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Messaging

Element

messaging and team collaboration with and self-hosting options

Privacy score 82 Free Technical: Intermediate Open source
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Element offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the messaging space, with a stronger focus on data protection than many mainstream tools.

Android iOS Windows Mac Linux

Who is this for?

✓ Good for you if:

  • • You want messaging with server choice or self-hosting
  • • You need secure team collaboration with
  • • You want to bridge to other messaging platforms (Slack, Discord, WhatsApp)
  • • You need enterprise features with
  • • You want open-source messaging with Matrix protocol

⚠ Think twice if:

  • • You want the simplest messaging experience (Element has a learning curve)
  • • You need to message people who only use mainstream apps
  • • You want phone number-based messaging (Element uses email/username)
  • • You need the largest user base (Matrix network is smaller than mainstream)
  • • You want zero server management (requires choosing or hosting a server)

Overview

Element (formerly Riot) is a secure messaging

and collaboration application built on the Matrix protocol, an open standard for decentralized, end-to-end encrypted communication. Element provides end-to-end encryption for messages, voice calls, and video calls, with support for group chats and file sharing. The service can be self-hosted, giving users complete control over their communication infrastructure, or users can use the hosted Element service. Element supports federation, allowing users on different Matrix servers to communicate with each other. The application is open source and available for multiple platforms including web, desktop, and mobile. Element includes features like rich text messaging, file sharing, voice and video calls, and integration with other services. The service is developed by Element (formerly New Vector) and is free to use, with optional paid hosting services.

Privacy highlight

End-to-end encrypted messaging on Matrix protocol. Self-hostable,

, . Strong with forward secrecy.

Quick facts

Country:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Pricing:
Free
Platform:
Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
Technical:
Intermediate
:
Yes
:
Minimal telemetry
:
Yes
Open-source status:
Fully open source
:
No
:
No

Key features

  • End-to-end encrypted messaging
  • Voice and video calls with
  • Group messaging with
  • File sharing with
  • Disappearing messages
  • Username support (phone number privacy)
Security & encryption Click to expand
Yes
Encryption protocols
Matrix (Olm/Megolm)
Element uses the Matrix protocol with Olm and Megolm for . keys are generated and stored on user devices. The protocol provides forward secrecy through . Element does not have access to keys as they are managed client-side. The service uses secure key exchange protocols through the Matrix protocol to establish encrypted sessions. Element supports secure and recovery through encrypted key . When self-hosted, users have complete control over .
Offline support
No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
Minimal telemetry
No
Ip no
Element collects minimal data for service operation and improvement. The service collects basic usage statistics including app version, platform, and feature usage. Element does not collect message content, user identifiers, or personal information. data is anonymized and aggregated. Users can disable through settings. When self-hosted, users have complete control over .
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
Element is developed by Element (formerly New Vector), which is based in the United Kingdom. When using hosted Element service, data is stored on servers in the UK and Europe. When self-hosted, data residency depends on where users host their instances. Element operates under UK privacy laws and GDPR requirements.
Element retention depends on the hosting instance. When using hosted Element service, encrypted messages are retained on servers for delivery. When self-hosted, users have complete control over . Element does not retain unencrypted message content - all messages are encrypted end-to-end. The service retains minimal for account management. Users can delete their accounts and all associated data at any time.
Legal frameworks
Revenue sources
Subscription, Enterprise
Editorial signals Click to expand
82
Trust score
85
Trust breakdown (0–10)
Encryption: 90, Audits: 80, Open source: 95, Telemetry: 85, Jurisdiction: 90, Transparency: 85, Trackers: 95
Editorial notes
Usability: 80, Performance: 80, Family friendly: 85
User experience Click to expand
Signup requirements
email
Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
2
Accessibility features
Add technical accessibility details after testing.
Backup & portability Click to expand
No
Migration tools
Describe CLI, export/import, and migration flows after review.
Explain key and account recovery models after research.

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