Jitsi Meet: the self-hosted, private alternative to Zoom

What It Is and What It Replaces

Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing tool designed as a self-hosted alternative to Zoom. Unlike Zoom, which operates on a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) model, Jitsi allows users to run their own server infrastructure for hosting meetings. This means that no third-party vendor controls your data or collects meeting metadata.

Why Self-Host It for Privacy

Jitsi Meet offers strong privacy benefits when self-hosted. All video calls run on the user's own server, and there is no requirement to create an account or provide personal information to join a meeting. This eliminates data harvesting by third-party SaaS providers. Additionally, Jitsi supports end-to-end encryption for added security in sensitive communications.

What Setup Actually Involves

Jitsi Meet is deployed via Docker and requires some technical knowledge. While the project provides detailed documentation, setting up a server involves configuring network settings, installing dependencies, and ensuring proper firewall rules are in place. This makes it suitable for users with at least intermediate Linux system administration skills or those who can follow guided tutorials.

For individuals unfamiliar with Docker containers, command-line interfaces, or server management, the setup process may be fiddly and time-consuming. However, pre-configured solutions exist that simplify deployment on cloud providers or local hardware.

Cost vs Zoom

Jitsi Meet is free to use under the Apache-2.0 license with no per-host seat licensing fees or 40-minute meeting caps often found in free tiers of SaaS platforms like Zoom. This makes it a cost-effective solution for organizations and individuals looking to avoid recurring subscription costs while maintaining control over their infrastructure.

Who It's For and Who Should NOT Bother

Jitsi Meet is ideal for users who value privacy, have technical resources or knowledge, and require full control over meeting data. It suits small businesses, open-source communities, educational institutions, and anyone seeking an alternative to SaaS video conferencing platforms.

However, it may not be suitable for those without the time or expertise to set up a server, as well as organizations that prefer managed cloud solutions with minimal administrative overhead. If your primary need is convenience over control, Jitsi Meet might not be the best fit.

How to Get Started

To begin using Jitsi Meet, visit the official project site. You can either self-host by following their deployment guide or use the public instance at meet.jit.si. For self-hosting, ensure you have a server with Docker installed and sufficient bandwidth to support your expected number of participants.

First steps include cloning the Jitsi Meet repository from GitHub (or using pre-built Docker images), configuring domain settings, and launching the service via Docker commands as outlined in their documentation. If self-hosting is not feasible, you can still use meet.jit.si without an account to test the features before committing to a full deployment.