Nextcloud Talk

Active

Country: Germany (DE)
Founded: 2016
Developer: Nextcloud GmbH
Pricing: Free (open-source)
Open source: Yes
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Indexes

Messaging

Overview

Nextcloud Talk is a self-hosted audio/video calling and chat application integrated into the Nextcloud platform. It enables one-on-one and group conversations, web conferences, and messaging with end-to-end encryption, all mediated by the user's own server for data control¹²⁶. Designed for Nextcloud users seeking private communication, it stands out through its seamless integration with Nextcloud's file sync, calendaring, and project management tools, supporting both internal server members and external guests via links²³⁴.

Key Features

Audio/Video Calls - Supports one-on-one and group peer-to-peer audio or video calls mediated by Nextcloud server¹²³.
Text Chat - Simple text messaging in conversations with message status indicators and file sharing from Nextcloud or local devices¹⁷.
Group Conversations - Create shareable group chats and calls with public links for external guests and listing options for server users³⁴.
End-to-End Encryption - Fully encrypted communication for privacy, with server-mediated signaling¹².
Web Conferencing - Join or host web conferences directly in the browser or apps¹².
File Sharing - Share or upload files from Nextcloud Files app or local device during chats⁷.
Talk Home Dashboard - Overview of upcoming meetings, new messages, mentions, and reminders⁵.
Do-Not-Disturb Mode - Manage notifications and focus on important chats across web and mobile⁵.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Community Edition	Free	Full self-hosted audio/video chat, web interface, mobile and desktop apps²⁷.
Nextcloud Enterprise (via subscription)	Subscription-based	Nextcloud Talk with enterprise support, scalability, and integrations².

Platforms & Requirements

Nextcloud Talk runs via web browser on any modern device, with native apps for Android (Google Play, F-Droid), iOS (App Store), and desktop clients for Windows, macOS, Linux; requires a Nextcloud server instance¹³⁶⁸¹⁰. Mobile apps support all core features including calls and chats; desktop client provides similar functionality⁵⁶¹⁰. No specific minimum requirements detailed beyond standard Nextcloud server setup and TURN server for optimal call quality³.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Nextcloud Files for sharing
Nextcloud Mail and Calendaring
Nextcloud Deck (project management)
OAuth2 for external apps
SIP bridge for telephony
Matterbridge for other chat services
WebDAV file access

Alternatives

App	Difference
Mattermost	Team collaboration platform with self-hosting but less integrated file sync than Nextcloud².
Rocket.Chat	Open-source chat server with strong mobile support but separate from file sharing ecosystem³.
Jitsi Meet	Web-based video conferencing focused on ease-of-use, lacks deep Nextcloud integration².
Element (Matrix)	Decentralized messaging with federation, requires separate server unlike Nextcloud-integrated Talk⁶.

Reputation

Nextcloud Talk is praised for its privacy-focused self-hosting, ease of use within Nextcloud, and reliable mobile apps that match web functionality³⁵. Users appreciate peer-to-peer calls for low server load and tight integration with Nextcloud tools²³. Criticisms include dependency on Nextcloud server setup and potential need for TURN servers in restrictive networks for optimal video quality³⁹. It holds strong reputation in self-hosting communities for secure, controlled communication¹⁷.

Sources (10)