Element

Name: Element
Brand: Element
Price: 5 USD
Rating: 4.2 (43 reviews)

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Secure communications platform

From $5/mo (free plan available)

Freemium Communication Security Team Chat Internal Comms

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4.2 (43 across the web)

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Reviews on G2

43 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Updated May 26, 2026

Price: From $5/mo (free plan available). Compare plans

Key facts

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

Pros

Open source
End-to-end encryption
Self-hostable

Cons

Less polished UX
Smaller community

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

Louis Corneloup Updated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluate Source element.io ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.2 (43 reviews)

Element holds an aggregate rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 43 reviews across G2, last checked September 17, 2026.

G2 43 reviews

4.2/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Secure messaging
Matrix protocol
E2E encryption
Decentralized
Self-hosted
Bridges

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Oct 5, 2026

Element plans and prices, checked October 2026
Plan	Price	Details
Free	$0	Personal use Unlimited messages 1:1 video calls End-to-end encryption +1 more Show less matrix.org hosting
Pro	$5/per user/month	Teams Admin controls Guest access Compliance tools +1 more Show less Priority support
Enterprise	Custom	Organizations Self-hosting option SSO/SAML Audit logs +1 more Show less Dedicated support

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is Element worth the price?

Great value

Element's pricing is very fair and generous, especially with a robust free tier offering unlimited messages and E2EE.

The Pro tier at $5 per user/month is competitively priced for teams needing administrative features. This structure is best for individuals and small to medium-sized teams prioritizing security and open-source principles.

Full Element pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

How Element's pricing compares

At $5/user/mo, Element is the most affordable of its 3 comparable direct competitors.

Element

Rocket.Chat

Slack

$8.75

Mattermost

$10

Entry paid plan, monthly, per user. Pricing checked Oct 5, 2026.

Reviews

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4.2/5

Across 43 verified user reviews on G2

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Best Element Alternatives

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

Slack Freemium

Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration

4.2

Mattermost Freemium

Open-source team collaboration platform

4.3

Rocket.Chat Freemium

Open-source team communication platform

4.2

Wire Freemium

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

3.9

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 Slack Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Element vs Mattermost Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Element vs Rocket.Chat Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

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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