Matrix is an open standard for interoperable, decentralised, real-time communication over IP.
It can be used to power Instant Messaging, VoIP/WebRTC signalling, Internet of Things communication – or anywhere you need a standard HTTP API for publishing and subscribing to data whilst tracking the conversation history.
The standard can integrate with standard web services via WebRTC, facilitating browser-to-browser applications.
Matrix provides:
- Open Standard HTTP APIs for transferring JSON messages (e.g. instant messages, WebRTC signalling), including:
- Client<->Server API – defines how Matrix compatible clients communicate with Matrix home servers.
- Server<->Server API – defines how Matrix home servers exchange messages and synchronise history with each other.
- Application Service API – defines how to extend the functionality of Matrix with ‘integrations’ and bridge to other networks.
- Modules – specifies features that must be implemented by particular classes of clients.
- Lots of 3rd party contributions of clients, SDKs, servers and services.
Here’s our verdict with our legendary rating chart. Every program featured here is published under an open source license. Terminal-based Matrix clients are explored in this roundup.
Click the links in the table below to learn all about each client.
| Matrix Clients | |
|---|---|
| Fractal | Matrix client for GNOME |
| NeoChat | Fork of Spectral |
| Cinny | Focuses primarily on a simple, elegant and secure interface |
| nheko | Desktop client using Qt and C++ |
| Element | Glossy client with an emphasis on performance and usability |
| FluffyChat | Multi-platform Matrix client with a simple and clean user interface |
| Quaternion | Qt5-based IM client |
| Commet | Feature rich experience while maintaining a simple interface |
| Moment | Fancy, customizable, keyboard-operable Matrix chat client |
| SchildiChat | Matrix client / Element Web/Desktop fork |
| Sable | Polished messaging app with a strong focus on everyday usability |
| Hydrogen | Minimal Matrix chat client |
| Extera | Feature-rich chat app derived from FluffyChat with a fresh approach |
| Tammy | Privacy-minded messenger with secure conversations and clean design |
| Syphon | Privacy centric Matrix client |
| Chatty | Unified messaging app designed for desktop and mobile devices |
| Chats | Messaging application for mobile and desktop |
| Quadrix | Minimal, simple, multi-platform chat client |
| Matrix | Modern chat app with rooms, accounts, media and encryption |
| Spectral | Glossy native client designed with simplicity in mind |
| Mirage | Fancy, customizable, keyboard-operable Matrix chat client |
| kazv | Convergent Matrix client and secure messaging app |
This article has been updated to reflect the changes outlined in our recent announcement.
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Matrix is great. No single vendor, tons of clients, end-to-end encryption, good community features, and open source.