Convos 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 | Convos | Gajim |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | Artistic-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | Perl | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 256 MB | 128 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 1,191 | ★ 600 |
| First released | 2012 | 2005 |
| Replaces | Slack, IRCCloud | Skype, Slack |
What are Convos and Gajim?
Convos
Convos is a self-hosted, always-online IRC client with a web interface that keeps you connected and logs conversations while you are away. It supports multiple networks and notifications.
- Always-online IRC
- Web interface
- Multi-network support
- Conversation logging
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
Convos vs Gajim: key differences
Convos is written in Perl, while Gajim is built with Python. Licensing differs — Artistic-2.0 for Convos versus GPL-3.0 for Gajim. Gajim is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 256 MB for Convos. Gajim is the more established project (first released 2005), while Convos arrived in 2012. Convos lists first-class Docker deployment; Gajim does not.
Why pick each one
Choose Convos if…
- Stays connected for you
- Simple to deploy
Watch out for
- IRC only
- 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 Convos or Gajim better?
Neither is universally better. Convos has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are Convos and Gajim free and open-source?
Yes. Convos is licensed under Artistic-2.0 and Gajim under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Convos and Gajim with Docker?
Convos: yes. Gajim: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, Convos or Gajim?
Gajim has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for Convos. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.