Nheko

What Nheko is

Nheko is a free native desktop Matrix client for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is built to give Matrix conversations a familiar chat-app experience while retaining Matrix room features. You can create, join, and leave rooms, handle invitations, share files and emoji, reply to messages, view read receipts, and redact messages. Voice and video VoIP calls are available, although support differs between platforms. Nheko offers end-to-end encryption, but its current implementation has never been audited and the project provides no security guarantees for it. Custom stickers and emoji, light, dark, and system themes, and separate profiles through a command-line option provide personalization. Typing, message, and mention notifications are supported; presence and status messages depend on server settings. A D-Bus API permits third-party plugins on Linux, with nheko-krunner and rofi-nheko listed as examples, though Nheko does not supply plugin binaries and the API is unavailable on Windows and macOS. The app requires a secret service such as KDE Wallet or GNOME Keyring when the desktop environment lacks one. The project is GPL-3.0 licensed, and a username is required for the account.

Who it suits

Nheko suits Matrix users who want a desktop client across Linux, macOS, or Windows with room management, messaging, file sharing, and calling. It also fits users seeking themes, custom stickers, separate profiles, or Linux plugin integration.

Getting started

1. Open the Nheko website
2. Choose the desktop app for Linux, macOS, or Windows
3. Create or use an account with a username
4. Ensure a secret service such as KDE Wallet or GNOME Keyring is available if needed
5. Join or create Matrix rooms and configure notifications

Verdict

Pick Nheko if you want a free Matrix desktop app with broad messaging features and support for major desktop systems. Look elsewhere if you require audited encryption, uniform calling across platforms, or D-Bus plugins on Windows or macOS.