Freedom251 › Secure messaging apps
Cinny
What Cinny is
Cinny is a free, open-source Matrix client for instant messaging, built around a simple interface that separates direct messages from channels. It runs in a browser at app.cinny.in and has desktop installers for Windows, macOS and Linux. The project describes its interface as protected by end-to-end encryption and uses Matrix, an open network for secure, decentralized communication. Its layout is intended to stay uncluttered and adapt to user actions while using familiar design patterns. The web app receives updates with each new release. Desktop releases are signed with an Ed25519 public key, and the project provides instructions for checking those signatures. Cinny can also be self-hosted: serve the dist files from a release tarball or deploy its Docker image from Docker Hub or GitHub Container Registry. Self-hosted installations can set default homeservers and explore pages. Source code is available under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3, AGPL-3.0-only, so it can be inspected, modified and enhanced. The project links to a Matrix community and accepts contributions through Open Collective, GitHub Sponsors and Liberapay.
Who it suits
Cinny suits Matrix users who want a focused messaging interface on desktop or the web. It also serves teams or individuals who prefer open-source software and need the option to self-host and configure homeservers.
What it does well
- Free Matrix client with open-source code
- Web app plus Windows, macOS and Linux installers
- Separates direct messages from channels
- Interface described as protected by end-to-end encryption
- Self-hosting supports release files or Docker images
- Desktop releases include Ed25519 signature verification instructions
What to know first
- No Android or iOS platform is listed
- Self-hosting requires serving files or deploying a Docker image
- Repository is not accepting pull requests until further notice
Limits
Cinny is provided at no cost. The listed platforms are web, Windows, macOS, Linux and self-hosted; Android and iOS are not among them.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cinny | Open-source Matrix client | Free |
As cinny.in lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open app.cinny.in in a browser
- Download the installer for Windows, macOS or Linux
- Verify a desktop release using its Ed25519 signature instructions
- For self-hosting, serve the release tarball dist files or deploy the Docker image
- Configure default homeservers and explore pages when self-hosting
Verdict
Choose Cinny for a free Matrix client with a clean separation between direct chats and channels, open source, and self-hosting paths. It is a strong fit when desktop, web access or deployment control matters. Look elsewhere if you need a listed mobile app or want to contribute pull requests while the repository pause remains.
Questions
Is Cinny free?
Yes. The Cinny plan is free, and the project is open source.
Which platforms does Cinny support?
Cinny is available on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux and through self-hosting.
What is Cinny built on?
Cinny is built on Matrix, described by its site as an open network for secure, decentralized communication.
Can Cinny be self-hosted?
Yes. You can serve the dist files from a release tarball or use the Docker image from Docker Hub or GitHub Container Registry.
What license does Cinny use?
Cinny is licensed under GNU Affero General Public License version 3, AGPL-3.0-only.
Does Cinny offer a community?
The project links to the Cinny Matrix community at #cinny:matrix.org.
Facts from Cinny's own pages
- Desktop platforms
- Desktop installers are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Desktop signing
- The desktop repository says releases are signed with an Ed25519 public key and provides instructions for verifying release files. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Development status
- The repository says it is replacing matrix-js-sdk with its own SDK and is not accepting pull requests until further notice. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Cinny’s site describes its interface as protected by end-to-end encryption. · cinny.in, 4 Oct 2026
- Integration
- Cinny is built on Matrix and allows configuration of default homeservers and explore pages when self-hosted. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Interface
- The site describes an uncluttered interface that adapts to user actions and uses common design patterns. · cinny.in, 4 Oct 2026
- License
- Cinny is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3, AGPL-3.0-only. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Matrix network
- Cinny is built on Matrix, which the site describes as an open network for secure, decentralized communication. · cinny.in, 4 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Cinny’s source code is open for people to enhance, modify, and inspect. · cinny.in, 4 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Cinny separates direct messages from channels to make navigation easier. · cinny.in, 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- Cinny is a Matrix client focused on a simple, elegant, and secure interface for instant messaging. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- Users can self-host by serving the release tarball’s dist files or using the Docker image from Docker Hub or GitHub Container Registry. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Support and community
- The site links to the Cinny Matrix community at #cinny:matrix.org and offers financial contributions through Open Collective, GitHub Sponsors, and Liberapay. · cinny.in, 4 Oct 2026
- Web app
- The web app is available at app.cinny.in and is updated on each new release. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where Cinny stands on Freedom251
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