Apache OpenMeetings vs FreeConference.com
Apache OpenMeetings
openmeetings.apache.org
FreeConference.com
freeconference.comSide by side
| Figure | Apache OpenMeetings | FreeConference.com |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $9.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Web Conferencing Software | 8.9 (#2) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Integrations | The project provides REST and SOAP APIs, LDAP/ADS connectors and VoIP/Asterisk integration modules. | The features page lists Microsoft Outlook invitations and Google Calendar syncing. |
| Security | The security page says WYSIWYG fields are sanitized and recommends upgrading to version 9.1.0 to fix a critical arbitrary-file-read vulnerability affecting earlier versions. | FreeConference says its service is encrypted via WebRTC and that meeting lock and one-time access codes are paid-plan security features. |
| Support | The project lists commercial providers offering services such as code support, development, integration, and bug fixing. | The Free plan includes email support, and Starter and Pro include phone support as well as email support. |
Plans
In their own words
Apache OpenMeetings
Apache OpenMeetings is open-source groupware for video conferencing, instant messaging, whiteboards, and collaborative document work. Meeting participants can choose audio, video, audio-only, video-only, or picture-only modes, adjust quality and devices, record sessions for MP4 download, and share a desktop or window. Its multi-whiteboard supports drawing, writing, images, clip art, and imports such as PDF, DOC, ODT, and PPT. Conference rooms include a file explorer and shared public drive, while users have private drives. An integrated calendar handles invitations to internal or external attendees and emails meeting details. The project describes REST and SOAP APIs, LDAP/ADS connectors, VoIP/Asterisk modules, and plugins for Moodle, Drupal, and Joomla. OpenMeetings is free, with source and binary downloads; it is installed on a server and requires Java 21 and Kurento Media Server. The project lists a security fix in version 9.1.0 for an arbitrary file-read vulnerability affecting earlier versions from 5.0.0. Server setup requirements include a 2 GHz CPU and 4 GB RAM minimum under limited feature conditions, with 8 GB RAM recommended.
FreeConference.com
FreeConference.com provides audio and video conferencing, screen sharing, and online meeting rooms for businesses and individuals. Meetings can include chat, document sharing, moderator controls, whiteboards, breakout rooms, and smart meeting summaries. Scheduling features include invitations, reminders, recurring calls, and time zone scheduling; listed calendar options are Microsoft Outlook invitations and Google Calendar syncing. Hosts and participants can join in a browser without downloading software, and participants do not need an account. The Free plan allows up to 100 call participants and five web participants, with unlimited calls on local numbers and email support. Starter costs $9.99 a month and includes up to 100 web participants, 100 premium minutes monthly, audio recording with 5GB storage, and phone and email support. Pro costs $29.99 a month and includes up to 250 call and web participants, 750 premium minutes monthly, and audio and video recording with 10GB storage. FreeConference says its service is encrypted via WebRTC. Screen sharing is available through Chrome or Windows and Mac desktop apps, not smartphones or tablets.