Jitsi vs Skype: What's the Difference?

In the realm of video communication, having the right tools is crucial for everyone—from developers and business owners to agencies. Standing out from a crowded field, Jitsi and Skype are favorites, each catering to different needs. Knowing their differences can truly guide you in making the best choice for any project or communication needs.

This piece will delve into Jitsi and Skype, comparing them based on features, security, pricing, and user experience. So, whether you’re a fresh developer checking out Jitsi, a business owner mulling over video tools, or an agency prepping white-label video solutions, this guide is packed with practical insights for you.

1. Feature Comparison

Both Jitsi and Skype cater to video calls, but they each put their own spin on delivering the essentials.

Jitsi Features

Jitsi, originally an Atlassian project, is kept thriving by the community and 8x8, a VoIP company. Here are its standout features:

• Free and open-source: Feel like running your own show? Jitsi lets you self-host for full control over your meetings, perfect for developers wanting that custom touch.
• No account needed: Jump into meetings by just sharing a URL, smoothing out the setup hassle.
• Screen sharing and chat: Share your screen and chat in real time during meetings.
• HD video and audio: Enjoy quality streams, with adaptive bitrate for whatever your network can handle.
• Moderation tools: Get control with options to mute, remove, lock meetings, and manage screen-sharing.
• Multi-platform access: Use it in web browsers (no plugins!), plus Android and iOS apps.
• Integration-friendly: Thanks to its open API, you can seamlessly integrate Jitsi into other platforms or even white-label it.

Picture an agency, using Jitsi to create a custom-branded video feature within their client portal for smooth communication without hopping platforms.

Skype Features

Skype, Microsoft’s brainchild, has millions of users globally. Here’s what it offers:

• User accounts and contacts: With Microsoft accounts, you get persistent contact lists and presence updates.
• Calls of all sorts: One-on-one or group video calls, plus conference calls for up to 100 folks (depending on your subscription).
• Screen and file sharing: Share screens, files, and images easily.
• Recording and subtitles: Record calls and use live subtitles for accessibility.
• Microsoft 365 integration: Schedule meetings directly from Outlook or Teams.
• Cross-platform availability: From Windows and macOS to Android, iOS, and Linux, it’s all covered.

A business owner might lean towards Skype for its familiar setup and seamless integration with Microsoft Office tools, enabling smooth scheduling and teamwork.

Summary of Feature Differences

Feature	Jitsi	Skype
Account Required	No	Yes
Open Source	Yes	No
Maximum Participants	Around 75-100, hosting dependent	Up to 100 (more with Teams)
Customizability	High (self-hosting/API access)	Low
Platforms	Browser, Android, iOS	All major OS apps
Screen Sharing	Yes	Yes
Chat	Yes	Yes
Call Recording	Needs third-party tools	Built-in

2. Security Aspects

Security is a dealbreaker for anyone relying on video conferencing for sensitive conversations.

Jitsi Security

• End-to-end encryption (E2EE): Jitsi offers E2EE, but it’s still considered experimental for group calls as of now. One-on-one calls have stronger E2EE.
• Open-source transparency: Being open-source, the code awaits public audit, inviting trust as anyone can verify or point out security gaps.
• Self-hosting option: Set up Jitsi on your own servers to keep control over data storage and firewall setups.
• Anonymous meetings: No need for user accounts, lowering personal data exposure.
• Transport encryption: Transfers are encrypted with top-notch TLS standards.

A business with strict compliance needs might go for a self-hosted Jitsi to meet policy requirements or stick to local data laws.

Skype Security

• Proprietary encryption: Utilizes AES 256-bit encryption, but Microsoft hasn’t set the specifics out for a public audit.
• Microsoft data centers: Data passes through Microsoft’s servers, which privacy-minded folks might frown upon.
• Multi-factor authentication: Leveraging Microsoft’s 2FA to secure accounts.
• Compliance-ready: Follows compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA through Microsoft cloud.
• Account-based access: Ties user identity to Microsoft accounts, aiding control and audit trails.

Skype’s commercial-grade support and integrations appeal to users, but those wary about where their data sits might find limitations.

3. Pricing

Jitsi Pricing

• Free basic service: Enjoy Jitsi for free directly at meet.jit.si.
• Cost of self-hosting: Running your server comes with infrastructure costs but skips licensing fees.
• Paid hosting options: Many companies offer managed Jitsi hosting, with pricing based on usage, support, and added features.
• No tiered pricing for fundamental video calls in the open-source version.

Agencies or startups eyeing a cost-effective video meeting option without being locked to a vendor will find Jitsi appealing.

Skype Pricing

• Free basic plan: Basic Skype communications won’t cost you a penny.
• Paid extras: Includes calls to landlines or mobiles, voicemail, and expanded meeting participant numbers through subscriptions or Microsoft 365.
• Microsoft 365 perks: Skype bundled with business-grade tools, available with Microsoft 365 at a licensing fee.
• Business Skype phase-out: As Microsoft Teams takes over Skype for Business users, shifting them towards its premium offerings.

Skype is the go-to for users seeking a dedicated service from Microsoft and ready to invest in extended features or business packs.

4. User Experience

Jitsi User Experience

Jitsi meetings are smooth sailing. You get the link, jump into the browser, and you’re good to go—no downloads or accounts in sight. It’s simple, though it might not be as sleek as slick commercial products:

• Quick setup: No pre-show waits—click the link and you’re in.
• Browser-friendly: Performs best on Chrome and Firefox, with hiccups on Safari or older versions.
• Customization edge: Developers have the freedom to tweak UI functions to fit their needs.
• Inconsistencies in quality: Heavily reliant on the hosting server’s capabilities; otherwise, be ready for lag or drops.

A developer fiddling with Jitsi integrations found immense improvements in call quality by controlling the server environment efficiently.

Skype User Experience

Skype brings an intuitive, polished interface—a hallmark of a global product:

• Account and contact ease: Syncs easily, maintaining histories and notifications.
• Cross-device consistency: Apps offer a seamless experience on different devices.
• Reliability streak: Microsoft’s robust infrastructure ensures stable connections and continuity.
• Extras like call recording just add to the convenience without additional fuss.

Businesses leveraging already-familiar Skype experience smooth adoption and reduced training efforts.

5. Which to Choose?

Deciding between Jitsi and Skype boils down to your specific needs:

• Opt for Jitsi if:

  • You value privacy and want to control your data.
  • You’re after a free, open-source solution without account setups hassle.
  • You or your agency need a white-label video tool that’s customizable.
  • Handling or outsourcing hosting isn’t a hurdle.
  • Your workflow involves developer-focused integrations.

• Opt for Skype if:

  • You need a polished, ready-to-go tool with a large user base.
  • Integrating contacts and Office tools is beneficial.
  • Commercial support and compliance from an established name matter.
  • You’re after features like call records or subtitles embedded in the service.
  • Microsoft’s ecosystem of security and cloud services backs your preference.

Business folk and agencies ought to weigh these against budgets, security norms, and level of user comfort with tech.

Conclusion

Jitsi and Skype serve different niches in the video conferencing world. Jitsi is a great bet—free, open-source, customizable, prioritizing privacy and control, perfect for developers and agencies reselling tailored solutions. Meanwhile, Skype ensures ease, full Microsoft integration, and a robust ecosystem, working best for environments anchored by established infrastructure and a vast user base.

See where your priorities align—around security, expenses, experience, and technical management—to make the call. Want flexibility and an open platform? Try out a Jitsi meeting setup. Need a polished, recognized tool with solid support? Skype proves both reliable and familiar.

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Interested in how Jitsi can weave into your systems or thinking of a Skype move? Discover more through the official Jitsi documentation and Microsoft Skype support. Test both tools to see which aligns spot-on with your workflow and communication needs.

Start now: Set up a free Jitsi meet or download Skype. Observe, experience, and decide which makes communicating smoother for your team.

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About the Author:
Avkash Kakdiya—a seasoned developer and writer—dives deep into video communication tech and cloud collaboration tools. With firsthand experience in deploying open-source platforms like Jitsi, Avkash guides businesses and agencies toward communication solutions that meet both tech and business demands.