Cinny

Free#24 of 36 in Secure Messaging AppsWhatsApp Alternatives

Cinny: A focused, self-hostable Matrix client with web and desktop apps. Ranked #24 of 36 in Secure Messaging Apps by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosters wanting a Matrix desktop client.

6.7/10★★★☆☆Editor score

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At a glance

• Editor score
  6.7 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Self-hosters wanting a Matrix desktop client
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  None
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Free and open-source under the AGPL-3.0 license
  • End-to-end encrypted Matrix messaging with direct-message and channel views
  • Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, and self-hosting support

• Where it doesn't

  • Account and messaging behavior depend on the selected Matrix homeserver
  • A narrower feature set than broader Matrix client alternatives
  • Self-hosting requires serving Cinny's built application files

Our verdict on Cinny

Cinny is an open-source client for instant messaging through the decentralized Matrix network. It is aimed at individuals, communities, and organizations that want a modern interface for encrypted Matrix communication, with separate navigation for direct messages and channels. The product is available as a web application and dedicated desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it can also be self-hosted.

Its main strength is a focused Matrix experience rather than a paid service tier structure. Cinny supports end-to-end encrypted communication through Matrix, theme support, and an AGPL-3.0 codebase that can be deployed by serving its built files. That combination suits teams and communities that want control over deployment or prefer open-source software. The platform coverage also gives users a choice between browser access, dedicated desktop applications, and a self-hosted installation.

Cinny is best suited to buyers who already want Matrix and value a clean separation between direct messages and channels. The broader messaging experience depends on the Matrix homeserver, including account requirements, group-size limits, backup encryption, multi-device behavior, and disappearing-message support. Buyers seeking a tightly controlled messaging service with those behaviors defined in one product should consider a different category fit. Choose Cinny for an open, self-hostable Matrix interface; avoid it if a broader, more centrally defined feature set is the priority.

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Cinny pricing

Cinny fact sheet

Alternatives to Cinny

• SignalFree, open-source messaging with encrypted calls, groups, and optional paid backups.9.4
• WWhatsAppA broadly available free messenger with strong everyday privacy features and wide platform support.9.3
• ElementA secure, extensible collaboration app for teams that need control and interoperability.9.1

See all Cinny alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update