Nheko

Overview

Nheko is a native desktop client for the Matrix protocol, built with Qt and C++20, designed to resemble modern chat apps like Element or Telegram rather than traditional IRC clients. It supports core Matrix functionalities including end-to-end encryption, VoIP calls, file sharing, and room management for users on Matrix servers.³²

Key Features

• E2E Encryption - Supports end-to-end encryption for messages.
• VoIP Calls - Voice and video calls with platform-varying support.
• File and Emoji Sharing - Send and receive files, images, emojis, and custom stickers.
• Room Management - Create, join, leave rooms, and handle invites.
• Message Features - Replies, redactions, read receipts, typing notifications, and username auto-completion.
• Themes - Light, dark, and system themes available.
• Profiles - Multiple profiles via command line for separate accounts.
• Presence - Presence and status messages if server-enabled.

Pricing

Platforms & Requirements

Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows desktops using Qt; requires secret storage like KDE Wallet or GNOME Keyring. No mobile support despite some Android development branch. Windows needs Qt deployment tools; available via Flatpak on Linux.³⁶

Integrations & Ecosystem

• Matrix protocol servers
• D-Bus API (Linux only)
• KDE Wallet/GNOME Keyring for secrets
• Flatpak packaging
• Custom stickers/emoji

Alternatives

Reputation

Nheko is recognized for its modern, native desktop interface on Matrix, praised for simplicity and features like E2E encryption and VoIP in a Qt-based app. Criticisms include bugginess, unintuitive usage, incomplete features, and lack of room discovery in earlier versions. Recent development under Nheko-Reborn shows ongoing improvements toward feature parity with mainstream clients.¹²³