Jitsi Meet as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (2026 standalone client)
Updated
Our verdict
Jitsi Meet is a solid replacement for Microsoft Teams (2026 standalone client) if your main needs are video/audio conferencing, screen sharing, and open participation without accounts. It excels in simplicity and privacy, especially for decentralized or self-hosted setups. However, it lacks built-in persistent messaging, file storage, and deep calendar/contact integration. Best for small teams or organizations prioritizing open-source tools and real-time meetings over integrated collaboration workflows. Not ideal if you rely heavily on Teams' chat history or file collaboration features.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2026.8.0 (August 4, 2026)
- Rating
- —

What works the same
- Both support high-quality video and audio conferencing with screen sharing
- Jitsi Meet allows password-protected meetings, similar to Teams' meeting access controls
- Cross-platform desktop clients are available for Linux, Windows, and macOS
- Both work in web browsers without mandatory app installation
- Support for custom meeting URLs improves accessibility
What is different
- Jitsi Meet has no built-in persistent group or direct messaging outside of active calls
- No native integration with calendars or contacts—users must manually schedule and invite
- File sharing and collaborative editing are not supported
- Teams offers structured team workspaces; Jitsi Meet is meeting-room focused
- End-to-end encryption in Jitsi is experimental, while Teams provides more mature encryption
Opening your Microsoft Teams (2026 standalone client) files
Jitsi Meet does not handle file sharing or document collaboration, so there is no direct way to open or export Microsoft Teams files like chats, OneNote notebooks, or SharePoint documents. If your workflow depends on accessing Teams-integrated files, you’ll need separate tools like Nextcloud, OnlyOffice, or manual exports from Teams before switching. Jitsi’s focus is real-time communication, not file management.
Switching from Microsoft Teams (2026 standalone client) to Jitsi Meet, step by step
- Set up a Jitsi server or choose a public instance for hosting meetings
- Train users to create and join meetings using custom URLs
- Configure password protection for sensitive meetings
- Use external tools like Matrix or Rocket.Chat for persistent messaging
- Integrate with a calendar system (e.g., Nextcloud or Google Calendar) for meeting scheduling
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 any software?
Yes, participants can join Jitsi Meet conferences directly through a web browser without installing anything. The host can start a meeting from any Jitsi-compatible server.
Does Jitsi Meet support end-to-end encryption?
Yes, but it's experimental. Meetings are encrypted by default in transit, and optional end-to-end encryption can be enabled for added security.
Can I self-host Jitsi Meet?
Yes, Jitsi Meet is open-source and can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure, giving you full control over data and scalability.
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