Choosing the right video platform can be confusing with so many options available. In this guide, we compare Jitsi vs Livestorm to help you choose the one that fits your needs—whether it’s for team meetings, webinars, or customer presentations.
Both platforms offer different features and serve unique purposes. Let’s dive in.
What Is Jitsi?
Jitsi is a free, open-source video conferencing tool that runs in your browser. You don’t need to create an account to start a meeting, which makes it quick and easy for casual or private calls.
For advanced users, Jitsi can also be self-hosted. This is great for teams or organizations that want more control over privacy and custom features.
Key Jitsi Features:
- Free to use with no hidden charges
- No account or software needed
- Can be self-hosted for full control
- Supports screen sharing, chat, and reactions
- Lightweight and privacy-focused
What Is Livestorm?
Livestorm is a cloud-based video platform designed for webinars, live product demos, and online meetings. It’s built with a polished interface and includes features for registration, email follow-ups, and integrations with other tools.
It’s perfect for businesses that need a professional solution for running live events and tracking engagement.
Key Livestorm Features:
- Browser-based with no downloads
- Built-in tools for hosting webinars
- Email automation and reminders
- Registration pages and analytics
- Integrations with CRM and marketing tools
Jitsi vs Livestorm: A Real-World Comparison
| Feature | Jitsi | Livestorm |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Open-source | Commercial SaaS |
| Price | Free | Paid plans available |
| Hosting | Self-hosted or public server | Cloud-based |
| Webinar Support | Limited (via add-ons) | Advanced and built-in |
| Recording | Via Jibri setup | Built-in and automatic |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Branding & Customization | Full (if self-hosted) | Plan-dependent |
| Integrations | Limited (manual) | Wide range of integrations |
| Security | High with self-hosting | GDPR compliant |
| User Interface | Basic | Modern and business-friendly |
Ease of Use
Jitsi is simple to start using right away. You can launch a meeting in seconds with just a link. However, for advanced setups (like recording), some tech skills may be needed.
Livestorm provides a complete, guided experience with tools to manage registrations, emails, and follow-ups, making it very user-friendly for business teams.
Best For
- Best for quick and simple meetings: Jitsi
- Best for professional events: Livestorm
Performance and Reliability
Both platforms are browser-based, but the experience varies depending on how they’re used.
Jitsi works well for small teams and 1-on-1 calls. Performance may depend on whether you use the public server or your own server.
Livestorm offers consistent, high-quality performance, even with large audiences and webinars.
Our Pick: Livestorm provides better reliability for events and larger meetings.
Pricing Breakdown
Jitsi
- Always free
- No premium version
- Self-hosting may involve server costs
Livestorm
- Free plan (with limits on time and attendees)
- Paid plans start at a monthly cost per host
- Custom pricing for larger teams and enterprise use
Which One’s Better for Your Budget?
- Jitsi wins on cost (free forever)
- Livestorm is an investment, but offers more for businesses
Security & Privacy
Jitsi is a strong choice for privacy. You don’t need to share personal information, and if you host your own server, you control everything.
Livestorm is secure and GDPR compliant, but being cloud-based, it stores data on external servers.
Our Recommendation
- Use Jitsi for privacy and self-hosted control
- Choose Livestorm for professional-grade compliance and business security
Best Use Cases
Jitsi is ideal for
- Tech-savvy teams
- Privacy-first users
- Small business meetings
- Remote education
- Developers and open-source supporters
Livestorm is ideal for
- Webinars and product demos
- Marketing and sales teams
- Customer onboarding
- Event hosting
- Teams needing automation and analytics
Jitsi vs Livestorm: What to Know
Jitsi
Advantage:
- Free forever
- Open-source and customizable
- No sign-up needed
- Privacy-focused
Disadvantage:
- No built-in webinar features
- Recording setup is technical
- Basic user interface
Livestorm
Advantage:
- Great for webinars and events
- Polished and user-friendly
- Built-in email and analytics
- Strong integrations
Disadvantage:
- Limited free plan
- Expensive for small teams
- Less control over data
Conclusion: Jitsi vs Livestorm
If you’re looking for a free, simple, and private video conferencing solution, Jitsi is the way to go. It’s lightweight, flexible, and gives you full control.
If you need a professional tool for webinars, marketing events, or customer presentations, Livestorm is a better fit. It’s easy to use and comes packed with features to manage your entire event flow.
Your choice depends on your goals:
- Go with Jitsi for privacy, simplicity, and cost savings.
- Choose Livestorm for polished presentations, automation, and business features.
Got questions or need help setting up Jitsi? Contact us — we provide expert Jitsi installation, scaling, and customization services.