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BigBlueButton runs entirely in your web browser and does not require you to install an application. Most users with a reasonably recent computer or mobile device, a stable Internet connection, and a current web browser should have a good experience.

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High Level Requirements

For the best experience, we recommend using the latest stable version of one of the following browsers:
  • Desktop/Laptop: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari.
  • iPhone/iPad: Safari.
  • Android: Google Chrome.
BigBlueButton relies on modern browser technologies such as WebRTC. Older or unsupported browsers may not provide all BigBlueButton features. BigBlueButton runs within the browser, so it is largely independent of the underlying operating system. Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS can all run BigBlueButton provided they support a current version of a supported browser.

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Desktop/Laptop Users

  1. Computer: We recommend a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook with at least 4 GB of memory. 8 GB or more is recommended when using webcams, screen sharing, or running other applications at the same time.
  2. Internet connection: As a general baseline, we recommend at least 1 Mbit/sec upstream and 2 Mbit/sec downstream available to BigBlueButton. Actual bandwidth requirements depend on how you use BigBlueButton. Audio and presentation viewing require relatively little bandwidth, while publishing webcams, viewing multiple webcams, and screen sharing require progressively more bandwidth. You can check your available bandwidth using speedtest.net.
  3. Browser: We recommend using the latest stable version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari.
  4. Audio: A built-in microphone and speakers will work, but we recommend using headphones or a headset when possible. This can improve audio quality and reduce echo and background noise for other participants.
A laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone is generally sufficient when used in a quiet environment.

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Connection Quality

Connection quality is just as important as raw bandwidth. Real-time audio, video, and screen sharing can be affected by:
  • High network latency
  • Packet loss
  • Network congestion
  • Unstable Wi-Fi
  • VPNs or restrictive corporate networks
A fast Internet connection can still provide poor real-time audio or video if the connection is unstable. For the best experience, use a stable wired, Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE, or 5G connection.

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Detailed Requirements

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Network Connectivity

Each user should be able to make the following TCP/IP and UDP network connections: For the best real-time audio and video performance, UDP traffic should be allowed. If a firewall blocks UDP connections, BigBlueButton may attempt to relay media through TCP/TLS on port 443. This can allow the session to continue, but may result in reduced audio or video performance, particularly on congested or high-latency networks.

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Mobile Device Users

BigBlueButton works directly in supported mobile browsers and does not require a dedicated mobile application.
  1. Network: We recommend a reliable Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE, or 5G connection.
  2. Browser:
    • On iPhone and iPad, use a current version of Safari.
    • On Android, use a current version of Google Chrome.
  3. Wi-Fi: A stable private Wi-Fi network will generally provide a better experience than a congested public Wi-Fi network.
  4. Device usage: Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs, particularly on devices with limited memory or processing capacity.
Mobile users can participate in audio, view presentations and screen sharing, use chat, respond to polls, and use many other BigBlueButton features directly from their browser.

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Additional Recommendations for Moderators and Presenters

Moderators and presenters can join BigBlueButton from mobile devices, but we recommend using a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook whenever possible. A larger-screen device generally provides the best experience when:
  • Managing participants
  • Presenting slides
  • Using the multi-user whiteboard
  • Managing breakout rooms
  • Sharing a webcam
  • Sharing your screen
Screen sharing from mobile browsers may not be available because of browser and operating-system limitations. Presenters who need to share their screen should use a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook.

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Screen Sharing

Screen sharing typically requires more upstream bandwidth than audio or presentation viewing. For presenters who will share their screen, we recommend at least 2 Mbits/sec of available upstream bandwidth. Higher bandwidth may be beneficial when sharing high-resolution screens or rapidly changing content. The actual bandwidth used for screen sharing depends on screen resolution, content, and the configuration of the BigBlueButton server.