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FreeSWITCH vs Asterisk: catalog facts
FreeSWITCH	Asterisk
Free Free source code; commercially supported builds and professional services are available.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted	Linux, Self-hosted
Runs on hardware from a Raspberry Pi to multi-core servers Handles voice, video and chat	Run your own PBX and VoIP system Flexible enough to build custom telephony setups
Distributed mainly as source code to build Requires telephony and server administration knowledge	Configuration requires telephony knowledge A framework to build on rather than a ready-to-use phone system
Self-hosted	Downloadable app, Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.