Introduction
In today’s digital age, staying connected through video calls is more important than ever. Whether you’re working remotely, catching up with friends, or running a virtual classroom, having a reliable and secure video conferencing tool is a must.
Two big names in the open-source space are Jitsi and Jami. Both offer free, privacy-respecting video calling platforms—but which one is better for you?
As someone who has personally used both tools in real-world scenarios—ranging from remote meetings to helping small businesses set up private video calls—I’ll walk you through the key differences between Jitsi and Jami in a way that’s simple, honest, and based on real experience.
What is Jitsi?
Jitsi is an open-source video conferencing platform that’s been around for over a decade. It gained popularity thanks to its ease of use, browser-based access, and focus on privacy.
Key Features of Jitsi:
- No account required – Just start a meeting and share the link.
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE) for 1-on-1 calls (still experimental in group calls).
- Self-hosting support – Full control if you want to run your own server.
- Integration-friendly – Can be embedded in websites, apps, or paired with tools like Excalidraw.
- Recording and livestreaming options.
I personally use Jitsi Meet with clients who need a secure, branded video platform. One of my clients, a yoga instructor, loved how easy it was to run live classes without asking students to install any apps.
What is Jami?
Jami, formerly known as Ring, is a distributed, peer-to-peer communication platform. It takes privacy seriously—there are no central servers, and no data is stored on the cloud.
Key Features of Jami:
- Completely decentralized – No central servers, which means better privacy.
- True peer-to-peer encryption – Calls and messages are fully encrypted.
- No phone number or email needed to sign up.
- Supports text, voice, video, and file sharing.
- Cross-platform – Available on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.
I tested Jami in a team of developers spread across three continents. We loved the privacy it offered, but syncing messages across multiple devices was sometimes buggy.
Jitsi vs Jami: Feature Comparison
Let’s break down their differences to help you decide:
| Feature | Jitsi | Jami |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very user-friendly, no login needed | Slightly technical, requires an account |
| Privacy | High, but not fully P2P | Extremely high, fully decentralized |
| Self-Hosting | Yes, with full control | No central server to host (P2P only) |
| Encryption | E2EE for 1-on-1 (experimental in groups) | End-to-end encrypted for all |
| Performance | Smooth on stable internet, scalable | Good for 1-on-1, can struggle in groups |
| File Sharing | Limited | Built-in file sharing |
| Mobile App | Available and stable | Available, but can be glitchy |
| Customizability | Highly customizable | Less customizable |
User Experience: Jitsi vs Jami in Real Life
My Experience with Jitsi
I’ve set up Jitsi servers for startups and NGOs who care about branding and control. One school in India used it to conduct classes during the pandemic, and teachers were amazed at how simple it was to get started—no downloads, no tech fuss.
My Experience with Jami
I used Jami with my privacy-conscious friends. The quality was solid in 1-on-1 calls, but we faced occasional hiccups in larger groups. Also, syncing across devices felt clunky at times. But for a tool that doesn’t rely on any server? That’s still impressive.
When to Choose Jitsi
Choose Jitsi if:
- You want something simple and browser-based.
- You need quick meetings without signups.
- You’re running group calls or webinars.
- You want to host your own server or customize branding.
When to Choose Jami
Choose Jami if:
- Privacy is your #1 priority.
- You prefer peer-to-peer communication.
- You’re okay with a learning curve.
- You’re mostly making 1-on-1 calls.
Security and Privacy: Who Does It Better?
- Jitsi gives you more control if you host it yourself, but it still depends on central servers for the public version.
- Jami doesn’t rely on any servers—your calls don’t leave your device unless they absolutely have to.
If you’re working in a field like law, medicine, or activism—where confidentiality is critical—Jami might offer better peace of mind.
Performance & Scalability
- Jitsi handles group calls well, especially with server hosting. It’s a popular choice for webinars, virtual classrooms, and online events.
- Jami performs well in 1-on-1 conversations, but in large groups, things can get laggy. This is due to its peer-to-peer nature.
Community & Support
- Jitsi is backed by 8x8 and has a large, active community. Documentation is solid, and support is available.
- Jami is maintained by Savoir-faire Linux and has a smaller but passionate community. It’s open to contributors and feedback.
Conclusion
If you want a reliable, browser-based video conferencing tool that’s easy to use and customizable—go with Jitsi.
If you want maximum privacy with a decentralized architecture and can handle the technical quirks—Jami is worth trying.
Both are powerful, open-source alternatives to mainstream apps like Zoom or Google Meet. And the best part? You’re in control of your data.
Got questions or need help setting up Jitsi? Contact us — we provide expert Jitsi installation, scaling, and customization services.