Moderate Matrix communities with Mjolnir, a bot that can handle malicious invites, spam, and other server issues.
Open source
24 alternativesssh-chat
Run an SSH server for chat so users can join a command-line conversation with this project.
About ssh-chat
ssh-chat is a custom SSH server written in Go that shows a chat prompt instead of a shell. Users connect with an SSH client, including the demo at ssh.chat. Operators can run their own server and set the listen address, server identity key, admin and allowlist key files, message of the day, and chat log file. Binary releases are provided for macOS and Linux, and the source can be built with Go 1.8 or higher.
Binding to port 22 requires that port to be free and running as root. The demo server may be down at times and require retrying later.
Key features
- Provides chat prompt instead of shell over SSH
- Connects using standard SSH client command
- Configurable bind address and port, default 0.0.0.0:2022
- Uses specified private key file for server identity
- Limits access with admin and allowlist public-key files
- Supports custom Message of the Day and chat log file
Best for: People comfortable with the command line who want to host group chat over SSH.
Good for
- Open source under MIT license
- Provides binary releases for macOS and Linux including ARM6
- Self-hostable with control over identity, admins, and allowed keys
Watch out for
- Requires Go 1.8 or higher to compile from source
- Binding to port 22 requires a free port and root privileges
- Public demo server may be down and require retrying later
ssh-chat at a glance
- Website
- github.com/shazow/ssh-chat
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Encrypted Messaging
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
ssh-chat alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Chat over SSH with Devzat, a terminal-based developer community for games, music, discussion, and technology news.
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Use Molly, an Android fork of Signal focused on additional security features.
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Conduit provides a Matrix-powered chat server, described by its project as simple, fast, and reliable.
Matrix communication is available through Element, an end-to-end encrypted messenger for interoperable servers.
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Rocket.Chat provides real-time messaging, voice, video, AI, and related collaboration tools for organizations.
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ssh-chat FAQ
How do I join the demo chat?
Run `ssh ssh.chat` with an SSH client and verify the host key fingerprint matches the listed value.
How do I run my own server?
Run `ssh-chat` with options such as --bind and --identity; using port 22 requires a free port and root.
Which systems have binary releases?
Recent releases include builds for macOS and Linux, including 386, amd64, and ARM6.
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