Analysis updated 2026-06-24
Use Facebook Messenger as a standalone desktop app instead of keeping a browser tab open.
Block read receipts and typing indicators so contacts cannot see when you have read or are replying to messages.
Manage multiple Messenger accounts from one app and switch between them with keyboard shortcuts.
Access Messenger from the macOS menu bar without it taking up a Dock slot.
| sindresorhus/caprine | nangohq/nango | nanostores/nanostores | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stars | 7,361 | 7,360 | 7,358 |
| Language | TypeScript | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Setup difficulty | easy | moderate | easy |
| Complexity | 1/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Audience | general | developer | developer |
Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.
Caprine is an unofficial desktop application for Facebook Messenger. It wraps the Messenger experience in a standalone app for macOS, Windows, and Linux, rather than requiring you to use a browser tab. The project describes itself as privacy-focused and adds several features that the browser version does not offer. On the privacy side, you can block read receipts so contacts do not see when you have read their messages, block the typing indicator so they do not see when you are composing a reply, and prevent Facebook from tracking links you click. Notifications can be configured to hide the message preview text so nearby people cannot read your screen. The app also adds practical conveniences: a dark mode, keyboard shortcuts for switching between conversations, a compact layout that adapts when the window is small, the ability to use multiple accounts, support for code blocks in messages, and a menu bar mode on macOS that keeps the app accessible without taking up space in the Dock. On macOS it also supports a translucent vibrancy window effect and Touch Bar controls. Installation is straightforward. On macOS you can download a DMG file or install via Homebrew. On Windows there is an EXE installer or a Chocolatey package. Linux users have multiple options including packages for Arch Linux, Debian and Ubuntu, Fedora, Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage formats. The app updates silently in the background. The project is considered feature-complete by its maintainer, meaning no new major features are planned, but bug fix contributions are still accepted.
A privacy-focused desktop app for Facebook Messenger that adds dark mode, multiple accounts, and read receipt blocking on macOS, Windows, and Linux, no browser tab needed.
Mainly TypeScript. The stack also includes TypeScript, Electron.
Setup difficulty is rated easy, with roughly 5min to a first successful run.
Mainly general.
This repo across BitVibe Labs
Verify against the repo before relying on details.