LiveKit vs Ant Media
A head-to-head comparison of LiveKit and Ant Media, And what features does Video SDK offer?
Livekit
is a collection of SDKs that enables the integration of live video and audio into your native applications. It offers various notable features, including live streaming, in-game communication, video calls, and more. Livekit utilizes a modern, end-to-end WebRTC stack to deliver seamless and high-quality real-time communication experiences.
Ant Media is an open-source, enterprise-grade live streaming platform that enables businesses and organizations to broadcast live video content to their audiences at scale. It offers a wide range of features, including live video encoding, transcoding, recording, and distribution.
How Video SDK make a difference?
LiveKit and Ant Media are two of the most popular live streaming solutions available. LiveKit is designed for building real-time video and audio communication applications, while Ant Media is designed for applications such as live broadcasting, video conferencing, and content delivery. but there are some key differences between them that may make one a better fit for your needs than the other. However, It's essential to be aware of their limitations and Constraints.
Presenting the Video SDK - a robust and user-friendly video conferencing SDK that offers an extensive array of features, including chat, polls, break-out rooms, streaming capabilities, and RTMP out. It's the perfect solution for businesses and organizations of any size that require creating top-notch and captivating real-time communication experiences.
Here is a comparison of Video SDK with LiveKit vs Ant Media and understand why Video SDK emerges as a much better choice for all your requirements.
Features Comparison : LiveKit vs Ant Media vs Video SDK
features | LiveKit | Ant Media Server | Video SDK |
|---|---|---|---|
No. of participants (Including hosts) | ✕ LiveKit supports limited participants. | ✕ 6 Participants Only | ✓ VideoSDK supports millions participants. |
Ease of SDK Integration | ✕ Development is moderately tough | ✕ Complex Integration | ✓ VideoSDK generally requires more than 2 weeks for SDK integration . |
Adpative audio/video quality | ✕ LiveKit not offers adaptive audio/video quality. | ✓ Available | ✓ VideoSDK offers adaptive audio/video quality. |
Works behind the Firewall, Private Network | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Role Management, Permissions, Policy and Templates | ✕ Limited to host & participant roles | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK offer Role Management, Permissions, Policy & Templates. |
Automatic video and audio track degrade due to bandwidth in-consistency | ✓ Available | ✕ Partial Available | ✓ Available |
Dynamic Layout for Studio and RTMP Live Streaming | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available | ✓ In VideoSDK no needed manual configuration. |
Build collaborative features like chat, poll, Q & A, whiteboard etc. | ✕ In LiveKit collaborative features is not available. | ✓ Available | ✓ Collaborative features available VideoSDK. |
Virtual Background, Live Transcription & ML Middleware | ✕ Not Available | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Easy integration |
Webhooks | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
Pricing Model | ✕ Subscription based | License Based | ✓ Usage based Price |
Interactive Live Streaming | ✓ LiveKit supports interactive live streaming. | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK supports interactive live streaming . |
Cloud Recording | ✓ LiveKit offers cloud recording capabilities. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK offers cloud recording capabilities. |
Interactive Whiteboard | ✕ LiveKit not provides an interactive whiteboard feature. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK provides an interactive whiteboard feature. |
Multi-platform | ✕ LiveKit not supports multiple platforms for a wider reach. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK supports multiple platforms for a wider reach. |
Interactive Participant Support | ✕ LiveKit provides limited support for interactive participants. | ✕ Upto 200 | ✓ Up to 5,000 |
Mobile browser support | ✕ LiveKit offers limited support for mobile browsers. | ✕ Limited (30%) | ✓ Video support only 90% mobile browsers. |
Automatic audio / video degrade, re-connectivity | ✓ LiveKit supports automatic audio/video quality adjustments.. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK supports automatic audio/video quality adjustments.. |
Audio & Video powered by AI | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Independent of Open Source Dependency | ✓ LiveKit is not dependent on open source. | ✕ No | ✕ VideoSDK is not dependent on open source. |
Customised RTMP, Cloud Recording, HLS | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
API for building specific features such as collaborative games, polls etc | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
API to build social features such as merging rooms, battles, coins, gifts sending etc | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Full HD recording | ✕ LiveKit not supports full HD recording. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK supports full HD recording. |
Open source templates | ✕ LiveKit not heavily rely on open source templates. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK heavily rely on open source templates. |
Full Custom roles | ✕ LiveKit offer limited support for custom roles. | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK offer support for full custom roles. |
HLS Streaming | ✓ LiveKit supports HLS streaming. | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK supports HLS streaming. |
Cost-effective | ✕ LiveKit is not cost effective. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK is cost effective. |
Prebuilt SDK | ✕ LiveKit not provides prebuilt SDKs for easier integration. | Separate SDK | ✓ VideoSDK provides prebuilt SDKs for easier integration. |
Fully customizable UI | ✕ LiveKit not allows for a customizable UI. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK allows for a Limited customizable UI. |
Metaverse platform support | ✕ LiveKit not support Metaverse platform. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK support Metaverse platform. |
Session analytics | ✕ LiveKit not offer session analytics option. | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK offer session analytics option. |
Data Tracks | ✕ LiveKit not offer data tracks option. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK offer track data option. |
features | LiveKit | Ant Media Server | Video SDK |
|---|---|---|---|
No. of participants (Including hosts) | ✕ LiveKit supports limited participants. | ✕ 6 Participants Only | ✓ VideoSDK supports millions participants. |
Ease of SDK Integration | ✕ Development is moderately tough | ✕ Complex Integration | ✓ VideoSDK generally requires more than 2 weeks for SDK integration . |
Adpative audio/video quality | ✕ LiveKit not offers adaptive audio/video quality. | ✓ Available | ✓ VideoSDK offers adaptive audio/video quality. |
Works behind the Firewall, Private Network | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Role Management, Permissions, Policy and Templates | ✕ Limited to host & participant roles | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK offer Role Management, Permissions, Policy & Templates. |
Automatic video and audio track degrade due to bandwidth in-consistency | ✓ Available | ✕ Partial Available | ✓ Available |
Dynamic Layout for Studio and RTMP Live Streaming | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available | ✓ In VideoSDK no needed manual configuration. |
Build collaborative features like chat, poll, Q & A, whiteboard etc. | ✕ In LiveKit collaborative features is not available. | ✓ Available | ✓ Collaborative features available VideoSDK. |
Virtual Background, Live Transcription & ML Middleware | ✕ Not Available | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Easy integration |
Webhooks | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
Pricing Model | ✕ Subscription based | License Based | ✓ Usage based Price |
Interactive Live Streaming | ✓ LiveKit supports interactive live streaming. | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK supports interactive live streaming . |
Cloud Recording | ✓ LiveKit offers cloud recording capabilities. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK offers cloud recording capabilities. |
Interactive Whiteboard | ✕ LiveKit not provides an interactive whiteboard feature. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK provides an interactive whiteboard feature. |
Multi-platform | ✕ LiveKit not supports multiple platforms for a wider reach. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK supports multiple platforms for a wider reach. |
Interactive Participant Support | ✕ LiveKit provides limited support for interactive participants. | ✕ Upto 200 | ✓ Up to 5,000 |
Mobile browser support | ✕ LiveKit offers limited support for mobile browsers. | ✕ Limited (30%) | ✓ Video support only 90% mobile browsers. |
Automatic audio / video degrade, re-connectivity | ✓ LiveKit supports automatic audio/video quality adjustments.. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK supports automatic audio/video quality adjustments.. |
Audio & Video powered by AI | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Independent of Open Source Dependency | ✓ LiveKit is not dependent on open source. | ✕ No | ✕ VideoSDK is not dependent on open source. |
Customised RTMP, Cloud Recording, HLS | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
API for building specific features such as collaborative games, polls etc | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
API to build social features such as merging rooms, battles, coins, gifts sending etc | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Full HD recording | ✕ LiveKit not supports full HD recording. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK supports full HD recording. |
Open source templates | ✕ LiveKit not heavily rely on open source templates. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK heavily rely on open source templates. |
Full Custom roles | ✕ LiveKit offer limited support for custom roles. | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK offer support for full custom roles. |
HLS Streaming | ✓ LiveKit supports HLS streaming. | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK supports HLS streaming. |
Cost-effective | ✕ LiveKit is not cost effective. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK is cost effective. |
Prebuilt SDK | ✕ LiveKit not provides prebuilt SDKs for easier integration. | Separate SDK | ✓ VideoSDK provides prebuilt SDKs for easier integration. |
Fully customizable UI | ✕ LiveKit not allows for a customizable UI. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK allows for a Limited customizable UI. |
Metaverse platform support | ✕ LiveKit not support Metaverse platform. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK support Metaverse platform. |
Session analytics | ✕ LiveKit not offer session analytics option. | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK offer session analytics option. |
Data Tracks | ✕ LiveKit not offer data tracks option. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK offer track data option. |
Price Comparison : LiveKit vs Ant Media vs Video SDK
features | LiveKit | Ant Media Server | Video SDK |
|---|---|---|---|
Volume Discount | ✕ LiveKit not offer the volume discount. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK offer the volume discount . |
Video Conferencing |
|
|
|
Analytics | ✓ Free | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK offer free analytics. |
Separate pricing for video and audio | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Free 10,000 minutes every month | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Minimum price for video calls | $0.02 per participant minute | Ranging from $99 to $2,499 | $0.002 per participant minute |
Minimum price for audio-only calls | $0.005 per participant minute | Ranging from $99 to $2,499 | $0.0006 per participant min |
Advanced Firewall Control | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK offer free firewall control. |
Compliance & Privacy | ✕ LiveKit not provides compliance & privacy support. | ✕ Ant Media Server provides robust support for GDPR compliance. | ✓ Secure real-time audio-video to your app or website with compliance and privacy.
|
Cloud recording pricing | No accurate data available | Hourly License: $0.09 per instance per hour
Annual License (Self-Hosted): $69.00 per month |
|
RTMP pricing | No accurate data available | Hourly License: $0.09 per instance per hour
Annual License (Self-Hosted): $69.00 per month |
|
ILS pricing |
| Hourly License: $0.09 per instance per hour
Annual License (Self-Hosted): $69.00 per month
Perpetual License (Self-Hosted): $1999.00 |
|
Storage pricing | No accurate data available |
|
|
features | LiveKit | Ant Media Server | Video SDK |
|---|---|---|---|
Volume Discount | ✕ LiveKit not offer the volume discount. | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK offer the volume discount . |
Video Conferencing |
|
|
|
Analytics | ✓ Free | ✕ No | ✓ VideoSDK offer free analytics. |
Separate pricing for video and audio | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Free 10,000 minutes every month | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Minimum price for video calls | $0.02 per participant minute | Ranging from $99 to $2,499 | $0.002 per participant minute |
Minimum price for audio-only calls | $0.005 per participant minute | Ranging from $99 to $2,499 | $0.0006 per participant min |
Advanced Firewall Control | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ VideoSDK offer free firewall control. |
Compliance & Privacy | ✕ LiveKit not provides compliance & privacy support. | ✕ Ant Media Server provides robust support for GDPR compliance. | ✓ Secure real-time audio-video to your app or website with compliance and privacy.
|
Cloud recording pricing | No accurate data available | Hourly License: $0.09 per instance per hour
Annual License (Self-Hosted): $69.00 per month |
|
RTMP pricing | No accurate data available | Hourly License: $0.09 per instance per hour
Annual License (Self-Hosted): $69.00 per month |
|
ILS pricing |
| Hourly License: $0.09 per instance per hour
Annual License (Self-Hosted): $69.00 per month
Perpetual License (Self-Hosted): $1999.00 |
|
Storage pricing | No accurate data available |
|
|
Support Comparison : LiveKit vs Ant Media vs Video SDK
features | LiveKit | Ant Media Server | Video SDK |
|---|---|---|---|
Support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Cost | Only accounts having Standard or Enterprise plan |
Ant Media Server also offers three pricing editions:
| Free |
Access to Testing | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ All paid accounts get access to testing support from Video SDK. |
Access to TAM / CS Engineer | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Dedicated CS & Solution Engineers |
SLAs | ✕ Only accounts having Enterprise plan | ✓ Yes (Enterprise Plan) | ✓ Inexpensive SLA with 99.9% uptime |
features | LiveKit | Ant Media Server | Video SDK |
|---|---|---|---|
Support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Cost | Only accounts having Standard or Enterprise plan |
Ant Media Server also offers three pricing editions:
| Free |
Access to Testing | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ All paid accounts get access to testing support from Video SDK. |
Access to TAM / CS Engineer | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Dedicated CS & Solution Engineers |
SLAs | ✕ Only accounts having Enterprise plan | ✓ Yes (Enterprise Plan) | ✓ Inexpensive SLA with 99.9% uptime |
Discover why Video SDK is the top choice for customers
“I still remember when I was trying out the product and connected over discord with Arjun Kava, and he immediately responded. It is one of the things that we found less often. The team is super enthusiastic to make the product as next big thing. Easy integration is the beauty of it. Few lines of code and it's done.”
Ankur Chandra ,
Engineering Manager at Fynd
FAQ
