Side by side
BigBlueButton vs CamSurf
Both stand on video conferencing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3
BigBlueButton combines live classroom tools, session recording, attendance information and learning-platform integrations. It is free and open source, but self-hosting has dedicated server requirements and sessions cannot persist with slides and chat after users leave.
Visit BigBlueButton Free plan AndroidWeb
CamSurf provides random video and text chat with country and language filters, plus an Android app and web access. Consider its limited moderation coverage and the possibility of captured chat samples before using it.
Visit CamSurfThe facts
| BigBlueButton | CamSurf | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | Android, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 2 |
| Maker | BigBlueButton | CamSurf |
| Website | bigbluebutton.org | camsurf.com |
| On video conferencing software | #11 of 43 | #15 of 43 |
BigBlueButton: what it does well
- Classroom tools include polls, whiteboards and breakout rooms.
- Dashboard shows attendance, participation and poll responses.
- Supports up to 200 participants.
- Free and open source.
- API supports meeting and recording management.
What to know first
- Permanent sessions preserving slides and chat are not supported.
- Self-hosting recommendations include a dedicated Ubuntu 22.04 server.
- The company says it cannot guarantee absolute security.
CamSurf: what it does well
- Free regular-member plan includes random video chat.
- Choose location or language filters, or connect randomly.
- Use webcam, microphone, or built-in text chat.
- Next changes chats; Stop pauses webcam viewing.
What to know first
- Users must be at least 18.
- Apple Store app is still in development.
- The service does not monitor every interaction.
- Subscriptions renew automatically; unused time is not refunded.
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