Requirements depend on whether you are a host or a guest joining a Room — guests have lighter requirements and do not need the desktop app.
Requirements for hosts and Call participants
If you are hosting a Room or participating in a Call, you need the Nearo Desktop App on a supported computer.
Computer requirements
Nearo requires a computer and cannot be used as a host on phones or tablets.
You can use Nearo on:
A laptop or desktop computer
A computer running Windows or macOS
Operating system requirements
Your computer should be running a modern, supported operating system.
Recommended:
Windows 10 or newer
macOS 12 (Monterey) or newer
Older operating systems may still run Nearo but can lead to performance or compatibility issues.
Internet speed requirements
A stable, high-speed internet connection is required for the best experience.
Recommended:
A broadband connection, such as cable or fiber
At least 5 Mbps download speed and 5 Mbps upload speed
Slow or unstable connections can cause audio dropouts, frozen video, or lag during sessions.
For help checking your internet speed, see How to test your internet speed at the end of this article.
Hardware recommendations
Nearo performs best on computers that meet these general hardware guidelines:
A modern processor
At least 8 GB of RAM
A built-in or external webcam
A microphone and speakers or a headset
Using a headset can help reduce echo and background noise during sessions.
Account and app requirements
You must have a Nearo account to download and use the Nearo app.
The Nearo app is downloaded from the Nearo Dashboard, and you must be signed in to access the download. Once the app is installed, you can start or join Nearo sessions from your computer.
Requirements for guests joining a Room
If you are joining a Nearo Room as a guest, the requirements are much lighter.
You need:
A Room link or Room code from your host
A modern web browser
A working microphone
An internet connection
No Nearo account, no app download, and no special hardware is required. Guests can join from a computer, tablet, iPad, Chromebook, or phone.
Checking your current setup
How to test your internet speed
You can check your internet speed using Fast.com.
When Fast.com loads, it automatically tests your download speed. This helps you confirm whether your connection meets the recommended requirements for live sessions.
If your speed is lower than recommended, you may notice audio issues, choppy video, or delays when sharing your screen.
💡 For the most accurate results, close other apps and pause downloads before running the test.
How to check which processor your computer has
Your processor, also called a CPU, affects how well your computer can handle video, audio, and screen sharing at the same time.
On Windows, open Settings, select System, select About, and look for Processor.
On macOS, open the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and view the processor information near the top of the window.
Computers with a modern processor, such as an Intel i5 or Apple Silicon (M1, M2, or newer), generally provide the best Nearo experience.
How to check how much RAM your computer has
RAM is your computer's short-term memory and plays an important role in performance during live sessions.
On Windows, open Settings, select System, select About, and look for Installed RAM.
On macOS, open the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and look for Memory.
Nearo works best on computers with 8 GB of RAM or more. Computers with less RAM may still work but can feel slower during longer or more demanding sessions.