Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Zoho Cliq · 👥 community
Zoho Cliq vs SAMA
Open source chat server with end-to-end encryption, clustering support, and comprehensive messaging features for building real-time communication apps Here is how SAMA ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Zoho Cliq ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
SAMA is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Zoho Cliq. Switching from Zoho Cliq ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Zoho Cliq vs SAMA Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Zoho Cliq (Paid) | SAMA (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 161 (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Zoho Cliq to SAMA
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy SAMA
Clone https://github.com/sama-communications/sama-server or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork SAMA instead of vibe-coding a Zoho Cliq clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Zoho Cliq or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 12 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Macro Chat.
Zoho Cliq vs SAMA FAQ
Is SAMA a good free alternative to Zoho Cliq?+
Yes. SAMA is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Zoho Cliq. Open source chat server with end-to-end encryption, clustering support, and comprehensive messaging features for building real-time communication apps
What is the catch when switching from Zoho Cliq to SAMA?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Zoho Cliq to SAMA?+
Zoho Cliq costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas SAMA is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host SAMA instead of Zoho Cliq?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/sama-communications/sama-server or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
