How to use Free Software to learn Japanese, and more.

List of Matrix servers

January 29, 2021 — Tatsumoto Ren

Matrix is a FLOSS protocol for open federated instant messaging. Matrix ecosystem consists of many servers which can be used for registration. This is a list of Matrix servers for people who ask what server to choose to register on.

To use Matrix, install a client first. One of the most popular clients is Element.

If you are new to Matrix, read Matrix quickstart guide.

Matrix.org users

If you already have an account hosted on Matrix.org, please deactivate your account and create a new account on another homeserver immediately. Matrix.org is the largest Matrix homeserver, and most Matrix apps suggest it by default. Many users new to Matrix end up using this server because they don't know that other servers exist. Unfortunately, Matrix.org is far from the best choice. Due to its absurdly strict rules, the server is known for frequent bans of rooms and user accounts, and it does so without prior notice. Basically, Matrix.org uses its size and special status to impose censorship.

Luckily, changing Matrix homeservers is as easy as switching Email providers. Below I have a list of servers with less strict terms of service.

registration

Click "Edit".

How to choose

Choose a server that doesn't engage in chaotic account or room purges. Being on such a homeserver is no different from being on Discord. If a homeserver has rules, read them to check if they're unreasonably strict. Keep an eye on the usual things that tend to stink. For example, if a homeserver is trying to suppress certain political opinions, restrict you from posting certain types of content or otherwise impose authoritarian environment.

Recommendations

Ideally you would host your own homeserver on your own hardware, but not everyone can do that. This section contains homeservers hand-picked by me and trusted third-parties. With a 🏆 I marked servers that have received a trophy of recognition from the Matrix HQ team.

Not all the servers may be open for registration at any point of time. You may need to Email an admin to get an account.

Server Web client Extra
moriyashrine.org element.moriyashrine.org
plan9.rocks None Register here
cutefunny.art cutefunny.art 🏆
sakura.ci web.sakura.ci
iddqd.chat iddqd.chat last checked - closed
trygve.me trygve.me
nitro.chat nitro.chat
midov.pl midov.pl Register here 🏆
w33b.cloud element.w33b.cloud
matrix.thisisjoes.site thisisjoes.site last checked - closed
eientei.org matrix.eientei.org
matrix.im element
sibnsk.net element
matrix.unredacted.org element last checked - closed
zelchat.de chat.zelchat.de

Servers run by Japanese people

Server Web client Extra
matrix.fedibird.com fedibird.com 🏆
matrix.juggler.jp juggler.jp

Source: matrix-room-list-jp

Do not use

The list contains popular servers that have proven themselves unreliable. A server is added to this list if it has been caught banning user accounts or rooms without prior notice.

Server Information
waifuhunter.club Admin deactivated users' accounts without prior notice.
matrix.org Explained above.
*.modular.im or *.ems.host Affiliated with matrix.org.
tchncs.de Admin blocked rooms in pursuit of censorship.
asra.gr Admin deactivated users' accounts after receiving fake reports.
lolisho.chat Admin deactivated users' accounts for no apparent reason. Admin leaked IP addresses of some users.
synod.im Admin deactivated users' accounts for no apparent reason.
utwente.io Admin deactivated users' accounts for no apparent reason.
envs.net Admin blocked rooms in pursuit of censorship.
halogen.city I used to recommend this server, but our members constantly complained about having trouble joining rooms. On top of that the server is slow.
nerdsin.space Admin deactivated users' accounts after receiving fake reports.

A full list that includes less popular servers is available here.

Other servers

Sorted list

I have a sorted list that updates automatically every 12 hours here.

Selection criteria.

  • Open registration
  • Domain length
  • Up-to-date version of Synapse

The list is good for fetching new and updated servers, but there are no guarantees that the results are good.

A separate list for servers that can be used to link rooms. This is very useful if you want to share a room with someone but don't want to use element.io or matrix.to because they are behind cloudflare or because your room can't be reached via matrix.to.

To link a room append #/room/#your_room:example.com to the instance's Element address, like this: https://c.wfr.moe/#/room/#djtspace.midov.pl.

Tags: matrix