Comparison · Video conferencing software
BigBlueButton vs Whereby: which is better in 2026?
BigBlueButton ranks higher in our list of video conferencing software (#5 against #6, score 84.5 against 81.5).
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 Whereby if you want
Small teams that want a shareable meeting link.
Browser-based calls with permanent room links and an embedded API for developers, with no install needed. Its Meetings product is charged per user and lists basic room customization.
The main differences
- BigBlueButton is open source; Whereby is not.
- BigBlueButton can be used for free; Whereby requires payment.
Side by side
 BigBlueButton |  Whereby | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.5 | 81.5 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 8 | #6 of 8 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source; you pay for your own hosting | SubscriptionMeetings is charged per user license; Embedded is charged by usage |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted | WebWeb |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Hosting | Self-hosted server | Hosted by Whereby |
| Best for | Self-hosted virtual classrooms | Small teams that want a shareable meeting link |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about BigBlueButton vs Whereby
- Is BigBlueButton better than Whereby?
- BigBlueButton ranks higher in our list of video conferencing software (#5 against #6, score 84.5 against 81.5). BigBlueButton is best for: self-hosted virtual classrooms. Whereby is best for: small teams that want a shareable meeting link.
- Which is cheaper, BigBlueButton or Whereby?
- BigBlueButton: Free and open source; you pay for your own hosting. Whereby: Meetings is charged per user license; Embedded is charged by usage.
- Do BigBlueButton and Whereby run on the same platforms?
- BigBlueButton supports Web, Self-hosted. Whereby supports Web.