Compare software

Matterbridge vs Spectrum 2: catalog facts
Matterbridge	Spectrum 2
Best for: Communities linking chat rooms across several platforms	Best for: Server operators who want to connect users across different instant messaging networks
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	Bridges users on different IM networks Runs on your own server All 3 strengths for Spectrum 2 Bridges users on different IM networks Runs on your own server Actively maintained code base
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	Server software that needs setup and an existing messaging server Little end-user documentation on the homepage
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License: Apache-2.0	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
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 Spectrum 2 spectrum.im github.com/SpectrumIM/spectrum2 Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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