Element
Encrypted chat and calls built on the open Matrix standard, with free apps and self-hosted servers.
Our verdict
What it does well
- Built on Matrix, so servers from different vendors can federate
- Free apps and a free community server for up to 100 users
- Element Web source is available under AGPL-3.0 or GPL-3.0
Where it falls short
- Enterprise is priced per seat per month, but the price is not published
- Community server suite is listed for non-professional use and evaluation
- Self-hosting means running and updating your own server
Element is a communications platform built on Matrix, an open standard for decentralised messaging that Element's team created in 2014 and that is governed by the Matrix.org Foundation. Element lists end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls, and servers that can federate with other Matrix servers. Element Pro is the workplace app for teams; the free app is for personal use.
Apps exist for web (app.element.io), Windows, macOS and Linux, and for iOS and Android (Element X, Element Pro and Classic Element). The Element Web repository is multi-licensed: you can use it for free under AGPL-3.0 or GPL-3.0, or under a paid Element Commercial License.
The pricing page lists three tiers. Community (Element Server Suite Community, 1 to 100 users) is free of charge and open source under AGPL. Enterprise (Element Server Suite Pro, from 100 users) is priced per seat per month, and Sovereign (air-gapped) is priced per deployment. No dollar amounts are shown for the paid tiers; you contact sales.
Alternatives to Element
Workplace messaging with channels, huddles, workflows, search and AI features for teams.
- Freemium
What users say
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Last updated 16 October 2026. Facts checked against the official site on 16 October 2026. How we make money