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[#]: subject: "9 Best Matrix Clients for Decentralized Messaging"
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[#]: via: "https://itsfoss.com/best-matrix-clients/"
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[#]: author: "Ankush Das https://itsfoss.com/author/ankush/"
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[#]: collector: "lkxed"
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[#]: translator: " "
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[#]: reviewer: " "
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[#]: publisher: " "
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[#]: url: " "
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9 Best Matrix Clients for Decentralized Messaging
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======
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Matrix is an open network standard tailored for secure decentralized real-time communication.
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It is published and maintained by a non-profit, Matrix.org Foundation. They aim to create an open, independent, and evolving communication platform.
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If an application supports the Matrix protocol, you can consider it a Matrix client.
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### Why Should You Choose a Matrix Client?
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[Matrix][1] clients focus on security and privacy and offer a decentralized network that provides opportunities for numerous things.
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Since 2019 (when it got out of beta), several organizations and government authorities have gradually adopted the Matrix protocol to empower their communication platforms for security, privacy, and reliability.
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For instance, a decentralized protocol makes way for cross-communication between organizations and gives you a communication protocol that is resistant to censorship.
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Matrix protocol is the right choice if you want something that gets you away from the big tech.
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Not just limited to that, you also get the ability to run your server to join the Matrix network. In other words, you get a decentralized infrastructure for communication while still having some control over it to set it up and configure it as per your requirements.
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In case you are curious, Matrix protocol has all the essential features one would need, including:
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* Decentralized conversations
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* End-to-End encryption
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* WebRTC VoIP/Video calling
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* Real-time sync
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* Read receipts
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* Typing Notifications
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* Group conversations
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And, I should highlight this again: It is an **open-source** project!
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So, it is a no-brainer to opt for Matrix clients, especially now that more users care about their privacy and security.
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### 9 Top Open-Source Matrix Clients
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Here, I shall highlight some of the most helpful Matrix clients, primarily for desktop (Linux, Windows, macOS), while also mentioning mobile and terminal clients.
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#### 1. Element
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![element][2]
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[Element][3] is one of the best open-source Slack alternatives. You can use it for personal communication and team chat as well.
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It is free to get started, but you do have options to self-host your server or pay a premium for a managed home server. You get various useful features to collaborate effectively and securely communicate with your team/friends.
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If you opt to pay for a subscription, you can even choose to bring your Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram chats into a single place.
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It supports Linux, Windows, and macOS while offering a proper mobile client for Android and iOS. Additionally, you can use it through the web browser. So, it should be a convenient option.
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[Element][4]
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#### 2. Rocket.Chat
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![rocket chat][5]
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[Rocket.Chat][6] is yet another Slack alternative, which we prefer to use for our internal team communication.
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It is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. You also get mobile applications for Android and iOS.
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While it gives you the option to self-host or opt for a premium subscription, it also announced that it is adding [support for Matrix protocol integration][7].
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When writing this, the Matrix network can be utilized using an alpha build. However, the stable build for it should be around the corner. So, if you are already using Rocket.Chat, or want to use it as a Matrix client, you might want to keep an eye on its upcoming releases.
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[Rocket.Chat][8]
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#### 3. NeoChat
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![neochat][9]
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NeoChat is a simple Matrix client actively developed under KDE’s umbrella.
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Unlike Element, it is only available for Linux and Windows, and particularly tailored for KDE Plasma. You can use it on other desktop environments as well.
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You can install it through KDE’s Discover software center, Flathub, and Snap Store. It is not available for mobile platforms. So, it can be a good candidate for desktop users who prefer a straightforward Matrix client.
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Check out its [source code][10] to explore more about it.
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[NeoChat][11]
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#### 4. FluffyChat
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![fluffychat][12]
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FluffyChat makes up for a good-looking (cute) Matrix client in terms of user experience.
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If you want a simple and intuitive Matrix client on your desktop with mobile apps (Android and iOS) available, FluffyChat is an impressive option.
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For Linux, you can install it from the Snap Store or the Flathub. It does not offer native apps for Windows and macOS, but you can use it through the web browser.
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If you are curious, you can check out its [GitLab page][13] to know more.
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[FluffyChat][14]
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#### 5. Fractal
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![fractal][15]
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Fractal is a Matrix messaging client for GNOME desktop, written in Rust. As per its description, it provides an optimized interface fit for collaboration in large groups.
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Considering it is available as a Flatpak, you can install it on any Linux distribution, irrespective of the desktop environment.
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Fractal seems an excellent option for users who focus on applications that perform the fastest on their system. You can head to its [GitLab page][16] to research more about it.
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[Fractal][17]
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#### 6. Hydrogen Web (Experimental)
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![hydrogen][18]
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Looking for another minimal (performance-focused) Matrix client?
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Hydrogen is a chat client that aims to provide a lightweight experience, offline functionality, and wide browser support.
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While it is still a work in progress, it is being developed by the same team behind the Element messenger. So, if you longingly expect a lightweight Matrix client as an alternative to others, you might want to follow the project on its [GitHub page][19].
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[Hydrogen][20]
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#### 7. Matrix Commander (CLI-based)
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This command-line tool can be the perfect fit if you want to use the terminal to send/receive text messages via the Matrix network.
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Of course, you cannot do everything from the terminal. So, it is best suited for creating cron jobs for message reminders, or bots, and similar use-cases.
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You can find it on [PyPi][21] and Docker Hub as well.
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[Matrix Commander][22]
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#### 8. Gomuks (CLI-based)
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![gomuks][23]
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Need a terminal-based Matrix client written in Go?
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Not for everyone to try. But, if you are someone who likes to use command-line tools written in Go, Gomuks can be a straightforward Matrix client for basic messaging.
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You can find the binaries for Linux, Windows, and macOS on its [GitHub releases section][24].
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[Gomuks][25]
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#### 9. Syphon (Alpha)
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![syphon][26]
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We usually avoid listing programs in their early stages of development. However, Syphon is an interesting option as a mobile-exclusive Matrix client.
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If you want a Signal-like open-source Matrix client for your Android/iOS device, Syphon can be an exciting choice. The user interface looks familiar (but not an exact copy of it). You can try it out if you are looking to experiment.
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[Syphon][27]
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### Wrapping Up
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Matrix protocol may not be entirely popular across every organization and demographic. However, it is proving to be one of the most robust decentralized networks for privacy and reliability as an open-source project.
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The best thing is that you get to choose the client you want, without being forced to use a particular app for communication across multiple devices.
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So, what would you choose as your favorite Matrix client?
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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via: https://itsfoss.com/best-matrix-clients/
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作者：[Ankush Das][a]
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选题：[lkxed][b]
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译者：[译者ID](https://github.com/译者ID)
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校对：[校对者ID](https://github.com/校对者ID)
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本文由 [LCTT](https://github.com/LCTT/TranslateProject) 原创编译，[Linux中国](https://linux.cn/) 荣誉推出
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[a]: https://itsfoss.com/author/ankush/
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[b]: https://github.com/lkxed
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[1]: https://matrix.org/
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[2]: https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/element-2022.jpg
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[3]: https://itsfoss.com/element/
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[4]: https://element.io/
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[5]: https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rocket-chat-2022.jpg
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[6]: https://itsfoss.com/rocket-chat/
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[7]: https://news.itsfoss.com/rocket-chat-matrix/
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[8]: https://rocket.chat/
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[9]: https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/neochat.png
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[10]: https://invent.kde.org/network/neochat
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[11]: https://apps.kde.org/neochat/
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[12]: https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fluffychat.png
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[13]: https://gitlab.com/famedly/fluffychat
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[14]: https://fluffychat.im/
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[15]: https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fractal.png
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[16]: https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/fractal
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[17]: https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Fractal
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[18]: https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hydrogen.png
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[19]: https://github.com/vector-im/hydrogen-web/
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[20]: https://github.com/vector-im/hydrogen-web/
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[21]: https://pypi.org/project/matrix-commander/
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[22]: https://github.com/8go/matrix-commander
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[23]: https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gomuks.png
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[24]: https://github.com/tulir/gomuks/releases
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[25]: https://maunium.net/go/gomuks/
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[26]: https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/syphon.jpg
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[27]: https://syphon.org/
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