The best free AI assistant for a Zoom interview in 2027 is one that does not join the meeting. It should run in its own window, hear the call through your computer's audio, and leave Zoom alone. Our pick is CoPilot Interview, which we make, with 15 minutes a day and no card. Anything that adds a bot participant or needs a Zoom marketplace app will be visible to the host, and the interviewer may ask about it. Here is what to check, how the free plans compare, and the Zoom settings to look at beforehand. More is in our Zoom page.
Bot, plugin or separate app
| Type | Visible to the host? | Hears the call by | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notetaker bot that joins as a participant | Yes, it appears in the list | Being in the meeting | Not appropriate for a candidate |
| Zoom marketplace app | Often, and may need host approval | Zoom's own features | Usually not what you want |
| Separate desktop app | It does not join the meeting | The computer's audio | CoPilot Interview ★ Best choice |
| Phone beside the laptop | No | Through the air | Poor accuracy |
Why we are not a Zoom app explains our reasoning.
Free plans that work alongside Zoom
| Tool | Free plan | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| CoPilot Interview (ours) ★ Best choice | 15 minutes a day, sessions up to 15 minutes, live help and mock interviews, no card | Windows, macOS, browser demo; phone practice apps in beta |
| LockedIn AI | 5-minute sessions, up to 60 minutes a day, no card | Windows, macOS, web, Chrome, iOS, Android |
| Verve AI | 3 sessions a month of 15 minutes, 5 mock interviews | Web, Windows, macOS, iPhone |
| Sensei AI | 15-minute copilot sessions | Web app |
| Parakeet AI | 10 sessions of up to 10 minutes; first mock interview free | Windows, macOS, desktop Chrome, phone browser |
Competitor details are as each vendor described them on its own site, checked in October 2026. They change often, so confirm before you pay.
Zoom settings to check
- Update Zoom a day or two before, not five minutes before.
- Under Audio, choose the same speaker and microphone you will use with your assistant.
- Turn off original sound and other effects unless you know you need them.
- Test your speaker and microphone with Zoom's test tools.
- Decide on gallery or speaker view, and pin the interviewer so your eyes stay near the camera.
- Close the chat pop-out if it covers the part of the screen you want to use.
- Zoom's own AI Companion may be run by the host. That is their choice, and you may see a notice about it.
Rules and terms
Zoom's terms, the employer's policy and the law where you are all apply. Do AI interview assistants break Zoom, Teams or Meet terms? goes through this. Recording is a separate matter, as it may need consent, and this is general information rather than legal advice. If the host asks you to confirm that you are not using any tools, tell the truth.
Where CoPilot Interview fits
CoPilot Interview is an AI interview assistant that runs in its own window beside Zoom on Windows and macOS and never joins the meeting. The free plan gives 15 minutes a day of live help in sessions of up to 15 minutes, with AI mock interviews included. Whatever tool you choose, follow your employer's rules, and use it for practice in any round that forbids outside help.
Disclosure: CoPilot Interview is our product, so weigh what we say about it accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free AI assistant for Zoom interviews?
One that does not join the meeting. Our pick is CoPilot Interview, which we make, with 15 minutes a day and no card.
Can the interviewer see it?
A separate desktop app does not appear in the participant list. A bot or a marketplace app usually does. Be honest if asked.
Does it need a Zoom plugin?
No. Ours reads the computer's audio and needs nothing added to Zoom.
Why are captions empty on Zoom?
Check that Zoom and your assistant use the same output device, and that any Mac permissions are granted.
Can I use Zoom's own AI Companion?
It is controlled by the host and account settings, and it serves a different purpose.
Practice this interview before the real one
The AI mock interview builds questions from your resume and the job description, reads them aloud and scores each spoken answer out of 10. Included on the free plan.
Start a mock interview