Alternatives to FluffyChat

An open-source Matrix chat client with end-to-end encryption, spaces and optional UnifiedPush notifications. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as FluffyChat.

  • Element

    The reference Matrix client: end-to-end encrypted chat on a network you can host yourself.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSWebSelf-hosted

    Element is the reference Matrix client with Windows and macOS apps and bridges, but uses more memory and makes key management more involved.

  • Cinny

    Chat on Matrix through a focused desktop client.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Cinny is a focused Matrix client for Windows, macOS and Linux, but has no mobile apps.

  • Nheko

    Use Matrix messaging in a native desktop interface.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Nheko is a native Matrix desktop client on Windows, macOS and Linux with calling features, but lacks mobile apps and has unaudited encryption.

  • SchildiChat

    A family of Matrix messaging apps based on Element, with a more traditional messenger layout.

    FreeProprietaryAndroid

    SchildiChat is an Element-based Android Matrix app with a conventional messenger layout, but it is not open source according to its listing.

  • Fractal

    A Matrix chat client for the GNOME desktop on Linux, written in Rust with GTK.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Fractal is a GTK Matrix client written in Rust for GNOME, installable from Flathub, but available only on Linux.

  • NeoChat

    A KDE chat client for the Matrix network, available for Linux and Windows.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    NeoChat is a KDE Matrix client for Linux and Windows with polls and stickers, but lacks calls, threads and complete encryption support.

  • gomuks

    A Matrix chat client written in Go, with a web frontend and an optional server backend.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroidWebSelf-hostedCommand line

    gomuks is a Go Matrix client with a web frontend, an optional bouncer-style backend and an Android wrapper, and it is actively developed.

  • iamb

    A terminal Matrix client with Vim keybindings, windows and tabs.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    iamb is a terminal Matrix client with Vim keybindings, encryption, threads and spaces, but has no graphical interface or mobile app.

Also worth comparing

These listings name FluffyChat as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Ement.el

    A Matrix chat client that runs inside GNU Emacs.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    FluffyChat is a friendly graphical Matrix client for Linux, Android, iOS and the web, with end-to-end encryption, spaces and UnifiedPush notifications.

  • Stoat

    An open-source group chat app with servers, channels, voice chat and role-based moderation for communities.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSWeb

    FluffyChat is a friendly Matrix client with spaces for organising communities and encryption, though its audio and video calls remain experimental.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.