LOAM

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Groups needing local-network chat without internet
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Network architecture
  Distributed
• Facts checked
  22 Oct 2026

• Where it wins

  • Chat over local Wi-Fi or a phone hotspot without internet
  • Channels, threads, direct messages, files and moderation tools
  • Free, open-source and self-hostable across desktop and mobile

• Where it doesn't

  • No end-to-end encryption; network hosts can read messages
  • iPhones can join via Safari but cannot host a network
  • Node synchronization is for public channels

Our verdict on LOAM

LOAM is an open-source messaging network for nearby people who need to communicate over local Wi-Fi or a phone hotspot without internet, accounts or a cloud service. It can run on an Android phone, computer or Raspberry Pi, and people join through a browser. Groups can use public, private or invite-only channels, threaded replies and direct messages. iPhones can join through Safari, though they cannot host a network. That makes LOAM a fit for local groups prioritizing offline access and control over hosting rather than internet-based reach.

Its feature set is centered on group coordination: members can share images and files, search messages, react, and moderate membership with approval, bans and greeter roles. Image and file sharing includes client-side resizing. Multiple LOAM nodes can synchronize public channels, extending communication across linked local networks. The product also offers optional encrypted storage and an emergency reset. These tools give groups useful ways to organize and manage conversations, but synchronization applies to public channels, not private ones.

LOAM is free and self-hostable, with web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android listed as platforms; iOS access is through Safari. It supports desktop and mobile deployment, with email, community and documentation support. Its security boundary matters: connections and stored data are documented as encrypted, but the host running a network can read messages, so LOAM does not provide end-to-end encryption. Choose it when local, internet-free messaging and self-hosting are the priority; choose another option if messages must remain unreadable to the network host or if an iPhone must host the network.

Your product? Our editors can test LOAM in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →

LOAM pricing

LOAM fact sheet

Alternatives to LOAM

• ElementA Matrix-based collaboration app with encrypted messaging and flexible deployment options.9.4
• Delta ChatA free, open-source messenger with default end-to-end encryption across desktop and mobile.9.2
• SimpleX ChatPrivate messaging with encrypted chats, calls, files and groups—without profile identifiers.9.1

See all LOAM alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

LOAM is listed in our Decentralized Messaging Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 28 Oct 2026 · How we research and update