BigBlueButton

Communication

Free open sourceEditorial overview
A CLOSER LOOK

What is BigBlueButton?

BigBlueButton is an open-source virtual classroom with presentations, whiteboards, breakout rooms and participation tools. It is designed for teaching sessions where interaction and facilitation matter as much as the video connection.

Presentation sharing

Whiteboards

Breakout rooms

Polls

Session recording

Is it a good fit?

Best suited to

Educators running interactive online classes.

Before you choose

You provide a capable server; recording storage, hosting and commercial support are separate.

Editorial assessment based on the provider’s published information. Our method

Know what you're signing up for.

BigBlueButton offers LGPLv3 virtual-classroom software at no license charge. You provide a capable server; recording storage, hosting and commercial support are separate.

You provide a capable server; recording storage, hosting and commercial support are separate.

Check current official pricing

The useful parts. The trade-offs.

Why consider it

Teaching tools are integrated with live sessions

Self-hosting supports control of classroom infrastructure

What to keep in mind

Server sizing and recording storage require planning

More specialized than a simple casual meeting app

How to use it well

BigBlueButton is most useful when the session includes planned interaction. Prepare presentations, polls and breakout instructions in advance so classroom features serve a teaching sequence instead of becoming distractions during a live lesson.

Prepare slides and a short interaction plan before starting the room. Test breakout-room instructions and polls with a small group so learners know what to expect. Decide how recordings will be retained and shared, and size the server for the expected simultaneous sessions.

A few things you might be wondering.

Is BigBlueButton free?

BigBlueButton offers LGPLv3 virtual-classroom software at no license charge. You provide a capable server; recording storage, hosting and commercial support are separate.

Is BigBlueButton just video chat?

No. It includes classroom tools such as polling, presentations, whiteboards and breakout rooms.

Does the free software include a hosted classroom?

No. Hosting, storage and commercial support are separate from the software license.

Where can I check the latest prices?

Use the provider link on this page. Billing period, location, team size, promotions, taxes, and optional extras may affect the amount you pay.

How should I compare this tool with alternatives?

Choose tools for the same task, then compare their feature limits, platform support, and total cost for your team. The Compare button helps you keep a shortlist.

Are the user reviews moderated?

Yes. New reviews are submitted for moderation. We show published user reviews separately from the editorial overview and never assign a default user rating.

Real experiences matter.

Be the first to share your experience.

No published user reviews yet.

Write a review

Your name, rating, and review may be published after moderation. Your email is kept private and is not displayed.

Keep exploring.

HELP SHAPE THE DIRECTORY

Know a useful tool?

Send your suggestion for editorial review.

Suggestions are reviewed before they appear in the directory.