LOAM review
A free, self-hosted local chat network for nearby groups, without end-to-end encryption.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
LOAM pros and cons
- 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
LOAM 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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update