Conduit
Self-HostedLightweight open-source Matrix homeserver for self-hosted communication
Overview
Conduit is a lightweight, high-performance Matrix homeserver written in Rust, ideal for self-hosted communication. It supports core Matrix features like end-to-end encryption, room federation with other Matrix servers, user management, and file sharing. Designed for minimal resource usage, it runs efficiently on low-power devices (e.g., Raspberry Pi) or cloud instances. Deployment options include Docker, precompiled binaries, or source compilation, with straightforward configuration. Conduit offers privacy-focused, decentralized chat without vendor lock-in, making it a great alternative to proprietary platforms.
Key Features
- Lightweight Rust-based implementation
- Core Matrix protocol support (E2EE, federation)
- Low-resource footprint (runs on Raspberry Pi)
- Simplified deployment options (Docker, binaries)
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Conduit hard to install?
Conduit is designed for easy installation—you can use Docker containers, precompiled binaries, or compile from source (with the Rust toolchain). It has minimal configuration needs, making it accessible even for users with basic server administration experience.
? Is it a good alternative to Slack or Discord?
Yes—Conduit (as a Matrix homeserver) lets you host a decentralized chat platform with end-to-end encryption, avoiding vendor lock-in. You can communicate with users on other Matrix servers and use clients like Element, which offer features similar to Slack/Discord (channels, DMs, file sharing).
? Is Conduit completely free?
Conduit is 100% open-source (Apache 2.0 license) and free to use. There are no paid tiers—you only cover hosting costs (if any, e.g., server or cloud instance) for your self-hosted setup.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted control)
- ⊕ Minimal system requirements
- ⊕ Fast performance
- ⊕ No vendor lock-in
Cons
- ⊖ Limited advanced Matrix features vs Synapse
- ⊖ Smaller community than mainstream homeservers
- ⊖ Some niche client integrations may be untested