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Synapse is an open source Matrix homeserver written in Python and Rust, maintained by Element.

Open-source alternative to:Discord

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What is it?

Synapse is a homeserver for Matrix, the open standard for secure, interoperable real-time communication. Running a Synapse server lets an organization or community host its own accounts, rooms and federated messaging instead of relying on a single hosted chat provider.

The project is written in Python on Twisted, with Rust components used for performance-sensitive parts. It is dual-licensed: it can be used under the AGPL-3.0 license for free, or under a paid commercial license from Element. Element provides commercial support only to subscribers of its Element Server Suite.

The repository documents standalone installation, configuration options, federation setup, reverse proxy configuration and upgrade procedures. Element also distributes Synapse as part of the Element Server Suite, with Community, Pro and TI-M editions.

Key features

  • 01Implements the Matrix homeserver protocol for real-time messaging.
  • 02Supports federation with other Matrix servers.
  • 03Configurable through documented options and a reverse proxy setup.
  • 04Core written in Python with Rust components for performance-sensitive parts.

Use cases

  • Hosting a private Matrix server for a company or team.
  • Running a community chat server that federates with the wider Matrix network.
  • Operating a self-hosted messaging backend under your own domain.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Deploy using Element Server Suite (ESS), the official deployment method

  2. 2

    Or follow the standalone installation guide in the Synapse docs

Things to know

  • Licensed under AGPL-3.0, a copyleft license, or available under a paid commercial license from Element.
  • Element provides no support unless you hold an Element subscription; community help is available only in a Matrix room.

Topics

#matrix#messaging#homeserver#federation#chat#python#rust

FAQ

What is synapse?
Synapse is an open source Matrix homeserver written in Python and Rust, maintained by Element. Synapse is a homeserver for Matrix, the open standard for secure, interoperable real-time communication. Running a Synapse server lets an organization or community host its own accounts, rooms and federated messaging instead of relying on a single hosted chat provider.
Is synapse free to use? What license does it have?
synapse is open source under the AGPL-3.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is synapse still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to synapse was on Nov 6, 2026.
What can I use synapse for?
Hosting a private Matrix server for a company or team. Running a community chat server that federates with the wider Matrix network. Operating a self-hosted messaging backend under your own domain.
How do I install synapse?
Deploy using Element Server Suite (ESS), the official deployment method Or follow the standalone installation guide in the Synapse docs
Where can I get synapse?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/element-hq/synapse

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