OSI-licensed only · self-hostable
OpenVidu is itself open source: its repository is Apache-2.0, and its README describes a self-hosted real-time video and audio stack built on LiveKit and mediasoup. People compare alternatives when they want a lower-level media server, a ready-made meeting app, or a classroom-focused platform.
Every project below is under an OSI-approved licence (Apache-2.0, ISC, MIT, GPL-3.0, LGPL-3.0), checked against its repository. They range from SDK-level building blocks to complete conferencing apps.
Licences checked against each repository on November 7, 2026.
| Tool | Best for | Licence | Runs as |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiveKit | Scalable WebRTC infrastructure with SDKs | Apache-2.0 | Docker |
| Jitsi Meet | Ready-to-use video meetings | Apache-2.0 | Docker |
| mediasoup | Low-level SFU library | ISC | Server |
| Janus | General-purpose WebRTC gateway | GPL-3.0 | Server |
| BigBlueButton | Virtual classrooms | LGPL-3.0 | Server |
| Galene | Simple videoconference server | MIT | Server |
| Pion WebRTC | WebRTC in pure Go | MIT | Server |
Best for: Scalable WebRTC infrastructure with SDKs
An open-source WebRTC SFU with client SDKs for web and mobile, a server API and support for recording and streaming.
Best for: Ready-to-use video meetings
A JavaScript WebRTC conferencing application that you can host yourself and embed in other sites.
Best for: Low-level SFU library
A WebRTC SFU library for Node.js and Rust that you integrate into your own signalling and app code.
Best for: General-purpose WebRTC gateway
A WebRTC server with a plugin architecture that supports video rooms, streaming and SIP gateways.
Best for: Virtual classrooms
An open-source web conferencing system built for online learning, with whiteboard, breakout rooms and recording.
Best for: Simple videoconference server
A videoconferencing server that is easy to deploy, designed for small to medium deployments.
Best for: WebRTC in pure Go
A pure Go implementation of the WebRTC API, for building custom real-time media services.
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| If you need… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Real-time video infrastructure with SDKs | LiveKit |
| Ready-to-use meeting app | Jitsi Meet |
| Full control of the media layer | mediasoup or Pion |
| Online classes | BigBlueButton |
| Lightweight small deployment | Galene |
| Plugin-based gateway | Janus |
Quick answers to common questions
Yes. The repository is Apache-2.0 licensed, and OpenVidu's README says it is built on LiveKit and mediasoup.
LiveKit is the closest developer-focused alternative, and Jitsi Meet is closest as a ready-made meeting app.
For reliable connections through restrictive networks, WebRTC deployments usually need one, though how it is set up varies by project.
Several support recording, such as LiveKit, Jitsi and BigBlueButton, but check each project's docs for formats and setup.
Jitsi Meet or Galene is easiest to stand up for meetings. Building video into an app suits LiveKit.
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