Snikket
Open-source XMPP messaging server with encrypted chat and WebRTC
437 stars 49 forks last commit first released Apache-2.0
Actively maintained
Last commit 10 Jul 2026.
Snikket is an open-source, XMPP-based messaging server designed to give groups and organisations a privacy-focused alternative to centralized messaging platforms. It provides account and instance management, multi-device synchronization, secure backups, and integrated audio/video calling.
Key Features
- Uses the XMPP protocol with a Prosody-based server stack and an admin web portal for account and invitation management.
- End-to-end encryption for private messaging and groups; supports read/typing indicators and media/file sharing.
- Multi-device support with synced conversations and invitation-link-based onboarding for new users.
- Integrated WebRTC audio/video calling with built-in STUN/TURN support to improve connectivity across NATs and firewalls.
- Secure encrypted backups for restoring conversations on new devices.
- Federation support (server-to-server/XMPP s2s) so instances can communicate across the wider XMPP network.
- Distributed as Docker images with an opinionated, easy quick-start using docker compose and configuration templates.
Use Cases
- Small communities, families, or teams that need a privacy-respecting group chat and calling platform under their control.
- Organisations wanting a standards-based messaging stack (XMPP) with federation and multi-device synchronization.
- Projects or communities that prefer open-source, auditable server software with invitation-based onboarding and encrypted backups.
Limitations and Considerations
- Requires control of network ports (HTTP(S), XMPP c2s/s2s and UDP port ranges for STUN/TURN); may need reverse-proxying if other web services run on the same host.
- Not intended as a drop-in replacement for highly customised multi-domain XMPP deployments; advanced or niche XMPP features may require working directly with underlying Prosody configuration.
- The project is actively developed and some features are marked as previews or feature-flagged; operators should follow release notes and upgrade guidance.
Snikket offers a focused, standards-based messaging server that balances usability with privacy and federation. It is suited for operators who want an integrated, well-documented XMPP stack with built-in calling and backup features.
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