Sable

Sable is a communication app by Erwan Leboucher that lets you chat, call, and collaborate through the Matrix network. It is designed for people who want a modern, customizable messaging experience without compromising on privacy or control. Sable is built on Matrix, an open standard for decentralized communication, which means you can connect with others across different servers while keeping your conversations secure. The app focuses on 'quality-of-life' improvements, making everyday messaging smoother with features like end-to-end encryption, flexible organization, and a clean interface. Whether you are new to Matrix or already use it, Sable aims to offer a friendly and dependable way to stay in touch.

For beginners, Sable provides a straightforward way to join the Matrix ecosystem. You can create an account on any Matrix server and start messaging friends, family, or colleagues right away. The app includes end-to-end encryption to protect your private chats, and it can even show encrypted previews of notifications, which are decrypted only on your device for added privacy. If you prefer not to rely on Google services, Sable supports push notifications through UnifiedPush, giving you more flexibility in how you receive alerts.

Beyond basic chat, Sable offers features that help you manage larger communities. You can create spaces to group related rooms, participate in threaded discussions, and set up forum-style rooms for ongoing topics. Voice and video calls are also included, using MatrixRTC technology, so you can have face-to-face conversations or quick audio calls without leaving the app. The interface is designed to be clean and usable, with options to customize the look through themes and app icons, and you can even choose your favorite GIF provider to make conversations more fun.

Sable is free to use, contains no ads, and does not offer in-app purchases. It is a fork of another Matrix client, and it's released under the open-source AGPL-3.0 license. Crash reporting is opt-in, so the app only sends diagnostic data if you explicitly agree. This makes Sable a transparent choice for users who value open-source software and want to understand how their messaging app works. If you are looking for a secure, customizable, and community-focused way to communicate, Sable is a solid option to explore.

Key features

• End-to-end encrypted messaging, with encrypted push notification previews decrypted on-device
• Voice and video calls over MatrixRTC
• Spaces, threads, and forum rooms
• Customisable app icons, themes, and a configurable GIF provider
• Message reporting, forwarding, and read-receipt controls

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file (33 MB).
2. When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
4. Tap 'Install' and wait for the installation to finish.
5. Open the app from your app drawer or home screen. The app requires Android 7.0 or higher.

Sable is for individuals and communities who want a secure, open-source messaging app on the Matrix network, especially those who value customization, privacy, and the ability to self-host or choose their own server. It's also a good choice for beginners curious about decentralized communication.

To get the most out of Sable, consider setting up a Matrix account on a server that aligns with your privacy preferences. You can also customize the app's appearance and GIF provider from the settings. Remember to review the app's permissions—only grant location, camera, or microphone access when you actually need those features for calls or sharing.

Sable is a feature-rich Matrix client that balances security, customization, and ease of use. With end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, and a range of organizational tools, it's a compelling choice for anyone looking to explore decentralized messaging. As a free, open-source app with no ads, it respects your privacy while offering a modern chat experience.