6,622 tools, each one opened, scored and signed by a Toolio reviewer

Mastodon

Decentralized social media, not controlled by corporations.

Checked 3 Oct 2026 Reviewed by Alex Listed since April 2024

Screenshot of Mastodon

At a glance

Starts at Free Listed as free on the vendor's site.
Free tier No
Platforms Web, iOS, Android
Best for Individuals and communities seeking privacy and autonomy.
Not for Advertisers and marketers

3.8 out of 5

Scored by Alex after real use

Our verdict

Mastodon offers decentralized communication but lacks ads or targeted content. Not for those relying on ad support or trending algorithms.

✓What it does well

DecentralizedIndependent servers interoperate to form a global network.
Open SourceFree and open-source software, allowing community contributions.
Autonomous ModerationEach server sets its own rules, fostering diverse communities.

✕Where it falls short

No AdsDoes not support advertisements for user feeds.
Single Account LimitationsCan follow users from one account but only on Mastodon servers.
Manual VerificationManual verification process required for certain accounts.

Key features

Custom Logos and ColorsProvides branding resources to customize your presence.
Support ButtonAllows adding a social sharing button on websites.
Open Web ProtocolsBuilt using ActivityPub, interoperable with other platforms.
Interoperable PlatformsBuilt on open web protocols

Questions about Mastodon

What is Mastodon?

Mastodon is decentralized social media that is not controlled by corporations. Independent servers interoperate to form a global network built on the ActivityPub open web protocol, and the software is free and open source, allowing community contributions.

Is Mastodon free to use?

Yes. Mastodon is listed as free on the vendor's site, and its Individual plan costs $0. The software itself is free and open source, so the community can contribute to it.

Does Mastodon have ads?

No. Mastodon does not support advertisements in user feeds and lacks targeted content and trending algorithms. That makes it a poor fit for advertisers, marketers and anyone relying on ad support, while Toolio lists individuals and communities seeking privacy and autonomy as its best fit.

Does Mastodon work on iOS and Android?

Yes. Mastodon runs on the web, iOS and Android. Toolio gives it a score of 3.8 out of 5, set by Alex after real use on 3 Oct 2026, and the reviewer values its decentralized design.

How is content moderated on Mastodon?

Each Mastodon server sets its own rules, which the reviewer says fosters diverse communities. Some accounts also go through a manual verification process, which the reviewer lists among the platform's shortcomings.

COMPARE