Element

Name: Element
Brand: Element
Price: 5 USD
Rating: 4.5 (10 reviews)

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Secure communications platform

Communication Security Team Chat Internal Comms

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4.5(10 across the web)

FreemiumVisit Website

Reviews onCapterra

10 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

From $5/mo (free plan available)

Biggest pro

Open source

Biggest con

Less polished UX

TL;DR - Element

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
Free for personal use, Enterprise plans with custom pricing

Pricing: Free plan available

Best for: Growing teams

4.5/5 across review platforms

What is Element?

Editorial review

Element is a secure messaging app built on the decentralized Matrix protocol. End-to-end encryption keeps conversations private. Self-host for complete control or use public servers. Bridges connect to Slack, Discord, and other platforms. Open-source and audited for security. The messaging platform for organizations that take security and sovereignty seriously.

Available on: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourceelement.io ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Open source
End-to-end encryption
Self-hostable

Cons

Less polished UX
Smaller community

Ratings Across the Web

4.5(10 reviews)

Capterra10 reviews

4.5/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Secure messagingMatrix protocolE2E encryptionDecentralizedSelf-hostedBridges

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Jul 6, 2026

Free

Personal use

Unlimited messages
1:1 video calls
End-to-end encryption
matrix.org hosting

Pro

$5/per user/month

Teams

Admin controls
Guest access
Compliance tools
Priority support

Enterprise

null

Organizations

Self-hosting option
SSO/SAML
Audit logs
Dedicated support

Calculate your cost View full pricing

How Element's pricing compares

At $5/mo, Element is mid-range of its 3 direct competitors ($0.67 to $10/mo across the set).

Rocket.Chat

$0.67

Element

Slack

$8.75

Mattermost

$10

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jul 6, 2026.

Reviews

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4.5/5

Across 10 verified user reviews on Capterra

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Best Element Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

SlackFreemium

Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration

4.5

MattermostFreemium

Open-source team collaboration platform

4.3

Rocket.ChatFreemium

Open-source team communication platform

4.2

WireFreemium

Enterprise-grade secure communications platform for messaging, calls, and file sharing.

4.4

See all communication tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Element vs SlackHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Element vs MattermostHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Element vs Rocket.ChatHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Element FAQ

How does Element ensure the privacy of communications?

Element is built on the decentralized Matrix protocol and utilizes end-to-end encryption to keep all conversations private. This encryption ensures that only the sender and intended recipients can read the messages.

Which teams would benefit most from using Element?

Element is ideal for organizations that prioritize security and data sovereignty in their internal communications. Its self-hosting option and audited open-source nature appeal to teams with strict privacy requirements.

Can Element integrate with other communication platforms?

Yes, Element includes bridges that allow it to connect with other platforms like Slack and Discord. This feature enables users to communicate across different services from within Element.

How is Element priced?

Element is available on a free tier, which allows users to get started without cost. For organizations requiring more extensive usage and additional features, paid plans are offered.

What kind of trade-offs might users encounter with Element?

Users might find that Element has a less polished user experience compared to some alternatives. Additionally, it currently has a smaller community base than some other communication platforms.

How does Element compare to Mattermost for team chat?

Element differentiates itself from Mattermost by offering end-to-end encryption and being built on the decentralized Matrix protocol, providing strong privacy and data sovereignty. Element also offers bridges to platforms like Slack and Discord, expanding its connectivity.

Source: element.io

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