FluffyChat vs Synapse
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted matrix & xmpp options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
FluffyChat
Cute, cross-platform Matrix messenger
VS
Synapse
Reference homeserver for the Matrix network
| Feature | FluffyChat | Synapse |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 87 · Excellent | 89 · Excellent |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Dart | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Hard |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, source | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,143 | ★ 4,643 |
| First released | 2019 | 2014 |
| Replaces | WhatsApp, Telegram | Slack, Discord, WhatsApp |
What are FluffyChat and Synapse?
FluffyChat
FluffyChat is a friendly, easy-to-use Matrix client built with Flutter, available on mobile, desktop, and web. It emphasizes simplicity while supporting Matrix end-to-end encryption.
- Built with Flutter for all platforms
- End-to-end encryption
- Friendly, approachable design
- Web build can be self-hosted
Synapse
Synapse is the reference homeserver implementation for Matrix, an open protocol for decentralized, federated, secure chat. It targets communities and organizations running their own messaging infrastructure. It is deployed via Docker or native packages.
- Federated Matrix homeserver
- End-to-end encrypted rooms
- Bridges to other networks
- Many compatible clients
FluffyChat vs Synapse: key differences
FluffyChat is written in Dart, while Synapse is built with Python. FluffyChat is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 1,024 MB for Synapse. Synapse is the more established project (first released 2014), while FluffyChat arrived in 2019. Synapse lists first-class Docker deployment; FluffyChat does not.
Why pick each one
Choose FluffyChat if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Active community (3.1k GitHub stars)
- Written in Dart
Watch out for
- Matrix-only
- Fewer power-user features
Choose Synapse if…
- Open federated protocol
- Strong encryption
- Bridges to other chats
Watch out for
- Resource and maintenance heavy
- Complex to operate well
Frequently asked questions
Is FluffyChat or Synapse better?
Neither is universally better. Synapse has the larger community, while FluffyChat is simpler to set up (easy difficulty). Choose based on the comparison table above and your own setup.
Are FluffyChat and Synapse free and open-source?
Yes. FluffyChat is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Synapse under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run FluffyChat and Synapse with Docker?
FluffyChat: check the project docs for container support. Synapse: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, FluffyChat or Synapse?
FluffyChat has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 1,024 MB for Synapse. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.