LiveKit

Open Source, Secure, Self-Hosted Conferencing Solution

Explore Analysis

Overview

LiveKit is an open-source platform for building real-time audio and video experiences. It provides a complete solution for developers looking to add video conferencing, live streaming, and real-time communication to their applications.

Unlike proprietary solutions, LiveKit gives you full control over your infrastructure, data, and user experience while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability and performance.

Open Source

Full access to source code with MIT and Apache 2.0 licenses

Secure

End-to-end encryption and private deployment options

Self-Hosted

Deploy in your own cloud environment for complete control

Key Features

High-Quality Video

WebRTC-based HD video with adaptive bitrate streaming

Crystal Clear Audio

Noise suppression and echo cancellation

Scalable Architecture

Support for thousands of concurrent users

Cross-Platform SDKs

JavaScript, iOS, Android, React, Flutter support

Screen Sharing

Share screens, applications, or browser tabs

Real-Time Data

Low-latency data channels for chat and collaboration

Recording

Cloud recording with customizable layouts

Live Streaming

RTMP output for streaming to platforms like YouTube

Comparison with Leading Solutions

Platform Comparison

Radar chart comparing platforms

LiveKit Advantages

  • Open Source: Full access to source code with MIT and Apache 2.0 licenses
  • Self-Hosted: Complete control over your infrastructure and data
  • Customizable: Unlimited flexibility to adapt to your specific needs
  • Cost-Effective: No per-user licensing fees, pay only for infrastructure
  • API-First: Built for developers with comprehensive SDKs
LiveKit Zoom Webex MS Teams
Licensing Open Source Proprietary Proprietary Proprietary
Deployment Self-hosted or Cloud Cloud only Cloud or On-premise Cloud only
Data Control Full control Limited Limited Limited
Customization Unlimited Limited Limited Limited
Integration API-first approach App Marketplace App Hub App Store

Feature Completeness Score

Bar chart comparing feature completeness

Core Communication

HD Video
Audio Quality
High High High High
Screen Sharing
Chat

Advanced Features

Recording
Cloud & Local Cloud & Local Cloud & Local Cloud
Virtual Background
*
Breakout Rooms
*
Live Streaming
RTMP

Customization & Control

Custom Layouts
Full Limited Limited Limited
White-labeling
Complete ** Enterprise
API Access
Comprehensive Limited Limited Limited
Custom Video Filters
Unlimited Limited Limited Limited

* Can be implemented with LiveKit's extensible architecture
** Available in enterprise plans

Monthly Cost Comparison (100 Users)

Bar chart comparing monthly costs

LiveKit self-hosted costs are estimated infrastructure costs. Actual costs may vary based on usage patterns and infrastructure choices.

LiveKit

Self-Hosted

$0 license cost

Pay only for infrastructure

  • No user limits
  • No time limits
  • Full feature access
  • Complete control

Cloud Estimate

Variable based on usage

  • Linear scaling with usage
  • Predictable costs
  • No per-user fees
LiveKit Zoom Webex MS Teams
Free Tier Self-hosted (unlimited) 40-min limit 50-min limit 60-min limit
Starting Price $0 (self-hosted) $149.90/year $13.50/month $4/user/month
Enterprise Custom deployment $19.99/user/month $25/user/month $12.50/user/month
Infrastructure Costs Pay for what you use Included Included Included
Scaling Costs Linear with usage Per user/license Per user/license Per user/license

Security Feature Comparison

Bar chart comparing security features
Security Feature LiveKit Zoom Webex MS Teams
End-to-End Encryption
Data Sovereignty Full * *
Access Control
Audit Logs
GDPR Compliance
HIPAA Compliance **
Source Code Access Complete

* Limited to certain regions and enterprise plans
** Depends on deployment configuration

Scalability Comparison

Bar chart comparing scalability

LiveKit Scalability

LiveKit's architecture is designed for horizontal scaling, allowing you to handle thousands of concurrent users by adding more server instances.

  • Selective Forwarding Unit (SFU): Efficiently routes media without transcoding
  • Kubernetes Support: Native support for container orchestration
  • Regional Deployment: Deploy in multiple regions for global coverage
  • Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across multiple instances

Integration Capabilities

Bar chart comparing integration capabilities

LiveKit Integration Advantages

LiveKit's API-first approach makes it ideal for deep integration into your applications and workflows.

  • Comprehensive SDKs: JavaScript, iOS, Android, React, Flutter
  • RESTful APIs: Create rooms, manage participants, and control sessions
  • Webhooks: Real-time event notifications for your backend systems
  • Custom Authentication: Integrate with your existing auth system
  • Extensible Architecture: Add custom services and components

Integration Comparison

Integration Feature LiveKit Zoom Webex MS Teams
API Access Comprehensive Limited Limited Limited
Custom UI Complete Limited Limited Limited
Embed in Apps
Custom Backend Logic

Deployment Options

Cloud Deployment

Deploy LiveKit on major cloud providers:

  • AWS
  • Google Cloud
  • Azure
  • DigitalOcean

Use Kubernetes or Docker for easy scaling and management.

On-Premise

Run LiveKit on your own infrastructure:

  • Data centers
  • Private clouds
  • Bare metal servers

Maintain complete control over your data and infrastructure.

Hybrid Approach

Combine self-hosted and managed services:

  • Core services on-premise
  • Scaling with cloud resources
  • Geographic distribution

Balance control and convenience based on your needs.

Getting Started

1

Install LiveKit Server

docker run --rm -p 7880:7880 -p 7881:7881 -p 7882:7882/udp \
    -v $PWD/livekit.yaml:/livekit.yaml \
    livekit/livekit-server \
    --config /livekit.yaml
2

Configure Your Application

// JavaScript example
import { LiveKitRoom } from 'livekit-client';

const room = new LiveKitRoom({
  url: 'wss://your-livekit-server',
  token: 'your-access-token'
});
3

Scale as Needed

Add more LiveKit nodes behind a load balancer to handle increased traffic and users.

Why Choose LiveKit?

Cost Efficiency

Eliminate per-user licensing fees and only pay for the infrastructure you use. For organizations with consistent usage patterns, this can result in significant cost savings compared to SaaS solutions.

Data Privacy

Keep sensitive communications within your own infrastructure. This is crucial for organizations in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and government that have strict data sovereignty requirements.

Customization

Build exactly what you need without limitations. Integrate video conferencing deeply into your applications and workflows without being constrained by the features and UI of commercial platforms.

Developer Control

Access to source code means you can understand, modify, and extend the platform to meet your specific requirements. No black boxes or unexpected behavior.

Ready to explore LiveKit for your organization?

View on GitHub Read the Docs