Lesser-Known Clients

Beyond the popular clients, these hidden gems offer unique features.

Terminal Clients

gomuks

The best terminal Matrix client - now with web UI!

go install maunium.net/go/gomuks@latest

Features:

• Full E2EE support
• Image previews (Kitty/iTerm2)
• Vim-like keybindings
• Minimal resource usage
• NEW: Web frontend option

Web Frontend Mode:

# Start with web server
gomuks --web-listen :8080

Access at http://localhost:8080 for a modern browser UI powered by gomuks backend.

Power Features:

• Export room history to JSON
• Set power levels from terminal
• Multiple account support
• Custom keybindings

Hidden Feature

In terminals that support it, gomuks can display images inline! The web frontend gives you the best of both worlds.

iamb

Modal Matrix client (Vim-style)

cargo install iamb

Features:

• True modal editing
• Multiple windows/splits
• Vim keybindings throughout
• Written in Rust

Perfect for: Vim enthusiasts who want Matrix in their terminal.

weechat-matrix

Matrix in WeeChat

If you already use WeeChat for IRC:

/script install matrix.py

Integrates Matrix into your existing WeeChat setup.

Minimal Web Clients

Hydrogen

Ultra-lightweight web client

URL: hydrogen.element.io

• 50KB bundle size (vs Element's 3MB+)
• Works on slow connections
• Offline-first design
• Perfect for embedding

Use cases:

• Low-bandwidth situations
• Embedded chat widgets
• Quick temporary access

Cactus Comments

Matrix-powered comment system

Turn any Matrix room into a comment section for your website:

<script src="https://cactus.chat/embed.js"></script>
<div id="comment-section"></div>
<script>
  initComments({ node: document.getElementById("comment-section") });
</script>

Mobile Hidden Gems

Syphon

Privacy-focused Matrix client

• No Google Play Services required
• Built-in Tor support
• Local-only notifications
• Minimal permissions

Perfect for: Privacy-conscious users on Android.

Element X

Next-gen Element (still emerging)

While not "hidden," many don't know about:

• Sliding sync: Near-instant startup
• Rust core: Native performance
• Fresh UI: Modern design

Currently on mobile, desktop coming.

Desktop Alternatives

Spectral

Qt-based, minimalist

• Native Qt/QML
• Very lightweight
• Clean interface
• Linux-focused

Quaternion

Timeline-style view

• Unique timeline visualization
• Built on libQuotient
• Developer-friendly

Mirage

Another Qt client

• Modern QML interface
• Good keyboard navigation
• Scriptable with Python

Specialty Clients

Commune

Forum-style Matrix client

Presents Matrix as a traditional forum:

• Threaded discussions
• Topic-based organization
• Familiar forum UX

Good for: Communities transitioning from traditional forums.

Matrix Viewer

Read-only Matrix client

github.com/nichobi/matrix-viewer

• Browse public rooms without account
• Good for archives
• Lightweight

Matrix Static

Static HTML export

Generate static HTML from Matrix rooms:

• Archive conversations
• Share without Matrix account
• SEO-friendly

Bridge Services

Beeper

All messengers in one inbox

Beeper provides managed Matrix bridges:

• iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram
• Slack, Discord, Instagram, Twitter/X
• All messages unified in one place
• Matrix protocol underneath

See beeper.com or self-host with mautrix bridges.

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Client Experiments

Third Room

VR/3D Matrix client

Experience Matrix in virtual reality:

• 3D environments
• Spatial audio
• VR headset support
• WebXR compatible

Populus

Collaborative whiteboard

Matrix-based collaborative drawing and diagramming.

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Power User Features by Client

Cinny v4+

Advanced hidden features:

• Custom power levels UI
• Developer tools (/devtools)
• Room state explorer
• Native custom emoji packs
• Improved threads support

Nheko Extras

Native Qt client power features:

# Config location
~/.config/nheko/nheko.conf

• GIF search integration
• Custom emoji packs
• Video calls via GStreamer
• Room directory search
• Full message search
• Screen reader support

FluffyChat Power Mode

Enable Developer Mode in settings for:

• Event source viewing
• Room state access
• Debug logging
• Experimental features

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Finding More

Client Discovery

• matrix.org/ecosystem/clients
• Are We Matrix Yet
• Search GitHub for "matrix client"

Evaluation Criteria

When trying new clients:

Factor	Questions
E2EE	Does it support encryption?
Features	What's missing vs Element?
Performance	Resource usage?
Updates	Actively maintained?
Security	Audited? Open source?

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Next: Advanced Features →