Element is an end-to-end encrypted messenger for teams and communities, built by the creators of the open Matrix standard. It offers chat, voice, and video across web, desktop, and mobile apps, and lets organisations host their own server or use managed Element hosting instead of a closed chat platform.[1]
Quick verdict
Teams that need encrypted, self-sovereign chat get the most from Element: its Matrix-based messenger pairs default end-to-end encryption and federated rooms with free open-source apps plus a choice of self-hosting or managed Element hosting. The decisive trade is operational: running a homeserver takes real IT work, so teams that want zero-overhead managed chat should stay with an incumbent such as Microsoft Teams.[1][2]
Key features
Default end-to-end encryption Direct and group conversations are encrypted by default, so message content stays private between participants rather than readable by the server operator.[1][2]
Cross-signed device verification Devices are verified through cross-signing, which guards against impostor devices joining encrypted conversations unnoticed.[1]
Federated rooms and spaces Rooms and spaces can span independently hosted Matrix servers, so teams keep their own infrastructure while talking across organisational boundaries.[1][2]
Voice and video via Element Call One-to-one and group voice and video calls run through Element Call, keeping real-time meetings inside the same encrypted collaboration suite.[1]
Bridges to other chat platforms Bridges connect Matrix rooms to Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord, IRC, and WhatsApp, so teams can interoperate instead of forcing everyone onto one platform.[1]
Threads, polls, and location sharing Rooms support threads, polls, and location sharing alongside plain chat, covering the everyday coordination patterns teams expect from a messenger.[1][2]
Free apps on every platform The apps are free and open source for web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, including an F-Droid build, with signup that needs no phone number.[1][2]
Self-host or managed hosting Organisations can self-host with Synapse using Docker, Debian packages, or Helm charts, or buy managed Element Matrix Services hosting with SSO, directory sync, support, and SLAs.[1][2]
Who will love it
Security-conscious organisations that need data ownership: end-to-end encryption plus self-hosting or managed hosting keeps sensitive conversation data under their own control.[1][2]
Open-source communities coordinating across servers: federation lets independent groups share rooms without merging infrastructure or accounts.[1]
Enterprises replacing Teams with sovereignty requirements: the Server Suite adds SSO, audit, retention, and SLAs around the same Matrix-based collaboration.[1][2]
Who should avoid it
Teams wanting zero-operational-overhead chat: running the full stack means operating a Matrix homeserver, which takes more work than signing up for a hosted service.[1]
Non-technical teams needing conventional onboarding: the strongest value needs server and identity decisions that assume IT involvement, unlike a pure signup-and-go product.[1][2]
Buyers needing simple public per-seat pricing: enterprise tiers on the observed pricing page are quote-based, so budget approval needs a sales conversation rather than a price list.[1]
Alternatives and compatibility
Microsoft Teams is the incumbent in the published catalogue relationship and the honest redirect for teams that prefer a fully managed platform with onboarding and support.[1]
Choosing Element is choosing federation over a walled garden: cross-server rooms and bridges trade single-vendor convenience for independence and interoperability.[1]
Managed Element Matrix Services hosting exists for teams that want Element without operating a homeserver, sitting between free self-hosting and the full Enterprise Server Suite.[1][2]
Questions worth asking
What is the best Element alternative for non-technical users?
Is Element really no-code?
How much does Element cost per month?
Sources and editorial review
Source research. Reviewed on October 9, 2026. Written by Sanjib Sah. AI assisted; reviewed by a human editor.
We have not run or tested this product.
- Element homepage (official)
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official homepage: Matrix-based secure collaboration, E2EE by default, federation, self-host or EMS hosting, enterprise suite features, Teams-alternative positioning.
- Element enterprise pricing (official)
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official enterprise pricing page: Pro/Enterprise tiers, SSO/LDAP, audit, retention, SLA, air-gapped deployment, free trial, free open-source apps.
- Element Messenger App Store listing
official · Observed October 9, 2026
App Store listing by Vector Creations: E2EE by default, cross-signed device verification, federation, bridges, no phone number required.