Messaging
Element
messaging and team collaboration with and self-hosting options
Element is a private messaging with . It helps you keep more control over your data.
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 is a messaging app that works like Slack or Discord, but with strong privacy and encryption. It's built on something called the Matrix protocol, which is like an open standard for messaging that lets different apps talk to each other. Element encrypts all your messages, voice calls, and video calls, so only you and the people you're talking to can see them. You can use Element through a hosted service, or you can run your own server if you want complete control. Element includes features like group chats, file sharing, voice and video calls, and it can even connect with other Matrix apps. The app is free, open source, and particularly useful for teams or communities that want secure collaboration without relying on big tech companies.
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
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 2
- Accessibility features
- Support for modern accessibility features depends on the platform version.
Backup & portability Click to expand
- No
- Migration tools
- May offer import or export tools; see official docs.
- Account recovery options depend on the provider.
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