BigBlueButton
IntermediateBigBlueButton is a solid Google Meet alternative. Open source video conferencing designed for education. Whiteboard, polls, breakout rooms.
Information verified on July 7, 2026
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Description
BigBlueButton is an open source video conferencing platform designed for education. Shared whiteboard, live polls, breakout rooms, session recording. The tool is used by universities and schools worldwide. Installation is heavier than Jitsi, but the educational features are unmatched.
Key features
- Interactive whiteboard
- Live polls
- Breakout rooms
- Recording
- LMS integration
- Open source
Strengths
- + Designed for education
- + Integrated whiteboard and polls
- + Session recording
Weaknesses
- − Server hosting required (resource-intensive)
- − Less modern interface than Zoom
Recommended for
- Schools and universities
- Online training
BigBlueButton vs Google Meet: the comparison
| Criterion | BigBlueButton | Google Meet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (self-hosting). Third-party hosted services available. | Free (group calls capped at 60 min) |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Open (auditable) | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Complex (4/5) | — |
Comparison
BigBlueButton is designed for education (whiteboard, breakout rooms, polls). Jitsi Meet is simpler for quick meetings. Both are open source and self-hostable.
Frequently asked questions
How much does BigBlueButton cost?
Free (self-hosting). Third-party hosted services available.
How do you switch from Google Meet to BigBlueButton?
Estimated difficulty: Complex (4/5). Self-hosting required with dedicated server. Technical setup. Ideal through a specialized host.
Who is BigBlueButton for?
Educational institutions and trainers seeking a Zoom alternative for teaching.