FluffyChat review
A broad Matrix client with strong privacy features, but experimental calling.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
FluffyChat is a free, ad-free, open-source messaging client for Matrix. It suits people who want private or group conversations while choosing compatible Matrix servers, including self-hosted options. The client supports web, iOS, Android, and Linux, with features covering media sharing, voice messages, locations, spaces, stickers, and inline emotes. Its decentralized server model gives Matrix users more control over where conversations are hosted.
Privacy features are central to the product. Private chats use end-to-end encryption by default, while encrypted chat backups use recovery keys. Cross-signing and emoji-based device verification help users verify devices, and push notifications can run through Firebase Cloud Messaging or UnifiedPush. The published feature set also includes private, public, and group chats, plus OpenStreetMap integration for location sharing. This makes FluffyChat a broad client for Matrix users who want more than basic text messaging without leaving the protocol's decentralized structure.
The main trade-off is calling maturity: voice and video calls are explicitly experimental, so users who rely on dependable calling should consider a more established alternative. Official clients cover Linux and the web as well as mobile platforms, but Windows and macOS are outside the supported desktop lineup. FluffyChat is a strong choice for Matrix users prioritizing open-source software, encrypted communication, flexible server selection, and community organization through spaces. It is less suitable for people who need mature voice and video calling or native support across every major desktop operating system.
FluffyChat pros and cons
- Where it wins
- End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for private chats
- Encrypted backups use recovery keys for account protection
- Supports web, iOS, Android, Linux, spaces, media, and stickers
- Where it doesn't
- Voice and video calls are explicitly experimental
- Official support excludes Windows and macOS
- Calling and notifications depend on Matrix and push-service choices
FluffyChat fact sheet, pricing and score →
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