Top 10 LiveKit Alternatives in (2023)

If you're seeking a seamless integration of real-time video into your application and considering an alternative to LiveKit , you've come to the right place! While LiveKit is well-known, there are numerous unexplored opportunities beyond their platform waiting to be discovered. Stay tuned to unveil what you may have been missing out on, particularly if you're already using LiveKit. Get ready to explore new possibilities and expand your horizons!

Need of a LiveKit alternative

There are several reasons to consider exploring alternatives to LiveKit. One of the critical issues is audio streaming produces choppy playback on Android devices. Also, There's a need for additional features that aren't available in LiveKit, concerns about scalability or customization limitations, incompatibility with existing tools, insufficient support or documentation, or cost-related considerations. Evaluating these factors can help in finding a suitable alternative that better meets specific requirements and preferences.

Top 10 LiveKit Alternatives for 2023

1. Video SDK
2. Twilio Video
3. MirrorFly
4. Agora
5. Jitsi
6. Vonage
7. AWS Chime SDK
8. Enablex
9. Whereby
10. SignalWire

1. Video SDK

Discover the remarkable capabilities of Video SDK, an API designed to seamlessly incorporate robust audio and video functionalities into your applications. Effortlessly enhance your app by providing live audio and video experiences on multiple platforms with minimal implementation effort.

Key points about Video SDK

• Experience the seamless integration and efficiency of Video SDK, allowing you to focus more on developing innovative features that enhance user retention. Say goodbye to complex integration processes and unlock a world of possibilities.
• Embrace the benefits of Video SDK, including its outstanding scalability, adaptive bitrate technology, extensive customization options, exceptional recording quality, comprehensive analytics, cross-platform streaming, effortless scaling, and broad platform support.
• Whether you're on mobile (Flutter, Android, iOS), web (JavaScript Core SDK + UI Kit), or desktop (Flutter Desktop), Video SDK empowers you to effortlessly create captivating video experiences.

Video SDK pricing

• Discover incredible value with Video SDK! Take advantage of the generous offer of 10,000 free monthly minutes and enjoy flexible pricing options for both video and audio calls.
• Video calls start at just $0.003 per participant per minute, while audio calls begin at a minimal cost of $0.0006.
• Cloud recordings are available at an affordable rate of $0.015 per minute, and RTMP output comes at a competitive price of $0.030 per minute.
• Additionally, benefit from free 24/7 customer support, ensuring assistance whenever you need it. Elevate your video capabilities today and embark on a journey of excellence!

2. Twilio Video

Twilio is a top-tier SDK solution that enables businesses to seamlessly integrate live video into their mobile and web applications. The key strength of Twilio lies in its versatility, allowing you to build an app from scratch or enhance your existing solutions with powerful communication features. Whether you're starting fresh or expanding your app's capabilities, Twilio offers a reliable and comprehensive solution for effortlessly integrating live video into your applications.

Key points about Twilio

• Twilio offers web, iOS, and Android SDKs for seamless integration of live video into applications.
• Utilizing multiple audio and video inputs may require manual configuration and additional code.
• Call insights provided by Twilio can track and analyze errors, but implementation requires extra code.
• As usage grows, pricing can become a concern due to the lack of a built-in tiering system in the dashboard.
• Twilio supports up to 50 hosts and participants in a call.
• There are no available plugins for easy product development with Twilio.
• The level of customization provided by the Twilio Video SDK may not meet the requirements of all developers, necessitating additional code development.

Pricing for Twilio

• Twilio's pricing begins at $4 per 1,000 minutes. Recordings are charged at $0.004 per participant minute, while recording compositions cost $0.01 per composed minute.
• Storage is priced at $0.00167 per gigabyte per day after the initial 10 gigabytes.

3. MirrorFly

MirrorFly is an outstanding in-app communication suite designed specifically for enterprises. It offers a wide range of powerful APIs and SDKs that deliver exceptional chat and calling experiences. With over 150 features for chat, voice, and video calling, this cloud-based solution seamlessly integrates to create a robust communication platform.

Key points about MirrorFly

• MirrorFly's customization options may be limited, hindering the ability to tailor the platform to specific branding and user experience needs. This can restrict the uniqueness and personalization of the communication features.
• Additionally, scaling MirrorFly for larger applications or handling a high volume of users can pose challenges, potentially impacting performance and stability under significant traffic or complex use cases.
• Users have reported mixed experiences with MirrorFly's technical support, with some encountering delays or difficulties in issue resolution.
• The pricing structure may not be suitable for all budgets or use cases, as costs can vary based on desired features and scalability requirements.
• Integrating MirrorFly into existing applications or workflows may also require significant effort and technical expertise, as comprehensive documentation and robust developer resources may be lacking.

MirrorFly pricing

• MirrorFly's pricing starts at $299 per month, positioning it as a higher-cost option to take into account.

4. Agora

Agora's video calling SDK provides an extensive range of features, such as embedded voice and video chat, real-time recording, live streaming, and instant messaging. These features equip developers with the necessary tools to create engaging and immersive live experiences within their applications.

Key points about Agora

• Agora's video SDK offers a comprehensive range of features, including embedded voice and video chat, real-time recording, live streaming, and instant messaging.
• Additional add-ons like AR facial masks, sound effects, whiteboards, and more are available at an extra cost, enhancing the creative possibilities.
• Agora's SD-RTN ensures extensive global coverage, facilitating connections from over 200 countries and regions with ultra-low latency streaming capabilities.
• The pricing structure can be complex and may not be suitable for businesses with limited budgets, requiring careful evaluation.
• Users seeking hands-on support may experience delays as Agora's support team may require additional time to provide assistance.

Agora pricing

• Agora provides Premium and Standard pricing options, where the usage duration for audio and video is calculated monthly.
• The pricing is categorized into four types based on video resolution, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
• The pricing structure includes Audio at $0.99 per 1,000 participant minutes, HD Video at $3.99 per 1,000 participant minutes, and Full HD Video at $8.99 per 1,000 participant minutes.

5. Jitsi

Jitsi is a collection of several open-source projects designed for video conferencing. Being open source, it offers the flexibility to customize and utilize it according to your specific requirements.

The key components of Jitsi include Jitsi Meet, Jitsi Videobridge, Jibri, and Jigsai, each serving different functions within the Jitsi ecosystem.

Key points about Jitsi

• Jitsi is an open-source and free platform that allows users to utilize it in any way they want.
• Jitsi Meet, one of its featured projects, offers various features such as text sharing via Etherpad, room locking, text chatting (web only), raising hands, YouTube video access during calls, audio-only calls, and third-party app integrations.
• However, Jitsi Meet alone does not provide essential collaborative features like screen sharing, recording, or telephone dial-in to a conference. To access those features, additional setup of projects like Jibri and Jigsai is required, which entails more time, resources, and coding efforts.
• This additional setup makes Jitsi less suitable for users seeking a low-code option.
• While Jitsi provides end-to-end encryption for video calls, it does not cover chat or polls, so it may not be the best choice for users prioritizing robust security.
• Jitsi can consume a significant amount of bandwidth, considering the functioning of Jitsi Videobridge.
• For large organizations requiring an SDK for frequent long video sessions with a large number of participants, Jitsi might feel underwhelming and may not meet their specific needs.

Jitsi pricing

• Jitsi is offered free of charge, meaning you don't need to pay for any of its components.
• However, it's important to note that there is no dedicated technical support available. In case you encounter any issues or require assistance, you may find help from community members who contribute to the Jitsi project.

6. Vonage

Despite being acquired by Vonage and rebranded as the "Vonage API," TokBox is still commonly recognized by its original name. TokBox's SDKs deliver dependable point-to-point communication, making it a fitting option for establishing proof of concepts during hackathons or meeting investor deadlines. The SDKs provide developers with the essential tools to build secure and smooth communication experiences within their applications.

Key points about Vonage

• Vonage enables developers to create custom audio/video streams with effects, filters, and AR/VR capabilities on mobile devices.
• It supports a wide range of use cases, including 1:1 video, group video chat, and large-scale broadcast sessions.
• Participants in a call can share screens, exchange messages via chat, and send data during the call.
• One challenge with Vonage is the scalability costs, as the price per stream per minute increases with the growth of the user base.
• Additional features like recording and interactive broadcast come at an extra cost.
• Once the number of connections reaches 2,000, the platform switches to CDN delivery, resulting in higher latency.
• Real-time streaming at scale can be challenging, as anything beyond 3,000 viewers requires switching to HLS, which introduces significant latency.

Vonage pricing

• Vonage implements a usage-based pricing model for their video sessions, with costs based on the number of participants and dynamically calculated every minute.
• Their pricing plans commence at $9.99 per month and include a free allowance of 2,000 minutes per month for all plans.
• Once the free allowance is utilized, users are billed at a rate of $0.00395 per participant per minute. Recording services are available starting at $0.010 per minute, while HLS streaming is priced at $0.003 per minute.

7. AWS Chime SDK

The Amazon Chime SDK serves as the underlying technology of Amazon Chime, operating independently without its user interface or outer shell.

Key points about AWS Chime SDK

• The Amazon Chime SDK supports video meetings with up to 25 participants (or 50 for mobile users).
• Simulcast technology guarantees consistent video quality across various devices and networks.
• All calls, videos, and chats are encrypted to ensure enhanced security.
• However, it lacks certain features like polling, auto-sync with Google Calendar, and background blur effects.
• Compatibility issues have been reported in Linux environments and with participants using the Safari browser.
• Customer support experiences can vary, with inconsistent query resolution times depending on the support agent.

AWS Chime pricing

• The free basic plan allows users to have one-on-one audio/video calls and group chats.
• The Plus plan, priced at $2.50 per monthly user, provides additional features including screen sharing, remote desktop control, 1 GB of message history per user, and Active Directory integration.
• The Pro plan, priced at $15 per user per month, includes all the features of the Plus plan and allows for meetings with three or more participants.

8. EnableX

The EnableX SDK provides a diverse set of capabilities, encompassing video and audio calling, along with collaborative features like a whiteboard, screen sharing, annotation, recording, host control, and chat. By integrating this SDK into your application, you can effortlessly incorporate these functionalities. The SDK includes a video builder tool that enables the creation of customized video-calling solutions tailored to your application's needs. It offers flexibility in personalizing live video streams with a custom user interface, selecting suitable hosting options, integrating billing functionality, and implementing other essential features that cater to your specific requirements.

Key points about EnableX

• EnableX offers a self-service portal that includes reporting capabilities and live analytics, allowing users to track quality and facilitate online payments.
• The SDK supports JavaScript, PHP, and Python programming languages, providing flexibility for developers.
• Users have the option to stream live content directly from their app or website, as well as on platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
• However, it's important to note that the support team's response time may take up to 72 hours, which could be a potential drawback for users seeking timely assistance.

EnableX pricing

• EnableX pricing begins at $0.004 per minute per participant for rooms accommodating up to 50 people. For larger meetings or events, custom pricing options can be obtained through their sales team.
• Recording services are available at a rate of $0.010 per minute per participant.
• Transcoding of video into a different format can be done at a rate of $0.010 per minute.
• Additional storage can be acquired at a rate of $0.05 per gigabyte per month, while RTMP streaming is priced at $0.10 per minute.

9. Whereby

Whereby is a user-friendly video conferencing platform specifically designed for small to medium-sized meetings. It offers a straightforward experience, but it may not be the most suitable choice for larger businesses or those in need of advanced features.

Key points about Whereby

• Whereby offers basic customization options for the video interface, although the choices are limited and do not support a fully customized experience.
• Video calls can be easily embedded directly into websites, mobile apps, and web products, eliminating the need for external links or additional apps.
• While Whereby provides a seamless video conferencing experience, it may have fewer advanced features compared to other tools. The maximum meeting capacity is limited to 50 participants.
• Screen sharing for mobile users and customization options for the host interface may be restricted.
• Whereby does not offer a virtual background feature, and some users have reported issues with the mobile app, which can impact the overall user experience.

Whereby pricing

• Whereby provides a pricing model starting at $9.99 per month, which includes an allocation of up to 2,000 user minutes that renew monthly.
• After the allocated minutes are used up, an additional charge of $0.004 per minute applies.
• Cloud recording and live streaming options are available at a rate of $0.01 per minute.
• Email and chat support are provided free of charge to all users, ensuring accessible assistance.
• Paid support plans offer additional features such as technical onboarding, customer success management, and HIPAA compliance.

10. SignalWire

SignalWire is a platform that leverages APIs to enable developers to easily integrate live and on-demand video experiences into their applications. Its primary goal is to streamline the tasks of video encoding, delivery, and renditions, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted video streaming experience for users.

Overview of SignalWire

• SignalWire provides an SDK that facilitates the integration of real-time video and live streams into web, iOS, and Android applications.
• With the SDK, developers can enable video calls in a real-time webRTC environment, accommodating up to 100 participants.
• However, it's worth noting that the SDK does not offer built-in support for managing disruptions or user publish-subscribe logic. Developers will need to implement these functionalities separately.

SignalWire pricing

• SignalWire implements a pricing model based on per-minute usage. For HD video calls, the pricing is $0.0060 per minute, while Full HD video calls are priced at $0.012 per minute. The actual cost may vary depending on the desired video quality for your application.
• Additionally, SignalWire offers additional features such as recording, which is available at a rate of $0.0045 per minute.
• This allows you to capture and store video content for future use. The platform also provides streaming capabilities priced at $0.10 per minute, enabling real-time broadcasting of your video content.

Certainly!

Video SDK is an exceptional software development kit (SDK) that prioritizes fast and seamless integration. It empowers developers with a low-code solution to quickly construct live video experiences within their applications. With Video SDK, custom video conferencing solutions can be created and deployed in less than 10 minutes, significantly reducing the time and effort required for integration. Unlike other SDKs, Video SDK offers a streamlined process that simplifies the creation and embedding of live video experiences, facilitating effortless real-time connections, communication, and collaboration.

Still skeptical?

Explore the comprehensive Quickstart guide of Video SDK and uncover its limitless possibilities. Immerse yourself in its potential by delving into the specially designed sample app that demonstrates the power of Video SDK. Sign up now and embark on your integration journey, seizing the opportunity to claim your complimentary 10,000 minutes and unleash the full potential of Video SDK. Rest assured, our dedicated team is just a click away, ready to assist you whenever you need support. Prepare to unleash your creativity and showcase the extraordinary experiences you can create with Video SDK. Let the world witness your creations!