Converse
XMPP chat client in your browser.
Open the official app on conversejs.org
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open conversejs.org in a new tab — it's their official demo.
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Converse?
Converse.js is an open-source web-based XMPP chat client developed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0. It provides developers, organizations, and communities with a customizable and secure messaging platform that supports end-to-end encryption, direct messaging, group chats, and 30+ language localization. The tool addresses the need for a flexible, deployable chat solution that integrates with any XMPP server, offering features like chat status indicators, file sharing, and message archiving. Its pluggable architecture allows for extensive customization through extensions, making it a popular choice for building secure communication systems without relying on proprietary messaging platforms. The project caters to developers requiring a feature-rich chat interface with minimal code, as well as organizations needing a secure, extensible messaging infrastructure. It solves the problem of implementing a messaging system from scratch by providing a ready-to-use framework with built-in support for XMPP protocols and modular design. Converse.js is particularly useful for projects needing a web-based interface that can be embedded, used as a standalone app, or extended with custom plugins to meet specific security or functionality requirements.
How it works
Converse.js is written in JavaScript and relies on libraries such as jQuery for DOM manipulation and Handlebars for templating. It requires an XMPP server that supports protocols like XEP-045 and XEP-313 for multi-user chatrooms and message archiving. Browser support is primarily modern web browsers, though older browsers may require polyfills for full compatibility. Data flows through the XMPP server, with client-server communication managed via WebSocket or BOSH. Privacy features include end-to-end encryption with OMEMO and secure data transmission over encrypted channels, ensuring that messages are protected during transit.
How to use it
- 1Install a compatible XMPP server such as Prosody or ejabberd. 2. Configure the server to support necessary XMPP extensions like mod_ogp and XEP-313. 3. Embed the Converse.js code into a web application or use its standalone version. 4. Connect to the XMPP server using the client's credentials and start using the chat interface. For deployment, ensure the server is configured to handle WebSocket or BOSH connections. When embedding, include the Converse.js script and initialize it with server details, enabling features like URL previews or message archiving based on server capabilities.
What it can do
- Communication
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/conversejs
- license: MPL-2.0 — free to use
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- External demo — opens a third-party website that you do not control.
- Relies on an external source (github.com); availability depends on that service.
- Focused on the text tools category: XMPP chat client in your browser..
Understanding the result
XMPP chat client in your browser.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by conversejs (MPL-2.0).
- Built with
- conversejs (https://github.com/conversejs)
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Text
- Output
- Output
Built with https://github.com/conversejs. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- conversejs
- License
- MPL-2.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- /conversejs — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- MPL-2.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
How does Converse.js handle end-to-end encryption?
Converse.js implements end-to-end encryption using the OMEMO protocol, which is based on the OpenPGP standard. When a user initiates a chat, OMEMO generates encryption keys that are exchanged securely between participants. Messages are encrypted at the application level, ensuring that only the intended recipients can decrypt and read them. This provides a high level of security, though it requires both parties to support OMEMO and properly configure their XMPP servers to enable the protocol.
How does Converse.js communicate with an XMPP server?
Converse.js connects to an XMPP server via WebSocket or BOSH (Bidirectional-streams Over Synchronous HTTP) protocols. These methods allow for real-time communication between the client and server. The client sends and receives messages, presence updates, and other XMPP stanzas, which are processed by the server to maintain session state and manage network communication. This architecture ensures low-latency interactions and efficient data transfer, making it suitable for real-time messaging applications.
How do I embed Converse.js into a web application?
To embed Converse.js, include the script in your HTML file and initialize it with the XMPP server details. First, add the script tag to your HTML document. Then, use JavaScript to configure the client with the server's JID, port, and other parameters. You can customize the interface by modifying the HTML structure or using plugins. For example, to enable URL previews, ensure the server supports mod_ogp and configure the client to request URL metadata during message processing.
How does Converse.js compare to alternatives like Signal or Matrix?
Converse.js is specifically designed for XMPP-based communication and integrates seamlessly with XMPP servers, whereas Signal and Matrix use their own proprietary protocols. Signal focuses on end-to-end encryption for one-on-one messaging, while Matrix supports decentralized, real-time communication across multiple platforms. Converse.js offers greater flexibility for developers who need to build custom messaging systems using existing XMPP infrastructure, but it lacks the cross-platform compatibility and built-in security features of Signal or Matrix.
What should I do if Converse.js fails to connect to the XMPP server?
If Converse.js fails to connect, first verify that the XMPP server is running and accessible. Check the server's configuration for required modules like mod_ogp and ensure that the client's credentials are correct. If using BOSH, confirm that the server is configured to accept connections on the specified port. Additionally, review the browser's console for error messages that may indicate network issues or missing dependencies. If the problem persists, consult the Converse.js documentation or seek support from the community for troubleshooting.