Introduction
As remote collaboration continues to rise, secure video conferencing has become critical for organizations, communities, and privacy-minded individuals. Jitsi Meet and Zoom are two popular tools, but they offer vastly different approaches. One is open-source and self-hosted, the other proprietary and cloud-based.
In this comparison, we examine how Jitsi Meet stacks up against Zoom across privacy, ease of use, features, performance, and hosting options—so you can decide which fits your needs best.
1. Privacy & Security
| Feature | Jitsi Meet (Self-hosted) | Zoom (Cloud-based) |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | End-to-end (configurable) | TLS + AES (E2EE opt-in) |
| Data Control | Full (self-hosted) | Zoom servers (3rd-party) |
| Tracking / Analytics | None (self-hosted) | Extensive (default) |
| GDPR / Compliance | Depends on config | Yes (via cloud controls) |
Summary: Jitsi Meet provides unmatched control when self-hosted, with zero data leakage. Zoom offers enterprise-grade compliance, but data routes through their cloud.
2. Setup & Hosting
| Aspect | Jitsi Meet | Zoom |
| Hosting Model | Self-hosted or meet.jit.si | Fully managed cloud |
| Setup Difficulty | Moderate (Docker available) | None (sign up and go) |
| Cost (Basic Tier) | Free (open-source) | Free (40-min limit) |
| Custom Domain / Branding | Yes (self-hosted) | Only with paid plans |
Beginner Note: If you want fast results and minimal tech overhead, Zoom is plug-and-play. For privacy and full control, Jitsi Meet is ideal—especially with Docker or turnkey hosting like 8×8 or DigitalOcean droplets.
3. Features & UX
| Feature | Jitsi Meet | Zoom |
| Participants | 75+ (depending on server) | Up to 100 (free), more paid |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Recording | Local or via Jibri | Cloud (paid) / Local |
| Chat / Emoji Reactions | Yes | Yes |
| Breakout Rooms | No (possible with mods) | Yes |
| Mobile/Desktop Apps | Yes (browser-based too) | Yes |
Observation: Zoom leads on polish and features like breakout rooms. Jitsi Meet covers all essentials and shines in lightweight, browser-based usability.
4. Performance & Scaling
| Metric | Jitsi Meet | Zoom |
| Resource Usage | Depends on server config | Handled by Zoom |
| Bandwidth Efficiency | Good (VP8/VP9) | Very good (Zoom codec) |
| Large Group Stability | Requires tuning (JVB, Octo) | Excellent out of the box |
| Low-End Device Support | Good (browser-based) | Good |
Pro Tip: Jitsi Meet can scale well with configuration (e.g., multi-bridge setup using Octo). Zoom just works—but at the cost of control and reliance on Zoom’s infra.
5. Integrations & Extensibility
| Integration Type | Jitsi Meet | Zoom |
| Calendar Integrations | Yes (via external tools) | Yes (Google/Outlook) |
| API / SDK Availability | Yes (developer-friendly) | Yes |
| Livestream Support | Yes (YouTube / RTMP) | Yes (YouTube, FB – paid) |
| Embedding on Website | Yes | Limited (iFrame restrictions) |
Advanced Users: Developers and self-hosters will find Jitsi Meet extremely extensible, especially via its REST API and iframe integration. Zoom is more restrictive.
Use Cases & Best Fit
| Use Case | Best Fit |
| Privacy-focused 1-on-1 or group calls | Jitsi Meet |
| Professional webinars and meetings | Zoom |
| On-premise video collaboration | Jitsi Meet |
| Simple video calls without install | Jitsi Meet |
| Corporate compliance needs | Zoom |
Final Verdict
Choose Jitsi Meet if:
- You prioritize privacy and data ownership.
- You’re comfortable with self-hosting or using community providers.
- You want to embed video in your own platforms or apps.
Choose Zoom if:
- You need enterprise features like breakout rooms and webinar tools.
- You want maximum reliability and don’t want to manage servers.
- You are okay with centralized, third-party infrastructure.
Example Setup
- Jitsi Meet on VPS + Docker + Nginx Proxy: Fully self-hosted, branded meeting service with your domain.
- Zoom Basic + Google Calendar Integration: For fast deployment and ease-of-use.
Final Thought: In an era of surveillance capitalism, owning your infrastructure is power. Jitsi Meet embodies that ethos. But when speed and enterprise polish matter more than control, Zoom has its place. Make the choice that aligns with your values and use case.
Did you know? You can even connect Jitsi Meet with Matrix for a full privacy-first chat and video stack.