Element Alternatives

Element is described as 'A secure collaboration app with end-to-end encryption and interoperability across web, desktop, and mobile. Includes chat, voice, and video calls' 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, iPhone, Web-based, Windows and Mac apps. The best Element alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Element are Telegram, Matrix, Discord and Pidgin.

filter to find the best alternatives

Element alternatives are mainly Group Chat Apps, but if you're looking for Instant Messengers or Video Calling Apps you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Self-Hosted. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Element.
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Element alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Jami icon
     239 likes

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

    165 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
  2. WhatsApp icon
     851 likes

    Exchange messages without SMS fees using this app for iPhone, Android and desktop, featuring group chats, multimedia sharing, and video calls. The app requires an internet connection and the latest version for optimal functionality.

    252 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
     
  3. bitchat icon
     45 likes

    Decentralized messaging app enabling secure peer-to-peer communication over Bluetooth mesh networks with end-to-end encryption, channel-based group chats, store & forward delivery, automatic peer discovery, no accounts or phone numbers, and privacy safeguards.

    57 bitchat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  4. Briar icon
     112 likes

    An open-source decentralized and encrypted messaging app even without internet connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Messages are stored securely on your device, not in the cloud. Connect directly with nearby contacts - no Internet access is required.

    78 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
    |
    1
    Briar vs Element Comments
    davaga6837
    Negative
    1

    This is an anonymous/censorship resistant chat app. Element is mainly team chat app.

    • Briar is Free and Open SourceElement is Free Personal and Open Source
  5. Threema icon
     138 likes

    Threema is a new mobile messaging app that puts security first. With true end-to-end encryption, you can rest assured that only you and the intended recipient can read your messages.

    125 Threema alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
     
  6. Mattermost icon
     254 likes

    Self-hosted collaboration platform featuring chat, workflow automation, voice and video calling, screen sharing, AI capabilities, broad third-party integration support, cross-platform apps, compatibility with Slack imports, and flexible deployment options for secure team communication.

    137 Mattermost alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • JavaScript
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
     
    |
    2
    Mattermost vs Element Comments
    davaga6837
    Positive
    0

    Mattermost is FOSS, self-hosted, fast, featured and has pretty good ease of use. A top replacement for Element. It supports matrixbridges to connect to different protocols.

    Paul
    Positive
    0

    One of the best alternatives to Slack (with Riot and Zulip). It's open source and you can self-host it, which means more control over the app and the privacy of the users.

    • Mattermost is Paid and ProprietaryElement is Free Personal and Open Source
  7. Zulip icon
     268 likes

    Threaded group conversations combine live and asynchronous messaging, separating topics for organized collaboration, supporting open-source, cloud, and self-hosted deployments, secure communication with encryption, and multi-platform access for diverse teams.

    229 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
     
    |
    1
    Zulip vs Element Comments
    Paul
    Positive
    0

    Open-source and privacy focused, like Riot. It's one of the best alternatives to Slack.

    • Zulip is Free Personal and Open SourceElement is also Free Personal and Open Source
  8. RetroShare icon
     163 likes

    Open source, decentralized platform enabling encrypted chat, secure voice and video calls, anonymous file sharing with swarming, censorship-resistant forums, channels, link sharing, and offline messaging. Uses OpenPGP and OpenSSL for robust privacy and security.

    141 RetroShare alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • OpenPGP
     
  9. Rocket.Chat icon
     160 likes

    Open-source chat server supporting real-time group, direct, and private messaging, video calls, file sharing, helpdesk chat, API integrations, desktop notifications, emojis, LDAP authentication, cross-platform apps, and customizable extensions for teams.

    145 Rocket.Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Cloudron
     
    |
    1
    Rocket.Chat vs Element Comments
    davaga6837
    Positive
    0

    Self-hostable and FOSS like Element and Mattermost. Team chat app. Also supports bridges.

    • Rocket.Chat is Freemium and Open SourceElement is Free Personal and Open Source
  10. Delta Chat icon
     67 likes

    Provides a chat experience over email, with all messages and contacts stored on user devices, open source code, group media support, and compatibility with any provider. No central servers, no tracking, works without SIM, and can be used by anyone just via email.

    80 Delta Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
You are at page 2 of Element alternatives