Converse.js vs Nheko
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 | Nheko |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Health score | 88 · Excellent | 77 · Good |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | MPL-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | C++ |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,295 | ★ 2,496 |
| First released | 2013 | 2017 |
| Replaces | Slack | Slack, Discord |
What are Converse.js and Nheko?
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
Nheko
Nheko is a free desktop client for the Matrix protocol built with Qt and C++. It supports end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, and a clean native interface across Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Native Qt interface
- End-to-end encryption
- Voice and video calls
- Low resource usage
Converse.js vs Nheko: key differences
Converse.js is written in JavaScript, while Nheko is built with C++. Licensing differs — MPL-2.0 for Converse.js versus GPL-3.0 for Nheko. Converse.js is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 256 MB for Nheko. Converse.js is the more established project (first released 2013), while Nheko arrived in 2017. Converse.js lists first-class Docker deployment; Nheko 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 Nheko if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Active community (2.5k GitHub stars)
- Written in C++
Frequently asked questions
Is Converse.js or Nheko 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 Nheko free and open-source?
Yes. Converse.js is licensed under MPL-2.0 and Nheko under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Converse.js and Nheko with Docker?
Converse.js: yes. Nheko: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, Converse.js or Nheko?
Converse.js has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for Nheko. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.