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Picking the right video conferencing tool can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners diving into open-source territory like Jitsi. The two main contenders? Jitsi Desktop and the Jitsi Meet app. They both get the job done—letting you make video calls—but they differ in setup, features, and best-use scenarios. This piece clears up those differences. Whether you’re a budding developer curious about Jitsi, a business owner making a choice, or an agency rebranding video tools, this will shine a light on the winner for your needs.
In today’s world, video conferencing is a big deal. It’s crucial to have tools that are secure, flexible, and won’t break the bank. Jitsi gives us two main options: Jitsi Desktop, the traditional app you download with broad protocol compatibility, and the Jitsi Meet app, which is easy-peasy and web-based for video chatting.
Both boast great community support and are open-source, but their audience and workflows vary. Knowing these key differences will save you time while pointing you to the best tool for your goals.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Jitsi Meet is a contemporary video chat platform available directly from your browser or through its iOS and Android apps. Forget the need to create an account or navigate a complicated setup—just fire up the app, generate a meeting link, and share away.
Jitsi Meet runs on WebRTC—an open standard most browsers support—facilitating real-time video and audio communication without any extra plugins. It’s hosted and managed by Jitsi’s creators, but being open-source, anyone can host it themselves.
Its standout features include:
Businesses use Jitsi Meet for:
Developer communities often build customized video apps using Jitsi Meet’s API. I once worked with a digital marketing agency that seamlessly integrated Jitsi Meet into their client portal. They rebranded it to maintain a smooth user experience while providing seamless video support.
Jitsi Meet’s DTLS-SRTP encryption is on by default for all media streams, with optional E2EE to meet various organizational security needs. Since Jitsi can be self-hosted, companies have control over data residence and privacy—a major consideration for many business owners.
Jitsi Desktop is the older counterpart to Jitsi Meet. It’s a traditional client you install on Windows, macOS, or Linux, supporting multiple protocols beyond just WebRTC, such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol).
Jitsi Desktop needs installation and configuration, making it appealing to users wanting a comprehensive communicator that also serves legacy or enterprise systems.
A financial firm I worked with used Jitsi Desktop for secure multi-protocol calls, connecting their internal phone systems with remote workers. Its ability to run across various OS and support SIP made it more flexible than standard video calling apps.
| Feature | Jitsi Meet App | Jitsi Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Browser-based, mobile apps, no install required | Desktop app (Windows/macOS/Linux) |
| Protocol Support | WebRTC only | WebRTC, SIP, XMPP, plus others |
| Ease of Use | Super simple—just create a link and join | Requires installation and setup |
| User Interface | Modern, aimed at video calls | Classic chat and call interface |
| Security | DTLS-SRTP encryption, optional E2EE | ZRTP encryption for calls, OTR for chat |
| Multi-party conferencing | Supports large groups, scalable | Supports multi-party but less scalable |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Recording and Streaming | Integrated recording and YouTube streaming | Doesn’t support streaming or cloud recording directly |
| Customization & API | APIs for integration and white-labeling | Limited customization options |
| Target Users | General users, businesses, developers, agencies | Power users, enterprises, telecom users |
Deciding between the Jitsi Meet app and Jitsi Desktop depends on your needs, your technical comfort level, and your deployment environment.
Say you’re a startup launching remote consulting services—you could embed the Jitsi Meet app in your platform. That allows users to jump into video calls instantly, with the whole experience branded. No installs or plugin downloads, leading to better user adoption.
For example, a university IT department I helped out with used Jitsi Desktop to connect various chat networks, enabling secure calls for staff already on SIP phones.
Both Jitsi Meet and Jitsi Desktop offer robust, open-source video collaboration features, but they cater to different needs.
Grasping these differences assists in aligning the right tool with your requirements, whether you’re a developer, business owner, or agency.
Ready to choose your video conferencing tool? Try the Jitsi Meet app for seamless, instant video calls, or delve into Jitsi Desktop for comprehensive protocol support and desktop control. Both options come backed by enthusiastic open-source communities committed to ongoing improvement and security.
Check out the Jitsi official website to download, explore APIs, and get started today.
Jitsi Desktop is a classic video conferencing client that accommodates various protocols like SIP and XMPP, tailored for desktop use.
Jitsi Meet is a web-based, straightforward video conferencing service focused on simplicity, whereas Jitsi Desktop offers extensive protocol support but needs installation.
Most businesses will find Jitsi Meet easier to deploy and integrate, but Jitsi Desktop is better for those requiring multi-protocol support or dealing with older communication systems.
Yes, Jitsi Desktop supports secure communication standards like ZRTP for video calls, ensuring your conversations are private and reliable.
Agencies often choose the Jitsi Meet app due to its ease of customization and white-labeling for client deployments, compared to Jitsi Desktop.
From setup to scaling, our Jitsi experts are here to help.