Element vs Mattermost: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Element and Mattermost 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.
Bottom line: Mattermost is our overall pick for communication workflows. Pick Element if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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
Mattermost
Open-source team collaboration platform
Best for you if:
- • Mattermost is an open-source messaging platform for secure team collaboration
- • It provides channels, threads, and integrations with self-hosting options
| At a Glance |  Element |  Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/user/monthPro | $10/moProfessional |
Best For | Communication | Communication |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Element or Mattermost?
Choose Element if
Secure communications platform
- Open source
- End-to-end encryption
- Self-hostable
- Budget matters ($5/user/month vs $10/mo)
Choose Mattermost if
Open-source team collaboration platform
- Open source Slack alternative
- Self-hostable
- Good for compliance
| Feature | Element | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 10 reviews | ★4.3/5 596 reviews |
| Categories | CommunicationSecurity | CommunicationTeam Chat |
In-Depth Analysis
Element
Secure communications platform
Strengths
- +Open source
- +End-to-end encryption
- +Self-hostable
Weaknesses
- -Less polished UX
- -Smaller community
Key features
Mattermost
Open-source team collaboration platform
Strengths
- +Open source Slack alternative
- +Self-hostable
- +Good for compliance
- +No per-user cloud cost
- +Customizable
Weaknesses
- -Less polished than Slack
- -Smaller integration library
- -Self-hosting required for best value
- -Learning curve
- -Community smaller
Key features
Pricing: Element vs Mattermost
| Plan | Element | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $5 /user/month Pro | $10 Professional |
| Tier 3 | custom Enterprise | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Element pricing and Mattermost pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Element
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Element
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mattermost
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 communication tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Mattermost
- Larger review base (596 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Element
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5
The Bottom Line
Mattermost is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Element or Mattermost better?
Mattermost is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Element and Mattermost used for?
Element: Secure communications platform. Mattermost: Open-source team collaboration platform.
What does Element cost vs Mattermost?
Element is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Mattermost is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.