Gajim vs Linphone
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted apps from related categories — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
Gajim
Full-featured XMPP client with plugins
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Linphone
Open-source SIP voice, video, and messaging client
| Feature | Gajim | Linphone |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Chat & Communication |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | Python | C++ |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 128 MB |
| Deployment | binary, source | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 600 | ★ 500 |
| First released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Replaces | Skype, Slack | Skype, Zoom |
Why pick each one
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
Choose Linphone if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Written in C++
- Tiny footprint — runs in 128 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is Gajim or Linphone better?
Gajim is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Linphone if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Gajim and Linphone free and open-source?
Yes. Gajim is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Linphone under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Gajim and Linphone with Docker?
Gajim: check the project docs for container support. Linphone: check the project docs for container support.