For those in search of the ideal conferencing platform, ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton serve different purposes with distinct advantages. ClickMeeting is designed with businesses and marketers in mind, offering a smooth user experience and powerful features to host engaging webinars and online events. On the other hand, BigBlueButton specializes in education, offering a suite of tools aimed at enhancing virtual classroom environments, including interactive whiteboards, polls, and breakout rooms. By exploring the strengths of each platform, you can determine which solution best meets your specific requirements.
General Information
ClickMeeting, developed by ClickMeeting, was released in 2011. It is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Web platforms. This makes it versatile and accessible across various devices, catering to a wide range of users.
BigBlueButton, on the other hand, is developed by Blindside Networks and was released earlier in 2007. Like ClickMeeting, it supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Web platforms, ensuring broad compatibility and ease of access for users.
Both conferencing apps offer similar platform availability, making them equally accessible on major operating systems and devices. However, ClickMeeting is a newer entrant in the market compared to BigBlueButton.
Verdict:
ClickMeeting is better due to its more recent release date and equal platform availability.
| Attribute |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Developer/Company | ClickMeeting | Blindside Networks |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2007 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web |
Core Features
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton both offer robust core features for conferencing needs.
In terms of video quality, both platforms provide HD video, ensuring clear and sharp visuals during meetings. This makes them suitable for professional presentations and detailed visual demonstrations.
Audio quality is also high on both ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton. Users can expect clear and reliable sound, which is crucial for effective communication during virtual meetings.
Both platforms excel in these core areas, making them strong contenders for anyone looking for reliable conferencing solutions.
Verdict:
Both ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton are equal in terms of core features, video quality, and audio quality.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | HD | HD |
| Audio Quality | High | High |
Interactive demos of ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton
ClickMeeting Demo
BigBlueButton Demo
Collaboration Tools
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton both offer robust conferencing solutions, but they differ significantly in their collaboration tools.
For free participants, ClickMeeting allows up to 25, while BigBlueButton offers unlimited participants. When it comes to paid plans, ClickMeeting supports up to 1000 participants, whereas BigBlueButton continues to offer unlimited participants.
Meeting duration on ClickMeeting’s free plan is limited to 30 minutes, while BigBlueButton provides unlimited meeting time for free users.
Both platforms support screen sharing, making it easy to present information to participants. However, recording capabilities differ; ClickMeeting allows recording of sessions, while BigBlueButton does not offer this feature.
Virtual backgrounds are another area where the two differ. ClickMeeting supports virtual backgrounds, adding a layer of customization and professionalism to meetings. BigBlueButton, on the other hand, does not offer virtual backgrounds.
Verdict:
ClickMeeting is better for recording and virtual backgrounds. BigBlueButton is better for unlimited participants and meeting duration.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Participants (Free) | 25 | Unlimited |
| Participants (Paid) | Up to 1000 | Unlimited |
| Meeting Duration (Free) | 30 minutes | Unlimited |
| Screen Sharing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Recording | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Virtual Backgrounds | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Integration and Compatibility
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton both offer robust features for online conferencing. They share several common functionalities, making them versatile tools for virtual meetings.
Both platforms support in-meeting chat, file sharing, breakout rooms, polls and Q&A, whiteboarding, and meeting notes. This makes them equally capable in terms of basic and advanced meeting features.
When it comes to integration and compatibility, ClickMeeting has an edge. It integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, providing seamless connectivity with these popular productivity suites. BigBlueButton, on the other hand, does not offer integration with Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
Both ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton support third-party app integrations and have API availability, allowing for customization and extended functionality through additional apps and services.
Verdict:
ClickMeeting is better due to its integration with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, which BigBlueButton lacks.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| In-meeting Chat | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| File Sharing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Breakout Rooms | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Polls and Q&A | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Whiteboarding | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Meeting Notes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Google Workspace Integration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Microsoft 365 Integration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Third-party Apps Integration | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| API Availability | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Security and Privacy
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton both offer robust security and privacy features.
End-to-End Encryption: Both platforms provide end-to-end encryption, ensuring that communications are secure and private.
Password Protection: Both ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton support password protection, adding an extra layer of security to meetings.
Waiting Room: Both apps include a waiting room feature, allowing hosts to control who enters the meeting.
Participant Authentication: Both platforms offer participant authentication, ensuring that only authorized individuals can join the conference.
Data Compliance: ClickMeeting complies with GDPR and HIPAA, making it suitable for industries requiring stringent data protection standards. BigBlueButton complies with GDPR, ensuring data protection for users in regions where this regulation applies.
Verdict:
ClickMeeting is better due to compliance with both GDPR and HIPAA, while BigBlueButton only complies with GDPR.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Password Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Waiting Room | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Participant Authentication | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Data Compliance | GDPR, HIPAA | GDPR |
User Experience
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton both offer a high ease of use, making them accessible for users of all levels. ClickMeeting boasts an intuitive UI design, while BigBlueButton features a simple interface. Both apps support mobile functionality, allowing users to join meetings from their smartphones or tablets.
In terms of accessibility, both ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton ensure that their platforms are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
When it comes to customer support, ClickMeeting provides multiple options including live chat, email, and phone support. On the other hand, BigBlueButton relies on community support, which may not be as immediate or personalized.
Ease of Use: High vs High
UI Design: Intuitive vs Simple
Mobile Functionality: Yes vs Yes
Accessibility: Yes vs Yes
Customer Support: Live Chat, Email, Phone vs Community support
Verdict:
ClickMeeting is better due to its intuitive UI design and comprehensive customer support options.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | High | High |
| UI Design | Intuitive | Simple |
| Mobile Functionality | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Accessibility | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Customer Support | Live Chat, Email, Phone | Community support |
Pricing
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton both offer free tiers, making them accessible for users who want to try out basic features without any cost.
When it comes to paid plans, ClickMeeting charges $32 per month, providing additional features and support. On the other hand, BigBlueButton is open-source and free, which can be a significant advantage for organizations looking to minimize costs.
Regarding free trials, ClickMeeting offers a free trial, allowing users to explore premium features before committing to a paid plan. BigBlueButton does not offer a free trial, but its open-source nature means users can access all features without a trial period.
In summary:
Free Tier Availability: Yes vs Yes
Paid Plans: $32/month vs Free (Open Source)
Free Trial Availability: Yes vs No
Verdict:
BigBlueButton is better due to its free open-source model compared to ClickMeeting’s $32/month plan.
Performance
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton both offer high reliability, ensuring stable and consistent performance during conferences. Both platforms maintain low latency, providing smooth and real-time communication without noticeable delays.
In terms of resource usage, ClickMeeting operates at a moderate level, which might demand more from your system compared to BigBlueButton, which is optimized for low resource consumption. This makes BigBlueButton a more efficient choice for users with limited system capabilities.
When handling high traffic, both ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton receive positive feedback, indicating their ability to manage large numbers of participants effectively without compromising performance.
Verdict:
ClickMeeting is better due to its moderate resource usage compared to BigBlueButton’s low resource usage.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | High | High |
| Latency | Low | Low |
| Resource Usage | Moderate | Low |
| High Traffic Feedback | Positive | Positive |
Unique Selling Points
ClickMeeting offers robust webinar features, customizable branding, and engagement tools. It is designed for businesses that need professional webinar solutions. Users can tailor the platform to match their brand, enhancing the professional appearance of their webinars. Engagement tools like polls, surveys, and Q&A sessions help keep the audience involved and interactive.
BigBlueButton, on the other hand, is an open-source platform with extensive educational tools. It is ideal for educational institutions and online learning environments. The open-source nature allows for customization and flexibility, making it a cost-effective solution. BigBlueButton includes features like breakout rooms, shared notes, and whiteboards, which are essential for interactive learning.
ClickMeeting scores high on professional webinar capabilities and brand customization. BigBlueButton excels in educational tools and flexibility due to its open-source nature. Both platforms cater to different needs, with ClickMeeting focusing on business webinars and BigBlueButton on education.
Verdict:
ClickMeeting is better for robust webinar features, customizable branding, and engagement tools. BigBlueButton excels in open-source and educational tools.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Key Features and Differentiators | Robust webinar features, customizable branding, engagement tools | Open-source, extensive educational tools |
User Feedback and Reviews
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton are popular conferencing apps, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses based on user feedback and reviews.
ClickMeeting is highly rated for its security and features. Users appreciate its customizable interface, ease of use, and robust features. However, the higher cost for advanced features can be a drawback for some.
BigBlueButton, on the other hand, is highly rated for educational use and customization. It is free, open-source, and customizable, making it a favorite among educational institutions. The main downside is that it requires self-hosting for full control, which can be a challenge for users without technical expertise.
| Attribute | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ratings | Highly rated for security and features | Highly rated for educational use and customization |
| Pros | Customizable, easy to use, robust features | Free, open-source, customizable |
| Cons | Higher cost for advanced features | Requires self-hosting for full control |
Final Verdict
ClickMeeting and BigBlueButton both excel in core features, offering HD video and high audio quality. ClickMeeting stands out in security and privacy due to GDPR and HIPAA compliance, and offers a more intuitive UI and comprehensive customer support. BigBlueButton, however, is advantageous for its free open-source model, making it cost-effective. Overall, ClickMeeting is better for those needing robust security and support, while BigBlueButton is ideal for budget-conscious users.
