Converse.js — Self-Hosted, Open-Source

Features

• Multiple UI Options: Overlay chat boxes, full-page application, or embedded components
• Rich Messaging: Message styling, corrections, reactions, and URL previews
• Privacy-Focused: End-to-end encryption with OMEMO
• User Status: Custom status messages and availability indicators
• Notifications: Desktop notifications for new messages
• File Sharing: HTTP File Upload support
• Extensible: Plugin architecture based on pluggable.js
• Internationalized: Translated into 40+ languages
• Anonymous Login: Use without registration (server permitting)
• Responsive: Works on desktop and mobile devices

Installation

git clone [email protected]:conversejs/converse.js.git npm install npm run build npm run serve -- -p 8008

Why self-host Converse.js

Self-hosting gives you three things SaaS can’t: data ownership (the files live on disks you control), cost predictability (a one-time setup vs. recurring per-seat fees that grow with your household or team), and longevity (open-source means the app keeps working even if the maintainers move on, since you can pin a working version). The trade-off is that you take on the operational work of running a server, applying updates, and handling backups.

What hardware do you need

Most self-hosted apps run comfortably on modest hardware — a Raspberry Pi 4, a mini PC, a NAS with Docker support, or a small VPS is usually enough for personal or family use. CPU and RAM requirements scale with how many simultaneous users or how much data you push through Converse.js. Storage requirements depend on the kind of data you keep; check the README for guidance on data retention.

Where to go from here

• Browse the full self-hosted app directory
• Compare self-hosted alternatives side-by-side
• DevOps roadmap — learn the skills to run your own server