How to self-host your Zoom alternative
Self-hosted video conferencing means you manage the call infrastructure yourself (WebRTC) — no 40-minute limit, no per-minute cost on a free plan.
Tools that meet this intent
Alternative to Zoom, Google Meet
Video calls with no limits or account, a direct alternative to Zoom.
Alternative to Zoom
Education-focused video conferencing, an alternative to Zoom.
Alternative to Zoom
Ultra-lightweight video conferencing server, an alternative to Zoom on modest hardware.
Alternative to Zoom
Shared streaming virtual browser, for watch parties and collaboration.
Real server requirements
Between 256MB and 2GB of RAM depending on the tool — never a single number.
The widest RAM range in the catalog for this intent: Galène and Neko run on 256MB on modest hardware, BigBlueButton on 512MB, while Jitsi Meet needs 2GB and more CPU the more people join a call at once — the real requirement depends on how many participants and call-minutes you expect, not a fixed number. You'll need to open UDP ports in your firewall/NAT for calls to work.
What you gain and lose versus the SaaS
You won't get Zoom's "it always connects" reliability on restrictive corporate networks (Zoom invests heavily in traversing difficult firewalls); in exchange, unlimited-participant calls with no per-minute cost from a plan.