of the virtual vs physical coworking spaces. Let’s go!

Round 1: Convenience

Physical Coworking: If you have a cool space in your neighbourhood, lucky you! Go for it. But for many of us, we don’t or we have to travel a fair way to get there.

Virtual Coworking: The beauty of virtual coworking is that you can jump on from anywhere in the world, your bed, the beach, the bar. All you need is a laptop, wifi, and boom you’re in. No commuting required.

Winner: Virtual.

Round 2: Access Hours

Physical Coworking: Most physical coworking spaces open up for typical office hours (9am-6pm), however, if you pay to become a member and commit to being a little more permanent there, many spaces will then let you access them 24/7.

Virtual Coworking: You will find most virtual coworking community sessions around 3-hours long and spaced out over the week. Some offer early birds and after-hours sessions too, but most sessions happen in typical working hours.

Winner: Physical—technically you could spend all day in a physical space, but you can only hang out for a few hours at virtual sessions.

Round 3: Cost

Physical Coworking: Daily drop-in rates for a hot desk usually fall between AUD$25-$40 a day. If you want a permanent desk, the average price per month is between AU$470-640 (according to this report). Plus when you’re out (if you’re anything like me) you end up spending extra money on coffee, treats and lunch.

Virtual Coworking: While you will often need to sign up to a membership over a number of months to be part of a community coworking, it works out very affordable per session. For example, to join the virtual coworking club with Cool Wow Collective, you pay AU$44 + GST. That works out to be $5.50 per session (these sessions are 100mins of pure focus) — that works out to be 142% more affordable than a days coworking, plus you won’t be distracted by others in the space and will have laser focus in that time.

Winner: Virtual, so much more affordable.

Round 4: Concentration

Physical Coworking: I like a bit of background noise, some spaces are too quiet, others too noisy with people chatting, having meetings, and catching up. Of course, you can wear headphones, but that also feels a bit anti-social if you want to meet new people. I often find myself looking around the room, wondering what everyone’s up to, daydreaming about lunch. I think the idea of being in a physical space ALL day reminds me of my corporate office days.

Virtual Coworking: You have moments to chat and moments to work. Concentration is enhanced by using a timer to keep work sessions focused. You get short breaks to refresh your mind and have a chat. This style of working supports most people as our brain needs a little rest to reset and refocus. You also have everything you need at home, your tech, your screens, your snacks.

Winner: It’s close, but I’m calling it…Virtual.

Round 5: Connection

Virtual Coworking: It’s surprising how quickly you can build a strong online bond with your coworkers in the virtual space. This is because get to go around the group, share and listen to what everyone is working on. This gives you an insight into their work and personality and acts as a catalyst for conversations in the chatbox or offline on other platforms like Instagram afterwards.

Physical Coworking: You can meet humans in real life, and nothing beats that. However, some coworking spaces aren’t super friendly and it can be hard to make friends when everyone has eyeballs glued to screens to focus on the work. To make the most of connection in physical spaces, try to attend social events, join another solo stranger over lunch, or ask if anyone wants to take a walk to get coffee. All of these things can open you up to new people.

Winner: Too close to call—a lot depends on the coworking space you choose and their community values.

Round 6: Comfort

Virtual Coworking: You can be at home, with all of your fav stuff— think candles, snacks, screens, notepads, wall planners. Plus you can work in your sweatpants, sans makeup and in complete comfort.

Physical Coworking: It can’t compare in comfort, but maybe you can chill on a comfy couch somewhere?

Winner: Virtual takes out this round.

And the winner is…

The overall champion in the battle of the coworking styles [drum roll please] is…..VIRTUAL COWORKING (clearly taking out 4/6 rounds)! On a personal note, I have to confess, I am a little bit bias and LOVE virtual coworking. The ability to have everything I need at my desk ready to go is important to me, and I don’t have to wear real pants. Plus the connections I’ve made through virtual coworking have been amazing. However, every now and again a change of scene and seeing humans in real life is important too. I try to visit a physical coworking space once or twice a month to ignite inspiration and connect to my local community.

Over to you…

What is your preference? Have you tried both?

Try virtual coworking for FREE!

Cool Wow Collective opens doors to the Virtual Coworking Club twice a year. Give virtual coworking a try for free and experience the benefits to your productivity. Find upcoming dates for free coworking and register here >.