MongooseIM
MongooseIM: A self-hosted XMPP backend for scalable, multi-tenant chat infrastructure. Ranked #16 of 32 in Chat APIs by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosted scalable XMPP deployments.
At a glance
- Editor score7.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSelf-hosted scalable XMPP deployments
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Presence supportYes
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Clustered, horizontally scalable deployment with dynamic multi-tenancy
- GraphQL, REST, WebSocket, BOSH, SSE and XMPP delivery methods
- Archives, presence, group chat, push and moderation capabilities
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted deployment and infrastructure management
- Push notifications require MongoosePush plus FCM or APNS integration
- Infrastructure-focused rather than a ready-made end-user chat platform
Our verdict on MongooseIM
MongooseIM is an open-source XMPP server and instant-messaging backend for large and enterprise installations. It is designed for teams building and operating their own chat infrastructure, with support for XMPP message routing, clustered deployment, horizontal scaling and dynamically managed domains for multi-tenancy. Client connections can use WebSocket or BOSH, while GraphQL and REST APIs support application integration. Its feature set also covers Multi-User Chat, MUC Light, presence handling, offline messages, privacy controls and multi-device message copies.
The platform’s breadth is strongest around core messaging infrastructure. Message Archive Management supports database backends including MySQL, PostgreSQL and Cassandra, while Redis and RabbitMQ are also listed integrations. Developers can expose chat capabilities through GraphQL and REST, and delivery methods include XMPP, SSE, WebSockets and BOSH. Moderation-related administration includes blocklists through the CLI and GraphQL API. OMEMO support adds an end-to-end encryption option, while presence, typing indicators and push notifications are included in the category feature set.
MongooseIM is a strong fit for organizations that need control over deployment, tenancy and scaling, and that already have the engineering capacity to operate an XMPP-based backend. Push notifications require configuration and, for FCM or APNS support, integration with MongoosePush. That makes the notification path an additional infrastructure concern rather than a ready-to-run feature. Teams seeking a self-hosted, extensible chat foundation should consider MongooseIM; teams looking for a packaged end-user chat product or a managed SaaS experience should look elsewhere.
Your product? Our editors can test MongooseIM in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
MongooseIM pricing
MongooseIM fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Presence support | Yes |
| Typing indicators | Yes |
| Push notifications | Yes |
| SDK platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Delivery methods | XMPP, GraphQL API, REST API, SSE, WebSockets, BOSH |
| Message history | Not verified |
| Moderation tools | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Integrations | 8 integrations: MongoosePush, FCM, APNS, Redis, MySQL, PostgreSQL … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | erlang-solutions.com |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
MongooseIM integrations
MongooseIM lists 8 integrations on its own site.
- MongoosePush
- FCM
- APNS
- Redis
- MySQL
- PostgreSQL
- Cassandra
- RabbitMQ
Alternatives to MongooseIM
- Tencent Cloud ChatA feature-rich chat backend for teams building messaging across multiple platforms.9.3
- Stream ChatA broad chat toolkit for feature-rich apps, with a high paid entry price.9.2
- CometChatA complete chat platform with a free tier and broad SDK coverage.9.1
See all MongooseIM alternatives →
Used MongooseIM? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used MongooseIM for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
MongooseIM is listed in our Chat APIs directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/mongooseim/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/mongooseim.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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