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FluffyChat
What it is
FluffyChat is a free, ad-free open-source messaging app based on the Matrix protocol, available for Android, iOS, Linux, and the web. It supports private and group messages, voice messages, pictures, videos, and location sharing, along with polls, custom stickers, spaces, moderation tools, and multi-device use. Public chats can include tens of thousands of participants. Users can make direct calls and join video conferences with Matrix RTC-compatible encryption. End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for private chats, and the app uses Vodozemac. FluffyChat works with other Matrix clients such as Element, Nheko, Cinny, and NeoChat. It does not host or manage messaging servers, so the selected server’s data-protection terms apply. The app stores cached server data in a local database and attempts to encrypt it using SQLCipher, with the key kept in device secure storage. Push notifications work through Firebase Cloud Messaging and UnifiedPush. Error reporting is optional and requires the user to submit an opened GitHub form. Users can report inappropriate messages or people to a server administrator, but FluffyChat itself cannot enforce moderation or deletion on servers.
For and against
For
- Free and ad-free across four listed platforms.
- Supports private and group chats with media sharing.
- Direct calls and video conferences are available.
- Private chats have end-to-end encryption enabled by default.
Against
- The selected server's data-protection terms apply.
- FluffyChat cannot enforce moderation or server-side deletion.
- Local database encryption is described as an attempt.
The verdict
FluffyChat combines Matrix messaging, media sharing, and calls in a free, open-source client. Its server-dependent privacy and moderation limits are important considerations for users choosing where to chat.
Who it suits
FluffyChat may suit people looking for a free Matrix-based alternative to centralized messaging apps. It also fits users who want messaging and calls across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.
Plans and prices
Free
Free for everyone · No ads
Read 7 Oct 2026 · fluffychat.im
On the record
- Calls
- FluffyChat supports direct calls and video conferences with Matrix RTC-compatible encryption.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for private chats, and the app uses Vodozemac.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Features
- The site lists polls, custom stickers, spaces, moderation tools, multi-device support, and public chats with tens of thousands of participants.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- FluffyChat is compatible with other Matrix clients, including Element, Nheko, Cinny, and NeoChat.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Local data
- The app caches server data in a local database and attempts to encrypt it with SQLCipher, storing the encryption key in device secure storage.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Messaging
- Users can send private and group messages, voice messages, pictures, videos, and their location.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Moderation
- Users can report inappropriate messages or users to the server administrator, while FluffyChat itself cannot enforce moderation or deletion on servers.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy limits
- FluffyChat is a Matrix client and does not host or manage messaging servers; the selected server's data protection terms apply.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Push notifications
- FluffyChat supports Firebase Cloud Messaging and UnifiedPush; its documented push payload typically includes event and room IDs, unread count, and device information.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Reporting
- Error reporting is optional, and the app does not submit an issue automatically; the user must actively submit the opened GitHub form.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project asks users to support it through Ko-fi or Liberapay donations.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- What it does
- FluffyChat is a user-friendly, free, ad-free open-source messaging app based on the Matrix protocol.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The FAQ describes it as an alternative for people seeking a fast, user-friendly, secure option instead of centralized messaging apps.fluffychat.im · read 7 Oct 2026
