I’ve also used Matrix and Fluffychat, and it works fine, but even just considering the electricity consumption of the server compared to something like XMPP, it seems wasteful unless there is a real need to use Matrix-exclusive features or clients. Of course some people on older/low-end hardware might also experience issues based on the resources that Matrix requires. I have nothing against it, but I question whether it should be considered the default when there are in fact other options available and have been for years.
Matrix sucks! At least suggest something that has even half the features a modern Messenger needs and not this buggy hell of a protocoll with the usability of an airplane cockpit!
What, in your opinion, is the best protocol then?
I want something that is decentralized, but also really user-friendly, with mobile apps on both android and IOS.
The apps UI should not look outdated, and it would be great if it supports voice and video chat.
It should of course also be secure.
I guess you’re out of luck then. I’m not aware of a single usable decentralized Messenger.
Slack kind of works I guess. (nvmd, Slack nowadays is cloud only) But other than that it’s just a bunch of hobby projects held together by enthusiasm and luck.
If you want a EU-based messenger I suggest Threema. The key-management aspect of it is kind of annoying, but it’s still leagues better than Matrix in terms of feature completenes, usability and just general polish.
Matrix in its current state is a toy for nerds who are ready to dive into the jankiness and can spare the time to fix their broken messenger every once in a while. Amd the best part is, Matrix itself isn’t even usable. It has no UI, it’s just the protocoll. So you need some third party app to be able to even use it. And not a single one of these apps implements all of the features of the protocoll.
Or self-host XMPP server on low-end VPS, it’d cost you few euros a month and you can provide E2EE service to your friends and family. It’ll cost less than Threema and you will be in control of your data.
Realistically, the majority of people will not switch to threema @ €5.99.
It’s already extremely difficult to get people to leave WhatsApp. They’re not going to pay for it.
Everyone should use Matrix instead!
Matrix is also very heavy on system resources. What’s wrong with XMPP or Tox? If it ain’t broke…
I’m not very familiar with XMPP though I know it’s the default messager on slrpnk.net I haven’t heard about Tox unfortunately.
I just really like the Fluffy Chat app and I’m on a good instance where the protocol works pretty smoothly for me.
I’ve also used Matrix and Fluffychat, and it works fine, but even just considering the electricity consumption of the server compared to something like XMPP, it seems wasteful unless there is a real need to use Matrix-exclusive features or clients. Of course some people on older/low-end hardware might also experience issues based on the resources that Matrix requires. I have nothing against it, but I question whether it should be considered the default when there are in fact other options available and have been for years.
Matrix sucks! At least suggest something that has even half the features a modern Messenger needs and not this buggy hell of a protocoll with the usability of an airplane cockpit!
What, in your opinion, is the best protocol then? I want something that is decentralized, but also really user-friendly, with mobile apps on both android and IOS. The apps UI should not look outdated, and it would be great if it supports voice and video chat. It should of course also be secure.
SimpleX chat perhaps? The link thing might be a bit hard to understand at first though, but then it’s easy. Just tell them to open your link
I guess you’re out of luck then. I’m not aware of a single usable decentralized Messenger.
Slack kind of works I guess. (nvmd, Slack nowadays is cloud only) But other than that it’s just a bunch of hobby projects held together by enthusiasm and luck.Would you mind linking this please? I’ve been looking for a WhatsApp replacement, EU based ideally, any other options you know of?
Fluffy Chat
Matrix Protocol
Matrix Official Website
Matrix is a secure decentralized protocol that has third-party apps.
You can try out the instances: Tchncs.de 🇩🇪 and Tedomum.net 🇫🇷
The sidebar has more options for you to check out.
If you want a EU-based messenger I suggest Threema. The key-management aspect of it is kind of annoying, but it’s still leagues better than Matrix in terms of feature completenes, usability and just general polish.
Matrix in its current state is a toy for nerds who are ready to dive into the jankiness and can spare the time to fix their broken messenger every once in a while. Amd the best part is, Matrix itself isn’t even usable. It has no UI, it’s just the protocoll. So you need some third party app to be able to even use it. And not a single one of these apps implements all of the features of the protocoll.
Or self-host XMPP server on low-end VPS, it’d cost you few euros a month and you can provide E2EE service to your friends and family. It’ll cost less than Threema and you will be in control of your data.
Realistically, the majority of people will not switch to threema @ €5.99. It’s already extremely difficult to get people to leave WhatsApp. They’re not going to pay for it.
https://european-alternatives.eu/category/instant-messaging-apps
Signal isn’t EU based, but afaik not profiteering or harvesting data.
EDIT:
There are quite a few EU based according to this.
https://alternativeto.net/software/facebook-messenger/?origin=eu
https://alternativeto.net/software/whatsapp/?origin=eu
If anything is gonna replace Whatsapp it’s gonna be Signal. At least going by what’s currently available.