Tinode

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2015
Developer: Tinode LLC
Pricing: Free (open-source) with commercial options
Open source: Yes
Platforms: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, Linux

Indexes

Messaging

Overview

Tinode is an open-source instant messaging platform with a backend in Go and clients for Android, iOS, web, and desktop. It supports one-on-one chats, group messaging, channels with unlimited read-only subscribers, rich message formatting, attachments, voice/video messages, and calling. Designed as a mobile-first alternative to proprietary services like WhatsApp or Telegram, it uses JSON over WebSocket or gRPC for communication and targets users seeking self-hosted, customizable chat solutions outside walled gardens.¹³⁴

Key Features

One-on-one and group messaging - Supports private conversations and group chats.
Publishing channels - Channels allow unlimited read-only subscribers.
Video and voice calling - One-on-one audio and video calls.
Rich media support - Attachments, inline images/videos, voice messages, rich formatting.
Push and presence notifications - Push notifications, in-app presence, message status (delivered/read/typing).
Multiplatform clients - Native apps for Android, iOS, web (React), desktop (Windows/Linux).
gRPC API support - Client libraries for C++, C#, Go, Java, Node, PHP, Python, Ruby.
Admin tools - TnAdmin web app for server management tasks like user lookup and password reset.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Basic	Free	Open-source server and clients; self-hosted deployment.
Commercial	Contact for license	TnAdmin server management; simple setup for iOS/Android apps; custom-branded apps; prioritized feature requests.

Platforms & Requirements

Runs on Android (via Google Play and GitHub APKs), iOS (App Store), web browser (React single-page app), and desktop on Windows/Linux. Self-hosted server requires Docker or manual Go setup; clients connect to any Tinode server. Android and iOS apps are stable/beta; no macOS native client mentioned.

Integrations & Ecosystem

gRPC API for C++, C#, Go, Java, Node, PHP, Python, Ruby, Objective-C
WebSocket/JSON and protobuf/gRPC wire protocols
Push notifications via FCM (custom gateways discussed)
Google Groups for support/discussions
Docker deployment for server and TnAdmin

Alternatives

App	Difference
Matrix	Federated protocol with bridges to other services; more focused on decentralization than Tinode's self-hosted simplicity.
Rocket.Chat	Web-first with more built-in collaboration tools; less emphasis on mobile-first messaging.
Mattermost	Slack-like for teams with plugins; proprietary plugins available unlike fully open-source Tinode.
XMPP (e.g., Conversations)	Standard protocol with federation; Tinode is not compatible and aims to replace it with modern protocols.

Reputation

Tinode is regarded as a solid open-source, self-hosted messaging option with strong mobile support and modern features like WebSocket/gRPC, praised for its flexibility and lack of user limits. Criticisms include beta-quality Android client, lack of XMPP compatibility, and reliance on external push services like FCM without easy self-hosted alternatives. Community support occurs via Google Groups; commercial inquiries directed to contact form.¹⁴⁵¹⁰

Sources (10)