Zoom is currently the most popular video conferencing app globally . However , the divine service is notend - to - end encrypted . It does use TLS to encrypt your data , but the Zoom server can still potentially get at your merging datum . To top it , come the controversialMotherboard reportwhich tell “ Zoom Io app was sending data to Facebook even if the substance abuser was n’t even registered on Facebook . Moreover , Zoom has abunch of suffering . So , if you are looking for a more private and safe choice , here ’s a list of open - source picture confabulation choice .
Open-Source Secure Zoom Alternatives
All these apps are open - germ and more - or - less earns from companies collaborate with it . Hence , all these apps are innocent to consumer and they even allow for you to host the video conferencing app on your personal server .
1. BigBlueButton
Limit:150 mass
BigBlueButton is a free open - source web conferencing arrangement designed for online classes . So , basically , it means that it does n’t have a consecrated desktop or wandering app . You have to host and attend web conferences over an HTML5 internet browser ( Chrome / Firefox ) only . But , even on the internet browser , BigBlueButton exercise like a charm . first of all , like toSkypeandZoom , you do n’t have to register to attend a meeting .
Due to increase demand , recording are temporarily disabled and the maximal duration of a meeting has been reduced to 60 mo on BigBlueButton ’s server .
You have the usual features like public and private chat , screen share , file share , whiteboard for note and explanatory , etc . However , unlike Zoom , group polling is free and you get to run polls during your meeting . Moreover , breakout rooms are also usable . In case you do n’t fuck , breakout rooms let you furthermore group participants into humble chemical group for collaboration .
BigBlueButton does n’t have a pay mannikin but you may considerElos(formerly known as Mconf ) to be the pay off reading . It starts as low as $ 5 / person and supply a lot of extra lineament like cloud recording , monthly paper , etc .
What ’s good ?
What ’s not ?
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2. Jitsi Meet
Limit:75 mass
Jitsi Meet lets you both wait on and host coming together without enrolment . This , however , does come with a few downsides and we ’ll get to it in a scrap . Similar to other video conferencing apps , you have the common stuff like public & private chat , screen sharing , recording , etc . to boot , it has the popular “ Blur my Background ” feature that mightremind you of Skype .
The most unique things about Jitsi Meet is apportion a YouTube TV . Moreover , you’re able to start a resilient YouTube stream within Jitsi Meet as well . These tools do come in handy if you planning to go live with a clump of remotely localize people . It also patronise meeting transcription but you need to have a Dropbox write up for it .
Jitsi Meet knead on the same Zoom principle where you have an auto - father meeting name that the attendees have to come in so as to join your meeting . However , these coming together ID can be manually entered so there are high chance of meeting name collision . Since you’re able to make a coming together without signing in , no one is a moderator . substance , anyone can kick someone out of a meeting or mute other participant . This might not be a concern in a stately confluence but if you are learn a webinar with people over the cyberspace , moderation is a serious concern .
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3. Jami
Maximum Limit : Unlimited
Unlike BigBlueButton and Jitsi Meet , Jami is not a web conferencing app and has dedicated background and mobile apps . It is also remainder - to - end encrypted and sour on a peer - to - match communication model . In case you do n’t know , equal - to - match communicating works between the caller and the telephone receiver . The data is not routed via an intermediate host . But , since it works equal - to - peer , you have to download and file on Jami because this unique username ( 40 - character long ID internally ) is used to key you across networks .
Jami has all the require shaft for a video chat app but it somehow does n’t find like a chemical group solution to me . so as to initiate a video conference , first , you have to add all users to your contact and then add them to the video call . This spend a penny sense for privacy but it is not your run - and - gun video conferencing app .
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4. ezTalks Cloud Meeting
maximal Limit:100 masses
ezTalks is another open - source video conferencing app just like Zoom . And Zoom is not just a cite for ezTalks , it is like Zoom in every sentience . The pricing modeling , TV call limitations , and the interface , everything cue me of Zoom . It also works on an 8 - 9 finger fulfil ID that you may use to bring together meetings . Quite similar ! But , you know there ’s no harm in copying the good bit .
ezTalks is free and lets you hold a radical video call of 100 people with a 45 - second telecasting demarcation line . you may also connect - in a meeting without signing - up . On top of the usual features in Zoom , ezTalks also render a free group pate . It also provides 1 GB of cloud storage for every free user . This enable you to memorialise meeting in the wandering app as well . Moreover , it also provides you the choice of entertain webinars for a vast number of people over the cyberspace ( 100 Min in the free variant ) .
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5. Linphone
Maximum Limit:8 people
Unlike other apps in this leaning , Linphone is an clear - reservoir app dedicatedly built for VoIP calls . It works with any SIP supplier . you could configure your SIP ID in Linphone and take your speech sound cry within the app . Additionally , Linphone can also do radical video calls . But , standardized to Jami , you have to add all your striking before you could initiate video calls .
My most favorite feature about Linphone is that it countenance you take multiple audio frequency and video calls at once . you’re able to break , merge call and quickly alternate between them . It also provides an sound reflection cancellation switch to switch off down the echo during calls . It also keep a call story and permit you record calls as well .
Linphone exercise great when it comes to group conferencing . However , the sound and video conferencing limits max out at 8 multitude which is quite small . Moreover , the remnant - to - end chat encoding only work on mobile apps .
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6. Riot
maximal People : Unlimited
alike to Jami , Riot is also an ending - to - end encrypted communication dick . But unlike Jami , it does have a web app . However , that ’s not what ’s unique about Riot . you could consider Riot as an entire communication pecker likeSlackorMicrosoft Teams , end - to - destruction encrypt though ! Similar to Slack , it lets you create your workspace wherein you invite your squad and chew the fat , produce groups , restrain picture call and group discussion , etc . The app interface is like to that of Slack and is passably easy to practice .
The only underlying conflict between Slack and Riot is Matrix . Unlike Slack which uses its own server , Riot uses the cloud services from Matrix . Hence in the costless variation of Riot , you do n’t get your own custom workspace name and data is store on a public Matrix server . It ’s inscribe , though and no one can access it . So , for a usage workspace , you would have to crush out as much as $ 10 / calendar month ( 5 users ) . Moreover , Riot uses Matrix which is an opened - source protocol and you may gossip with users on Slack as well .
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Comparison Table
Limit
Recording
web web browser
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Closing Words
For a one - off webinar , Jitsi Meet is a good chopine . BigBlueButton is an ideal choice if you are considering to replace Zoom for your university or schooling . For a long term solution , you might have to look for Slack or Microsoft Teams .
Also Read : Apps to ride out Productive when Working From Home
