# WebRTC
> Web Real-Time Communication – browser-based API for voice, video, and data without plugins

WebRTC enables real-time voice, video, and data communication directly in web browsers.

## What is WebRTC?
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is an open-source project and set of browser APIs that enable real-time voice, video, and data communication directly between web browsers and devices — without requiring plugins or native app installs.

## WebRTC vs. SIP
While [SIP](/voip-glossary/sip/) is the dominant signaling protocol for carrier-grade VoIP, WebRTC uses its own JavaScript APIs for session management. Many platforms bridge both worlds — using SIP for backend routing and WebRTC for browser-based endpoints. [Codecs](/voip-glossary/codec/) like Opus and VP8/VP9 are standard in WebRTC.

## WebRTC for providers
Service providers can extend their VoIP offering to the browser using WebRTC gateways, complementing their native [softphone](/voip-glossary/softphone/) apps. This provides a complete multi-device communication solution under one brand.

## Related Terms
- [SIP](/voip-glossary/sip/)
- [Softphone](/voip-glossary/softphone/)