Compare software

Synapse vs Snikket: catalog facts
Synapse	Snikket
Free Free under the AGPL; Element sells commercial licenses, support subscriptions and ESS Pro.	Free Free to self-host.
Self-hosted	Android, Self-hosted
Reference Matrix homeserver maintained by Element Works with any Matrix client	Invitation-only instances you control No phone number or address book upload
Running a homeserver takes server administration work No support from Element without a paid subscription	Someone has to run and maintain the server Suited to small groups rather than large organisations
Self-hosted	Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License: AGPL-3.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.