Your own private server
Each family gets a dedicated chat server. Your messages are not mixed with other customers or mined for advertising.
Private messaging for your household
A safe place for your family to stay in touch
Give your family a dedicated chat space that belongs to you — not a big tech platform. Simple setup, parent-friendly controls, and conversations that stay on your server.
- Private by default
- €5/month per family
- Ready in about a minute
Why families choose us
Peace of mind, not another social feed
Family Chat is built for households who want to message each other without ads, algorithms, or strangers in the mix.
Parents stay in control
Add or remove members, choose who can connect from outside, and manage everything from a simple control panel.
Invite-only by default
Only people you add can join. Keep it just your household, or carefully allow chat with trusted friends and other families.
Apps your family already knows
Use Element, FluffyChat, or other familiar chat apps — we help you get set up in minutes.
Why we built this
Somewhere the kids and the grandparents can message each other — without the ads, algorithms, and strangers of public social media.
- No ads, ever Your subscription funds the service — not your data.
- Cancel anytime No long contracts. Your data is preserved if you pause.
- Help when you need it Guides, FAQ, and online safety resources for parents.
Simple from day one
Up and chatting in four steps
1
Sign up together
Choose your family name, pick the EU region, and subscribe for €5/month.
2
We set up your server
Your private chat home is ready in about a minute — no technical skills needed.
3
Invite your family
Parents add members from the control panel and share login details securely.
How we're different
Not just another messaging app
Free apps are built to keep everyone scrolling. Family Chat is built to keep your family talking.
| Comparison | Family Chat | Free messaging apps | Social media apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can contact your kids | Only people you add | Anyone with their number or username | Strangers, followers, and DMs |
| Ads & algorithms | None, ever | Varies — often ad-funded | Built on them |
| Where your messages live | Your own private server | The platform's servers | The platform's servers |
| Who creates the accounts | Parents, from the control panel | Anyone, usually 13+ | Anyone, usually 13+ |
| How it's paid for | €5/month, by you | "Free" — often paid with your data | "Free" — paid with your attention |
Comparisons describe typical free messaging and social platforms; specifics vary by app.
Common questions
Wondering if it's right for your family?
Do we need to be technical?
No. We set up and run the server for you — you just choose a family name and add your people from a simple control panel. Our step-by-step guides cover getting everyone's chat app connected.
What do the kids actually use to chat?
Free, well-known chat apps like Element or FluffyChat on their phone, tablet, or computer. Parents create each account, so there's no public signup and no strangers.
Can other people message our family?
Not unless you allow it. Your server is invite-only and closed to the outside by default — parents can optionally open a connection to specific trusted servers, like another Family Chat family.
What if we want to leave?
Cancel anytime from the billing portal — no contracts. Family Chat is built on the open Matrix protocol, so you're never locked in.
More questions? Read the full FAQ.
Give your family a chat space that feels like home
One simple plan. Unlimited family members on your server. Start today and be chatting tonight.