Ant Media Server
Ant Media Server 3.2 adds WHEP playback, Prometheus metrics and plugin installs from the dashboard.
Comparison · Meetings
BigBlueButton vs TrueConf
A side-by-side editorial comparison of BigBlueButton and TrueConf — release velocity, themes, recent moves, and the top alternatives to consider.
Shared themes:video-conferencing
BigBlueButton vs TrueConf: at a glance
What is BigBlueButton?
BigBlueButton 4.0 rc.5 drops Etherpad and makes BlockNote the only notes editor.
BigBlueButton 4.0.0-rc.5 removes Etherpad, so upgrading uninstalls bbb-etherpad and bbb-pads and leaves BlockNote as the only shared-notes editor. It also moves Node components to Node.js 24, switches the client to the 1.0 pre-release plugin SDK, and redesigns the poll and quiz panels. It follows two security-only candidates, and the project still recommends 3.0.x for production.
What is TrueConf?
TrueConf takes its on-prem pitch to GITEX after a month of PHP patches.
A critical PHP vulnerability in TrueConf Server's web service (PHP2Shell, all versions through 5.5.7) drove a security advisory, the 5.5.8 release and matching 5.4.11 and 5.3.11 updates. TrueConf Room gained better calendar-connector handling. Since then the feed is event marketing, with recaps of ADIPEC and plans for GITEX GLOBAL.
BigBlueButton vs TrueConf: editorial side-by-side
BigBlueButton
5.0MEETINGS
BigBlueButton 4.0 rc.5 drops Etherpad and makes BlockNote the only notes editor.
◆ Current state
BigBlueButton 4.0.0-rc.5 removes Etherpad, so upgrading uninstalls bbb-etherpad and bbb-pads and leaves BlockNote as the only shared-notes editor. It also moves Node components to Node.js 24, switches the client to the 1.0 pre-release plugin SDK, and redesigns the poll and quiz panels. It follows two security-only candidates, and the project still recommends 3.0.x for production.
◆ Where it's heading
The 4.0 cycle is removing legacy components one by one: SIP.js audio went in beta.4, and Etherpad goes now. Between the removals, security-only candidates harden the new LiveKit audio and BlockNote notes surfaces. The plugin SDK reaching a 1.0 pre-release suggests the extension API is being frozen for GA.
◆ Prediction
Expect at least one more candidate to settle the plugin SDK 1.0 change and Etherpad removal before 4.0.0 GA. The pace of security advisories makes the exact timing unclear.
TrueConf
5.0MEETINGS
TrueConf takes its on-prem pitch to GITEX after a month of PHP patches.
◆ Current state
A critical PHP vulnerability in TrueConf Server's web service (PHP2Shell, all versions through 5.5.7) drove a security advisory, the 5.5.8 release and matching 5.4.11 and 5.3.11 updates. TrueConf Room gained better calendar-connector handling. Since then the feed is event marketing, with recaps of ADIPEC and plans for GITEX GLOBAL.
◆ Where it's heading
TrueConf sells on-premises communications to regulated and industrial customers, and recent releases are mostly about keeping several supported server versions patched. Feature work, such as quick polls and chatbot buttons in 5.5.6, comes in smaller monthly steps.
◆ Prediction
Expect the November security update and a 5.5.9 server release, with feature work resuming in the 5.5 line.
Alternatives to BigBlueButton and TrueConf
Other Meetings products tracked by Sparkpulse, ranked by recent ship velocity. Each card links to a full editorial trajectory and lets you pivot into a head-to-head comparison with either BigBlueButton or TrueConf.
3CX
3CX sets the end of 2026 to switch off its own transcription service.
Eventcombo
Eventcombo adds webinar demo checklists to its 2027 buyer guides.
Fourwaves
Fourwaves doubles Free plan submissions to 50 and reworks reviewer assignment.
JW Player
JW Player's Android SDK 4.28 adds live Chromecast and new background audio controls.
Nextcloud Talk
Nextcloud Talk v23.0.14 fixes Firefox video and keeps v25 waiting at RC3.
See all BigBlueButton alternatives → · See all TrueConf alternatives →
Recent activity from BigBlueButton and TrueConf
Latest ship moves from both products, interleaved chronologically. ⚡ = editorial spark.
- 2d agoTrueConfTrueConf at ADIPEC in UAE
- 3d agoTrueConfTrueConf brings on-prem UC solutions to GITEX GLOBAL 2026
- 19d agoTrueConfTrueConf brings on-prem UC solutions to ADIPEC
- 21d agoTrueConfTrueConf Server 5.4.11 and 5.3.11: Built-in PHP Web Stack Update
- 22d agoTrueConfTrueConf Server 5.5.8: Built-in PHP Web Stack Update
- 23d agoTrueConfSecurity Patch for the PHP Service in TrueConf Server
- 1mo agoBigBlueButtonBigBlueButton 4.0 rc.5 removes Etherpad and moves to Node.js 24
- 1mo agoBigBlueButtonBigBlueButton 4.0 rc.4 patches audio and notes security flaws
- 2mo agoBigBlueButtonBigBlueButton 4.0 rc.3 hardens LiveKit reconnection
- 2mo agoBigBlueButtonBigBlueButton 4.0 rc.2 fixes cross-meeting security flaws
- 2mo agoBigBlueButtonBigBlueButton 4.0 rc.1 completes the LiveKit audio migration ⚡
- 3mo agoBigBlueButtonBigBlueButton 4.0 beta.5 overhauls mobile layout
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between BigBlueButton and TrueConf?
Both compete on the same themes — video-conferencing — within Meetings. BigBlueButton and TrueConf are shipping at a similar cadence (velocity 5.0 vs 5.0, both within Sparkpulse's "active" band). See the at-a-glance table above for a side-by-side breakdown of velocity, recent sparks, and editorial themes.
Is BigBlueButton better than TrueConf?
Sparkpulse doesn't pick a winner — we score release velocity, not feature parity. BigBlueButton and TrueConf are shipping at a similar cadence (velocity 5.0 vs 5.0, both within Sparkpulse's "active" band). For your specific use case, the alternatives sections above list other Meetings products to evaluate alongside.
What are the best alternatives to BigBlueButton?
Top BigBlueButton alternatives in Meetings are ranked by recent ship velocity. Browse the "BigBlueButton alternatives" section above for the current picks, or visit /alternatives/bigbluebutton for the full list with editorial commentary on each.
What are the best alternatives to TrueConf?
Top TrueConf alternatives in Meetings are ranked by recent ship velocity. Browse the "TrueConf alternatives" section above for the current picks, or visit /alternatives/trueconf for the full list with editorial commentary on each.