Converse.js vs Fractal
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 | Fractal |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | MPL-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | Rust |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,294 | ★ 900 |
| First released | 2013 | 2017 |
| Replaces | Slack | Slack, Discord |
What are Converse.js and Fractal?
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
Fractal
Fractal is a Matrix client designed for the GNOME desktop and written in Rust with GTK. It supports end-to-end encryption, multiple accounts, and integrates cleanly with the GNOME ecosystem.
- GNOME-native GTK interface
- End-to-end encryption
- Multi-account support
- Adaptive layout
Converse.js vs Fractal: key differences
Converse.js is written in JavaScript, while Fractal is built with Rust. Licensing differs — MPL-2.0 for Converse.js versus GPL-3.0 for Fractal. Converse.js is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 256 MB for Fractal. Converse.js is the more established project (first released 2013), while Fractal arrived in 2017. Converse.js has the considerably larger community, at 3,294 GitHub stars versus 900. Converse.js lists first-class Docker deployment; Fractal 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 Fractal if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Written in Rust
- Tiny footprint — runs in 256 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is Converse.js or Fractal 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 Fractal free and open-source?
Yes. Converse.js is licensed under MPL-2.0 and Fractal under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Converse.js and Fractal with Docker?
Converse.js: yes. Fractal: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, Converse.js or Fractal?
Converse.js has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for Fractal. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.