Web-based Element Alternatives

There are many alternatives to Element as a web app if you are looking for a replacement. The best Online alternative is Telegram, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Element and loads of them are available as a web app so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Online alternatives to Element are Matrix, Discord, Jitsi Meet and Stoat Chat.

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.
More about Element
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Element alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2091 likes

    Maximize your messaging experience with efficient communication, speedy delivery, and optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats. Engage in unlimited channels and groups up to 200,000 members. Enhance chat management and media sharing with Telegram Premium and its exclusive benefits. All core features remain free.

    295 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    Telegram Desktop
     
    |
    5
    Telegram vs Element Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Kimmy Garcia
    -3

    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 Negative Comment
    Ruvenss G Wilches
    14

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

    Centaro
    Negative
    11

    Telegram has proprietary up-stream code.

    3 of 5 comments
    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryElement is Free Personal and Open Source
  2. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     399 likes

    Open standard protocol enabling decentralized, encrypted instant messaging, VoIP signaling, IoT device connectivity, and persistent data management across federated servers without central control or single points of failure, bridging communication platforms.

    177 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • 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
    Main Page
     
    |
    2
    Matrix vs Element Comments
    Ema_Nymton
    Positive
    12

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

    Alperen Isa Nalbant
    6

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

    • Matrix is Free and Open SourceElement is Free Personal and Open Source
    • Matrix is Security-focusedElement is not according to our users
  4. Discord icon

    Discord

     1119 likes

    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.

    192 Discord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Desktop UI
     
    |
    7
    Discord vs Element Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Paul
    11

    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 Negative Comment
    EpicLPer
    7

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

    Guest
    Negative
    3

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 7 comments
    • Discord is Freemium and ProprietaryElement is Free Personal and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Infomaniak kChat icon
    Infomaniak kChat

    kChat is a secure instant messaging for businesses, which makes it possible to discuss matters live and organise projects.

    https://www.infomaniak.com
    Learn More
  6. Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

     292 likes

    Open-source video conferencing platform with encryption by default, up to 75 participants, live group chat, HD audio, screen and document sharing, Etherpad editing, mobile and browser support, custom deployment options, privacy-first features, and community-driven development.

    157 Jitsi Meet alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1
     
    |
    1
    Jitsi Meet vs Element Comments
    davaga6837
    Negative
    1

    It only supports video calling.

    • Jitsi Meet is Free and Open SourceElement is Free Personal and Open Source
    • Jitsi Meet is Security-focusedElement is not according to our users
  7. Stoat Chat icon

    Stoat Chat

     127 likes

    Instant messaging platform supporting text and voice channels, live video calls, secure screen sharing, private group chats, customizable permissions, moderation tools, bot integration, privacy-focused design, open-source development, and cross-platform use.

    63 Stoat Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Stoat Chat screenshot 1
     
  8. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     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.

    257 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
    • Android Tablet
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
     
  10. Wire icon

    Wire

     324 likes

    Secure communication platform featuring encrypted chats and calls, file and media sharing, self-deleting messages, device verification, group collaboration, and customizable settings. Supports use across multiple devices with no phone number required for access.

    287 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Wire screenshot 1
     
    |
    1
    Wire vs Element Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Appears to have a fairly complete feature set for this type of application.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceElement is also Free Personal and Open Source
    • Wire is Security-focusedElement is not according to our users
  11. Threema icon

    Threema

     141 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.

    127 Threema alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    Threema screenshot 1
     
  12. Fluxer icon

    Fluxer

     32 likes

    Free and open-source instant messaging and VoIP platform with private DMs, group chats, markdown, file sharing, video calls, screen sharing, moderation tools, quick search, custom emojis, CSS themes, AGPLv3 self-hosting, and multi-device access.

    16 Fluxer alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    Fluxer screenshot 1
     
  13. Mattermost icon

    Mattermost

     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.

    138 Mattermost alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • JavaScript
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    Mattermost screenshot 1
     
    |
    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
  14. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     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.

    233 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
    |
    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
  15. FluffyChat icon

    FluffyChat

     39 likes

    Encrypted messenger supporting multi-platform access, unlimited group and private chats, file and voice message sharing, decentralized operation, open-source code, custom themes including dark mode, advanced moderation, push notifications, and no advertisements.

    192 FluffyChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid
    FluffyChat screenshot 1
     
12 of 146 Element alternatives