The Best Free Zoom AlternativesTop Video Calling Apps & Web Conferencing Tools like Zoom

The best free alternative to Zoom is Jitsi Meet, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Zoom and loads of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Zoom are Jitsi Desktop, Element, Discord and BigBlueButton.

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Zoom alternatives are mainly Video Calling Apps but may also be Group Chat Apps or Instant Messengers. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Zoom.

Zoom

152

Video Calling App
Freemium • Proprietary

Offers high-quality video conferencing and screen sharing, supporting up to 100 interactive participants with features like whiteboard collaboration.

More about Zoom

Zoom alternatives page was last updated Nov 27, 2024

Jitsi Meet
252 likes
Go ahead, video chat with the whole team. In fact, invite everyone you know. Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open source video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free.
143 Jitsi Meet alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
- Video Calling App
- Instant Messenger
Platforms
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- Apple Watch
- F-Droid
Top Jitsi Meet Features
1. Browser-based
2. Video Conferencing
3. End-to-End Encryption
4. Video Calling
5. Screen Sharing
6. Ad-free
7. Encrypted Chat
8. Remote Work
9. No Tracking
10. Stream audio
11. Privacy focused
12. Lightweight
Jitsi Meet VS Zoom
Is Jitsi Meet a good alternative to Zoom?
Comments about Jitsi Meet as an Alternative to Zoom

Comment summary: Jitsi Meet is praised for being open-source, easier to use, and offering better UI compared to Zoom. Users appreciate its privacy features, lack of registration requirement, and cross-platform capabilities. It is considered more trustworthy and secure, with no limitations on number of participants or meeting duration. The ability to use it without downloads and host your server adds to its appeal, though comments emphasize the similarity in functionality to Zoom.
dav9597
free and open-source, encrypted, fully-deployable without any registration
Top positive comment •Mar 27, 2020
7
Barrett
Feels like Zoom but open source, easier to use, and much better UI. I think my grandma could use this just fine if that says anything!
Top positive comment •Oct 23, 2021
2
Goldmaster
Go with jitsi over zoom, it's more trustworthy and web based. It's also been around longer than zoom.
Positive comment •Dec 12, 2021
1
Krys Strug
It's free and open source with no limitations on numbers and time.
Positive comment •Jan 24, 2021
2
Guest
Open source, isn't proprietary.
Positive comment •Nov 25, 2020
4
Show more comments
5 of 19 comments
- Almost everyone thinks Jitsi Meet is a great Zoom alternative.
- Jitsi Meet is the most popular Web-based, Android, iPhone & iPad alternative to Zoom.
- Jitsi Meet is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Zoom.
- Jitsi Meet is Free and Open SourceZoom is Freemium and Proprietary
- Jitsi Meet is Privacy focused and LightweightZoom is not according to our users

Jitsi Desktop
487 likes
Jitsi Desktop (previously SIP Communicator) is a legacy audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption, precedessor of Jitsi Meet .
79 Jitsi Desktop alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
- Video Calling App
- Instant Messenger
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
+9
Top Jitsi Desktop Features
1. Video Conferencing
2. Privacy focused
3. SIP
4. No registration required
5. Support for Multiple protocols
6. Live Meeting
7. WebRTC
8. Voice Chat
9. Web-Based
10. Multiple Account support
11. Desktop Sharing
12. Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
Discontinued
Jitsi Desktop is not actively developed anymore: last version, released in October 2017, can be still downloaded from GitHub. Its successor is Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Desktop VS Zoom
Is Jitsi Desktop a good alternative to Zoom?
Comments about Jitsi Desktop as an Alternative to Zoom

Comment summary: Jitsi Desktop offers strong privacy with features like end-to-end encryption, making it appealing as an open-source, free alternative to Zoom. Users find it easy to use and favor its browser-based usability over Zoom's limitations. However, some note that large meetings and mature moderation functions are problematic. Jitsi is often praised for its user-friendliness and reliability, yet it's criticized for not being a true Zoom client, as it doesn't support joining Zoom meetings.
rosano
No login or app download necessary, works with any web browser.
Top positive comment •Dec 17, 2020
1
Guest
Free, open source, much better privacy, and endo-to-end encryption. Does not bow to the whims of the Chinese government.
Top positive comment •Oct 16, 2020
8
Jhon Jeff
Google Hangouts is the best chat, event, conference, Zoom Alternative.
Positive comment •Aug 7, 2022
0
ei
Jitsi Desktop is not an alternative Zoom client. It does not allow the user to join a Zoom meeting with other Zoom users. Listing it as an alternative Zoom client is misleading.
Negative comment •Jul 24, 2022
-9
Guest
It's not available for linux
Negative comment •Oct 14, 2021
-7
Show more comments
5 of 21 comments
- Almost everyone thinks Jitsi Desktop is a great Zoom alternative.
- Jitsi Desktop is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Zoom.
- Jitsi Desktop is Free and Open SourceZoom is Freemium and Proprietary
- Jitsi Desktop is Privacy focusedZoom is not according to our users

Element
690 likes
Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default.
294 Element alternatives
License model
- Freemium • Open Source
Application types
- Instant Messenger
- Video Calling App
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- Matrix.org
- Flathub
- F-Droid
- Cloudron
+1
Top Element Features
1. End-to-End Encryption
2. Decentralized
3. Federated
4. Team Collaboration
5. Privacy focused
6. Encrypted Chat
7. Video Calling
8. Instant Messaging
9. Matrix Protocol
10. Voice Chat
11. Direct Messaging
12. Federation
Element VS Zoom
Is Element a good alternative to Zoom?
Comments about Element as an Alternative to Zoom

Comment summary: Commenters highlight Element's strengths as a decentralized, secure, open-source platform that offers better privacy compared to Zoom. While some praise its ability to be self-hosted and note it's free, others express skepticism about its viability as a true Zoom alternative due to its lack of native video conferencing, which requires embedding Jitsi Meet.
LinuxDoge
Element is one app that communicates over the Matrix protocol. You can use it via the Tor-Browser, so its as private as possible.

But for Matrix there are tons of other apps for all operating systems.

As an Alternative to Zoom, its not just for Videocalls, but a replacement for Discord and Telegram (features) or Signal and Whatsapp (End to End encrypted Chats), while not tracking you, being open source, self-hostable and by that decentralized.
Top positive comment •Jun 10, 2022
1
Benjamin Lupton
Doesn't support screen sharing
Top positive comment •Sep 2, 2023
0
Alara Diphne
Doesn't do video conferencing (can optionally embed Jitsi Meet). Requires account registration to join chat rooms.
Top negative comment •May 11, 2020
2
Guest
It's good, but not alternative..
Negative comment •Jan 24, 2021
-1
RemovedUser
Better privacy, also free, open-source.
Positive comment •Jun 21, 2020
2
Show more comments
5 of 14 comments
- Most users think Element is a great Zoom alternative.
- Element is Freemium and Open SourceZoom is Freemium and Proprietary
- Element is Decentralized and Privacy focusedZoom is not according to our users

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Discord
1048 likes
An integrated platform for text and voice communications. Offers tailored channels for different topics, customizable moderation tools, low latency for fluency, and managed user roles for optimal community facilitation.
181 Discord alternatives
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
- Instant Messenger
- Video Calling App
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Snapcraft
- Epic Games Store
- Flathub
- Electron
- Playstation
- Xbox
+7
Top Discord Features
1. Screen Sharing
2. VoiP Calls
3. Video Calling
4. Multi Channel
5. Text chat
6. Bots
7. Voice Chat
8. Instant Messaging
9. Multiple Servers
10. Push to talk
11. Text to Speech
12. Dark Mode
Discord VS Zoom
Is Discord a good alternative to Zoom?
Comments about Discord as an Alternative to Zoom

Comment summary: Discord is appreciated for its community features and security, with users praising its ease of managing large groups, high-quality video streaming, and versatility beyond gaming. However, it is seen as less suitable for formal video conferencing compared to Zoom due to registration requirements and a focus on chat and voice services. Some comments highlight Discord's strengths for casual or informal communication but question its adequacy for business needs.
Ezra Dulaney
Discord is an easy way to manage and contact large groups of people. It has high quality video streaming, voice chatting, and supports file uploading.
Top positive comment •May 7, 2020
0
braky
Discord is more secure than Zoom and also suitable for business and school meetings although it's focussed at gamers.
Top positive comment •Apr 11, 2020
0
Alara Diphne
Zoom is ad-hoc video conferencing without requiring participants to register. In Discord every participant needs to be registered to the server beforehand which is mostly a chat and voice service for gamers, less a video-conferencing solution.
Top negative comment •May 11, 2020
9
Guest
Its an fun and easy way to chat with freinds or study proactivly with professors
Positive comment •Oct 23, 2024
0
williammarkrock
Discord is better for large communities and informal video calls, not meetings.
Negative comment •Feb 2, 2023
2
Show more comments
5 of 17 comments
- Most users think Discord is a great Zoom alternative.
- Discord is Freemium and ProprietaryZoom is also Freemium and Proprietary

BigBlueButton
83 likes
BigBlueButton enables universities and colleges to deliver a high-quality learning experience to remote students.
109 BigBlueButton alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
- Web Conferencing Tool
- Video Calling App
Platforms
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- Chrome OS
- Self-Hosted
- Google Chrome
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Chromium
- Firefox
+1
Top BigBlueButton Features
1. Screen Sharing
2. Team Collaboration
3. Video Conferencing
4. Interactive Whiteboard
5. Integrated File Sharing
6. Built-in Commenting System
7. Desktop Sharing
8. No Tracking
9. Dark Mode
10. Real time collaboration
11. Ad-free
12. Privacy focused
BigBlueButton VS Zoom
Is BigBlueButton a good alternative to Zoom?
Comments about BigBlueButton as an Alternative to Zoom

Tommi
It's self hosted and Open Source. In the meanwhile, it has all the capabilities of Zoom
Top positive comment •Mar 21, 2020
4
LinuxDoge
BBB is stable and has a lot of good features.

Everything you need for chatting works, and you can create Group links, joining code, manage user permissions and more.
Top positive comment •Jun 10, 2022
1
ei
BigBlueButton is not an alternative Zoom client. It does not allow the user to join a Zoom meeting with other Zoom users. Listing it as an alternative Zoom client is misleading.
Negative comment •Jul 24, 2022
-5
Guest
similar features but far more secure
Positive comment •Jul 15, 2020
0
UnleavenedEagle
It's not the best software, but it is the most similar to Zoom.
Positive comment •Jun 8, 2020
0
Show more comments
5 of 10 comments
- Almost everyone thinks BigBlueButton is a great Zoom alternative.
- BigBlueButton is the most popular SaaS alternative to Zoom.
- BigBlueButton is Free and Open SourceZoom is Freemium and Proprietary
- BigBlueButton is Privacy focusedZoom is not according to our users

Skype
2577 likes
Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions.
309 Skype alternatives
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
- Video Calling App
- Instant Messenger
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Chrome OS
- Android Tablet
- BSD
- Windows Phone
- iPad
- Android Wear
- PortableApps.com
+9
Top Skype Features
1. Video Calling
2. Screen Sharing
3. VoiP Calls
4. Microsoft Office integration
5. Lightweight
6. Video Conferencing
7. Ad-free
8. Dark Mode
9. IFTTT Integration
10. Live Captions Translation
11. Voice messages
12. Multiple languages
Skype VS Zoom
Is Skype a good alternative to Zoom?
Comments about Skype as an Alternative to Zoom

Tiger3000
Does not perform well. Lot of hick-ups
Negative comment •May 25, 2020
4
comercial24
Cross platform, file sharing, simultaneous video conferencing, free. Only need to subscribe or use your MS, Hotmail, Live, Outlook credentials
Positive comment •Mar 22, 2020
6
Frank Jo
It is safer and more secure than Zoom.
Positive comment •Apr 6, 2020
6
ei
Skype is not an alternative Zoom client. It does not allow the user to join a Zoom meeting with other Zoom users. Listing it as an alternative Zoom client is misleading.
Negative comment •Jul 24, 2022
-5
- Most users think Skype is a great Zoom alternative.
- Skype is Freemium and ProprietaryZoom is also Freemium and Proprietary
- Skype is LightweightZoom is not according to our users

Tox
546 likes
With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.
210 Tox alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
- Instant Messenger
- Video Calling App
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Android Tablet
- BSD
- F-Droid
+5
Top Tox Features
1. Encrypted Chat
2. Decentralized
3. Privacy focused
4. Peer-To-Peer
5. End-to-End Encryption
6. Security-focused
7. No registration required
8. Multiplatform
9. Screen Sharing
10. Lightweight
11. No Tracking
12. AES-256 Encryption
Tox VS Zoom
Is Tox a good alternative to Zoom?
Comments about Tox as an Alternative to Zoom

ei
Tox is not an alternative Zoom client. It does not allow the user to join a Zoom meeting with other Zoom users. Listing it as an alternative Zoom client is misleading.
Negative comment •Jul 24, 2022
-8
- Most users think Tox is a great Zoom alternative.
- Tox is Free and Open SourceZoom is Freemium and Proprietary
- Tox is Decentralized, Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightZoom is not according to our users