Jitsi MeetLinux
vs
ZoomWindows
Jitsi Meet as a Linux alternative to Zoom
Updated
Our verdict
Jitsi Meet is a solid replacement for Zoom if you prioritize privacy and open-source software over polished enterprise features. It handles HD video, screen sharing, and chat effectively without requiring accounts or subscriptions. However, it lacks Zoom's built-in cloud recording and advanced webinar tools. For small to medium teams or individuals who can self-host or trust public servers, it works well. If you rely on automatic cloud storage of meetings or complex participant management, you will need to implement third-party solutions or accept the limitations.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2026.8.0 (August 4, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- HD video and audio conferencing with modern codecs
- Screen sharing capabilities for presentations
- In-meeting chat and file sharing options
- Cross-platform compatibility via web browser and native clients
What is different
- No built-in cloud recording; requires server-side setup or third-party tools
- No dedicated webinar mode with role-based participant controls
- Dependent on server performance for large groups rather than managed cloud infrastructure
- Lacks Zoom's extensive third-party app marketplace integrations
Opening your Zoom files
Jitsi Meet does not natively open or export Zoom-specific file formats because Zoom does not use a proprietary file format for meeting data. Meeting recordings are typically stored as video files (MP4) or transcripts (PDF/DOCX) on Zoom's cloud. If you have local Zoom recordings, you can play them in any standard video player. There is no direct file migration path because the data is tied to the service's backend, not the client application.
Switching from Zoom to Jitsi Meet, step by step
- Install Jitsi Meet from your Linux distribution's repository or Flathub
- Choose a Jitsi server (public like meet.jit.si or self-hosted for privacy)
- Share your meeting URL with participants instead of Zoom links
- Configure screen sharing permissions in your browser if using the web client
- Set up a recording solution if you previously relied on Zoom cloud recording
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
Do I need an account to use Jitsi Meet?
No. You can host or join meetings without creating an account. You simply create a unique room URL and share it with participants.
How does Jitsi Meet handle large meetings compared to Zoom?
Jitsi Meet has no artificial user limits, but performance depends on your server's hardware and bandwidth. Zoom's cloud service manages this infrastructure for you, while with Jitsi, you are responsible for ensuring your server can handle the load.
Is Jitsi Meet secure?
Yes. Communications are encrypted by default, and experimental end-to-end encryption is available. Since it is open-source, the code is auditable, which many users prefer over proprietary black-box systems.
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