We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It never changes a score or a ranking. How we make money
BigBlueButton’s $0 self-hosted license is appealing if you have the server capacity and someone to maintain it. But Reddit users report setup friction, resource demands and browser-related limitations, while one commenter preferred Jitsi’s UI and integrations. If you’re leaving because you want a different meeting experience—or less server responsibility—compare the tradeoffs carefully: several alternatives have free plans, but paid prices, meeting limits and bundled features vary.
01Why people leave BigBlueButton
Server demands and setup
In one Reddit thread, users discussed 4 CPU and 8 GB RAM as a suggested minimum; others described setup friction and resource constraints.
Room and account problems
One user reported an audio reconnect and a system issue that required creating accounts again, though they suspected the latter was a one-off.
Client limitations
A commenter noted that mobile use requires an up-to-date browser; another disliked the lack of an in-call volume slider.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Meetings and calling
WebexWebexWebex is worth considering if BigBlueButton’s classroom focus is narrower than what your organization needs. Its listing covers meetings, calling and collaboration devices, rather than just video sessions. A free plan is listed, and small teams may be fine with 40-minute meetings. Paid pricing is not published on the vendor's site, so compare the cost before planning a switch.
Trade-off: Paid pricing is opaque, and Reddit reports flag rollout friction.
6.5/10from
Freefree plan - Permanent meeting rooms
WherebyWherebyWhereby fits teams that want permanent meeting rooms or need video calls embedded in a product. Its listing also points to higher meeting capacity, which may suit groups that have outgrown their current setup. Pricing starts at $10.99, with a free plan listed. Check the plan caps and add-on fees before moving recurring classes or meetings.
Trade-off: Plan caps and add-on fees need attention.
7.2/10from
$10.99/mofree plan - Meetings up to 250
GoTo MeetingGoTo MeetingGoTo Meeting is a straightforward candidate if your priority is a defined meeting ceiling rather than BigBlueButton’s classroom toolkit. The listing covers meetings for up to 250 people, unlimited meetings and cloud recordings on the Business plan. Pricing starts at $12 per organizer per month when billed annually, so budget by organizer, not just by team.
Trade-off: The listed starting price requires annual billing.
7.0/10from
$12/mo - Budget-conscious large calls
FreeConferenceCall.comFreeConferenceCall.comFreeConferenceCall.com is worth a look if cost and large calls matter more than classroom-specific features. Its listing includes a free plan, large-call capacity, recordings, screen sharing and international dial-in options. The listed starting price is $6.58, but the published pricing details leave gaps; check what applies to your calling needs before switching.
Trade-off: Pricing gaps and call-routing reports are the catches.
6.8/10from
$6.58/mofree plan - Free browser meetings
Jitsi MeetJitsi MeetJitsi Meet is the closest fit here if you want to keep browser-based meetings and are comfortable self-hosting. One Reddit commenter preferred Jitsi’s UI and integrations, but that is an individual report, not a guarantee. The listing includes a free plan; JaaS pricing starts at $99. Self-hosting still means you remain responsible for the server.
Trade-off: Self-hosting remains your job; JaaS changes the cost.
7.5/10from
$99/mofree plan - RingCentral customers
RingCentral VideoRingCentral VideoRingCentral Video makes most sense if you are already considering RingCentral’s broader communications bundle. The listing covers meetings for up to 300 participants and webinars within that wider bundle. Pricing starts at $20, but video-only pricing is unclear in the published information, so confirm the bundle and cost before treating it as a direct replacement.
Trade-off: Video-only pricing and user feedback are unclear.
6.0/10from
$20/mo
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 BigBlueButton BigBlueButton (current) | 6.7 | Free | Yes | Moodle users needing free video sessions |
| Webex Webex | 6.5 | Free | Yes | Organizations wanting meetings and calling together |
| Whereby Whereby | 7.2 | $10.99/mo | Yes | Individuals wanting permanent meeting rooms |
| GoTo Meeting GoTo Meeting | 7.0 | $12/mo | No | Teams needing meetings for up to 250 |
| FreeConferenceCall.com FreeConferenceCall.com | 6.8 | $6.58/mo | Yes | Budget-conscious groups with large calls |
| Jitsi Meet Jitsi Meet | 7.5 | $99/mo | Yes | Free browser-based meetings |
| RingCentral Video RingCentral Video | 6.0 | $20/mo | No | Teams already considering RingCentral communications |
Questions people ask
What is the best free BigBlueButton alternative?
Jitsi Meet and FreeConferenceCall.com both have free plans on the pricing page. Jitsi is the closer match if you want browser-based meetings and can handle self-hosting; FreeConferenceCall.com is listed for large calls, recordings and screen sharing. BigBlueButton itself has a $0 self-hosted license, but hosting is on you.
Why do people leave BigBlueButton?
Reddit users describe server setup and resource demands, as well as occasional audio or system issues. Other complaints include needing an up-to-date mobile browser and the lack of a volume slider. These are individual reports, not proof that every BigBlueButton deployment has the same problems.
Which alternative is best for Moodle users?
The published information describes BigBlueButton as a fit for Moodle users who need free video sessions and classroom tools. It does not establish that any listed alternative has the same Moodle fit or classroom features. If those capabilities are central, verify integrations and teaching tools before switching.