Alternatives to Synapse
A self-hosted Matrix homeserver, written in Python and Rust and maintained by Element. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Synapse
A self-hosted Matrix homeserver, written in Python and Rust and maintained by Element.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Synapse.
Tuwunel
A Matrix homeserver written in Rust, used instead of Synapse, and the successor to conduwuit.
Tuwunel is a lighter Rust Matrix homeserver under Apache-2.0 that works with existing clients and bridges, though some niche parts of the specification are missing.
Conduit
A lightweight Matrix homeserver written in Rust, shipped as a single binary with an embedded database.
Conduit is a Rust Matrix homeserver in a single binary with an embedded database and low requirements, but it is still in beta and missing some features.
Prosody
A lightweight open-source XMPP chat server written in Lua that you run yourself.
Prosody switches your self-hosted chat server to XMPP, written in Lua with simple setup and low resource use, and users need XMPP clients instead.
ejabberd
An open-source XMPP server, MQTT broker and SIP service written in Erlang.
ejabberd switches to an Erlang-based XMPP server that also offers MQTT and SIP and scales to millions of sessions, with a more complex setup.
Snikket
A self-hosted XMPP messaging service with apps, built for families, friends and small groups.
Snikket is a self-hosted XMPP service with its own apps, built for families and small groups rather than large organisations.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Synapse as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Tinode
An open-source instant messaging platform with a Go server you can host yourself and mobile and web clients.
Synapse is the reference Matrix homeserver under AGPL-3.0, federating with the wider Matrix network and working with any Matrix client instead of Tinode's own apps.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Element
The reference Matrix client: end-to-end encrypted chat on a network you can host yourself.
Matrix Hookshot
A self-hosted Matrix bot that bridges GitHub, GitLab, Jira, feeds and generic webhooks into rooms.
mautrix-whatsapp
A puppeting bridge that connects WhatsApp chats to a Matrix homeserver.
Sygnal
A self-hosted reference push gateway that relays Matrix notifications to Apple and Google push services.
FluffyChat
An open-source Matrix chat client with end-to-end encryption, spaces and optional UnifiedPush notifications.
Cinny
Chat on Matrix through a focused desktop client.
