Jitsi Meet as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (old version with full calling features)
Updated
Our verdict
Jitsi Meet is a solid replacement for Microsoft Teams (legacy) if your main needs are video conferencing, chat, and screen sharing without dependency on PSTN calling or deep office tool integrations. It excels in simplicity, privacy, and cross-platform access—especially for organizations that self-host or prioritize open-source tools. However, it lacks built-in calendar integration, persistent chat history, and reliable dial-pad PSTN calling. Best suited for small teams, educators, or informal groups who value ease of use and don’t rely on enterprise calling features or file collaboration within a unified workspace.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2026.8.0 (August 4, 2026)
- Rating
- —

What works the same
- Supports group video conferencing with screen sharing
- Allows chat during meetings with multiple participants
- Works across Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Enables microphone and headset audio for voice communication
- Supports file sharing via external services or chat during meetings
What is different
- No native PSTN calling or dial pad interface—calling relies on third-party bridges or SIP integration
- Lacks calendar integration; meetings aren't synced with Google Calendar or Outlook by default
- Chat is session-based and not persistent—no message history outside active meetings
- No built-in integration with Microsoft 365 or other office productivity tools
- End-to-end encryption is experimental and not enabled by default in all deployments
Opening your Microsoft Teams (old version with full calling features) files
Jitsi Meet does not directly handle file storage or document collaboration like Microsoft Teams. Files shared during meetings typically go through external services (e.g., Nextcloud, Dropbox links) or email. There's no support for opening or exporting Teams-specific chat logs, meeting transcripts, or OneDrive-linked files. If files were shared via links in Teams, those links may still work, but Jitsi itself doesn’t import or convert Teams data.
Switching from Microsoft Teams (old version with full calling features) to Jitsi Meet, step by step
- Set up a self-hosted Jitsi instance or choose a public server like meet.jit.si
- Inform team members to join via browser or install the Jitsi Meet app on their devices
- Create named rooms for regular meetings using memorable URLs
- Use external tools like Nextcloud or Google Drive for file sharing during calls
- Configure SIP gateway if PSTN calling is required, or use external calling apps alongside Jitsi
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 make phone calls with a dial pad in Jitsi Meet?
Not directly. Jitsi Meet doesn’t include a built-in dial pad. PSTN calling requires a SIP gateway or third-party integration, which must be set up separately on a self-hosted server.
Is chat history saved after a meeting ends?
No. Jitsi Meet does not store chat logs. Messages are only visible during the live session and are lost when the meeting ends unless manually saved.
Can I use Jitsi Meet with Google Calendar or Outlook?
Not natively. You can manually add meeting links to calendar events, but there’s no automatic scheduling or sync between Jitsi and calendar apps.
3 other alternatives to Microsoft Teams (old version with full calling features)
All alternatives to Microsoft Teams (old version with full calling features)