Tinode
Tinode: A flexible open-source chat stack with self-hosting, moderation, and hosted deployment options. Ranked #14 of 32 in Chat APIs by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source teams building hosted chat.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source teams building hosted chat
- Free planYes
- Presence supportYes
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Persistent history, presence, typing indicators, and read receipts
- Self-hosting plus hosted Cloud deployment and support tiers
- Access controls, moderation tools, push adapters, and gRPC bindings
Where it doesn't
- Verified client SDK coverage centers on JavaScript and Java
- Advanced management and support require paid plans
- Cloud and support pricing is listed without a displayed currency for Cloud
Our verdict on Tinode
Tinode is an open-source messaging platform for organizations building chat experiences or private messaging services. It supports web, iOS, Android, API, and self-hosted deployments, with one-to-one conversations, group topics, read-only channels, attachments, and file transfer endpoints. Its feature set covers presence changes, typing indicators, delivery and read receipts, persistent message history, access controls, and administrative actions such as suspension, complaints handling, tagging, and deletion. It is a strong fit for teams that want control over deployment and chat behavior rather than a narrow, hosted-only API.
The plan structure supports several operating models. The free option includes the core open-source foundation, while the Basic plan adds self-installation, community support, simplified push setup, and production monitoring. Professional, listed from 500 per year, adds TnAdmin server management, iOS and Android app setup, custom-branded mobile apps, and prioritized feature requests. Enterprise, from 1,500 per year, adds assisted installation, email or chat support, and production issue assistance. Cloud is listed at 1.50 per user per month and includes managed hosting, up to 5 GB of file storage per user, custom-branded Web, iOS, and Android clients, and gRPC access for chatbots.
Tinode’s ecosystem is focused but practical. JavaScript and Java client SDKs cover the verified client integrations, while server-side adapters and gRPC bindings extend the platform for backend services and chatbots. Push delivery can use Tinode Push Gateway, Google Firebase Cloud Messaging, or stdout. The trade-off is that teams seeking wider official SDK coverage may prefer another chat API. Choose Tinode for open-source control, private deployment, persistent history, and built-in moderation. Choose an alternative if broad client-language coverage is more important than self-hosting and administrative depth.
Tinode pricing
All 4 Tinode plans and prices →
Tinode fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Presence support | Yes |
| Typing indicators | Yes |
| Push notifications | Yes |
| SDK platforms | JavaScript, Java |
| Delivery methods | WebSocket, Tinode Push Gateway, Google FCM, stdout |
| Message history | Not verified |
| Moderation tools | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Google Firebase Cloud Messaging, Tinode Push Gateway, gRPC |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | tinode.co |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Tinode integrations
Tinode lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Google Firebase Cloud Messaging
- Tinode Push Gateway
- gRPC
Alternatives to Tinode
- Tencent Cloud ChatA feature-rich chat backend for teams building messaging across multiple platforms.9.7
- Stream ChatA broad chat toolkit for feature-rich apps, with a high paid entry price.8.9
- CometChatA complete chat platform with a free tier and broad SDK coverage.8.3
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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