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KeystoneJS vs Janus Gateway

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

Software

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Janus Gateway logo

Janus Gateway

Software

WebRTC gateway and media server for real-time communication

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite; Janus Gateway janus Gateway is open source (GPLv3) and ships with no hosted SaaS from Meetecho; production deployments require self-managing STUN/TURN and signalling infrastructure.
  • They diverge on capability: KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Janus Gateway covers WebRTC Gateway.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KeystoneJS and Janus Gateway actually diverge.

Attributes where KeystoneJS and Janus Gateway differ
AttributeKeystoneJSJanus Gateway
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedLinux, MacOS, BSD
Founded20162010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in KeystoneJS

  • GraphQL API
  • Admin interface
  • Node.js
  • Next.js
  • React
  • Databases
  • Node.js support
  • Self-hosted support

Only in Janus Gateway

  • WebRTC Gateway
  • Media Routing
  • Video Conferencing
  • RTP
  • SRTP
  • Linux support
  • MacOS support
  • BSD support

Both cover

  • REST API

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

KeystoneJS

  • Building a headless CMS with a GraphQL API from a TypeScript schemanot Janus Gateway
  • Generating a configurable Admin UI for editorsnot Janus Gateway
  • Adding structured rich text content with the document fieldnot Janus Gateway

Janus Gateway

  • API Developmentnot KeystoneJS
  • API Gatewaynot KeystoneJS
  • API Testingnot KeystoneJS
  • API Documentationnot KeystoneJS
  • Microservicesnot KeystoneJS

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

KeystoneJS

  • Database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
  • Keystone 5 is a separate legacy product documented on a different site and is not covered by the Keystone 6 docs
  • Upgrading requires following a dedicated Migrate to 8.0.0 guide, so major versions are not drop-in
  • Free support is a community Slack; enterprise-grade consulting and support is a separate paid engagement with Thinkmill and no published price

Janus Gateway

  • Janus Gateway is open source (GPLv3) and ships with no hosted SaaS from Meetecho; production deployments require self-managing STUN/TURN and signalling infrastructure.

Pricing, plan by plan

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

Janus Gateway

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Core WebRTC gateway
    • Community support

Which should you pick?

Choose KeystoneJS if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Self-hosted.
  • You also want admin interface.
KeystoneJS review

Choose Janus Gateway if

  • You need webrtc gateway.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, MacOS, BSD.
  • You also want media routing.
Janus Gateway review

Questions people ask

Is KeystoneJS or Janus Gateway better?
Neither clearly leads. KeystoneJS starts at Free and Janus Gateway at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, KeystoneJS or Janus Gateway?
KeystoneJS starts at Free and Janus Gateway at Free.
Does KeystoneJS or Janus Gateway run on more platforms?
KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. Janus Gateway runs on Linux, MacOS, BSD.
Can I use KeystoneJS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is KeystoneJS best used for?
KeystoneJS is most often used for building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema, generating a configurable admin ui for editors, adding structured rich text content with the document field. Of those, building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema and generating a configurable admin ui for editors are not what Janus Gateway is typically brought in for.
What can KeystoneJS do that Janus Gateway cannot?
KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Admin interface, Node.js, Next.js. Janus Gateway covers WebRTC Gateway, Media Routing, Video Conferencing, RTP. Both handle REST API.
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