Which is Better, and When to Use It: WebRTC or WebSocket (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Understanding WebRTC

What is WebRTC?

Key Components of WebRTC

• RTCPeerConnection: Manages audio, video, and generic data transmission between peers.
• RTCDataChannel: Facilitates peer-to-peer data exchange, suitable for file transfers or gaming data.
• MediaStream: Represents audio/video streams from local microphones or cameras for transmission.

Typical Use Cases for WebRTC

• Video and audio conferencing systems (e.g., Zoom-like apps)
• Live media streaming platforms
• Secure file sharing between users
• Real-time gaming with direct peer connections

Code Snippet: Simple WebRTC Peer Connection

1// Escaped for JSON
2const peerConnection = new RTCPeerConnection();
3const dataChannel = peerConnection.createDataChannel("chat");
4
5peerConnection.onicecandidate = (event) => {
6  if (event.candidate) {
7    // Send candidate to remote peer via signaling server
8    console.log("ICE Candidate:", event.candidate);
9  }
10};
11
12peerConnection.createOffer()
13  .then(offer => peerConnection.setLocalDescription(offer))
14  .then(() => {
15    // Send offer to remote peer via signaling
16    console.log("Offer:", peerConnection.localDescription);
17  });
18

Understanding WebSocket

What is WebSocket?

Core Features and Architecture

• WebSocket Protocol (RFC 6455): Enables bi-directional, low-overhead communication over a single TCP connection.
• WebSocket API: Straightforward JavaScript interface for establishing and managing WebSocket connections.

Typical Use Cases for WebSocket

• Real-time chat applications
• Live notifications and feeds
• Multiplayer online games
• Collaborative document editing and live dashboards

Code Snippet: Basic WebSocket Implementation

1// Escaped for JSON
2const socket = new WebSocket("wss://example.com/socket");
3
4socket.onopen = () => {
5  socket.send("Hello Server!");
6};
7
8socket.onmessage = (event) => {
9  console.log("Received:", event.data);
10};
11
12socket.onclose = () => {
13  console.log("Connection closed");
14};
15

WebRTC vs WebSocket: Key Differences

Architecture Comparison

• WebRTC: Primarily peer-to-peer, minimizing server load during media exchange. Requires signaling (often via WebSocket) to initiate sessions, with STUN/TURN servers assisting in NAT traversal.
• WebSocket: Classic client-server model, where all communication routes through a central server, simplifying session management but increasing server bandwidth demands.

Mermaid Diagram: Architecture Comparison

Data Types and Use Cases

• WebRTC: Optimized for audio, video, and real-time data streams between peers (media-centric).
• WebSocket: Suited for generic data, text, or binary messages between clients and server.

Security and Encryption

• WebRTC: Enforces built-in encryption (DTLS/SRTP), ensuring all media and data streams are secure by default.
• WebSocket: Encryption via TLS (wss://) is available but not mandatory, making security implementation a developer responsibility.

Performance and Scalability

• WebRTC: Offers ultra-low latency and bandwidth efficiency for peer-to-peer communication but can be complex to scale for multi-party or large audiences.
• WebSocket: Scales well for one-to-many or many-to-many scenarios but may introduce higher latency due to server routing.

Pros and Cons of WebRTC

Advantages

• Low Latency: Direct peer-to-peer transmission reduces delay, ideal for real-time media.
• Direct Media Streaming: No need for intermediate servers for audio/video.
• Security: End-to-end encryption is enforced, boosting privacy.

Disadvantages

• Complexity: Session initiation, signaling, and NAT traversal (via STUN/TURN) add implementation overhead.
• Resource Usage: Heavy on device resources for media encoding/decoding.
• Browser Compatibility: Minor inconsistencies may persist across browsers, though much improved by 2025.

Pros and Cons of WebSocket

Advantages

• Simplicity: Easy to implement and maintain with straightforward APIs.
• Wide Support: Universally supported by browsers and backend frameworks.
• Efficient Data Exchange: Handles frequent, small data updates efficiently.

Disadvantages

• No Built-in Media Streaming: Not suitable for direct audio/video transfer.
• Server Dependency: All communication flows through central servers, increasing potential bottlenecks.
• Security Optional: Encryption is possible but not enforced, so data privacy depends on implementation.

When to Use WebRTC

Ideal Scenarios

• Real-time media streaming: Video calls, audio chats,

  live streaming

  where low latency is crucial.
• Peer-to-peer data transfer: File sharing or gaming where privacy and speed matter.
• Privacy-sensitive applications: Where end-to-end encryption is a must.

Implementation Considerations

1// Escaped for JSON
2const pc = new RTCPeerConnection();
3navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia({ video: true, audio: true })
4  .then(stream => {
5    document.getElementById("localVideo").srcObject = stream;
6    stream.getTracks().forEach(track => pc.addTrack(track, stream));
7  });
8pc.createOffer().then(offer => pc.setLocalDescription(offer));
9

When to Use WebSocket

Ideal Scenarios

• Real-time chat applications: Where message delivery speed and reliability matter.
• Live dashboards and feeds: Stock tickers, sports scores, or collaborative editing.
• Notifications: Push events to clients instantly.

Implementation Considerations

1// Escaped for JSON
2const ws = new WebSocket("wss://live.example.com/feed");
3ws.onmessage = (event) => {
4  // Update dashboard UI
5  updateDashboard(JSON.parse(event.data));
6};
7

Can You Use WebRTC and WebSocket Together?

Mermaid Diagram: Hybrid Signaling Workflow

Conclusion