Element AlternativesTop Instant Messengers & Video Calling Apps like Element

Element is described as 'Secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default' and is a leading instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Element for a variety of platforms, including Android, Mac, Windows, iPhone and Linux apps. The best Element alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Element are Telegram, Matrix.org, Discord and Pidgin.

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Element alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Video Calling Apps or Group Chat Apps.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Element.
Element iconElement
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Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end...

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Element alternatives page was last updated Oct 18, 2024
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  1. Signal icon
    Signal icon

    Signal

     1207 likes
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    Signal is a messaging app with an unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all the features expected from a modern IM app. Signal has received a lot of praise from all around the world for its security and privacy-respecting technologies.

    221 Signal alternatives
    Signal screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 2
    +4
    Signal screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Video Calling
    5.  Instant Messaging
    6.  Self Destructing Messages
    7.  Private messaging
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Encrypted Connection
    10.  Mobile friendly
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Desktop Application
    13.  Secure Chat
    14.  Stickers
    15.  GPLv3
    16.  Based on phone number
    17.  Protected by Password
    18.  VoiP Calls
    19.  Client side encryption
    Signal iconElement Icon

    Signal VS Element

    Is Signal a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Signal as an Alternative to Element
     
       
    Ruvenss G Wilches

    not a self-hosted solution or an enterprise system

    Negative comment •Aug 23, 2020
    9
    alternativepun3n

    Signal is a centralized System, while with Element you can interact with everyone in the federated Matrix-Network.

    Negative comment •Sep 1, 2023
    2
    LinuxDoge

    Just not an alternative. Phone numbers, Google reCaptcha, centralized, slow development. Better than most tracking messengers though.

    Negative comment •Dec 5, 2022
    3
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Element Icon
    Signal icon

    • Most users think Signal is a great Element alternative.

    • Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Element.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Element.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceElement is Freemium and Open Source
    • Signal is Privacy focused and Security-focusedElement is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon
    Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2024 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple, and free. It is like SMS, but more powerful.

    288 Telegram alternatives
    Telegram Desktop

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    Telegram iOS #1
    Telegram iOS #2
    +9
    Telegram iOS #3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Stickers
    3.  Chat Bot
    4.  Large File Transfer
    5.  Instant Messaging
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  End-to-End Encryption
    8.  Video Calling
    9.  Multi Device Support
    10.  Channels
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Bots
    13.  Secret chats
    14.  Cloud based
    15.  Animated stickers
    16.  Integrated File Sharing
    17.  Folders
    18.  Private Chat
    19.  Video Conferencing
    Telegram iconElement Icon

    Telegram VS Element

    Is Telegram a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to Element
     
       
    Kimmy Garcia

    I love the GUI, it's intuitive and user-friendly. Its simplicity is simply the best and the fact that it features a dark theme!

    Top positive comment •Feb 24, 2018
    -2
    Ruvenss G Wilches

    Telegram is not a self-hosted solution. Neither an enterprise product is a peer to peer public product

    Top negative comment •Aug 23, 2020
    13
    Centaro

    Telegram has proprietary up-stream code.

    Negative comment •Sep 24, 2020
    10
    Show more comments
    3 of 5 comments
    Element Icon
    Telegram icon

    • Most users think Telegram is a great Element alternative.

    • Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to Element.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryElement is Freemium and Open Source
    • Telegram is Lightweight and Privacy focusedElement is not according to our users
  4. Matrix.org icon
    Matrix.org icon

    Matrix.org

     337 likes
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    Matrix defines a set of open APIs for decentralised communication, suitable for securely publishing, persisting and subscribing to data over a global open federation of servers with no single point of control.

    159 Matrix.org alternatives
    Main Page

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Federation
    3.  Team Collaboration
    4.  Random Video Chat
    5.  Distributed
    6.  Voice Chat
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  VoiP Calls
    9.  Spaces
    10.  Chat Bot
    11.  No Tracking
    12.  Multiple Account support
    13.  Real time collaboration
    14.  Support for Multiple protocols
    15.  WebRTC
    16.  Server side history
    Matrix.org iconElement Icon

    Matrix.org VS Element

    Is Matrix.org a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Matrix.org as an Alternative to Element
     
    Ema_Nymton

    Element wouldn't exist without Matrix, so it's a great alternative in the way that I am a great alternative to my father.

    Positive comment •Aug 4, 2021
    9
    Alperen Isa Nalbant

    The matrix is the protocol itself. It is a client for Element Matrix.

    Comment •Aug 30, 2021
    4
    Element Icon
    Matrix.org icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Matrix.org is a great Element alternative.

    • Matrix.org is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Element.

    • Matrix.org is Free and Open SourceElement is Freemium and Open Source
    • Matrix.org is Decentralized and Privacy focusedElement is not according to our users
  5. Ad
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    Zoho Cliq icon

    Zoho Cliq

    Zoho Cliq simplifies your team communication with organized conversations, information that's easy to find and by connecting to the tools you love. Transform ideas into reality with your team. With channels, your team communi...

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  6. Discord icon
    Discord icon

    Discord

     1049 likes
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    An integrated platform for text and voice communications. Offers tailored channels for different topics, customizable moderation tools, low latency for fluency, and managed user roles for optimal community facilitation.

    180 Discord alternatives
    Discord screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Discord screenshot 1
    Discord screenshot 2
    +7
    Discord screenshot 3

    Top Discord Features

    1.  Screen Sharing
    2.  VoiP Calls
    3.  Video Calling
    4.  Multi Channel
    5.  Text chat
    6.  Bots
    7.  Voice Chat
    8.  Instant Messaging
    9.  Multiple Servers
    10.  Push to talk
    11.  Text to Speech
    12.  Custom Smileys
    13.  Public groups chat
    14.  Stickers
    15.  Dark Mode
    16.  Graphical User Interface
    17.  Camera capturing
    18.  Noise Reduction
    19.  Reactions
    20.  Group Voice Chat
    21.  Direct Messaging
    22.  Share content
    Discord iconElement Icon

    Discord VS Element

    Is Discord a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Discord as an Alternative to Element
     
       
    Paul

    I think Discord can be an alternative to Riot since it allows making calls and collaborate, but for me, Riot is more a privacy-focused alternative to Slack and Discord is more aimed at gaming communities.

    Top positive comment •Apr 3, 2020
    12
    EpicLPer

    Discord is not self-hosted and their support tends to be really on the thin side, not listening to users reasons.

    Top negative comment •Jan 18, 2022
    5
    Guest

    Proprietary, not end to end encrypted, not at all privacy focused

    Negative comment •Oct 1, 2024
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 7 comments
    Element Icon
    Discord icon

    • Some users think Discord is a great Element alternative, some don't.

    • Discord is Freemium and ProprietaryElement is Freemium and Open Source
  7. Pidgin icon
    Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     1516 likes
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    Pidgin is a chat program which lets you log into accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on XMPP and sitting in an IRC channel at the same time.

    124 Pidgin alternatives
    Pidgin screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Pidgin chat window
    Contact window
    +4
    For accounts on multiple chat networks

    Properties

    1.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions

    Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Supports XMPP
    3.  Multiple Account support
    4.  IRC
    5.  Portable
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  VoiP Calls
    9.  Multiple languages
    10.  Xmpp
    11.  Multiple chat protocols
    12.  Messages
    Pidgin iconElement Icon

    Pidgin VS Element

    Is Pidgin a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Pidgin as an Alternative to Element
     
    Ituaf

    By default, Pidgin doesn't support the Matrix protocol, but there are plugins for it. However, it certainly isn't the best alternative to Element, as it lacks many of the features of Element due to it not being designed with Matrix in mind.

    Comment •Aug 21, 2023
    2
    Guest

    Pidgin is a multi protocol client, element is a client only for Matrix. It one day Pidgin supports Matrix, one could compare both just for Matrix.

    Negative comment •Dec 11, 2022
    2
    davaga6837

    OTR messaging is an old concept with very few user and developer resources behind it. Do not use Pidgin if you want a secure messaging app.

    Positive comment •Oct 18, 2024
    -1
    Element Icon
    Pidgin icon

    • Most users think Pidgin is a great Element alternative.

    • Pidgin is Free and Open SourceElement is Freemium and Open Source
  8. Tox icon
    Tox icon

    Tox

     546 likes
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    With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.

    210 Tox alternatives
    The Universal Tox Client. A Tox client that runs on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, FreeBSD & the web. Written in JS using React & React Native / electron.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    qTox. A Tox client developed in C++ with the Qt framework
    uTox. A Tox client written in C using OS primitives to draw it's interface
    +5
    Ricin. A Tox client written in Vala using the GTK toolkit.

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Security-focused
    4.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Peer-To-Peer
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Multiplatform
    6.  Screen Sharing
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  AES-256 Encryption
    9.  P2P Network
    10.  Client side encryption
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  White-labeled
    13.  Built-in player
    14.  GPLv3
    15.  VoiP Calls
    Tox iconElement Icon

    Tox VS Element

    Is Tox a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Tox as an Alternative to Element
     
    Guest

    Tox is not a Matrix client.

    Negative comment •Dec 11, 2022
    1
    Guest

    Remotely similar, but not nearly enough. Too many features missing from Tox to make it a good alternative to Riot.

    Negative comment •Apr 20, 2020
    4
    Guest

    it hasn't a working team audiochat and is very unstable and inactive

    Negative comment •Sep 8, 2016
    1
    Element Icon
    Tox icon

    • Some users think Tox is a great Element alternative, some don't.

    • Tox is Free and Open SourceElement is Freemium and Open Source
    • Tox is Decentralized, Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightElement is not according to our users
  10. Jitsi Meet icon
    Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

     252 likes
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    Go ahead, video chat with the whole team. In fact, invite everyone you know. Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open source video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free.

    143 Jitsi Meet alternatives
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 2

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Browser-based
    2.  Video Conferencing
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Video Calling
    5.  Screen Sharing
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Encrypted Chat
    8.  Remote Work
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Stream audio
    11.  Unlimited users
    12.  WebRTC
    13.  Live Broadcasting
    14.  Audio Calling
    15.  Voice Chat
    16.  Conference Bridging
    Jitsi Meet iconElement Icon

    Jitsi Meet VS Element

    Is Jitsi Meet a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Jitsi Meet as an Alternative to Element
     
    davaga6837

    It only supports video calling.

    Negative comment •Oct 18, 2024
    0
    Element Icon
    Jitsi Meet icon

    • Most users think Jitsi Meet is a great Element alternative.

    • Jitsi Meet is Free and Open SourceElement is Freemium and Open Source
    • Jitsi Meet is Privacy focused and LightweightElement is not according to our users
  11. Slack icon
    Slack icon

    Slack

     851 likes
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    Offers unified communication for teams with advanced real-time messaging, contextual features, versatile chat tools, and organized conversations in dedicated channels with integrated file sharing on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile platforms for enhanced productivity.

    213 Slack alternatives
    Slack screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Electron
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Slack screenshot 1
    Slack screenshot 2
    +7
    Slack screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions

    Features

    1.  Team Collaboration
    2.  Multi Channel
    3.  Support for @mentions
    4.  Channels
    5.  Threaded Conversations
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  HIPAA compliant
    8.  Reactions
    9.  Real time collaboration
    10.  IFTTT Integration
    11.  VoiP Calls
    12.  Multiple teams
    13.  Direct file uploading
    14.  Channel manager
    15.  Multiple channels
    16.  Out Of The Box
    Slack iconElement Icon

    Slack VS Element

    Is Slack a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Slack as an Alternative to Element
     
       
    LinuxDoge

    Not open source, not secure, not decentralized. Not an alternative.

    Negative comment •Dec 5, 2022
    0
    Paul

    Good app to collaborate on projects. Basically, Riot is a privacy-focused alternative to Slack.

    Positive comment •Apr 3, 2020
    0
    davaga6837

    Not open source, chat used to develop generative AI, privacy invasive. Easier and faster than element.

    Positive comment •Oct 18, 2024
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Element Icon
    Slack icon

    • Most users think Slack is a great Element alternative.

    • Slack is the most popular SaaS alternative to Element.

    • Slack is Freemium and ProprietaryElement is Freemium and Open Source
  12. Skype icon
    Skype icon

    Skype

     2577 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions.

    309 Skype alternatives
    Skype screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    Skype screenshot 1
    Skype screenshot 2
    +9
    Skype screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Video Calling
    2.  Screen Sharing
    3.  VoiP Calls
    4.  Microsoft Office integration
    5.  Video Conferencing
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  IFTTT Integration
    9.  Live Captions Translation
    10.  Voice messages
    11.  Multiple languages
    12.  Exchange Integration
    13.  Secure Chat
    14.  Voice Chat
    Skype iconElement Icon

    Skype VS Element

    Is Skype a good alternative to Element?
     
    Comments about Skype as an Alternative to Element
     
       
    Paul

    Well, I haven't used Skype in a long time, but from what I remember, it's a software used to make video calls and not to collaborate thanks to channels and chat rooms.

    Negative comment •Apr 3, 2020
    7
    Guest

    Security and encryption just don't measure up.

    Negative comment •Apr 20, 2020
    9
    Guest

    Skype doesn't have similar enough encryption features to Riot.

    Negative comment •Dec 17, 2017
    14
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Element Icon
    Skype icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Skype is a legitimate Element alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Skype is Freemium and ProprietaryElement is Freemium and Open Source
    • Skype is LightweightElement is not according to our users
9 of 293 Element alternatives