Self-host sama-server
0.37.2Open-source chat server with clustering
- Stars
- 161
- Ports
- 9001 (WebSocket API), 8001 (TCP)
- Requires
- MinIO (S3-compatible storage), MongoDB, Redis
What is sama-server?
SAMA is a self-hosted chat server built as an alternative to XMPP. It delivers real-time messaging with rich media, private and group chats, typing and read receipts, and file sharing. Users can stay connected across multiple devices with flexible online/offline message delivery. Push notifications work via APNS, FCM, and Web Push. The server clusters horizontally using Redis for coordination, with MongoDB for data and MinIO for file storage. Deployment options include Docker Compose (single-command or local development) and manual Node.js 22 setup. A free GPL-3.0 edition is available alongside a commercial Enterprise tier with dedicated support and an XMPP bridge add-on.
Should you self-host sama-server?
sama-server scores 45/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #68 of 110 in Chat. It has 161 GitHub stars.
It shipped 5 stable releases in the past year. The latest, 0.37.2, came out on 10 September 2026. New versions land roughly every 2 months.
Setup is advanced: plan for several services and some ongoing maintenance. It is GPL-3.0-licensed and written mostly in JavaScript.
Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Tinode (67/100, 13 540 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See sama-server vs Tinode side by side.
Features
- Admin Dashboard
- End-to-end encryption
- Extensive WebSocket API
- File attachments
- HTTP Admin API
- Message History API
- Message Status Indicators
- Multi-device Support
- Private and Group Chats
- Programmable Chat
- Push Notifications
- Real-time Messaging
- Server Clustering
- User Management
- XMPP BridgeOnly available in commercial Enterprise edition
sama-server README
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