About Xabber
Xabber is an open-source Jabber (XMPP) client for Android. It supports multiple accounts and aims for a clean, simple interface, and the project describes itself as both free in the sense of freedom and free of ads. It is aimed at people who use XMPP servers for private or team messaging and want a native Android client.
The repository is Java-based and built with Gradle. It includes a git submodule for the MemorizingTrustManager library, and the build uses an open product flavor because the store flavor needs API keys that are not in the repository. Translations are managed through Crowdin, and contributors are asked not to send translation pull requests. The project lists OTR among its topics.
Development is supported by users who buy Xabber VIP, which the README says is the same as the regular stable version except for a gold coin on the logo, or who donate directly. The repository metadata lists the license as Other, so check the license file for the exact terms. Xabber is a client, so you still need an XMPP account on a server.
Key features
- Multiple XMPP accounts in one app
- Clean and simple Android interface
- Free of ads
- Open product flavor buildable from source
- Crowdin-managed translations
Good fit for
- →Chatting over a self-run XMPP server from Android
- →Managing several Jabber accounts on one phone
- Built with
- Java
- Tags
- xmpp
- jabber
- android
- messaging
- chat
- open-source
- java
- mobile
Xabber: questions and answers
- What is Xabber used for?
- Xabber is a free, ad-free open-source XMPP (Jabber) client for Android with multi-account support and a simple interface. It is a good fit for chatting over a self-run XMPP server from Android and managing several Jabber accounts on one phone.
- Is Xabber open source?
- Yes. Xabber is open source under a custom licence. Its source code is on GitHub at redsolution/xabber-android and is written mainly in Java.
- Is Xabber free?
- Yes. Xabber is open source, so the software itself is free to use under the terms of its own licence. Paid plans are also available, starting at $1 per seat per month.
- Can I self-host Xabber?
- Yes. Xabber can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
- What are some alternatives to Xabber?
- Similar open-source tools in the Team Chat category include Telegram for Android, Converse.js and MongooseIM. SaaS products in the same category include Kik, LINE and Messenger.
- Is Xabber actively maintained?
- The most recent commit to Xabber was on 21 January 2026, and the latest release is v2.6.6, published on 7 October 2019. The project has 1.8k stars on GitHub.
Open-source alternatives to Xabber
See allTelegram for Android
Team Chat
Telegram for Android source
GPL-2.0vs WhatsApp★ 30k
Converse.js
Team Chat
Web-based XMPP/Jabber chat written in JavaScript
MPL-2.0★ 3.3k
MongooseIM
Team Chat
MongooseIM is Erlang Solutions' robust, scalable and efficient XMPP server, aimed at large
OSS★ 1.8k
Element Android
Team Chat
A Matrix collaboration client for Android.
AGPL-3.0vs Slack★ 3.7k
FluffyChat
Team Chat
The cutest instant messenger in the [matrix]
AGPL-3.0vs WhatsApp★ 3.2k
Wildfire Chat Android
Team Chat
即时通讯,聊天,野火IM Android客户端,支持Android 4.x —— 最新
OSSvs WeChat★ 2.7k
SaaS alternatives to Xabber
See all
Kik
Team Chat
Mobile messaging app with private chats, public groups and communities
SaaS
LINE
Team Chat
Messenger and super-app popular in Japan, Taiwan and Thailand
SaaS
Messenger
Team Chat
Meta's chat and video calling service for Facebook contacts
SaaS
Viber
Team Chat
Messaging and calling app with communities and business messaging
SaaS
WeChat
Team Chat
Tencent's messaging and mobile payments app
SaaS
WhatsApp
Team Chat
Messaging and calling app with a Business version for customer chats
SaaS

