Converse.js vs Dino
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted matrix & xmpp options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | Converse.js | Dino |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Health score | 88 · Excellent | 80 · Excellent |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | MPL-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | Vala |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 128 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,294 | ★ 2,492 |
| First released | 2013 | 2017 |
| Replaces | Slack | Skype, Slack |
What are Converse.js and Dino?
Converse.js
Converse.js is a free and open-source XMPP chat client that runs in the browser. It can be embedded into websites or hosted as a standalone full-page chat application.
- Embeddable XMPP web client
- OMEMO encryption support
- Plugin architecture
- Works with any XMPP server
Dino
Dino is a free desktop XMPP client built with GTK that focuses on a clean, modern interface. It supports end-to-end encryption with OMEMO, file transfer, and audio and video calls.
- Modern GTK interface
- OMEMO encryption
- Audio and video calls
- Multiple account support
Converse.js vs Dino: key differences
Converse.js is written in JavaScript, while Dino is built with Vala. Licensing differs — MPL-2.0 for Converse.js versus GPL-3.0 for Dino. Converse.js is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 128 MB for Dino. Converse.js is the more established project (first released 2013), while Dino arrived in 2017. Converse.js lists first-class Docker deployment; Dino does not.
Why pick each one
Choose Converse.js if…
- Released under the MPL-2.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Active community (3.3k GitHub stars)
Watch out for
- Requires an XMPP server
- No voice or video
Choose Dino if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Active community (2.5k GitHub stars)
- Written in Vala
Frequently asked questions
Is Converse.js or Dino better?
Neither is universally better. Converse.js has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are Converse.js and Dino free and open-source?
Yes. Converse.js is licensed under MPL-2.0 and Dino under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Converse.js and Dino with Docker?
Converse.js: yes. Dino: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, Converse.js or Dino?
Converse.js has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 128 MB for Dino. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.