matterbridge vs mautrix-whatsapp
Chat bridges for multiple platforms compared
matterbridge connects channels across many messaging platforms, while mautrix-whatsapp links a WhatsApp account to Matrix using a puppeting model. The main difference is breadth: matterbridge supports many protocols, and mautrix-whatsapp focuses on the WhatsApp-to-Matrix workflow.
matterbridge: Connect Chats Across Messaging Platforms
Matterbridge relays messages between channels on many chat platforms, so communities can communicate without moving everyone to one service. It suits administrators who need to connect existing chat systems through configurable gateways.
mautrix-whatsapp: Bridge WhatsApp to Matrix
mautrix-whatsapp connects WhatsApp accounts to Matrix through a puppeting bridge based on whatsmeow. It is for Matrix users who want to access WhatsApp conversations from their Matrix client, with setup and authentication documented by the project.
| matterbridge | mautrix-whatsapp | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Go | Go |
| License | Apache-2.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 7.6k | 1.9k |
| Forks | 738 | 285 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- matterbridge connects channels across numerous protocols, including IRC, Discord, Matrix, Slack, and WhatsApp; mautrix-whatsapp connects only WhatsApp and Matrix.
- matterbridge uses configurable accounts and gateways to relay between channels; mautrix-whatsapp links a WhatsApp account so its conversations can be accessed from Matrix.
- Both projects are written in Go, but matterbridge is licensed under Apache-2.0 and mautrix-whatsapp under AGPL-3.0.
- matterbridge can run without Mattermost and supports multiple connected services; mautrix-whatsapp requires a Matrix environment and a WhatsApp account.
- matterbridge describes message edits, deletions, attachments, and threading where supported; mautrix-whatsapp directs users to its roadmap to check support for specific capabilities.
- matterbridge has 7.6k stars and 738 forks, compared with 1.9k stars and 285 forks for mautrix-whatsapp.
Choose matterbridge if you…
- need to connect channels across several different messaging platforms.
- want configurable gateways for communities whose members use different chat services.
- need a bridge that can run without Mattermost and can relay attachments or message updates where supported.
Choose mautrix-whatsapp if you…
- use Matrix and want to access WhatsApp conversations from a Matrix client.
- want a WhatsApp-to-Matrix bridge based on a puppeting model.
- are evaluating a focused bridge and can check its setup requirements and roadmap for needed capabilities.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.