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Element Alternatives

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 Group Chat app in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Element for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Android, Linux, Mac and iPhone. The best alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Element are Telegram, Discord, Jitsi Meet and Matrix.org.

Element alternatives are mainly Group Chat Apps but may also be Video Calling Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Element.
This page was last updated
Element iconElement
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  • Freemium • Open Source
  • Mac
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Online
  • Android
  • iPhone
  • Android Tablet
  • iPad
  • Self-Hosted
  • Matrix.org
  • Cloudron
  • F-Droid
  • FLATHUB

Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital...

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  1. 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.

    ⚫︎ End-to-End EncryptionSignal has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    ⚫︎ Privacy focusedSignal is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    ⚫︎ Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    ⚫︎ Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    ⚫︎ No TrackingSignal will not track or use your personal data.
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    Screenshot
    Signal vs Element opinions
    Most users think Signal is a great alternative to Element.
    ruvenssgwilches

    not a self-hosted solution or an enterprise system

    Negative comment • ago
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    8
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

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    • Freemium • Proprietary
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD

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

    ⚫︎ LightweightTelegram consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    ⚫︎ End-to-End EncryptionTelegram has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    ⚫︎ Privacy focusedTelegram is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    ⚫︎ Dark ModeTelegram supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    ⚫︎ PortableTelegram can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    ⚫︎ Works OfflineTelegram can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    ⚫︎ Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
    ⚫︎ Sync Across DevicesTelegram can sync your data across devices like your phone, desktop and tablet
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    Telegram Desktop
    Telegram vs Element opinions
    Some users think Telegram is a great alternative to Element, some don't.
    ikimmybee

    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!

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    -1
    ruvenssgwilches

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

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    10
    Centaro

    Telegram has proprietary up-stream code.

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    7
    Goondrinker

    Doesn't provide the same level of privacy as Riot

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    5

    Telegram is just a text messaging app, not a collaboration tool!

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    -2
  4. Discord icon

    Discord

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    • Freemium • Proprietary
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Electron / Atom Shell
    • FreeBSD
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    • Epic Games Store

    Whether you’re part of a school club, a gaming group, a worldwide art community, or just a handful of friends that want to spend time together, Discord makes it easy to talk every day and hang out more often.

    ⚫︎ Text to SpeechDiscord allows you to transform written text into spoken text.
    ⚫︎ LightweightDiscord consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    ⚫︎ Two factor authenticationDiscord supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
    ⚫︎ Dark ModeDiscord supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
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    Discord Desktop Client Dark Mode
    Discord vs Element opinions
    Some users think Discord is a great alternative to Element, some don't.
    yesnor

    Easy to use and doesn't lag. Seems to respect user privacy for right now at least. Hopefully that continues.

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    -4
    POX

    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.

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    11
    lemonjvqentqem

    Discord has a horrible private policy, whereas element is largely geared towards those who want a secure and private platform for group communication

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    9
    EpicLPer

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

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    2
    ikimmybee

    I think Discord is the app for gamers. I have tried it once and it was pretty sleek and cool. I love how it's modern and intuitive as well.

    Positive comment • ago
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    -17

  5. 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 — with no account needed.

    ⚫︎ No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Jitsi Meet without registration.
    ⚫︎ End-to-End EncryptionJitsi Meet has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    ⚫︎ LightweightJitsi Meet consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
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    Screenshot
  6. Matrix.org icon

    Matrix.org

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

    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.

    ⚫︎ End-to-End EncryptionMatrix.org has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    ⚫︎ DecentralizedMatrix.org is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
    ⚫︎ Multiple Account supportMatrix.org support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
    ⚫︎ Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Matrix.org simultaneously.
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    Main Page
    Matrix.org vs Element opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Matrix.org is a great 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.

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    4
    afacanc38

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

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    2
  8. Slack icon

    Slack

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    • Freemium • Proprietary
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Electron / Atom Shell
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Slack is a unified communication platform built with an optimized workflow to keep modern teams focused and productive. A familiar chat interface facilitates discussions while advanced features are easily exposed based on context.

    ⚫︎ Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsSlack can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
    ⚫︎ Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Slack simultaneously.
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    Screenshot
    Slack vs Element opinions
    Most users think Slack is a great alternative to Element.
    Tomodachi94

    It's not a Matrix client.

    Negative comment • ago
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    0
    ikimmybee

    Slack is the web chat app for businesses and collaboration. I love the minimalistic design and the fast loading.

    Positive comment • ago
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    POX

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

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    0
  9. Skype icon

    Skype

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    • Freemium • Proprietary
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows S
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com

    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.

    ⚫︎ LightweightSkype consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
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    Main window on MS Windows
    Skype vs Element opinions
    This alternative is disputed. Skype is still a legitimate alternative to Element, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

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

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    14

    Security and encryption just don't measure up.

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    8
    POX

    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.

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    7
    ikimmybee

    Skype has been around for years even before most of the apps here were born. With that being said, everyone knows how to basically use it and operate it. Also, a lot of people has an account which makes it handy and useful.

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    -7

  10. 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.

    ⚫︎ Privacy focusedTox is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    ⚫︎ DecentralizedTox is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
    ⚫︎ End-to-End EncryptionTox has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    ⚫︎ No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tox without registration.
    ⚫︎ Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    ⚫︎ LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    ⚫︎ No TrackingTox will not track or use your personal data.
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    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.
    Tox vs Element opinions
    Some users think Tox is a great alternative to Element, some don't.

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

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    0

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

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    3

  11. Pidgin is an easy to use, multi-protocol chat client client used by millions. Connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, XMPP, and more chat networks all at once. It has built-in support for NSS, offering client-to-server message encryption for protocols that support it.

    ⚫︎ Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsPidgin can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
    ⚫︎ Multiple Account supportPidgin support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
    ⚫︎ PortablePidgin can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
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    Pidgin chat window
  12. Jami icon

    Jami

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    • Free • Open Source
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad

    Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement

    ⚫︎ DecentralizedJami is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
    ⚫︎ Privacy focusedJami is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    ⚫︎ End-to-End EncryptionJami has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
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    Jami video conference OS X
Showing 10 of 256 alternatives