WebRTC vs LiveKit
How do WebRTC and LiveKit compare? And what does Video SDK offer?
WebRTC is a free and open-source initiative that empowers web browsers with Real-Time Communications (RTC) capabilities through straightforward JavaScript APIs. The WebRTC components have been finely tuned to effectively fulfill this objective.
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.
How Video SDK make a difference
Real-time communication has become integral to various industries, from online meetings and virtual conferences to healthcare and gaming. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) and LiveKit are two prominent players in this space, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages.
However, Video SDK introduces a transformative factor. But what makes it stand out? This page conducts a comprehensive comparison between WebRTC and LiveKit, unveiling the aspects that contribute to Video SDK's exceptional performance. An ideal solution tailored to meet your specific requirements!
Features comparison : WebRTC vs LiveKit vs Video SDK
features | WebRTC | LiveKit | Video SDK |
---|---|---|---|
No. of participants (Including hosts) | ✕ 2-3 participants only | ✕ Limited | ✓ Up to millions of viewers |
Ease of SDK Integration | ✕ Complex | ✕ Development is moderately tough | ✓ Avg. integration takes only 2 weeks |
Adpative audio/video quality | ✓ Available | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available |
Works behind the Firewall, Private Network | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Role Management, Permissions, Policy and Templates | ✕ No | ✕ Limited to host & participant roles | ✓ Available |
Automatic video and audio track degrade due to bandwidth in-consistency | ✕ No | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
Dynamic Layout for Studio and RTMP Live Streaming | ✕ No | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available |
Build collaborative features like chat, poll, Q & A, whiteboard etc. | ✕ No | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available |
Virtual Background, Live Transcription & ML Middleware | ✕ No | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available |
Webhooks | ✓ Yes | ✕ Not Available | ✓ Available |
Pricing Model | NA | ✕ Subscription based | ✓ Usage based |
Interactive Live Streaming | NA | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Cloud Recording | NA | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Interactive Whiteboard | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Multi-platform | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Interactive Participant Support | ✕ Very limited | ✕ Limited | ✓ Up to 5,000 |
Mobile browser support | ✕ 20% | ✕ Limited | ✓ 90% |
Automatic audio / video degrade, re-connectivity | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audio & Video powered by AI | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Independent of Open Source Dependency | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Customised RTMP, Cloud Recording, HLS | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
API for building specific features such as collaborative games, polls etc | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
API to build social features such as merging rooms, battles, coins, gifts sending etc | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Full HD recording | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Open source templates | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Full Custom roles | ✕ Limited | ✕ Limited | ✓ Yes |
HLS Streaming | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Cost-effective | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Prebuilt SDK | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Fully customizable UI | ✕ Yes, but requires much efforts | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Metaverse platform support | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Session analytics | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Data Tracks | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Cost comparison : WebRTC vs LiveKit vs Video SDK
features | WebRTC | LiveKit | Video SDK |
---|---|---|---|
Volume Discount | NA | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Video Conferencing | NA |
|
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Analytics | NA | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
Separate pricing for video and audio | NA | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Free 10,000 minutes every month | NA | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Minimum price for video calls | NA | $0.02 per participant minute | $0.002 per participant minute |
Minimum price for audio-only calls | NA | $0.005 per participant minute | $0.0006 per participant min |
Advanced Firewall Control | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Free |
Cloud recording pricing | NA | No accurate data available |
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RTMP pricing | NA | No accurate data available |
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ILS pricing | NA |
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Storage pricing | NA | No accurate data available |
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Support comparison : WebRTC vs LiveKit vs Video SDK
features | WebRTC | LiveKit | Video SDK |
---|---|---|---|
Support | NA | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Cost | NA | Only accounts having Standard or Enterprise plan | Free |
Access to Testing | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ All paid accounts get access to testing support from Video SDK. |
Access to TAM / CS Engineer | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Dedicated CS & Solution Engineers |
SLAs | ✕ No | ✕ Only accounts having Enterprise plan | ✓ Inexpensive SLA with 99.9% uptime |
See why customers love Video SDK

“VideoSDK's well-structured product and efficient support team expedited integration. Their excellent user experience and well-defined documentation prompted us to switch from our previous provider.”
Kanishk Agrawal ,
Sr. Director - Technology at Judge Group
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