Janus Gateway

Self-Hosted

Open-source WebRTC server for self-hosted video conferencing

Overview

Janus Gateway is an open-source WebRTC server enabling real-time video conferencing, streaming, and peer-to-peer communication. It uses a modular plugin architecture for custom workflows like video rooms, screen sharing, and recording. Deployable via Docker or bare-metal servers, it integrates with web/mobile frontends and prioritizes privacy by letting users control their media data. Compatible with major browsers/devices, it’s ideal for businesses, education, or communities needing self-hosted real-time communication tools.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  janus_gateway:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: janus-gateway
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Modular plugin system for custom communication workflows
WebRTC support for real-time video, audio, and data streams
Self-hostable via Docker or bare-metal deployments

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Janus Gateway hard to install?

Janus can be installed easily via Docker images, simplifying setup. Source installations require basic server skills. Configuring plugins and frontends needs WebRTC familiarity, but documentation and community support help reduce complexity.

? Is it a good alternative to Zoom?

Janus isn’t a direct Zoom alternative (lacks built-in UI) but is a powerful foundation for self-hosted tools. It provides core WebRTC functionality, letting developers build custom platforms with full privacy and control.

? Is it completely free?

Yes! Janus Gateway is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and self-host without licensing fees or restrictions.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Video Conferencing

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (full control over media data)
⊕ Highly customizable with plugins
⊕ Free and open-source (MIT License)

Cons

⊖ Requires technical setup (server config & WebRTC knowledge)
⊖ No built-in user interface (needs custom frontend)
⊖ Steeper learning curve for non-technical users