Matrix (Synapse)
Open-source · self-hostable · replaces 2 SaaS tools on os-alt
element-hq/synapse · alive · ★ 4.16k · last commit 1d ago · 1996 open issues
License: AGPL-3.0 — Synapse moved to AGPL-3.0 in late 2023; Dendrite (Go server) and Conduit are alternative homeservers.
Good fit for Privacy-first or regulated orgs that want federation, end-to-end encryption by default, and zero-trust topology.
Weak at Operational complexity is the highest of the three — multiple components and a steeper learning curve.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli discord prints
the Discord comparison table including Matrix (Synapse).
how the CLI works →
Replaces these SaaS
- Discord · Community / voice chat
Use the `matrix-appservice-discord` bridge to mirror a Discord server into a Matrix room while you migrate; users can join either side. Eventually announce Matrix is the source of truth.
- Microsoft Teams · Team chat + video meetings
Use the `matrix-docker-ansible-deploy` playbook for a one-shot install (Synapse + Element + Coturn + bridges). Bridge to Microsoft Teams via the `mautrix-teams` puppeting bridge — your existing Teams DMs and channels appear in Element while you migrate. After cutover, leave the bridge running for users who can't move. Element Call (Matrix-native group video) replaces Teams meetings.
README badges for the SaaS this replaces
Maintainers and forks: drop a badge in your README to link readers from the SaaS-comparison page back to your repo.
