So, you’ve discovered plugNmeet and you’re excited about creating your own private, brandable video meeting platform. That’s great! But you might have seen two main options: Self-Hosted Open-Source and the plugNmeet Cloud.
If you’re not a technical person, these terms can be confusing. Don’t worry. This simple guide will explain the difference in plain English and help you decide which path is the perfect fit for your business, school, or project.
Think of it like this: Owning a house vs. Renting a luxury apartment. Both are great options, but they’re designed for different needs.
Path 1: Self-Hosted Open-Source (Like Owning Your Own House)
What is it?
This is the free, open-source version of plugNmeet. You download the software for free and install it on your own server (your "land"). You own everything from the ground up. You have complete control over every aspect of the system.
Who is it for?
This path is perfect for developers, organizations with an IT department, or anyone with strict data privacy requirements (like healthcare or finance) who needs to keep all data on their own infrastructure.
You might choose Self-Hosted if:
- ✅ You want total control and ownership of your data.
- ✅ You have a technical team or are comfortable working with servers.
- ✅ You want maximum flexibility to customize every detail.
- ✅ Your primary cost is your own time and server hardware, not a software subscription.
Path 2: plugNmeet Cloud (Like Renting a Luxury Apartment)
What is it?
This is our managed, ready-to-use service. We handle all the technical parts for you. You get a powerful, fully-featured video conferencing platform without ever having to touch a server. We take care of the installation, security, updates, and maintenance, just like a building manager handles repairs in an apartment.
Who is it for?
This path is perfect for business owners, teachers, consultants, coaches, and anyone who wants a powerful, branded video solution without the technical overhead.
You might choose plugNmeet Cloud if:
- ✅ You want to get started in minutes, with no technical setup.
- ✅ You want everything to "just work," with all maintenance and updates handled for you.
- ✅ You need premium features like our Intelligent Geo-Distribution, which automatically connects your international callers to the nearest server for a smooth, lag-free experience.
- ✅ You prefer a predictable monthly or annual subscription cost.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Self-Hosted (Own a House) | plugNmeet Cloud (Rent an Apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Skill Needed | Medium to High | None |
| Setup Time | Hours to Days | Minutes |
| Maintenance & Updates | You handle everything | We handle everything |
| Cost Structure | Software is free; you pay for your own servers and time. | A predictable subscription fee. |
| Best For | Total control, privacy, and deep customization. | Speed, convenience, and ease of use. |
There's No Wrong Answer, Only the Right Fit
Ultimately, the best choice depends entirely on your goals and resources. If you value total control and have the technical means, the open-source version is a powerful asset. If you value speed, convenience, and peace of mind, the plugNmeet Cloud is your fastest path to success.
Ready to take the next step?