Your own Matrix Synapse and Element on a VPS

from $100

I deploy a full Matrix messenger on your VPS: Synapse, Element Web, PostgreSQL, HTTPS, automated with Ansible + Docker. Rooms, files, optional calls, federation — under your control. Accounts and data stay with you.

  • Synapse + Element
  • Docker + Ansible
  • HTTPS & .well-known
  • Your accounts

Official website — matrix.org Matrix clients — matrix.org/ecosystem/clients

Guide on this site

Installing and configuring Matrix Synapse with Ansible and Docker

A step-by-step article if you want to self-host. If you prefer a turnkey result — order the setup from me.

Read the article Want your own Matrix — message on Telegram

Why self-host Matrix / Element

  • Messenger on your domain Addresses like @user:example.com, rooms, files, and history live on your homeserver — not a third-party chat SaaS.
  • Proven Ansible + Docker stack Deployed with matrix-docker-ansible-deploy: reproducible, with TLS and autostart — the same approach as in my detailed guide.
  • Element Web ready to use Web client on your subdomain, preconfigured for your Synapse — chat from phone and desktop right away.
  • Registration under your rules Closed signup or invites, admin account, baseline SSH and firewall hardening.

Want your own Matrix — message on Telegram

Element is the client for chats, groups, files, and calls. Synapse is the server on your domain — for family, team, community, a project, or as a self-hosted team messenger.

Unlike SimpleX, Matrix keeps accounts, rooms, and history on your server — in exchange you get a full team messenger with federation and a rich client ecosystem.

What gets installed

Service Image Purpose
Synapse matrixdotorg/synapse Matrix homeserver — accounts, rooms, messages
Element Web vectorim/element-web Web client on your subdomain
PostgreSQL postgres Homeserver database
Traefik / reverse proxy traefik HTTPS, routing, Let’s Encrypt

Ports 80/443 must be open (and extra UDP/TCP for TURN if enabled). A domain is required: Matrix + Element Web needs DNS and TLS.

After setup you get the Element URL, admin credentials, server access, and a short guide for users and updates.

What’s included

  • Matrix Synapse homeserver install
  • Element Web on your subdomain
  • Docker deployment with Ansible automation
  • PostgreSQL for Matrix
  • Domain, DNS, and HTTPS/TLS (Let’s Encrypt)
  • .well-known setup for Matrix addresses
  • Admin account
  • Closed registration or invite-only
  • Firewall and hardened SSH
  • Autostart after reboot
  • Checks for chat, files, and Element login
  • Handover of access, config, and a short ops guide

What you need

  • VPS/VDS with a public IP and SSH access
  • Minimum: 2 vCPU / 4 GB RAM (or 2 GB + swap) / 40 GB SSD
  • A domain and DNS access (A/AAAA to the server)
  • Preferably a clean Ubuntu or Debian server
  • I can help pick a VPS if needed

Security

  • HTTPS/TLS on all public endpoints
  • Closed registration or invite-only — as agreed
  • Firewall and hardened SSH (keys, no password when possible)
  • Services in Docker with autostart
  • Admin access and secrets handed only to you

Optional extras

  • Coturn / TURN for reliable voice and video calls
  • SMTP and email notifications
  • Backups of DB, media, and configs
  • Monitoring and alerts
  • Migration of an existing Matrix server
  • Bridges (Telegram, Discord, IRC, etc.)
  • Ongoing maintenance and updates

How it works

  1. Message me Describe the service and your VPS (OS, domain, goals).
  2. Agree on scope We confirm what’s included, optional extras, and timing.
  3. Setup & handover I deploy, verify, and pass access, config, and a short guide.

Important

The price covers setup work only. VPS/VDS rent, domain, DNS, traffic, disk space, and other hosting fees are paid by you directly to the provider.

Payment

Payment: USDT-ERC20.

FAQ

How is Matrix different from SimpleX and Nextcloud Talk?

Matrix/Element is a full messenger with accounts, rooms, history, and optional federation on your server. SimpleX uses private relays without server-side accounts. Nextcloud Talk is chat inside a Nextcloud cloud.

Do I need a domain?

Yes. Synapse, Element Web, and .well-known need a domain and DNS. Subdomains like matrix.example.com and element.example.com are part of the setup.

Can it stay private (no federation)?

Yes. You can run a closed homeserver for your team or family without talking to the public Matrix network.

Are calls included?

Base setup covers chat and files. Reliable voice/video usually needs coturn (TURN) — available as an optional extra.

Is there a DIY guide?

Yes — my article “Installing and configuring Matrix Synapse with Ansible and Docker” on this site. This service is for a turnkey result without doing it yourself.

How long does setup take?

Usually 1–2 business days after VPS access, DNS readiness, and scope agreement. Timing depends on the provider and extras (TURN, bridges, migration).

Message on Telegram