Comparison · Video conferencing software
BigBlueButton vs Microsoft Teams: which is better in 2026?
Microsoft Teams ranks higher in our list of video conferencing software (#2 against #5, score 90.5 against 84.5).
Choose BigBlueButton if you want
Self-hosted virtual classrooms.
Open source under LGPL-3.0 and built for virtual classrooms, with a self-hosted server. It needs an IT team to run it, and it fits business meetings less well than Zoom or Jitsi Meet.
Choose Microsoft Teams if you want
Meetings inside a Microsoft 365 organization.
Meetings, webinars and chat in one app for people who already use Microsoft 365. It is hosted only and less flexible for outside guests than Zoom or Jitsi Meet.
The main differences
- Only Microsoft Teams runs on Windows.
- Only Microsoft Teams runs on macOS.
- Only Microsoft Teams runs on iOS.
- Only Microsoft Teams runs on Android.
- BigBlueButton is open source; Microsoft Teams is not.
Side by side
 BigBlueButton |  Microsoft Teams | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.5 | 90.5 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 8 | #2 of 8 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source; you pay for your own hosting | Free plan, paid upgradesFree version with limits; included in Microsoft 365 business plans |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted | WindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web |
| Made by | Not stated | Microsoft |
| Hosting | Self-hosted server | Hosted by Microsoft |
| Best for | Self-hosted virtual classrooms | Meetings inside a Microsoft 365 organization |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about BigBlueButton vs Microsoft Teams
- Is Microsoft Teams better than BigBlueButton?
- Microsoft Teams ranks higher in our list of video conferencing software (#2 against #5, score 90.5 against 84.5). BigBlueButton is best for: self-hosted virtual classrooms. Microsoft Teams is best for: meetings inside a Microsoft 365 organization.
- Which is cheaper, BigBlueButton or Microsoft Teams?
- BigBlueButton: Free and open source; you pay for your own hosting. Microsoft Teams: Free version with limits; included in Microsoft 365 business plans.
- Do BigBlueButton and Microsoft Teams run on the same platforms?
- BigBlueButton supports Web, Self-hosted. Microsoft Teams supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web.