Self-Hosted Messaging Software: 22 Picks Ranked
The best open-source messaging apps you can host yourself: Novu leads. See pricing, specs and alternatives.
All 22 picks here are open-source and self-hosted. You own the data, the server and the uptime. Prices below are live server costs from the install wizard.
22 Messaging apps at a glance
Ranked by real installs on PickYour.App · updated Oct 2026.
| # | App | Category | Installs | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N Novu Open-source notification infrastructure — email, SMS, push | Messaging | 56 000 | €0.023/hr |
| 2 | T Typebot Open-source conversational form & chatbot builder | Messaging | 24 000 | €0.023/hr |
| 3 | T TextBee Free self-hosted SMS gateway for Android devices | Messaging | 980 | €0.023/hr |
| 4 | P playSMS Full-featured SMS gateway with web interface & API | Messaging | 730 | €0.023/hr |
| 5 | A Android SMS Gateway Turn any Android phone into an SMS API server | Messaging | 640 | €0.018/hr |
| 6 | K Kalkun Web-based SMS gateway with modem or provider routing | Messaging | 410 | €0.023/hr |
| 7 | C Chatto Chat app for teams and communities | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 8 | C Chitchatter Peer-to-peer chat app that is serverless, decentralized, and ephemeral. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 9 | C Continuwuity Community-driven Matrix homeserver, the continuation of conduwuit focusing on user experience and new features (fork of Conduit). | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 10 | C Converse.js XMPP chat client in your browser. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 11 | C Convos Multi-user IRC client in the browser | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 12 | D Databag Federated, end-to-end encrypted messaging service for the web, iOS, and Android, supporting text, photos, video, and WebRTC video and audio calls. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 13 | E Ergo Modern IRCv3 server written in Go, combining the features of an ircd, a services framework, and a bouncer. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 14 | F Fluxer Instant messaging and VoIP platform built for friends, groups, and communities (alternative to Discord). | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 15 | H Haven Private blogging system with markdown editing and built in RSS reader. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 16 | L Live Helper Chat Live Support chat for your website. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 17 | P positive-intentions Chat Decentralized chat in the browser | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 18 | S Sharkord Lightweight real-time communication platform | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 19 | S SimpleX Chat The most private and secure chat and applications platform - now with double ratchet E2E encryption. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 20 | S Snikket All-in-one Dockerized easy XMPP solution, including web admin and clients. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 21 | S Stoat Stoat is a user-first chat platform built with modern web technologies. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
| 22 | T The Lounge Self-hosted web IRC client. | Messaging | 0 | €0.018/hr |
Best Messaging apps, reviewed
Novu
Novu covers the essentials without demanding a manual. Spec: 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM, 25 GB disk. Most people start here.
- Does: the core messaging job.
- Runs on: 1 vCPU · 2 GB RAM · 25 GB — about €0.023/hr on Pay as you go.
Typebot
Typebot covers the essentials without demanding a manual. Plan for 1 vCPU and 2 GB of RAM. Some teams prefer this one.
- Does: the core messaging job.
- Runs on: 1 vCPU · 2 GB RAM · 25 GB — about €0.023/hr on Pay as you go.
TextBee
Built around its core job, TextBee stays out of your way. It runs comfortably on 1 vCPU / 2 GB here. Great for smaller setups.
- Does: the core messaging job.
- Runs on: 1 vCPU · 2 GB RAM · 20 GB — about €0.023/hr on Pay as you go.
playSMS
Built around its core job, playSMS stays out of your way. Plan for 1 vCPU and 2 GB of RAM. A solid niche pick.
- Does: the core messaging job.
- Runs on: 1 vCPU · 2 GB RAM · 25 GB — about €0.023/hr on Pay as you go.
How we ranked these apps
No sponsors, no editors' picks. The chart is built from install counts.
What it costs to run
The software is free. You only pay for the server. Peak spec in this list: 1 vCPU / 2 GB, near €0.023/hour. Pausing stops the meter. Monthly plans cost less if it runs 24/7.
Which Messaging app should you pick?
- You want the safe bet? Novu — the most installed pick here.
- You prefer the lighter option? Typebot — a close second, some teams like it more.
- Tight budget? Android SMS Gateway runs on 1 vCPU / 1 GB — the cheapest server here.
- Not sure yet? Install the leader, try it for an hour, pause the server. You pay cents.
Free software, not free servers
No per-seat pricing, no trial clock. Hosting is the cost.
Watch transfer if you serve big files. The catalog lists each app's needs.
Verdict
Novu is the one to start with, with Typebot as the alternative. Your first hour on it costs less than a coffee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best messaging app?
Novu leads this category on PickYour.App. The core loop is what Novu does best. It runs comfortably on 1 vCPU / 2 GB here.
Can I use these tools for free?
Yes. Every app here is open-source. You only pay for the server — from €0.018 per hour, and pausing stops the meter.
How much does a messaging server cost?
About €0.023/hour for the biggest spec in this list. Smaller apps run on less.
Which one is easiest to start?
Android SMS Gateway — it needs the smallest server (1 vCPU / 1 GB). The install wizard sets it up in one click.
Ready to self-host?
Pick an app, we handle the server, domain and HTTPS.
Generated 2026-10-22 from live catalog data · all guides