Converse

Converse.js is an open-source, web-based XMPP/Jabber chat client designed for developers, communities, organizations, and anyone seeking a customizable, privacy-focused messaging solution in the browser.

🚀 Overview

Converse.js is a modern, feature-rich, and completely client-side XMPP chat application that runs directly in any web browser. It turns any website into a chat-enabled platform or serves as a standalone messaging app, supporting direct messages, group chats, file sharing, and more over the decentralized XMPP protocol.

This project solves the problem of centralized, proprietary chat services by providing a standards-compliant, federated alternative with end-to-end encryption (OMEMO), ensuring user privacy and interoperability across servers. It's built for web developers who want to embed secure chat functionality with minimal setup, communities running their own XMPP servers, and organizations needing customizable, self-hosted communication tools.

The motivation behind Converse.js is to empower users with true messaging freedom—avoiding vendor lock-in, supporting open standards, and fostering a vibrant ecosystem through plugins and community contributions. Started years ago, it's evolved into a mature project with hundreds of contributors.

✨ Key Features

End-to-end encryption via OMEMO (XEP-0384) for secure private and group messaging
Multi-user chatrooms (MUC), invitations, and powerful moderation tools
File sharing with HTTP File Upload (XEP-363), desktop notifications, and typing indicators
Flexible UI modes: fullscreen app, overlay chat boxes, or embedded widgets
Plugin architecture for extensibility, 40+ languages, and support for 45+ XMPP extensions (XEPs)
Upcoming: Continued enhancements to push notifications and media sharing

🛠 Tech Stack

Frontend: JavaScript (93%), SCSS, TypeScript, Backbone.js
Backend: None (100% client-side; connects to any XMPP server via BOSH/WebSocket)
Database: None (relies on XMPP server for message archiving)
Auth: XMPP/Jabber (anonymous login supported)
Hosting: Static hosting (Vercel, Netlify, Apache, etc.); build with Node.js, Rspack, PostCSS

👥 Who Is This For?

This project is useful for:

Developers who want to embed a full-featured, customizable XMPP chat client in websites or apps
Teams looking for a self-hosted, federated alternative to Slack/Discord with E2EE
Indie makers building open communities around XMPP/Jabber standards