---
id: matrix-synapse
version: "1.158.0"
license: AGPL-3.0-or-later OR LicenseRef-Element-Commercial
license_treatment: unclear
maintenance: active
---

# matrix-synapse — Homeserver for the Matrix decentralised comms protocol

License: unclear · Maintenance: active · Downloads: 88.9K/mo

## What it is and what it does

Synapse is a complete Matrix homeserver—a server application that implements the Matrix open standard for decentralized, interoperable real-time communications. It lets you run your own messaging infrastructure that can federate with other Matrix servers and clients, similar to how email works across domains. You install it as a standalone application (not a library), configure it via YAML, connect it to a database, and expose it through a reverse proxy to handle client and server-to-server traffic.

The package bundles 39 runtime dependencies covering cryptography (bcrypt, pyopenssl, cryptography), async networking (twisted, treq), JSON and data handling (jsonschema, msgpack, pydantic), and monitoring (prometheus-client). It is actively maintained by Element, production-stable, and available under AGPL-3.0-or-later (or commercial license). Deployment is non-trivial—you are running a full messaging server, not integrating a library—but the project provides extensive documentation and community support.

Use it for:

- Run a private Matrix homeserver for a team or organization to avoid centralized chat platforms
- Deploy a federated messaging infrastructure for communities that need interoperability with other Matrix servers
- Build a self-hosted communication backbone for applications requiring Matrix protocol compliance
- Operate a Matrix server for regulated environments (healthcare, government) where data sovereignty is required
- Set up a test/development Matrix network for protocol experimentation or client development

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Matrix Synapse is a homeserver implementation for the Matrix decentralized communications protocol, enabling you to run your own federated real-time messaging infrastructure.

Yes, with conditions. Install if you need to run a Matrix homeserver and can commit to operational overhead (database, reverse proxy, TLS, monitoring). The active maintenance, production-stable status, and zero known vulnerabilities support reliability. However, the dual AGPL/commercial license requires careful review before production use, the 39 dependencies and medium install friction demand a capable deployment environment, and this is a server application requiring infrastructure—not a library for embedding. Not suitable for casual experimentation without DevOps capacity.

## Install

pip install matrix-synapse
uv add matrix-synapse
poetry add matrix-synapse

## Installing matrix-synapse

Before you install: Medium install friction due to 39 runtime dependencies including cryptographic libraries (pyopenssl, bcrypt, cryptography), async frameworks (twisted, treq), and data processing tools. Actively maintained with a release 10 days old and recent commits; production-stable status suggests operational reliability for those who can manage the dependency footprint.

License in practice: Dual-licensed under AGPL-3.0-or-later (free, copyleft) or a commercial license from Element. The AGPL requires you to share modifications if you distribute the software; commercial licensing is available for proprietary deployments. License treatment is marked unclear, so review Element's licensing terms before production use.

Quickstart:

pip install matrix-synapse

from synapse.server import SynapseHomeServer
# Configure and run via YAML config file (see docs)

Requires Python 3.10.0 or later (and <4.0.0); production deployment typically requires a database (PostgreSQL recommended), reverse proxy, and TLS certificates. Not a library for embedding—it is a standalone server application.

Verify before relying:

- Actual memory and CPU requirements for small vs. large deployments
- Whether the PyPI package alone is sufficient or if system packages/services are required
- Performance characteristics and federation scalability limits
- Upgrade path complexity between major versions

## Package facts

- License: AGPL-3.0-or-later OR LicenseRef-Element-Commercial (unclear)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: medium
- Maintenance: active
- Downloads: 88.9K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

matrix homeserver, decentralized chat server, federated messaging, matrix protocol implementation, self-hosted communication server, real-time messaging infrastructure, matrix federation, federated-messaging, matrix-protocol, self-hosted

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/matrix-synapse) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/matrix-synapse/)