Jitsi vs Element: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jitsi 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Jitsi
Free open source video conferencing
Best for you if:
- • You need video conferencing features specifically
- • You need free open source video conferencing
Element
Secure communications platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need team chat features specifically
- • 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 |  Jitsi |  Element |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video Conferencing | Team Chat |
Rating | —/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Jitsi | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Open_source | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 164 | 0 |
| Categories | Video ConferencingCommunication | Team ChatInternal Comms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Jitsi and Element solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Jitsi positions itself as "free open source video conferencing" while Elementfocuses on "secure communications platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Jitsi
Jitsi makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Element
Element is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 80/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Element won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Element
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Element is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Element
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Element
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Element has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Element higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Jitsi more (164 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Element Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Jitsi If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Element (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Element scores higher in our analysis, but Jitsi might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jitsi or Element better?
Based on our analysis, Element scores higher with 80/100. Jitsi isopen_source while Element is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Jitsi to Element easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Jitsi and Element offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Jitsi is paid with potential trial.Element is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.