Quick Overview
- 1#1: Twilio - Provides programmable video, voice, and messaging APIs to build fully custom HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms.
- 2#2: Zoom Video SDK - Enables embedding of high-quality, customizable video conferencing with HIPAA support directly into telehealth applications.
- 3#3: Amazon Chime SDK - Offers scalable real-time audio, video, and chat SDKs with HIPAA eligibility for custom telehealth solutions on AWS.
- 4#4: Agora - Delivers low-latency real-time video and audio SDKs ideal for interactive custom telehealth consultations worldwide.
- 5#5: Vonage Video API - Powers secure, real-time video communications with APIs for developing compliant custom telehealth software.
- 6#6: Microsoft Azure Communication Services - Cloud-based services for building voice, video, and chat features in enterprise-grade HIPAA-compliant telehealth apps.
- 7#7: Daily - Simple API for embedding secure, scalable video calls with HIPAA BAA into custom telehealth platforms.
- 8#8: 100ms - Interactive live video SDK for creating engaging conferencing and streaming experiences in telehealth apps.
- 9#9: Jitsi - Open-source video conferencing platform fully customizable for self-hosted telehealth deployments.
- 10#10: LiveKit - Open-source WebRTC infrastructure for real-time audio/video in scalable custom healthcare applications.
Tools were selected based on a blend of key features (HIPAA compliance, customization), technical robustness (scalability, low latency), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring a comprehensive, trusted ranking for professionals seeking top-tier solutions.
Comparison Table
Custom telehealth software is vital for connecting providers and patients, with tools varying in integration, scalability, and feature sets. This comparison table evaluates key options like Twilio, Zoom Video SDK, Amazon Chime SDK, Agora, and Vonage Video API, outlining their unique strengths to help readers identify the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Twilio Provides programmable video, voice, and messaging APIs to build fully custom HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Zoom Video SDK Enables embedding of high-quality, customizable video conferencing with HIPAA support directly into telehealth applications. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 |  Amazon Chime SDK Offers scalable real-time audio, video, and chat SDKs with HIPAA eligibility for custom telehealth solutions on AWS. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Agora Delivers low-latency real-time video and audio SDKs ideal for interactive custom telehealth consultations worldwide. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Vonage Video API Powers secure, real-time video communications with APIs for developing compliant custom telehealth software. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Microsoft Azure Communication Services Cloud-based services for building voice, video, and chat features in enterprise-grade HIPAA-compliant telehealth apps. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Daily Simple API for embedding secure, scalable video calls with HIPAA BAA into custom telehealth platforms. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | 100ms Interactive live video SDK for creating engaging conferencing and streaming experiences in telehealth apps. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Jitsi Open-source video conferencing platform fully customizable for self-hosted telehealth deployments. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | LiveKit Open-source WebRTC infrastructure for real-time audio/video in scalable custom healthcare applications. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
Provides programmable video, voice, and messaging APIs to build fully custom HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms.
Enables embedding of high-quality, customizable video conferencing with HIPAA support directly into telehealth applications.
Offers scalable real-time audio, video, and chat SDKs with HIPAA eligibility for custom telehealth solutions on AWS.
Delivers low-latency real-time video and audio SDKs ideal for interactive custom telehealth consultations worldwide.
Powers secure, real-time video communications with APIs for developing compliant custom telehealth software.
Cloud-based services for building voice, video, and chat features in enterprise-grade HIPAA-compliant telehealth apps.
Simple API for embedding secure, scalable video calls with HIPAA BAA into custom telehealth platforms.
Interactive live video SDK for creating engaging conferencing and streaming experiences in telehealth apps.
Open-source video conferencing platform fully customizable for self-hosted telehealth deployments.
Open-source WebRTC infrastructure for real-time audio/video in scalable custom healthcare applications.
Twilio
enterpriseProvides programmable video, voice, and messaging APIs to build fully custom HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms.
Programmable Video API with WebRTC for low-latency, customizable video consultations embeddable in any app
Twilio is a cloud communications platform that enables developers to build highly customizable telehealth solutions using its APIs for video conferencing, voice calls, SMS messaging, and programmable chat. It supports HIPAA-eligible services, making it suitable for secure patient-provider interactions like virtual consultations, appointment reminders, and two-way texting. With global scalability and real-time communication capabilities, Twilio powers bespoke telehealth applications tailored to specific healthcare needs.
Pros
- Exceptional flexibility for custom integrations with EHR systems and telehealth workflows
- HIPAA-compliant options with end-to-end encryption for secure video and messaging
- Global scalability handling millions of concurrent sessions reliably
Cons
- Requires significant developer expertise and coding to build full telehealth features
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive at high volumes without careful optimization
- No out-of-the-box telehealth UI; frontend development is necessary
Best For
Developers and healthcare organizations building fully customized, scalable telehealth platforms from scratch.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model starting at $0.004 per SMS, $0.0015 per voice minute, and $0.004 per video participant-minute; volume discounts available.
Zoom Video SDK
enterpriseEnables embedding of high-quality, customizable video conferencing with HIPAA support directly into telehealth applications.
Full white-label customization allowing complete rebranding and UI control for seamless integration into proprietary telehealth apps
Zoom Video SDK enables developers to embed high-quality, customizable video and audio conferencing directly into custom applications, making it ideal for telehealth platforms. It supports essential features like HD video, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, chat, recording, and secure data sharing tailored for healthcare scenarios. With HIPAA-compliant options and scalability for large deployments, it allows full branding and UI control without relying on the standard Zoom client.
Pros
- Robust feature set including end-to-end encryption, breakout rooms, and annotations optimized for telehealth consultations
- HIPAA compliance and healthcare-specific safeguards for secure patient interactions
- Highly scalable with support for thousands of participants and seamless cross-platform integration
Cons
- Requires significant development expertise for full customization and integration
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive at high volumes without enterprise negotiation
- Limited no-code options, making it less accessible for non-technical teams
Best For
Development teams building branded, scalable telehealth applications needing embedded video without third-party client dependencies.
Pricing
Free for development and up to 10,000 minutes/month; production pricing is metered at ~$0.004/minute per participant plus data fees, with custom enterprise plans available.
Amazon Chime SDK
enterpriseOffers scalable real-time audio, video, and chat SDKs with HIPAA eligibility for custom telehealth solutions on AWS.
Deep AWS integration for serverless, compliant telehealth apps with automatic scaling and features like Active Talker for efficient multi-party medical consultations
Amazon Chime SDK is a developer-focused toolkit from AWS for embedding real-time audio, video calling, chat, and collaboration features into custom applications. For telehealth, it enables building secure, scalable virtual care platforms with high-quality video, screen sharing, and SIP integration for medical workflows. It supports HIPAA compliance through AWS configurations, making it ideal for enterprise-grade custom telehealth solutions.
Pros
- Highly scalable with AWS infrastructure, handling millions of concurrent users reliably
- Comprehensive features like HD video, AI noise suppression, live transcription, and content sharing tailored for telehealth
- Strong security including end-to-end encryption and HIPAA eligibility for compliant healthcare apps
Cons
- Requires significant development expertise; no low-code/no-code options for quick deployment
- Steep learning curve for integrating SDK into custom apps
- Usage-based pricing can escalate quickly for high-volume telehealth sessions without careful optimization
Best For
Development teams at healthcare organizations building highly customized, scalable telehealth platforms integrated with AWS services.
Pricing
Usage-based with free tier (up to 100,000 minutes/month for voice/video); video meetings at ~$0.0017-$0.0022 per participant-minute, messaging at $0.0005 per message.
Agora
enterpriseDelivers low-latency real-time video and audio SDKs ideal for interactive custom telehealth consultations worldwide.
Global edge network delivering sub-300ms latency for seamless, reliable telehealth consultations worldwide
Agora.io is a real-time engagement platform offering SDKs for video, voice, and interactive streaming, enabling developers to build custom telehealth applications with secure, low-latency consultations. It supports cross-platform integration for web, mobile, and desktop, including features like screen sharing, recording, and AI-powered enhancements such as noise suppression. Ideal for healthcare providers needing scalable, customizable video solutions without relying on pre-built platforms.
Pros
- Ultra-low latency and high-quality video across global edge network
- Comprehensive SDKs for all major platforms with easy customization
- Advanced AI features like noise suppression and virtual backgrounds for professional telehealth calls
Cons
- Requires significant development effort for full integration and telehealth workflows
- No out-of-the-box features like scheduling or EMR integration
- Usage-based pricing can become costly at high volumes without careful management
Best For
Development teams building scalable, custom telehealth platforms requiring robust real-time video and voice capabilities.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model starting at $0.00399 per video minute, with tiered discounts, monthly subscriptions from $9.99/user, and custom enterprise plans.
Vonage Video API
enterprisePowers secure, real-time video communications with APIs for developing compliant custom telehealth software.
SIP interoperability for seamless hybrid video and traditional telephony integration in telehealth scenarios
Vonage Video API is a robust WebRTC-based platform that enables developers to embed scalable, real-time video and audio communications into custom applications. For telehealth software, it supports secure video consultations, screen sharing, recording, and moderation tools essential for virtual healthcare delivery. With global infrastructure and optional HIPAA compliance, it's designed for building bespoke telehealth solutions rather than off-the-shelf platforms.
Pros
- Highly scalable with low-latency global video delivery
- HIPAA-eligible compliance and advanced security features
- Rich API with screen sharing, recording, and AI enhancements like noise suppression
Cons
- Requires significant development effort for full telehealth integration
- Usage-based pricing can escalate quickly for high-volume telehealth use
- Limited native telehealth-specific tools like EHR integration
Best For
Developers and teams building custom telehealth platforms who need a flexible, high-performance video API.
Pricing
Pay-per-use starting at $0.00395 per participant-minute; enterprise plans with volume discounts and compliance add-ons available.
Microsoft Azure Communication Services
enterpriseCloud-based services for building voice, video, and chat features in enterprise-grade HIPAA-compliant telehealth apps.
Fully managed group calling SDK with recording, transcription integration, and PSTN interoperability for professional telehealth consultations
Microsoft Azure Communication Services is a cloud-based platform that allows developers to integrate real-time voice, video calling, chat, SMS, and telephony into custom applications. In the context of custom telehealth software, it enables building scalable virtual consultation features, secure patient messaging, and group video sessions with enterprise-grade reliability. It leverages the Azure ecosystem for compliance, analytics, and integration with EHR systems, making it suitable for healthcare providers developing tailored telehealth solutions.
Pros
- Highly scalable with global reach and low-latency real-time communication
- Strong security features including HIPAA compliance and end-to-end encryption
- Seamless integration with Azure services like AI, storage, and Microsoft Teams
Cons
- Requires significant development expertise to implement telehealth workflows
- Consumption-based pricing can become expensive at high volumes
- Lacks pre-built telehealth-specific templates or UI components
Best For
Enterprise developers and healthcare organizations building highly customized, scalable telehealth platforms integrated with existing Azure infrastructure.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model; e.g., $0.004 per SMS, $0.013/min inbound voice calls, $0.036/min outbound; free tier available via Azure trial.
Daily
specializedSimple API for embedding secure, scalable video calls with HIPAA BAA into custom telehealth platforms.
Developer-first API for embedding fully customizable video rooms into telehealth apps with zero infrastructure hassle
Daily.co is a developer-focused video API platform that enables the embedding of customizable, high-quality video conferencing into custom telehealth applications. It supports HIPAA-compliant infrastructure for secure virtual consultations, with features like waiting rooms, screen sharing, chat, and recordings. Ideal for building tailored telehealth solutions, it handles video infrastructure so developers can focus on unique healthcare workflows.
Pros
- HIPAA-compliant for secure telehealth use
- Highly customizable via simple API integration
- Scalable with low-latency, browser-based video
Cons
- Requires developer expertise for full implementation
- Lacks native EHR, scheduling, or billing integrations
- Usage-based pricing can add up for high-volume use
Best For
Developers and startups building custom telehealth platforms needing embedded video without infrastructure management.
Pricing
Free tier available; pay-as-you-go at ~$0.0015-$0.004 per participant minute; HIPAA/enterprise plans custom-priced.
100ms
specializedInteractive live video SDK for creating engaging conferencing and streaming experiences in telehealth apps.
Composable APIs and UI components for rapidly prototyping interactive, role-based video rooms
100ms is a developer-centric video infrastructure platform that provides SDKs and APIs for embedding low-latency, scalable live video and audio into custom applications. Tailored for telehealth, it supports secure video consultations, screen sharing, chat, recording, and interactive features like polls and hand-raising. With HIPAA-compliant options via enterprise plans, it's ideal for building bespoke telehealth solutions across web, iOS, Android, and more.
Pros
- Highly customizable SDKs with composable building blocks
- Ultra-low latency and scalable to millions of concurrent users
- Strong security features including HIPAA support for enterprise
Cons
- Requires significant development effort to implement
- No pre-built telehealth-specific UI or workflows
- Usage-based pricing can escalate quickly for high-volume use
Best For
Development teams building fully custom telehealth platforms needing flexible, high-performance video infrastructure.
Pricing
Free tier up to 20k participant minutes/month; pay-as-you-go from $0.004/participant minute; enterprise plans with HIPAA BAA and custom pricing.
Jitsi
otherOpen-source video conferencing platform fully customizable for self-hosted telehealth deployments.
100% self-hosted open-source architecture with no vendor dependencies or data sharing
Jitsi is a fully open-source video conferencing platform that enables self-hosted, secure video calls, chat, and screen sharing for custom applications like telehealth. It supports end-to-end encryption and can be branded and integrated with other systems for virtual consultations. While versatile for healthcare, it requires customization to meet telehealth-specific needs such as patient scheduling or compliance.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Highly customizable for telehealth integrations like EMR or calendars
- Strong privacy via self-hosting and end-to-end encryption
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and ongoing maintenance
- Lacks built-in telehealth tools like waiting rooms or e-prescriptions
- HIPAA compliance requires additional configuration and expertise
Best For
Tech-savvy healthcare providers or clinics building a cost-effective, fully controlled custom telehealth solution.
Pricing
Free open-source software; costs limited to self-hosting infrastructure and any custom development.
LiveKit
otherOpen-source WebRTC infrastructure for real-time audio/video in scalable custom healthcare applications.
Selective Forwarding Unit (SFU) with dynamic simulcast for efficient, adaptive-quality video streams in large-scale telehealth sessions
LiveKit is an open-source WebRTC-based platform designed for building scalable real-time audio, video, and data applications, making it a strong foundation for custom telehealth software. It offers server-side infrastructure for managing rooms, participant streams, recording, and AI integrations, allowing developers to create secure video consultations. While excellent for core communication, it requires additional custom development for telehealth-specific features like scheduling, EHR integration, and regulatory compliance.
Pros
- Ultra-scalable SFU architecture handles thousands of concurrent users with low latency
- Open-source with comprehensive SDKs for web, mobile, and backend integration
- Built-in recording, egress, and AI agent support enhance telehealth capabilities
Cons
- No out-of-the-box telehealth features like patient portals or HIPAA workflows
- Requires significant developer expertise for full implementation
- Self-hosting demands infrastructure management for compliance
Best For
Development teams creating highly customized telehealth platforms where real-time video performance is paramount.
Pricing
Open-source self-hosted version is free; LiveKit Cloud offers a free tier up to 20K minutes/month, then pay-as-you-go at ~$0.004/participant-minute plus data fees.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase diverse strengths, with Twilio leading as the top choice for its comprehensive programmable APIs, robust HIPAA compliance, and flexibility to build fully custom telehealth platforms. Close behind are Zoom Video SDK, excelling in seamless high-quality video embedding, and Amazon Chime SDK, offering scalable, AWS-integrated solutions—both valuable alternatives for specific needs. With such options, providers can find the ideal fit to enhance patient care through tailored telehealth experiences.
Ready to elevate your telehealth offering? Twilio’s customizable, HIPAA-compliant platform provides the foundation to create intuitive, effective care solutions—start exploring its capabilities to connect patients and providers seamlessly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison