Compare software

Matterbridge vs Heisenbridge: catalog facts
Matterbridge	Heisenbridge
Best for: Communities linking chat rooms across several platforms	Best for: Matrix users who want personal IRC access from their Matrix client
Free Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 licence.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, Self-hosted, Command line	Self-hosted
Bridges a long list of chat protocols REST API for custom integrations All 4 strengths for Matterbridge Bridges a long list of chat protocols REST API for custom integrations Mattermost not required despite the name Docker image available	Works like an IRC bouncer controlled from Matrix Docker builds and a Synapse docker-compose example All 3 strengths for Heisenbridge Works like an IRC bouncer controlled from Matrix Docker builds and a Synapse docker-compose example Lighter than a full channel-mirroring bridge
Last code update in December 2024 Needs a server or always-on machine to run All 3 limitations for Matterbridge Last code update in December 2024 Needs a server or always-on machine to run Configuration is done in text files	Requires your own Matrix homeserver Updates are infrequent
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License: Apache-2.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Matterbridge github.com/42wim/matterbridge Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Heisenbridge github.com/hifi/heisenbridge Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.