Jitsi vs Skype: What are the differences?

Comparing Jitsi and Skype

Jitsi and Skype are both communication platforms that allow users to make audio and video calls, but they have several key differences in terms of features and functionality.

1. Privacy and Security: Jitsi focuses on privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for all communication. This means that only the sender and recipient can access the content of the call or message. On the other hand, Skype does not provide end-to-end encryption by default, which may raise concerns for users who prioritize privacy.

2. Open Source: Jitsi is an open-source platform, meaning that its source code is freely available to the public, allowing for transparency and community-driven development. Skype, however, is a proprietary platform owned by Microsoft, which means that its source code is not accessible. This can limit customization and third-party development opportunities.

3. Integration and Compatibility: Jitsi integrates seamlessly with other communication tools and platforms, such as Slack and Google Calendar. It also supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms. Skype, on the other hand, may have limited integration options and is primarily designed for Windows users, although it does offer support for macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms as well.

4. Group Calling Limit: Jitsi allows for large group video calls with up to 75 participants, while Skype limits group calling to a maximum of 50 participants. This can be significant for users or organizations that require large-scale collaboration or meetings.

5. Screen Sharing: Both Jitsi and Skype offer screen sharing capabilities, but Jitsi allows users to share their screen with multiple participants simultaneously, making it ideal for presentations or collaborative work. Skype, on the other hand, only allows screen sharing with one participant at a time.

6. Cost: Jitsi is a free and open-source platform, which means that users can enjoy all of its features without any additional cost. Skype, on the other hand, offers both free and paid subscriptions. While many of its basic features are free, premium features such as international calling and group video calling require a paid subscription.

In summary, Jitsi and Skype differ in terms of privacy and security, open-source nature, integration options, group calling limits, screen sharing capabilities, and cost. These differences can play a significant role in determining which platform is more suitable for individual or organizational communication needs.