Just want to try it?

Open Element in your browser — no download needed. You'll be on matrix.org, the server run by The Matrix.org Foundation, which is a fine place to start. If you're planning longer-term use or want your own domain, read through the steps below first.

Get started using Element X. You'll be on matrix.org, the server run by The Matrix.org Foundation, which is a fine place to start. If you're planning longer-term use or want your own domain, read through the steps below first.

Get a client app

To use Matrix you need a client. Below are some well‑established, featured clients — choose the one that best suits your platform and needs. You can switch between them at any time, as all clients use the same account, and you can run multiple clients simultaneously to find your preferred option.

Element Web / Desktop Stable # Good for: New users and those coming from Slack or Teams

Windows

macOS

Linux

Web

A glossy web and desktop client with an emphasis on performance and usability.

End-to-end encryption End-to-end encryption, including media and calls if supported Spaces Browse, join and manage Matrix spaces Voice and Video Calls (1:1) 1-to-1 voice/video calls Threads Read, start and participate in threads Legacy SSO Log in with Single Sign-On using the legacy API Voice and Video Calls (Jitsi) Jitsi-based group calls Multi-Language Client user interface supports multiple languages OAuth 2.0 Log in using the new API based on the OAuth 2.0/OIDC standard Voice and Video Calls (MatrixRTC) Matrix-native voice/video calls based on MSC4143 MatrixRTC

View more details

Element X Stable # Good for: Mobile-first users who want a fast, modern experience

iOS

Android

Next generation Element on mobile with native OIDC, sliding sync and Matrix RTC for calls.

End-to-end encryption End-to-end encryption, including media and calls if supported Spaces Browse, join and manage Matrix spaces Multi-Language Client user interface supports multiple languages OAuth 2.0 Log in using the new API based on the OAuth 2.0/OIDC standard Voice and Video Calls (MatrixRTC) Matrix-native voice/video calls based on MSC4143 MatrixRTC Simplified Sliding Sync Swift and efficient login and messaging using the next generation API from MSC4186

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FluffyChat Stable # Good for: Users who want something simple and approachable, especially on mobile

iOS

Android

Linux

Web

Cute instant messaging app for all platforms.

End-to-end encryption End-to-end encryption, including media and calls if supported Spaces Browse, join and manage Matrix spaces Threads Read, start and participate in threads Legacy SSO Log in with Single Sign-On using the legacy API Multi-Account Log into multiple accounts at the same time using a single client instance Multi-Language Client user interface supports multiple languages

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Cinny Stable # Good for: Users coming from Discord who want a familiar layout

Windows

macOS

Linux

Web

A Matrix client focusing primarily on simple, elegant and secure interface.

End-to-end encryption End-to-end encryption, including media and calls if supported Spaces Browse, join and manage Matrix spaces Legacy SSO Log in with Single Sign-On using the legacy API Voice and Video Calls (MatrixRTC) Matrix-native voice/video calls based on MSC4143 MatrixRTC

View more details

Nheko Beta # Good for: Power users and tinkerers who prefer a lean native desktop app

Windows

macOS

Linux

Desktop client for Matrix using Qt and C++20.

End-to-end encryption End-to-end encryption, including media and calls if supported Spaces Browse, join and manage Matrix spaces Voice and Video Calls (1:1) 1-to-1 voice/video calls Threads Read, start and participate in threads Legacy SSO Log in with Single Sign-On using the legacy API Multi-Language Client user interface supports multiple languages

View more details

Create an account

Matrix is decentralised: like email, your account lives on a provider and you can reach anyone regardless of which provider they use. If you want your address to use your own domain (e.g. @you:example.com), managed hosting and self-hosting both support that. If you rely on bridges to other platforms, check that your chosen server supports them — availability varies by provider.

matrix.org homeserver

Foundation-run

The Matrix.org Foundation hosts a server open to everyone. Enter matrix.org in your app's server field when registering.

Free

• 10 MB max attachment size
• 100 MB data / day

Read account creation guide

Premium

• 100 MB max attachment size
• 1 GB data / day
• Invite more people at once
• Free for Foundation members

See pricing

More about the matrix.org homeserver →

Managed hosting

Paid

These services run a Matrix server for you — good if you want your own domain, dedicated resources, or more storage.

Communick Since 2018 Individuals Offers accounts for individual, personal use. Datanauten Since 2022 Individuals Offers accounts for individual, personal use. Business Offers dedicated accounts, contracts, or support for organizations. etke.cc Since 2021 Individuals Offers accounts for individual, personal use. Business Offers dedicated accounts, contracts, or support for organizations. Federated Computer Since 2022 Individuals Offers accounts for individual, personal use. Business Offers dedicated accounts, contracts, or support for organizations. Hostsharing eG Since 2000 Individuals Offers accounts for individual, personal use. Business Offers dedicated accounts, contracts, or support for organizations. Ossrox Since 2022 Individuals Offers accounts for individual, personal use. Business Offers dedicated accounts, contracts, or support for organizations. Ungleich.ch Since 2020 Individuals Offers accounts for individual, personal use.

Browse all hosting providers

Self-hosting

Community

Run your own Matrix server for full control over your data and community. Browse available server software, or use a distribution — pre-packaged setups like Ansible playbooks or Docker images that handle the hard parts for you.

Browse server software Browse distributions

Start chatting

Once you have an account, explore public rooms and Spaces to find communities built around topics you care about. You can message anyone on Matrix directly using their address (@username:server) — no matter which server or app they use.