If you are new, XMPP and Matrix are two competing federated end-to-end encrypted messengers. XMPP is far better, on server cost decentralization, speed over Tor, degoogled push notifications, multi-identities, and overall privacy. So if Matrix is inferior centralized bloatware, why is it more popular? Especially among XMR techies, who should in theory understand these concepts.

This brand new video gives a quick overview of the technical reasons that XMPP is the gold standard king of federation. And it briefly discusses how Matrix manages to push it’s agenda: https://video.simplifiedprivacy.com/xmpp-vs-matrix-why-matrix-sucks/

Some critics will say that “Matrix is a complete package, while XMPP is fragmented”. This is essentially propaganda, because all the XMPP clients interact (Dino, Gajim, conversations, monocles). The only one that doesn’t interact is OTR encryption from pidgin which provides an alternative for hardcore cypherpunks who want to destroy the encryption keys when the conversation is done. So because one single client has an alternative use case, the Matrix cheerleaders want us to fill out Google Captcha spyware to register on Matrix.org because it costs so much to self-host.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (14 children)

Quite one-sided video. Many things you list as negatives in the Matrix's column are simply "not the whole truth". For example: "matrix requires captcha", "matrix requires email"---these are not true for all the existing homeservers. You may find a homeserver that's open for registration that doesn't force you to train google's machine vision AI nor give up an email.

Another "not the whole truth" is that "dendrite freezes and doesn't let you join big rooms". I have been using my own dendrite homeserver for the last 2 years, and while it may be true that I had some "freezes" when I tried to join some software support communities, in the end (after a few minutes) I always managed to join in, and never got locked out of the discussion.

Apart from all of that, xmpp's multi-device e2ee is also a mess. You make it sound like it is a piece of cake---it ain't.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (10 children)

The majority of matrix servers do require google & email though, especially when compared to xmpp.

as far as dendrite goes, we're talking about using Tor & a degoogled phone without google push notifications. can you honestly tell me that matrix is not slower than XMPP here?

As far as xmpp e2ee multi-device, you're right that it's not perfect. I agree with your criticism, but it's BETTER than matrix.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (9 children)

@ShadowRebel

>as far as dendrite goes, we’re talking about using Tor & a degoogled phone without google push notifications.

I have been doing that for years now, kiddo. CalyxOS user of 2 years, here---before that I have used GrapheneOS. Both without microG or any other google play compatibility layers.

I use Element Android with Orbot proxy. It is pretty usable. I get notifications, a-Okay. Nothing to fearmonger about there.

If xmpp is really better than matrix, then you shouldn't be needing these "half-truth" videos to spread its use.