Conversations (Jabber / XMPP): A Secure Messaging Client
Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) is a premier open-source messaging application for Android, dedicated to providing robust, privacy-focused communication. It serves as a full-featured client for the decentralized Jabber and XMPP networks, offering users an alternative to centralized messaging platforms. Conversations is designed for those who prioritize security without sacrificing usability, featuring end-to-end encryption by default for all text and media.
Overview and Basic Information
Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) is a paid application on the Google Play Store, though a free version with core functionality is also available from F-Droid. It is developed by Daniel Gultsch and connects to any standards-compliant XMPP server, such as those run by Snikket, Jabber.at, or even self-hosted instances. Conversations is built on established, open protocols, ensuring interoperability and avoiding vendor lock-in. Its design philosophy emphasizes user privacy, minimal permissions, and not relying on Google services like Firebase Cloud Messaging, making it a truly independent tool for secure communication.
Key Features and Highlights of Conversations (Jabber / XMPP)
Default End-to-End Encryption: All messages are secured by default using the OMEMO protocol, ensuring only you and your intended recipient can read them.
Encrypted Audio and Video Calls: Make crystal-clear calls protected by DTLS-SRTP encryption directly within Conversations.
Rich Media and File Sharing: Easily send and receive images, documents, and other files, all within encrypted conversations.
Group Chat and Conference Support: Participate in both private group chats and public conferences with support for moderation and bookmarks.
Synchronization with Desktop Clients: Your message history can sync seamlessly with compatible desktop clients like Gajim and Dino for a unified experience.
Minimal Battery Impact: Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) is engineered for efficiency, boasting very low battery consumption compared to many other messaging apps.
Advantages
Unmatched Privacy and Security: As an open-source project, its code is transparent and auditable. It uses strong encryption by default and does not rely on third-party push notification services.
Decentralized Network: You are not tied to a single service provider. You can choose from hundreds of public XMPP servers or host your own.
Ad-Free Experience: Conversations is completely free of advertisements and trackers, providing a clean and focused user interface.
High Interoperability: By adhering to open XMPP standards, Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) ensures you can communicate with users on other clients and servers.
Feature-Rich and Modern: It supports modern features like read receipts, emoji reactions, voice messages, and high-resolution contact avatars.
Strong Community and Development: Conversations is actively maintained and frequently updated with new features and security improvements.
Disadvantages
Requires Server Knowledge: To get the most out of it, users often need to find and configure a suitable XMPP server, which can be a technical hurdle for some.
Limited User Base: Since XMPP is a niche protocol compared to WhatsApp or Telegram, finding contacts who already use it can be challenging.
Some Features Need Server Support: Advanced functionalities like audio/video calls or message carbons require server-side support, which not all public servers offer.
Primarily Android-Centric: While there are desktop clients, the seamless mobile experience is largely confined to Android, with no official iOS version of Conversations (Jabber / XMPP).
Initial Setup Complexity: Joining a server and verifying encryption fingerprints can be less intuitive than simply signing up with a phone number on other platforms.
Tips for Using Conversations (Jabber / XMPP)
Choose a modern, well-maintained XMPP server like Snikket or Jabber.at for the best experience and full feature support.
Enable "Indicate read state" and "Message carbons" in your account settings to synchronize your read status across devices.
Verify your contacts' security fingerprints (found in their contact details) to ensure your OMEMO encryption is not being intercepted.
Use the built-in server info checker (in account details) to see which extensions your server supports, such as audio/video calling.
Explore the "Conferences" tab to discover and join public group chats on topics that interest you.
For maximum privacy, consider using Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) with a paid server or a self-hosted instance for full control over your data.
More Similar Apps
Monal (iOS/macOS): A feature-rich XMPP client for Conversationsle ecosystem that supports OMEMO encryption and is a great counterpart for iOS users.
Snikket (Android/iOS): A suite of apps and server software designed to make XMPP easy, often providing a simpler setup process.
Briar: A peer-to-peer messaging app designed to work without internet access, synchronizing via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, focusing on anonymity.
Signal: A centralized but highly secure and private messaging app renowned for its encryption protocol and ease of use.
Conclusion and Personal Opinion
Conversations (Jabber / XMPP) is not for everyone, but it is arguably the best-in-class client for anyone serious about private, decentralized messaging on Android. It masterfully balances powerful security features with a polished, Material Design-driven interface that feels modern and intuitive. The requirement to find an XMPP server is its biggest barrier to entry, but for those willing to take that step, it offers a level of control and privacy that mainstream apps cannot match. It is a testament to the power of open protocols and a crucial tool for the privacy-conscious communicator.
.webp)
