This project is a work in progress. Expect bugs and missing features.
Tensamin
Self-hosted messages paired with high customisability
Made in Germany (Lower Saxony)
What makes it unique?
Tensamin is a messaging app for those who want full control over their data. Unlike traditional cloud-based messaging services, Tensamin stores messages on your own server. This means we can't read them, even if we wanted to and your are the owner of your data.
In our version of communtiy group chats, you can create custom channels with custom UIs using Lua. Create a channel for your NixOS cult, where you share your latest configs that get automatically evaluated and rant about Arch. Or a channel for chess where you have to play two matches in parallel. The possibilities are endless!
Architecture
Client
Desktop & Mobile App. Encryption happens here.
Omikron
Distributed relays. Hides IP, load balances, acts as reverse proxy.
Omega
Main Orchestrator for the Omikrons.
Iota
Your self-hosted E2EE message storage.
Funding
This is our future goal! At the moment we're not able to proceed due to german law (it sucks):
Methanium cLLC is a non-profit organisation that owns and manages Tensamin LLC, its for-profit subsidiary. This model ensures long-term control over Tensamin and related initiatives while generating revenue to support Methanium's broader mission. Tensamin LLC is committed to reinvesting its profits into projects that require funding and development. Tensamin LLC is in a position of strength, with Methanium's funding ensuring stability, even in the event of a suboptimal quarter. Methanium does not engage in the practice of accumulating wealth or disbursing substantial sums to individuals. Tensamin LLC is a for-profit entity. It will provide quarterly financial reports.
What are our costs?
Like every online service, we have to pay for server costs and bandwidth (sadly, they do not grow on trees). However, since you prefer to store messages on your own devices, we do not have to operate expensive storage servers. We are able to fund our operational expenses thanks to your kind contributions. For the most generous users who want extra bandwidth, we provide a subscription.
Commercial Usage
If Tensamin is used in a commercial context, it is available for free use by companies with fewer than 20 employees. Otherwise these charges apply:| Users | Pr Price per Month |
|---|---|
| < 20 | Free |
| 20 - 50 | 10€ |
| 50 - 100 | 25€ |
| 100 - 200 | 80€ |
| 200 - 500 | 200€ |
| 500 + | Please contact us at business@tensamin.net |
Comparison
| Feature | Tensamin | Discord | Signal | Stoat | Matrix | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Message Encryption | | No | | Yes | | Yes |
| Voice Encryption | Yes | Yes | | Yes | No | Yes |
| File size limit | ∞ | 500mb | 2gb | 500mb | 20mb | ∞ |
| Non-profit | | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Decentralised | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hybrid Decentralisation | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Built-in Network Attached Storage | | No | No | No | No | No |
| Built-in Home-Server | | No | No | No | No | No |
| Communities with multiple channels | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Communities with custom channels | Yes | | No | No | No | No |
| Sending messages to other messaging services | | No | | No | No | |
Do you want a specific category or have corrections? Email us at contact@tensamin.net
Last updated: 21.4.2026
