profanity-im/profanity
FreeNcurses based XMPP client
FreeFree tier
About profanity-im/profanity
Profanity is a console-based XMPP client inspired by Irssi, designed for privacy and decentralization. It supports multiple encryption protocols (OTR, PGP, OMEMO, OX), multi-user chat (MUC), theming, and plugin extensions. Built in C with ncurses, it offers a lightweight, fast terminal interface for secure messaging. The project emphasizes freedom, privacy, and choice, allowing anyone to run their own XMPP server. Profanity is open source, actively maintained, and has a growing community.
Key Features
Console-based XMPP client with ncurses interface
End-to-end encryption: OTR, PGP, OMEMO, OX
Multi-User Chat (MUC) support
Plugin system for extensibility
Customizable themes and theming support
Decentralized architecture (run your own server)
Inspired by Irssi interface and workflow
Open source (GPLv3 license)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong multi-protocol encryption support
- Lightweight and fast due to console interface
- Decentralized and privacy-focused design
- Active open-source community with regular updates
- Customizable with themes and plugins
Cons
- Limited to terminal interface (no GUI)
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Requires XMPP server knowledge for full decentralization
Best For
Private and secure instant messagingPrivacy-conscious communicationDecentralized chat systemsTerminal-based workflow for developers and sysadminsXMPP protocol experimentation and testing
FAQ
What is Profanity?
Profanity is a console-based XMPP client inspired by Irssi, supporting encryption and decentralized chat.
Is Profanity free to use?
Yes, Profanity is open source and free to use. You can also support it via GitHub Sponsors.
What encryption protocols does Profanity support?
Profanity supports OTR, PGP, OMEMO, and OX encryption protocols.
How can I install Profanity?
Refer to the official User Guide at profanity-im.github.io for installation and building from source instructions.
Can I run my own XMPP server with Profanity?
Yes, the project supports decentralization, allowing anyone to run their own XMPP server.