Aether Chat vs Haven

Aether is a self-hosted chat client for people, teams, and communities that want to run their own communication server. Instead of depending on a centrally hosted chat platform, Aether connects to an Aether server operated by you or your organization. Once signed in, you can chat with contacts, send files, and keep your communication on infrastructure you control. Aether supports LAN, peer-to-peer, and relay routes so messages and files can use the best available path for the current network. Users can also block contacts locally and report abusive users to the connected server administrator. For App Review, a hosted demo server and demo account are provided so reviewers do not need to deploy server software.

Haven is private chat for communities that run their own server. Your messages live on a box you control, not on someone else's cloud, and direct messages are end-to-end encrypted so even the server can't read them. END-TO-END ENCRYPTED • Direct messages and group DMs are encrypted on your device (ECDH P-256, HKDF-SHA256, AES-256-GCM) • Pictures and files in encrypted conversations are encrypted too • Group messages are signed, so you can tell who really sent them • Optional encrypted key backup restores your keys with your password CHAT THE WAY YOUR GROUP DOES • Text channels, private channels, DMs and group DMs • Threads, replies, quotes, reactions, custom emoji and stickers • Forums with topics and tags, polls, pinned messages and search • Pictures, video, files and GIFs • Markdown, tables, spoilers and code blocks • Official messages that make staff announcements stand out VOICE AND VIDEO • Drop-in voice channels • Video and screen sharing • Push notifications for mentions and DMs YOUR DATA, YOUR RULES • Delete your own messages, all of them or only those older than a day, a week, a month or a year • Auto-delete your messages after a set time • Export your data as one file • Block people, and see and sign out every device on your account MAKE IT YOURS Dozens of themes, icon packs, adjustable text size and accessibility settings. SELF-HOSTED AND OPEN Haven connects to Haven servers. Run your own on a home PC or a small server, or join a community that already has one. Save several servers and switch between them in a tap. TRY IT FIRST On the connect screen, tap Try the demo for a sample server that runs on your phone. No account needed. Haven is free, with no ads.