Top 10 Video SDKs for a Telehealth platform

The healthcare landscape has been revolutionized by technology, making it more accessible and affordable than ever before. Telehealth, or remote healthcare, is at the forefront of this transformation.

Telehealth has a wide range of applications. For instance, it's used for wellness visits, general healthcare, nursing, orthopedics, surgery, emergency care, and cardiology. Telehealth is also increasingly being used to manage chronic diseases, with remote health monitoring offering a way to track patients' vitals and medication adherence. Other use cases include post-operation follow-ups, lab results interpretation, dermatology consultations, and even mental health therapy sessions.

Instead of replacing in-person meetings entirely, telehealth complements them and, in many cases, provides a viable alternative. This allows doctors to extend their reach, cater to more patients, and deliver efficient care. For patients, it means attending virtual appointments without leaving their homes or offices, making healthcare not just convenient but also inclusive.

One of the critical aspects of a telehealth platform is its video capabilities. The quality of video calls, the ability to function on multiple devices, fluctuating bandwidth with utmost security, and reliability are crucial to lives in the case of health tech. This is where Video SDKs (Software Development Kits) come into play. They provide developers with the tools they need to integrate high-quality video functionality into their platforms.

But with the plethora of options available, choosing the right Video SDK for your health-tech platform can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore some of the best Video SDK platforms that are perfectly equipped to build a robust and efficient telehealth platform. So, let's dive in and unlock the potential of telehealth together!

Must have features in a Video SDK for Telehealth

When building a telehealth platform, it's crucial to ensure that your Video Software Development Kit (SDK) has certain key features to offer the best possible experience to both healthcare providers and patients. Here are some must-have features in a Video SDK for a telehealth platform:

• Real-Time Capabilities: A real-time connection is vital for effective communication between doctors and patients.
• End-to-end encryption: Telehealth API solutions should provide secure live audio and video connections to ensure confidentiality.
• Screen Sharing: This feature allows healthcare providers to share their screens with patients, which can be beneficial when explaining diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Recording: The ability to record sessions can be useful for both doctors and patients, allowing them to revisit consultations as needed.
• Low-Latency Streaming: Low latency ensures that video and audio transmission happens in near real-time, which is critical for smooth and effective communication.
• HIPAA Compliance: Any telehealth platform should comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards to ensure the privacy and security of patient health information.
• Patient History and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Access: Doctors should have easy access to patient history and EMRs during the video call for an informed consultation
• Appointment Management and Calendar Integration: This feature helps manage appointments efficiently, reducing the chances of scheduling conflicts.
• Text Chat and File Transfer: These features allow for the exchange of messages and files (like lab reports or prescriptions) during a consultation.
• Payment Integration: To facilitate easy billing and payment before or after a consultation.

Remember, the goal is to create a user-friendly, secure, and efficient platform that streamlines the process of providing and receiving healthcare remotely.

What are the compliances required in a Video SDK for building a health tech platform?

When integrating a Video Software Development Kit (SDK) into a health tech platform, there are several critical compliance requirements to consider. These ensure that the platform maintains the highest level of data security and privacy, especially when handling sensitive health information.

• HIPAA Compliance: HIPAA sets the standard for sensitive patient data protection. Any Video SDK integrated into a health tech platform should be HIPAA compliant to ensure the privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI).
• BAAs (Business Associate Agreements): As part of HIPAA regulations, BAAs are contracts between a HIPAA-covered entity and a HIPAA business associate (in this case, the provider of the Video SDK). The BAA ensures that the business associate will appropriately safeguard PHI.
• End-to-End Encryption: This is another crucial feature for HIPAA compliance. It ensures that the data (video, audio, and text) transmitted during a video conferencing session is encrypted, thus protecting it from unauthorized access.
• Peer-to-Peer Connection: A peer-to-peer connection is a decentralized communications model in which each party has the same capabilities and can initiate communication sessions. This can enhance the security of the communication.
• Vendor Access: HIPAA-compliant platforms must limit vendor access to PHI. Ensure that your Video SDK provider does not have access to the PHI transmitted during video calls.
• HTTPS Use: Using HTTPS is another necessary component for HIPAA compliance. It ensures secure communication over a computer network and is widely used on the Internet.
• HL7 FHIR APIs: Recent regulations mandate the use of HL7 FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) APIs to share health data. These APIs enable the exchange of healthcare information electronically.

Remember, the goal is to ensure that all patient data is handled with utmost care, maintaining privacy and security at all times.

Top 10 video SDK platforms in the context of a telehealth/telemedicine/health-tech platform are Dyte, Zoom Video SDK, Twilio Video SDK, Agora, Mirrorfly, Zegocloud, 100ms, Whereby, QuickBlox, and Enablex.

List of Top 10 Video SDKs for a telehealth platform

1. Dyte
2. Zoom
3. Twilio
4. Agora
5. Mirrorfly
6. Zegocloud
7. 100ms
8. Whereby
9. QuickBlox
10. EnableX

Dyte

Dyte Video SDK enables developers to integrate real-time communication capabilities into their telehealth/health-tech applications and platforms. It stands out with its low-code approach and comprehensible documentation, making it possible to implement high-quality video and voice calls into web, mobile, and desktop applications with minimal coding.

Key Features of Dyte's Video SDK:

• Quick and easy integrations
• Real-time collaboration, file sharing, and whiteboards
• Supports call recording
• Call analytics features such as call logs, quality metrics, event-tracking tools, etc.
• Provides live transcription, translation, chat, polling, and quizzes

Pros

• Compliant with HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR regulations
• Highly praised for its one-on-one customer support
• Custom UI support
• High-definition recording
• Provides single-line Integration for live transcription and virtual backgrounds
• Minimal coding effort
• Seamless Integration across various platforms
• In-built scalability for up to 10,000 participants

Dyte Pricing

The cost structure for Dyte's video SDK begins with 10,000 complimentary minutes each month. Following this, the rate is $0.004 per minute for each user, while recordings and RTMP-out are priced at $0.010 and $0.015 per minute, respectively. For further information on how we can enhance your video-calling experience, please get in touch with us.

Are you curious about how Dyte integrates with your telehealth platform? Just talk to us, and let's set you up with a seamless interactive experience.

Zoom SDK

The Zoom Meeting SDK essentially allows the Zoom client to be integrated into a third-party website or application for video call purposes. Developers can use the "custom UI" feature of the SDK to tailor the interface of the Zoom client. The web version of the SDK also offers a "component view" that aligns with the Meeting SDK among other website components, in addition to the standard client view.

On the other hand, the Video SDK offers a suite of features, including audio, video, screen sharing, chat, and data streams as a service. It includes a collection of server-side APIs and webhooks, allowing developers to incorporate all or some of these features as per project requirements.

Zoom SDK Features:

• Developers can easily import libraries and packages for quick SDK implementation
• Supports seven major languages
• Offers open translation extensibility

Zoom SDK Limitations:

• Most suitable for basic use cases involving host-participant dynamics. For more complex scenarios (like multiple hosts in a meeting), additional development effort may be required
• The file size of the SDK is relatively large compared to other options

Zoom SDK Pricing:

Zoom SDK offers a variety of pricing plans based on your project needs. It's recommended to visit their pricing page for more details. Read more to learn about Zoom Video SDK pricing.

If you are looking for Zoom SDK Alternatives, compare Zoom's offerings with Dyte's Video SDKs and just like us if you are also suffering from Zoom fatigue and want to roll your eyes through better alternatives for video conferencing - do check out Zoom alternatives.

Twilio Video

Twilio's Video SDK, built on WebRTC technology, offers the functionality to develop custom video conferencing features, including bespoke layouts and virtual backgrounds. Twilio API and SDK are designed to be compatible with all major devices and browsers.

In addition to the standard features associated with a video calling API, Twilio provides developer tools for quality control, such as the Network Quality API, which can be used to monitor network performance and manage bandwidth distribution among meeting participants.

As a cloud-based solution, Twilio can be integrated with existing in-house software relatively quickly.

Twilio Features:

• Detailed documentation is provided for the API and SDK.
• Compliance with GDPR regulations is maintained.
• Mobile devices are supported.

Twilio Limitations:

• High-level coding effort may be required.
• Manual configuration is necessary for multiple audio inputs/outputs.
• Need to integrate multiple products for integrating video calling

Twilio Pricing:

The base price is $4 per 1,000 minutes. Recording costs are $0.004 per participant minute. For recording compositions, the cost is $0.01 per composed minute, and storage costs are $0.00167 GB/day beyond the first 10 GB.

For more detailed information on pricing, refer to our comprehensive breakdown of Twilio's pricing.

Since Twilio is sunsetting Twilio Video, here's a handy list on the Top Twilio Video Alternatives. Also, checkout this comparison of how Twilio measures up against Dyte's Video SDK is also available.

Agora Video

Agora is a platform that offers real-time voice and video conferencing capabilities. Its features include low latency and adaptive routing based on device and network conditions. Agora also provides customization options.

Agora platform is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Android, Unity, desktop, and iOS.

Agora Features

• Real-time metadata synchronization and low-latency notifications
• Scalability to handle sudden traffic surges
• Customizable SDK
• Support for various devices and platforms
• Easily integrable extensions
• Real-time transcription during video calls

Agora Limitations:

• Might be costly for high-traffic applications
• Not as customizable as some other SDKs
• Some users have reported latency issues
• Need to integrate multiple SDKs based on the features making the app heavier
• Navigating and comprehending the docs can be challenging especially if you are getting started.

Agora Pricing:

Agora's pricing model is as follows: They charge $8.99 for 1,000 minutes of video calling, and the same rate applies to interactive live streaming. Voice calling costs are lower at $0.99 for 1,000 minutes. Their chat services begin at $349. If users exceed 5K monthly active users (MAU), an extra fee of $0.05 per MAU is levied.

Compare Agora offerings with Dyte's Video SDKs and check out the list of Agora alternatives.

Mirrorfly

Constructed on WebRTC technology, MirrorFly SDKs enable the development of self-hosted chat solutions suitable for both team and customer communication. Their SDKs claim to offer scalability and customization. Furthermore, MirrorFly provides the option to employ a developer from their team for API integration and product demonstrations.

Features of MirrorFly

• Runs on Android, iOS, and web apps
• Supports 1000+ participants in virtual meetings
• Compliant with HIPAA and GDPR
• Allows recording of live broadcasts and streams
• Provides end-to-end security

Limitations of MirrorFly

• There have been reports of delays in bug resolution by the Mirrorfly team.
• Doesn't perform as well in low bandwidth conditions.
• Docs can be difficult to navigate and comprehend
• Not SOC2 compliant

Pricing for MirrorFly

Interested users must contact MirrorFly directly for information on their pricing.

ZEGOCLOUD

The Zegocloud SDK is designed for integrating video chat functionalities into applications, including those used for telehealth. It offers video and audio communication features that can be incorporated into healthcare applications to facilitate real-time telemedicine consultations.

Features:

• Offers real-time voice and video chat SDKs and APIs optimized for telehealth applications.
• Enables medical consultations, online dentistry, healthcare event streaming, and specialist-to-specialist consultations.
• Supports 1-on-1 voice and video calls, live text chat, file sharing, screen sharing, IoT device connectivity, and cloud recording.
• Provides end-to-end encryption using TLS/SSL with authentication devices for secure communication.
• Offers features like private and group chat, rich media file sharing, offline messages, and multi-platform support.
• Allows integration with an analytics dashboard for monitoring audio and video service quality.

Limitations:

• Detailed limitations were not specified, but as with any SDK, there may be challenges with integration complexity depending on the existing systems.
• Customization and setup may require a certain level of technical expertise, which could be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $0.99 for 1,000 voice call minutes, $3.99 for video calls, and $0.39 for live streaming. In-app chat is free for 100 MAUs. Super Board and cloud recording are $1.99 and $0.59 respectively. They offer a free trial with technical support and a discounted starter plan for startups.

100ms

The 100ms SDK is designed to assist developers in creating telehealth applications capable of functioning with limited bandwidth while still maintaining video call quality. This functionality may be particularly beneficial in areas where internet connectivity is challenging.

Features

• Provides high-quality video and audio streaming.
• Ensures low latency (under 500 ms) for real-time video calls.
• Capable of 7-8 seconds latency for interactive live streaming.
• Scalable to support thousands of concurrent users.
• Reliable performance in challenging network conditions.
• Easy to integrate into existing applications.

Limitations

• Only the host and participant pre-built roles are supported.
• The SDK documentation is less comprehensive compared to other options.
• The 100ms SDK community is smaller than that of its competitors.

Pricing

The costs start at $0.004 per participant per minute. Interactive Live Streaming is priced at $0.040 per minute encoded and $0.0012 per viewer per minute. For recording, the charge is $13.5 per 1,000 minutes

Whereby

Whereby Video SDK is a tool that enables developers to incorporate video communication into their applications or websites. The solutions it provides are geared towards integrating video communication, taking into account considerations like infrastructure and scalability.

Features:

• Screen-sharing functionality is available
• Calls can be recorded at an additional cost
• UI is customizable
• Provides standing-quality audio and video

Limitations

• Limited to 50 participants in a single meeting room.
• No dial-in feature for phone calls.
• Limited collaboration features

Pricing

Whereby Video SDK offers a $9.99/month 'Embedded Build' plan, including 2000 participant minutes. Extra usage costs $0.004 per minute. 'Pro' and 'Business' plans are available at $6.99 and $9.99 per host per month, respectively, with varying room limits.

Checkout an in-depth analysis for Whereby vs Jitsi

QuickBlox

QuickBlox provides instant messaging and video calling features that can be incorporated into custom telehealth solutions. Their focus on communication makes them a suitable option for telehealth platforms that require robust messaging capabilities alongside video features.

Features:

• Offers a comprehensive set of communication tools, including video/voice calls, instant messaging, and file sharing.
• Provides on-premise hosting solutions, which can be critical for complying with health data protection regulations.
• Good documentation and support ease the development process.

Limitations:

• While it provides various communication features, additional work might be required to tailor these for specific telehealth needs.
• It might not have as many out-of-the-box telehealth-specific features as some dedicated telehealth platforms.

Pricing:

QuickBlox SDK offers three main pricing tiers:

• Basic Plan: Free for up to 500 users with 1 month of data retention.
• Starter Plan: $99/month for up to 10,000 users with 3 months of data retention.
• Growth Plan: $249/month, catering to established brands with higher demands.

EnableX

EnableX provides a robust set of communication APIs and SDKs, and their video SDK is particularly well-suited for telehealth applications. It allows for easy embedding of video conferencing capabilities into apps and websites.

Features

• Scalable video call solutions that can accommodate one-on-one consultations or group therapy sessions.
• A high level of customization is possible for UI/UX, which is beneficial for creating a seamless patient experience.
• Offers features like screen sharing, recording, and live broadcasting.

Limitations

• It might require more effort for integration and customization than some plug-and-play solutions.
• The documentation could be more extensive to cover more complex use cases.

Pricing

They charge $0.01 per minute for transcoding and $0.004 per minute per participant for rooms with up to 50 people. Rates may vary by country, and volume discounts may apply. For specific pricing, visit the EnableX website.

Compare Video SDK Platforms for a Telehealth Platform

Conclusion

Well, folks, that's a wrap! Who would've thought we'd be living in an age where your doctor's visit could happen right from your comfy couch? Ah, the wonders of Video SDKs! These nifty little tools are like the secret sauce in your grandma's famous meatloaf recipe. They've completely shaken up the world of healthcare and made it as easy as pie to connect with your doctor from anywhere.

Remember when you had to take time off work, sit in traffic, and then wait in a room full of sniffling strangers just to get a check-up? Those days are long gone. With Video SDKs, your doc is just a click away. But hold your horses; not all SDKs are created equal. You've got to pick one that's the bee's knees – robust features, the ability to scale, and compliance with those pesky healthcare regulations like HIPAA.

And that's why Nirog Street, Hbox, Visithealth, and Caremehealth more trust Dyte.

Check out Dyte's Uptime Status (in Real Time), Dyte Pricing, and User Documentation to evaluate yourself.

You can get started yourself with 10K free credits each month. Talk to our team and watch how easy it is to integrate Dyte into your health tech platform.

Sure, there might be bumps along the road when implementing these SDKs. But hey, wasn't it a bit rocky when you first learned to ride a bike? And look at you now! The perks of having Video SDKs in telemedicine platforms far outweigh any initial hiccups.

So, as we keep marching forward in this technologically advanced era, who knows what's next? Teleportation for emergency cases? A robot nurse named Betsy? The sky's the limit! One thing's for sure, though. With Video SDKs, the future of healthcare is looking brighter (and more convenient) than ever. So, let's buckle up and enjoy the ride!