Wire vs eyeson
Both Wire and eyeson are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the video conferencing space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
Wire
EU- Headquarters
- Zug, CH
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
eyeson
EU- Headquarters
- Graz, AT
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- No
Key Differences
- Wire offers a free tier, while eyeson offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- Wire is open source, meaning you can audit the code, self-host, and avoid vendor lock-in. eyeson is proprietary, which often means a more polished out-of-the-box experience and dedicated support, but less flexibility for customisation.
- Data residency differs: Wire hosts data in Germany, EU, while eyeson hosts in Austria, Germany. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Wire holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. eyeson does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter if your organisation requires them for vendor approval.
- Each product has unique strengths: Wire offers End-to-end encrypted messaging and Encrypted voice and video calls, while eyeson provides Single-stream video (low bandwidth) and API-first. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Wire | eyeson |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Wire | eyeson |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Zug, CH | Graz, AT |
| Data Centers | DE, EU | AT, DE |
| End-to-end encrypted messaging | ||
| Encrypted voice and video calls | ||
| Group video conferencing | ||
| File and screen sharing | ||
| Ephemeral messages | ||
| Guest rooms for external users | ||
| Cross-platform apps | ||
| Federation support | ||
| Open source clients and server | ||
| Single-stream video (low bandwidth) | ||
| API-first | ||
| Custom layouts | ||
| Recording | ||
| Screen sharing | ||
| Virtual backgrounds | ||
| Meeting rooms | ||
| Live streaming |
Pricing Comparison
Wire
Freefreemium
eyeson
Freesubscription
Compliance Comparison
Wire
GDPRISO 27001DPA
eyeson
GDPRDPA
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How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose Wire
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose eyeson
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose Wire
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Wire
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose eyeson
Wire vs eyeson — FAQ
What is the main difference between Wire and eyeson?
Both Wire and eyeson are European video conferencing solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Wire is open source while eyeson is proprietary, and Wire uses freemium pricing while eyeson uses subscription. Wire is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, while eyeson is based in Graz, Austria. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Wire or eyeson?
Both Wire and eyeson offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (freemium vs. subscription), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Wire and eyeson GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Wire and eyeson are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Wire holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.