Tinode
An open-source instant messaging platform with a Go server you can host yourself and mobile and web clients.
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About Tinode
Tinode is a mobile-first messaging platform for people and organisations that want chat outside the large closed networks. The server is written in Go and can run as a cluster when one machine is not enough. It can be extended with authentication schemes, database backends, bots and plugins.
Clients talk to the server over secure websockets. The client software is licensed under Apache 2.0, and modified clients may connect without restriction. You can run the server yourself or use the hosting that Tinode offers. Apps are available for Android and iOS.
Strengths
- Self-hostable server written in Go that can run in a cluster
- Extensible with auth schemes, database backends, bots and plugins
- Client apps under the permissive Apache 2.0 license
- Native Android and iOS apps
Limitations
- Running your own server takes setup and maintenance
- Smaller user base than mainstream messengers
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source to self-host; Tinode also offers hosting.
- License
- Apache-2.0 (clients)
- Developer
- Tinode
- Platforms
- Android, iOS, Web, Self-hosted
- How it runs
- Downloadable app, Self-hosted, Hosted service
- Best suited for
- Groups or developers who want to run their own chat service with mobile apps
- Categories
- Messaging
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to Tinode
Compare allSoftware that can replace Tinode for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Synapse
A self-hosted Matrix homeserver, written in Python and Rust and maintained by Element.
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.
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 for families and small groups, federating with other instances but less suited to large organisations.
Prosody
A lightweight open-source XMPP chat server written in Lua that you run yourself.
Prosody is a lightweight MIT-licensed XMPP server written in Lua that federates with other servers, though users need a separate XMPP client.
ejabberd
An open-source XMPP server, MQTT broker and SIP service written in Erlang.
ejabberd is an Erlang XMPP server that also offers MQTT and SIP and scales to millions of sessions, but is more complex than servers for small groups.
Openfire
An open-source XMPP chat server you host yourself, administered through a web console.
Openfire is an Apache-2.0 XMPP server with a web administration console and plugins, working with any standard XMPP client rather than bundled apps.
Tuwunel
A Matrix homeserver written in Rust, used instead of Synapse, and the successor to conduwuit.
Tuwunel is a lightweight Rust Matrix homeserver under Apache-2.0 that works with existing Matrix clients, bridges and bots, though some niche spec parts are missing.
Campfire
A self-hosted group chat system from 37signals with rooms, direct messages and @mentions.
Campfire is a self-hosted MIT-licensed group chat from 37signals installed with one command, running in the web rather than offering native mobile apps.
Conduit
A lightweight Matrix homeserver written in Rust, shipped as a single binary with an embedded database.
Conduit is a Matrix homeserver in Rust shipped as a single binary with an embedded database, still in beta and missing some smaller features.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Element
The reference Matrix client: end-to-end encrypted chat on a network you can host yourself.
Mattermost
A self-hosted team chat platform with a desktop client, aimed at organisations that want Slack without the cloud.
Zulip
Team chat organised by topic inside each channel, so conversations stay readable when you come back hours later.
Conversations
Android XMPP client with OMEMO end-to-end encryption.
