Cinny review
A focused, self-hostable Matrix client with web and desktop apps.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Cinny pros and cons
- 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
Cinny fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update