Element

The flagship open-source Matrix client for decentralised, encrypted chat that you can self-host.

Open sourceSelf-hostableMessaging apps

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 6
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Element

Element is the main app for Matrix, an open, federated messaging standard where anyone can run a server and still talk to users on other servers, much like email. You get one-to-one and group chats, public rooms, Spaces to organise communities, voice and video calls through Element Call, and end-to-end encryption on by default for private conversations. Bridges can connect Matrix to other networks. Individuals can create a free account on a public server such as matrix.org, while organisations can host their own server with Element Server Suite, free as an open-source community edition and paid per seat for enterprise features and support. Governments and defence bodies in Europe use it for sovereign communication. Element runs on the web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone; the newer Element X mobile apps are faster than the classic ones. It is more complex than WhatsApp, and encryption key management still trips up newcomers.

Best for: Communities and organisations that want open, federated, encrypted chat they can run themselves.

What works

Federated: talk across servers, or host your own
Encrypted by default for private chats
Open source, with bridges to other networks

Why people leave

More complex than mainstream messengers
Key backup and device verification confuse newcomers
Self-hosting a homeserver takes real admin work

Top Element alternatives

See all 6

1
FluffyChat
A friendlier Matrix app on the same network, easier for less technical friends.
66.5
2
Signal
Simpler to set up, with encryption for everything, if federation and self-hosting don't matter.
62.6
3
Wire
Another encrypted, open-source option with self-hosting, aimed more at businesses.
57.2
4
Delta Chat
Decentralised via email-style relays, with simpler onboarding than running a Matrix server.
55.3
5
SimpleX Chat
Self-hostable relays with no user identifiers at all.
53.6

Why people left Element

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Element: common questions

Is Element free?

Yes. Element is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.

Is Element open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at element-hq/element-web. You can also run it on your own server.

What platforms does Element run on?

Element is available for Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Self-hosted.

What are the best alternatives to Element?

The highest-ranked Element alternatives right now are FluffyChat, Signal and Wire. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 Element alternatives

Element facts

4 of 4 verified

License: AGPL-3.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0).”
Self-hosting: Free community edition; Checked Oct 25, 2026element.io(opens source in a new tab); “Self-hosted Element Server Suite Community Open source under AGPL Official FOSS distribution from Element Free of charge frontend and backend Includes Element Call Set up a server Get the free app”
Enterprise pricing: Per seat/month; Checked Oct 25, 2026element.io(opens source in a new tab); “Talk to an expert Priced per seat/month Sovereign .”
Certification: ISO/IEC 27001:2022; Checked Oct 25, 2026element.io(opens source in a new tab); “independently audited and certified as compliant with the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 information security management standard.”