Converse.js vs Gajim
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 | Gajim |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | MPL-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 128 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,294 | ★ 600 |
| First released | 2013 | 2005 |
| Replaces | Slack | Skype, Slack |
What are Converse.js and Gajim?
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
Gajim
Gajim is a cross-platform XMPP instant messaging client written in Python with a GTK interface. It supports OMEMO encryption, group chats, file transfer, and an extensive plugin system.
- OMEMO encryption
- Plugin system
- Group chat support
- Cross-platform
Converse.js vs Gajim: key differences
Converse.js is written in JavaScript, while Gajim is built with Python. Licensing differs — MPL-2.0 for Converse.js versus GPL-3.0 for Gajim. Converse.js is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 128 MB for Gajim. Gajim is the more established project (first released 2005), while Converse.js arrived in 2013. Converse.js has the considerably larger community, at 3,294 GitHub stars versus 600. Converse.js lists first-class Docker deployment; Gajim 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 Gajim if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Written in Python
- Tiny footprint — runs in 128 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is Converse.js or Gajim 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 Gajim free and open-source?
Yes. Converse.js is licensed under MPL-2.0 and Gajim under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Converse.js and Gajim with Docker?
Converse.js: yes. Gajim: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, Converse.js or Gajim?
Converse.js has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 128 MB for Gajim. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.