Synapse

Self-Hosted

Open-source Matrix homeserver for decentralized communication

Overview

Synapse is an open-source Matrix homeserver enabling decentralized, end-to-end encrypted communication. It powers custom systems via the Matrix protocol, supporting chat, voice/video calls, and file sharing across compatible clients like Element. Deployable via Docker or manual setup, it works with PostgreSQL (preferred) or SQLite, scaling from personal to community instances. It integrates with global Matrix homeservers, ensuring connectivity while letting you control your data.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  synapse:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: synapse
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Decentralized communication via Matrix protocol
End-to-end encryption for private conversations
Supports voice/video calls and file sharing
Interoperable with all Matrix-compatible clients

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Synapse hard to install?

Installation difficulty varies: Docker Compose simplifies setup for beginners, while manual installation needs database (PostgreSQL recommended) and dependency config. Official docs offer step-by-step guides, making it manageable for users with basic server admin experience.

? Is it a good alternative to Slack or Microsoft Teams?

Yes—Synapse provides decentralized, privacy-focused communication unlike centralized tools like Slack/Teams. It supports E2EE and cross-homeserver messaging, though it lacks some native enterprise features (e.g., project management) that can be added via third-party integrations.

? Is it completely free?

Synapse is 100% free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license. There are no licensing fees, but you’ll incur costs for server hosting/hardware if you don’t run it on your own machine.

Top Alternatives

Slack Compare

Microsoft Teams Compare

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Custom Communication Systems

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no central data authority)
⊕ Open-source (customizable and auditable)
⊕ Interoperable with global Matrix network
⊕ Free to self-host with no licensing fees

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration skills
⊖ Needs regular updates and database maintenance
⊖ Resource-intensive for large instances