Converse.js vs Openfire
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 | Openfire |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 88 · Excellent | 87 · Excellent |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | MPL-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | Java |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | docker, bare-metal, binary |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,295 | ★ 3,064 |
| First released | 2013 | 2004 |
| Replaces | Slack | Slack, Microsoft Teams |
What are Converse.js and Openfire?
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
Openfire
Openfire is a mature, cross-platform real-time collaboration server that uses the XMPP protocol. It offers a clean web administration console and an extensive plugin ecosystem for chat, presence, and group communication.
- Web-based admin console
- Rich plugin ecosystem
- LDAP and Active Directory integration
- Group chat and presence
Converse.js vs Openfire: key differences
Converse.js is written in JavaScript, while Openfire is built with Java. Licensing differs — MPL-2.0 for Converse.js versus Apache-2.0 for Openfire. Converse.js is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 512 MB for Openfire. Openfire is the more established project (first released 2004), while Converse.js arrived in 2013.
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 Openfire if…
- Easy to administer
- Long track record
Watch out for
- Java memory footprint
- Dated user interface
Frequently asked questions
Is Converse.js or Openfire better?
Converse.js is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Openfire if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Converse.js and Openfire free and open-source?
Yes. Converse.js is licensed under MPL-2.0 and Openfire under Apache-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Converse.js and Openfire with Docker?
Converse.js: yes. Openfire: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, Converse.js or Openfire?
Converse.js has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 512 MB for Openfire. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.