Side by side
BigBlueButton vs Jami
Both stand on video communications 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 Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6
Jami brings messaging, calls, and conferencing together in a peer-to-peer communication app. Check client-specific feature availability, particularly if you rely on extensions or bot and API access.
Visit JamiThe facts
| BigBlueButton | Jami | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | BigBlueButton | Not published |
| Website | bigbluebutton.org | jami.net |
| On video communications software | #3 of 24 | #1 of 24 |
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.
Jami: what it does well
- Free/libre software with end-to-end encrypted communications.
- Messaging, calls, group chats, and conferences are included.
- Account creation does not require personal information.
- Supports file sharing, screen sharing, and media streaming.
What to know first
- Extensions are unavailable to iOS users.
- Feature availability varies by client.
- Bot account and API access are limited to desktop Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Alternatives to BigBlueButton Alternatives to Jami The whole list