XMPP vs.Web Sockets -Which is Best Instant Messaging Protocol For Chat App?
Are you looking to build chat app using XMPP or Websockets?
Foremost you have two options to build your chat app using XMPP or Websockets Messaging Protocols.
The most appropriate one concerning time and money, is to go for a business-ready made chat solution like MirrorFly APIs & SDKs. But, if you are keen enough to build something from scratch, then there are many factors you have to consider before making a decision.
The most integral one is choosing the right instant messaging protocol.
This post is meant to get you some clarity over this topic, where I have compared the two popular instant messaging protocols – XMPP and WebSockets in detail.
I believe that by the end of the article, you would be able to decide whether to build chat app using XMPP or WebSocket.
Let’s start over with the basic knowledge about these WebSocket and XMPP protocols to have a better understanding.
Table of Contents
What is XMPP and Websocket Messaging Protocol ?
XMPP is the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol. It’s the oldest and widely supported set of open technologies used for instant messaging, presence, multi-party video chat and voice call, and much more in the case of instant messaging platforms. This XMPP protocol transmits XML fragments between the server and client, a browser.
The WebSocket Protocol is a bidirectional, full-duplex modern instant messaging protocol. It allows a relentless channel that sends text and binary data in both directions. It is utilized in client server communication as a stateful protocol, wherein the connection between client and server will be kept alive until terminated by either client or server. WebSocket protocols are widely used in mobile apps.
Once done with the overview now let’s have a look at the differences between the two.
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- One-time License Cost
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What do XMPP and Wesockets Protocols Exactly do in a Chat App, Let’s See!
When it comes to the role played by these protocols in any instant messaging, all is by providing the key features. To be brief, XMPP works as a set of application protocols in any real time chat app where later it has to be transported across the network for as you need a transport binding. Whereas in the case of WebSocket, you can not use them alone for chat, instead you can use these WebSockets without XMPP, this means that you have to build chat platform of your own with layer protocols that eventually saves time and excess of associated tasks.
However, you would have heard about the OSI model. Yes! An open system Interconnection model with a conceptual framework that describes the seven layers. Those same layers that a computer system utilizes to communicate over a network.
But do you know, where the framework is different for both the protocols, this specific part of the entire process is still very helpful in understanding the fact, as overall how each protocol communicates with the system.
Nowadays the modern internet is not based on OSI, instead is over the simpler TCP/IP model. But, these seven layers of OSI are widely in use when it comes to WebSocket or XMPP using chat app. This is because it helps to visualize and communicate – how networks operate, and also helps in isolating as well as troubleshooting the networking issues/problems.
Importance of Seven Layer Architecture in A Chat App
When it is about both communication protocols – XMPP and WebSocket stack, it’s different in the OSI model. Over here, XMPP is an application layer protocol that confers about the structure and syntax of XML fragments, known as stanzas. These stanzas handle messages, contact lists, and presence information. But, to transfer these stanzas across, XMPP still depends on a transport protocol, like WebSocket connection, TCP/IP binding, or a HTTP/S.
If we have a look at WebSocket, it is an application layer protocol that’s just like XMPP. It requires a TCP/IP connection that acts as a thin transport or network layer. Anyhow, unlike XMPP, the WebSockets does not define the structure of the data it transports and even doesn’t provide messaging capabilities, contact lists, or presence information management.
That’s the reason why you need to wait to have stack protocols like XMPP, or WAMP on the top to provide these chat functionalities before planning on writing your own chat apps layer messaging protocol .
Let’s Explore the Strengths and Weaknesses : XMPP vs. WebSocket Technology!
As the above section has now given some clear understanding about the roles of these protocols, let’s move ahead with comparing both XMPP and WebSocket in terms of the features.
1. Security
For any chat platform, security scales it’s worth it among others.
XMPP provides it in both identity and encryption. It allows the client to authenticate both the messages as well as the hosting server with a
cut down on spoofing and spam. Moreover, XMPP makes use of two types of encryption methods : SASL (Simple Authentication Security Layer) and Transport Layer Security (TLS).
SASL – This layer of security is used when the client and server establishes the connection for the first time. Once it’s been authorized the connection gets formed and the data whatever has been exchanged is encrypted via TLS. XMPP is found to be more secure with the togetherness of SASL and TLS. And if you think these in-built security measures are not enough then can go on with additional XMPP plugins and extend the core functionalities.
When it comes to WebSocket, it does not fulfill more of the security standards. Only available options with WebSockets are either WS or WSS. Among these two WSS is more secure as it transports over SSL or TLS.
2. Extensibility
Well, both XMPP and WebSocket are very popular for their extensibility. Ofcourse, there are variations in their extensibility.
As already discussed, each protocol works on the variety of layers of the OSI model. So, when it’s about WebSocket’s extensibility, it is on the transport layer and for XMPP, the extensibility works on the application layer.
WebSocket supports the integration of more than 40 additional protocols on its top – XMPP, WAMP, and MQTT. You can also expand its functionalities with extensions that include data compression, etc.
But, with XMPP most of the developed extensions for XMPP provide additional functionalities to make XMPP suitable for particular applications like file sharing, online games, and VoIP.
3. Data Types
Both the protocol handles data type in a different kind. XMPP simply permits you to send XML fragments whereas WebSocket allows you to send any text or binary data type like JSON.
XML is a text data type with which you can easily send the files as JSON, just as an XML file. Here, the binary data gets embedded in an XML fragment to bypass XMPP’s limitations. But you have to remember that here sending and handling binary data is much time consuming and also requires additional parsing.
When it’s about data type handling, WebSocket is the best. This is so as it is very much efficient in sending binary data covering all the use cases including images, video and audio.
4. Speed
Speed is one of the key factors that the real time chat apps can never be without. Of course, these real time messaging software is the future of any business and it’s the speed which talks about messages on-time speed delivery and grabs attention.
Now, with both XMPP and WebSocket – they are the real time chat protocols. Although, the transmission speed is different for both of them.
Being decentralized in nature, XMPP has to continuously authorize and authenticate the server and client – this by increasing the bandwidth usage while slowly decreasing the connection speed.
But WebSocket is considered to be more centralized in nature due to its determined connection between server and client. To reestablish the connection over here, every time when the data has been sent, it gives a large speed advantage to the WebSocket. Therefore, with transmission performance, it’s the WebSocket that has been proven to be the best.
Let’s Explore the Pros and Cons : XMPP vs. WebSocket Protocols
Pros and Cons of XMPP Technology
Pros and Cons of Websockets Technology
From the above listing of pros and cons of both XMPP and WebSocket, now it would have been very clear for you to make a decision whether to create chat application using WebSocket or XMPP.
However, the selection mostly depends on your demands as what are you mostly looking out for in an instant messaging protocol. Let’s see.
Best Instant Messaging Protocol (XMPP vs Websockets)Must go for – Let’s Make a Decision?
Before making any decision as to which one to pick, I think it’s better for you to have a look at your requirements to build your chat app for android
Choose XMPP Protocol, if your requirements are
- High-end security
- built-in presence and messaging functionalities
- Extend functionalities with the wide ecosystem of plugins
Choose WebSocket Protocol, if your requirements are
- Multiple types of data, mostly binary data that needs to be sent across back and forth
- To open multiple connections per user
- Speed up data transmission
To conclude the entire article, now it’s When you are planning to decide between XMPP and WebSocket to build chat app – you should not consider the issue with comparison as they both can be used together too .
Moreover, using the XMPP messaging and presence functionalities with WebSockets persistent connection can get you to build chat platform with – security, flexibility, and speed altogether for a better reach and experience.
Therefore, now it’s up to you as to which one is the best protocol for chat app and then move ahead to create WebSocket chat application or XMPP chat application..
Good Luck!!!
Build a self-hosted and white-labeled chat solution with our 100% customizable chat SDKs!
Get started with our FREE chat API!
Need more? We offer a 21-day FREE trial for our video and voice SDKs!
XMPP vs Websockets FAQs
Of course, XMPP is good at handling real time conversation but with WebSocket, it is a two-way computer communication protocol, a modern one over a single TCP. Even the usage of WebSocket is good with handling high scale transfer among server and client wherein, the connection between them will be maintained alive until terminated by either one.
To build your chat app, whether to go for WebSocket or XMPP, all depends upon your app’s requirements – If you are looking for high-end security, built-in presence and chat functionalities with a wide ecosystem of plugins, then XMPP is the better choice. But, if you are looking for multiple data types, mostly binary data to open multiple connections per user with speed-up data transmission, then WebSocket could be the better choice
However, when it is about the best technology used for a chatting application – both the technologies are good enough in it’s own way and choosing the best one depends on your chat app requirement. If your app is about high-end security and chat functionality with plugins that suit the environment, then XMPP could be the better choice. But, on the other hand, if you are looking for several data types that too, binary data to have multiple connections per user with a high speed data transmission, then WebSocket is the better one to proceed with.
Recommended Reading
Are you looking to build chat app using XMPP or Websockets?
Foremost you have two options to build your chat app using XMPP or Websockets Messaging Protocols.
The most appropriate one concerning time and money, is to go for a business-ready made chat solution like MirrorFly APIs & SDKs. But, if you are keen enough to build something from scratch, then there are many factors you have to consider before making a decision.
The most integral one is choosing the right instant messaging protocol.
This post is meant to get you some clarity over this topic, where I have compared the two popular instant messaging protocols – XMPP and WebSockets in detail.
I believe that by the end of the article, you would be able to decide whether to build chat app using XMPP or WebSocket.
Let’s start over with the basic knowledge about these WebSocket and XMPP protocols to have a better understanding.
Table of Contents
What is XMPP and Websocket Messaging Protocol ?
XMPP is the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol. It’s the oldest and widely supported set of open technologies used for instant messaging, presence, multi-party video chat and voice call, and much more in the case of instant messaging platforms. This XMPP protocol transmits XML fragments between the server and client, a browser.
The WebSocket Protocol is a bidirectional, full-duplex modern instant messaging protocol. It allows a relentless channel that sends text and binary data in both directions. It is utilized in client server communication as a stateful protocol, wherein the connection between client and server will be kept alive until terminated by either client or server. WebSocket protocols are widely used in mobile apps.
Once done with the overview now let’s have a look at the differences between the two.
Ready to Get Started with Our Self-hosted Video, Voice & Chat Solution?
- 100% Customizable
- One-time License Cost
- Hire Dedicated Team
What do XMPP and Wesockets Protocols Exactly do in a Chat App, Let’s See!
When it comes to the role played by these protocols in any instant messaging, all is by providing the key features. To be brief, XMPP works as a set of application protocols in any real time chat app where later it has to be transported across the network for as you need a transport binding. Whereas in the case of WebSocket, you can not use them alone for chat, instead you can use these WebSockets without XMPP, this means that you have to build chat platform of your own with layer protocols that eventually saves time and excess of associated tasks.
However, you would have heard about the OSI model. Yes! An open system Interconnection model with a conceptual framework that describes the seven layers. Those same layers that a computer system utilizes to communicate over a network.
But do you know, where the framework is different for both the protocols, this specific part of the entire process is still very helpful in understanding the fact, as overall how each protocol communicates with the system.
Nowadays the modern internet is not based on OSI, instead is over the simpler TCP/IP model. But, these seven layers of OSI are widely in use when it comes to WebSocket or XMPP using chat app. This is because it helps to visualize and communicate – how networks operate, and also helps in isolating as well as troubleshooting the networking issues/problems.
Importance of Seven Layer Architecture in A Chat App
When it is about both communication protocols – XMPP and WebSocket stack, it’s different in the OSI model. Over here, XMPP is an application layer protocol that confers about the structure and syntax of XML fragments, known as stanzas. These stanzas handle messages, contact lists, and presence information. But, to transfer these stanzas across, XMPP still depends on a transport protocol, like WebSocket connection, TCP/IP binding, or a HTTP/S.
If we have a look at WebSocket, it is an application layer protocol that’s just like XMPP. It requires a TCP/IP connection that acts as a thin transport or network layer. Anyhow, unlike XMPP, the WebSockets does not define the structure of the data it transports and even doesn’t provide messaging capabilities, contact lists, or presence information management.
That’s the reason why you need to wait to have stack protocols like XMPP, or WAMP on the top to provide these chat functionalities before planning on writing your own chat apps layer messaging protocol .
Let’s Explore the Strengths and Weaknesses : XMPP vs. WebSocket Technology!
As the above section has now given some clear understanding about the roles of these protocols, let’s move ahead with comparing both XMPP and WebSocket in terms of the features.
1. Security
For any chat platform, security scales it’s worth it among others.
XMPP provides it in both identity and encryption. It allows the client to authenticate both the messages as well as the hosting server with a
cut down on spoofing and spam. Moreover, XMPP makes use of two types of encryption methods : SASL (Simple Authentication Security Layer) and Transport Layer Security (TLS).
SASL – This layer of security is used when the client and server establishes the connection for the first time. Once it’s been authorized the connection gets formed and the data whatever has been exchanged is encrypted via TLS. XMPP is found to be more secure with the togetherness of SASL and TLS. And if you think these in-built security measures are not enough then can go on with additional XMPP plugins and extend the core functionalities.
When it comes to WebSocket, it does not fulfill more of the security standards. Only available options with WebSockets are either WS or WSS. Among these two WSS is more secure as it transports over SSL or TLS.
2. Extensibility
Well, both XMPP and WebSocket are very popular for their extensibility. Ofcourse, there are variations in their extensibility.
As already discussed, each protocol works on the variety of layers of the OSI model. So, when it’s about WebSocket’s extensibility, it is on the transport layer and for XMPP, the extensibility works on the application layer.
WebSocket supports the integration of more than 40 additional protocols on its top – XMPP, WAMP, and MQTT. You can also expand its functionalities with extensions that include data compression, etc.
But, with XMPP most of the developed extensions for XMPP provide additional functionalities to make XMPP suitable for particular applications like file sharing, online games, and VoIP.
3. Data Types
Both the protocol handles data type in a different kind. XMPP simply permits you to send XML fragments whereas WebSocket allows you to send any text or binary data type like JSON.
XML is a text data type with which you can easily send the files as JSON, just as an XML file. Here, the binary data gets embedded in an XML fragment to bypass XMPP’s limitations. But you have to remember that here sending and handling binary data is much time consuming and also requires additional parsing.
When it’s about data type handling, WebSocket is the best. This is so as it is very much efficient in sending binary data covering all the use cases including images, video and audio.
4. Speed
Speed is one of the key factors that the real time chat apps can never be without. Of course, these real time messaging software is the future of any business and it’s the speed which talks about messages on-time speed delivery and grabs attention.
Now, with both XMPP and WebSocket – they are the real time chat protocols. Although, the transmission speed is different for both of them.
Being decentralized in nature, XMPP has to continuously authorize and authenticate the server and client – this by increasing the bandwidth usage while slowly decreasing the connection speed.
But WebSocket is considered to be more centralized in nature due to its determined connection between server and client. To reestablish the connection over here, every time when the data has been sent, it gives a large speed advantage to the WebSocket. Therefore, with transmission performance, it’s the WebSocket that has been proven to be the best.
Let’s Explore the Pros and Cons : XMPP vs. WebSocket Protocols
Pros and Cons of XMPP Technology
Pros and Cons of Websockets Technology
From the above listing of pros and cons of both XMPP and WebSocket, now it would have been very clear for you to make a decision whether to create chat application using WebSocket or XMPP.
However, the selection mostly depends on your demands as what are you mostly looking out for in an instant messaging protocol. Let’s see.
Best Instant Messaging Protocol (XMPP vs Websockets)Must go for – Let’s Make a Decision?
Before making any decision as to which one to pick, I think it’s better for you to have a look at your requirements to build your chat app for android
Choose XMPP Protocol, if your requirements are
- High-end security
- built-in presence and messaging functionalities
- Extend functionalities with the wide ecosystem of plugins
Choose WebSocket Protocol, if your requirements are
- Multiple types of data, mostly binary data that needs to be sent across back and forth
- To open multiple connections per user
- Speed up data transmission
To conclude the entire article, now it’s When you are planning to decide between XMPP and WebSocket to build chat app – you should not consider the issue with comparison as they both can be used together too .
Moreover, using the XMPP messaging and presence functionalities with WebSockets persistent connection can get you to build chat platform with – security, flexibility, and speed altogether for a better reach and experience.
Therefore, now it’s up to you as to which one is the best protocol for chat app and then move ahead to create WebSocket chat application or XMPP chat application..
Good Luck!!!
Build a self-hosted and white-labeled chat solution with our 100% customizable chat SDKs!
Get started with our FREE chat API!
Need more? We offer a 21-day FREE trial for our video and voice SDKs!
XMPP vs Websockets FAQs
Of course, XMPP is good at handling real time conversation but with WebSocket, it is a two-way computer communication protocol, a modern one over a single TCP. Even the usage of WebSocket is good with handling high scale transfer among server and client wherein, the connection between them will be maintained alive until terminated by either one.
To build your chat app, whether to go for WebSocket or XMPP, all depends upon your app’s requirements – If you are looking for high-end security, built-in presence and chat functionalities with a wide ecosystem of plugins, then XMPP is the better choice. But, if you are looking for multiple data types, mostly binary data to open multiple connections per user with speed-up data transmission, then WebSocket could be the better choice
However, when it is about the best technology used for a chatting application – both the technologies are good enough in it’s own way and choosing the best one depends on your chat app requirement. If your app is about high-end security and chat functionality with plugins that suit the environment, then XMPP could be the better choice. But, on the other hand, if you are looking for several data types that too, binary data to have multiple connections per user with a high speed data transmission, then WebSocket is the better one to proceed with.
Recommended Reading
Excellent article. As I would see it, extraordinary compared XMPP and Websockets Messaging protocols, you make EVERYTHING so easy to understand. Thank you soooooo very much. You speak to the very experienced and the professional.
Interesting Articles! Thanks for the sharing I am also looking best instant messaging protocols for messaging app. I will pin your post and uses one of these comparison about XMPP and Websockets protocols
choosing the best instant messaging protocols for chat app is becoming harder than before, but with the help of this post, I am sure many will find it convenient to use. Thanks for sharing these great ideas with us!
This one of the best article about instant messaging protocols I’m looking for. Thanks for sharing this with me and keep up the good work and very detailed information about XMPP & Websockets Protocols
I think very very detailed article for those who try to build chat app using XMPP or Websockets technology. There are some drawbacks in each platform so you should choose any of them carefully. I suggest you XMPP
We are a school ERP providers in India, So we have Android Mobile App for school students. We need customizable live video meeting like google meet or zoom like that. We need the customizable SDK for integration. So is there any services you have, if yes please reply back. Thank You… Purpose: 1)Teachers can create meeting for students 2)Students can join particular meeting both actions with our company name.
We are looking for a Group chat solution with Videochat for our lawyers community. is there anywhere a pricing list? cheers, Kai
Hello I want to develop Video calling feaure between Student and Tutor. I have used Laravel/PHP framework. Can you please guide how can i integrate MirrorFly in it. Because i cannot found any SDK or integration APIs from site
I want to use your chat api and video conferencing api for our android application school project. I want to request a demo first. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing great article I notice that customizability is at the forefront of your chat solution. I would like to chat more about that to see if it right for my use case or not.
I wanna know the complete details of chatting system in XMPP . Can i purchase the monthly subscription. And will you send me the the package details provided by you .
Hi, We have an eCommerce platform and we are planning to integrate audio & video calling(including group calling feature) features with our platform. Right we are trying to develop this feature by ourselves but it’s time-consuming. That’s why we are planning to use any 3rd party API plugins with our platform. If you have any more query please let me know.
Hi, we have a remote patient monitoring solution we would like to add chat and video calling to. Would require HIPAA compliance and a BAA.
i’m planning to build chat app in xmpp with following requirements , Our requirement summary – Use-cases across MVPs: MVP1: Ability to connect Px and Cx in-App – Video- Ability to launch video calls between 2 people – Customer and Partner on App/Web – Ability to record the video for auditing purpose MVP2: Audio – Ability to build audio calls (VoIP) Ability to share screens with participantsPlatform support (android/iOS/m-Web/d-Web) Ability to generate a link and call via d-Web/m-Web for the video call initiator We would like to do a POC, before finalizing a partner for integration Scale: We expect 5k+ video calls per month, with an average duration of 10 mins. Audio will be in excess of 50k+ calls Would like to understand a few things : Extent of platform support (android/ios/m-web/d-web) Support availableSDK size (iOS and Android) Key features offered Performance/quality of the streaming & how do you measure it Data storage/retrieval capabilities (Security & auditing standpoint) Custom UX capability
Hello, We are planning on developing an online marketplace (web app) that will allow clients and artists to interact on creative projects. The project communication involves two areas of interaction : 1 is a straight forward chat (1-1 or group chat) scenario where it can be turned into an audio/video call and share share is possible. 2 is the actual project communication area which is similar to a group chat but where we need certain additional functionalities like ability to visually and easily filter data, ability to scrub through video files in their thumbnail form before opening them for review, ability to provide reviews/feedback on any submissions from the artist to the client etc. I would like to schedule a call to understand the functionality and how it can serve our purpose (and what it can’t do) and to then get a pricing from your team for the service. I’m available on a 24 hour notice any day, so please let me know. Regards, Ashwin
I need to buy an SDK. Do you provide an SDK with app to phone number calling?
Hello, I need Chat, Voice, Video Call library in Our Project of and Mobile App, are mirrorfly ( backend ) has API or webhook to our backend? Can I get full documentation first? How much one time payment for mirror fly?
I have been asked to reach out to you and find out some info about your feature list that you can provide. Please find some questions we have below: – Multi language chat – What options do you offer if any? In case of possible options, what languages do you offer? If not available, is it in your short-term goals to bring such functionality to your product? • Chat Do we have a possibility to use our own emoji set -> upload & use? What do You provide along with the chat? – UI Design Kit – Can you provide some more info and/or details regarding how easy it is for us to extend or create our own UI Design kit on top of your app? Can you provide some more information regarding the extendibility of your app through our own UI Design Kit? – Webhooks – Availability and to what extent? – Roles and permissions Can you provide some more information regarding roles and permission, how are they handled and how can we use such functionality? within your system? – Moderation – How can we moderate what users choose to do or or any activity that might not align with our policies? Can you provide more information regarding the moderation capabilities provided by your system? – Commercial/Licensing What are the commercial options available to us? Is there a one-off licensing option, how much such an option will cost and what are we getting access to in such a deal? General: What is the full feature list? Is it possible to create something unique/custom? I am looking forward to hearing from you. Kind regards
Hi, I want to know if you have a WordPress plugin? And whether your chat functinoality offers chat monetization as well?
Dear Concern, My company urgently needs a chat solution for a web portal which must have the following criteria. 1. MANDATORY]On-premises installation/operations in Data Center. 2. [MANDATORY] Integrate easily with e-PMIS (The web portal we are developing). 3. [MANDATORY] Audio/video calling. 4. [MANDATORY] Upload of files/documents/images. 5. [MANDATORY] “Save/Copy conversation” feature. NOTE: We may need to write some integration code so that the user can “Paste conversation to Tech Support channel”. 6. [OPTIONAL] Encryption. 7. [OPTIONAL] Audit trail. 8. Price. Please note that only the registered users of the web portal will be able to communicate with each other using this messenger. Please revert back as early as possible as I have to propose a solution by 28th August 11.00 AM BDT time. Thank you.
Hello, We’re a small team starting to work on consulting software and looking for chat api integrations. You seem to have what we’re looking for. Could you please share your pricing model and pricing details so we could see if it fits the budget at all?
need to understand following in context with inapp messaging; 1. complete list of supported features 2. user managmenet integration feasibility 3. technology (http , socket or something else?) 4. customization 5. pricing 6. deployment models