Converse.js vs Zulip
Both Converse.js and Zulip are self-hosted alternatives to Discord and WhatsApp.
Side by side
| Field | Converse.js | Zulip |
|---|---|---|
| Description | XMPP chat client in your browser. | Powerful group chat application. |
| GitHub stars | 3,302 | 26,154 |
| License | MPL-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Platforms | Javascript | Python |
| Latest release | v14.0.1, 17 October 2026 | 13.0-rc1, 30 October 2026 |
| Repository activity | 1 November 2026 | 1 November 2026 |
| Health | Active | Active |
| Categories | Communication - XMPP - Web Clients | Communication - Custom Communication Systems |
| Website | https://conversejs.org/ | https://zulip.org |
| Source code | https://github.com/conversejs/converse.js | https://github.com/zulip/zulip |
Where the records differ
Computed from the two records above: a line appears only where the dataset states a figure, a date or a set relation, and no line recommends one application over the other.
- Zulip has more GitHub stars in the dataset, 26,154 against 3,302.
- Both repositories last recorded activity on 1 November 2026.
- Zulip has the newer release on record: 13.0-rc1, 30 October 2026, against v14.0.1, 17 October 2026.
- Licenses differ: Converse.js is listed under MPL-2.0; Zulip under Apache-2.0.
- Platforms differ: Converse.js lists Javascript; Zulip lists Python.
- Converse.js is filed under Communication - XMPP - Web Clients; Zulip is filed under Communication - Custom Communication Systems.