Discord vs Element: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Discord and Element comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Discord
Your place to talk and hang out
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Community communication platform
- • Voice, video, and text
Element
Secure communications platform
Best for you if:
- • Element is a secure messaging app built on the Matrix protocol for decentralized communication
- • It provides end-to-end encrypted chat, voice, and video with self-hosting options
| At a Glance |  Discord |  Element |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Team Chat | Team Chat |
Rating | 86/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Discord | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Team ChatVideo Conferencing | Team ChatInternal Comms |
How Discord and Element Compare
Discord
Your place to talk and hang out
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Element
Secure communications platform
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Discord
Want the highest-rated option?
Discord: 86/100. Element: 80/100.
Go with: Discord
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Discord
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are team chat tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Discord scores higher: 86/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Discord
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Element
The Bottom Line
Discord (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Discord or Element better?
Discord scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Discord and Element used for?
Discord: Your place to talk and hang out. Element: Secure communications platform.
What does Discord cost vs Element?
Discord is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Element is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.