Jitsi MeetLinux
vs
Google MeetWindows
Jitsi Meet as a Linux alternative to Google Meet
Updated
Our verdict
Jitsi Meet is a solid replacement for Google Meet, especially for users who value privacy, open-source software, and flexibility. It supports browser-based meetings without accounts, offers strong encryption, and allows self-hosting—ideal for organizations or individuals avoiding cloud dependency. While it lacks deep Google Calendar integration, it covers core video conferencing needs well. Those not tied to Google’s ecosystem will find Jitsi Meet reliable and feature-rich, though users reliant on automated calendar invites may need workarounds.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2026.8.0 (August 4, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support browser-based video calls with no software installation required for participants
- Support screen sharing, camera, and microphone for multiple participants
- Allow hosting meetings with custom, easy-to-share URLs
- Work without user accounts—anyone with the link can join
- Offer high-quality audio and video using modern codecs like Opus and VP8
What is different
- Jitsi Meet does not integrate directly with Google Calendar or Gmail for automatic meeting creation
- End-to-end encryption is experimental, whereas Google Meet offers it in verified environments
- No built-in transcription or AI-powered features like noise suppression or live captions
- Self-hosting is possible with Jitsi, but requires technical setup—Google Meet is fully managed
- Jitsi lacks centralized admin controls and user management compared to Google Workspace
Opening your Google Meet files
Jitsi Meet does not generate or use files in the same way Google Meet does—recordings and meeting data depend on server configuration. If you record meetings via a self-hosted setup, files (like MP4 or WebM) can be stored locally, but there's no direct import or export compatibility with Google Meet recordings or transcripts. File sharing during meetings is ad-hoc and not synced to Google Drive or similar services.
Switching from Google Meet to Jitsi Meet, step by step
- Choose a public Jitsi server (like meet.jit.si) or set up your own for full control
- Create memorable meeting URLs and share them via email or calendar manually
- Enable password protection and recording options if needed on your server
- Inform participants they can join directly in their browser without an account
- Use calendar apps to manually schedule meetings with Jitsi links
Key features of Jitsi Meet
- Connects to any Jitsi deployment, including self-hosted servers
- No account required to join or host conferences
- Supports end-to-end encryption for enhanced security
- High-quality audio and video via Opus, VP8, VP9, and AV1
- Password-protected rooms for private meetings
- Web browser compatibility allows participants to join without installing software
- Custom URL support for easy-to-remember meeting links
- Unlimited participants, limited only by server resources
How to install Jitsi Meet on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.jitsi.jitsi-meetFrequently asked questions
Can I use Jitsi Meet without installing anything?
Yes, participants can join Jitsi Meet calls directly through a web browser—no app or account is required.
Is Jitsi Meet as secure as Google Meet?
It's encrypted by default and supports experimental end-to-end encryption. Self-hosting adds control, but full E2EE isn't as mature as in Google Meet's enterprise setup.
Can I integrate Jitsi Meet with my calendar?
Not automatically with Google Calendar, but you can manually add events with Jitsi links. Some third-party tools and self-hosted solutions offer limited sync.
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