Conduit is a simple, fast, and reliable open-source Matrix homeserver written in Rust, designed for easy self-hosting with low resource requirements.

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🚀 Overview

Conduit is a lightweight implementation of the Matrix Specification for a chat server, emphasizing simplicity, speed, and minimal system requirements compared to alternatives like Synapse.

It solves the problem of resource-heavy Matrix homeservers that are difficult to run on low-end hardware, enabling anyone to host their own secure, decentralized, federated chat server easily.

Built for self-hosters, individuals, families, and small teams who value privacy and control over their communications. Created by Timo Kösters to make the Matrix protocol accessible without high complexity or costs.

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✨ Key Features

• Single binary with embedded database (RocksDB default, also sled/SQLite) for quick setup in minutes
• Extremely low resource usage; runs efficiently on Raspberry Pi or similar mini-computers
• Full federation with the Matrix network, bridges to Discord/Slack/etc., and E2EE support
• Compatible with most Matrix rooms and clients (Beta: some advanced federation features pending)
• Optional: Simplified sliding sync works out-of-the-box

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🛠 Tech Stack

• Backend: Rust (98%), Ruma (Matrix spec in Rust), Axum (web framework)
• Database: RocksDB, sled, SQLite
• Auth: Matrix protocol standards
• Hosting: Self-hosted (binary, Docker), no external services required

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👥 Who Is This For?

This project is useful for:

• Self-hosters wanting a lightweight, performant Matrix server
• Privacy-conscious individuals and families hosting private chats
• Developers building or experimenting with Matrix bridges and apps

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📸 Screenshots / Demo

• Live demo: https://conduit.rs (test instance; registration token: "for_testing_only")
• GitHub: https://github.com/timokoesters/conduit

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🔥 Project Status

• 🟢 Actively building

Last updated: 2026-03-24

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❓ FAQ

Is this project free?

Yes — Open Source (Apache-2.0 license) (Free to use, self-host, and modify.)

Is the source code available?

Yes — https://gitlab.com/famedly/conduit (primary repo) Mirror: https://github.com/timokoesters/conduit

Can I contribute?

Yes — Browse issues on GitLab, fork the repo, submit merge requests (MRs). Join the Matrix room #conduit:ahimsa.chat for discussion and coordination.

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📬 Contact & Links

• Website: https://conduit.rs
• GitLab: https://gitlab.com/famedly/conduit
• GitHub: https://github.com/timokoesters/conduit
• Docs: https://docs.conduit.rs
• Matrix: https://matrix.to/#/#conduit:ahimsa.chat
• Email: conduit@koesters.xyz

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