Built on Matrix

Chat your way. Private by default.

A personal project exploring what a modern Matrix client can be, with end-to-end encryption, voice & video calls, custom emoji, and full Matrix interoperability.

Heads up — Work in progress

Kanoa Chat isn't ready for general use yet. It's being built for a small group of friends on a private server to hang out and game together. You'll need a Matrix account on a homeserver with OIDC or password authentication to sign in.

App screenshot

Everything you need

All the features of a modern chat app, with privacy built in from the start.

End-to-End Encryption

Messages, voice, and video are encrypted by default. Cross-signing and key backup keep you secure across devices.

Persistent Voice & Video

Always-on voice channels powered by LiveKit with live media state, screen share thumbnails, and full Element interoperability.

Custom Emoji

Upload and share custom emoji across your spaces. Drag-and-drop upload with autocomplete support.

Cross-Platform

Native desktop app, web client, self-hostable Docker images, and a mobile app on the way.

Matrix Interoperability

Built on the Matrix protocol. Chat with anyone on Element, FluffyChat, Nheko, or any other Matrix client.

Spaces & Discovery

Organize channels into Spaces and browse public channels on your homeserver. Quickly navigate between Spaces and pick up where you left off.

Custom Themes

Choose from built-in themes or create your own. Every color is customizable to make the app truly yours.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Navigate channels, switch spaces, and manage calls without touching the mouse. Fully configurable keybinds.

Presence & Activity

Real-time presence with fast disconnect detection. See what games your friends are playing with automatic activity detection.

See it in action

A closer look at what makes Kanoa Chat different.

Screenshot

Desktop App

Popout call windows with full and compact view to multitask while you chat

Screenshot

Voice Channels

Persistent voice with live presence, speaking indicators, and screen share thumbnails

Screenshot

Custom Emoji

Space-wide custom emoji with autocomplete and drag-and-drop upload

Screenshot

Multiplatform

Web, Android, and iOS. The same experience on every device

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Activity Detection

See what games your friends are playing with automatic activity detection

Screenshot

Browse & Discover

Explore public channels and spaces on your homeserver

Open source. Open protocol.

Kanoa Chat is fully open source and built on the Matrix protocol. No vendor lock-in, no walled gardens. Your data stays yours, and you can verify every line of code.

View on GitHub

Ready to get started?

Join the conversation on Matrix.

Open Kanoa Chat