Conversations review
A focused Android XMPP client with encrypted calls, groups, files, and account support.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Conversations is an open-source Android XMPP client for private and federated messaging. It is designed for people who want encrypted communication while connecting to compatible XMPP or Snikket servers, the Conversations.im provider, or a server they operate themselves. The app supports OMEMO and OpenPGP encryption, group chats, file and image sharing, location sharing, voice messages, and encrypted audio and video calls. Multiple accounts can be managed through a unified inbox, making it suitable for users who keep separate personal, community, or service identities.
Its strongest fit is the combination of encrypted communication and XMPP interoperability. Conversations can connect with XMPP servers and work alongside clients such as Gajim and Dino, while message synchronization supports use across devices and clients. Group chats and public conferences extend it beyond one-to-one messaging, and read markers, delivery receipts, and voice messages cover common messaging needs. Google Play distribution provides automatic updates and beta test access, while the GPLv3 source code can also be built directly. That ecosystem makes Conversations a practical choice for users who value federated messaging rather than a single centralized service.
The trade-off is its narrow platform focus: Conversations is available for Android, with no desktop application listed among its supported platforms. It also has no free plan, so it is less suitable for users seeking a no-cost hosted option. The published product details describe provider-encrypted backups, while the app’s broader feature set centers on messaging, calls, synchronization, and account management rather than a wider cross-platform suite. Choose Conversations if Android and XMPP are central to your communication setup, especially when encrypted calls and multiple accounts matter. Choose an alternative if you need native desktop access or broader platform coverage.
Conversations pros and cons
- Where it wins
- OMEMO and OpenPGP encryption support
- Encrypted audio and video calls
- Multiple accounts with a unified inbox
- Where it doesn't
- Android-only platform coverage
- No free plan
- Backups are provider-encrypted
Conversations fact sheet, pricing and score →
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