Element

Secure, sovereign communication.

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Overview

Element is a secure collaboration app built on Matrix, an open, decentralized communication protocol. This architecture gives users and organizations ultimate control over their data and conversations. It supports end-to-end encryption, bridging to other platforms (like Slack or IRC), and allows users to connect to the public Matrix network or run their own private server for complete data sovereignty.

✨ Key Features

  • Decentralized communication via the Matrix protocol
  • End-to-end encryption by default
  • Bridging to other chat platforms (Slack, Teams, WhatsApp)
  • Self-hosting for full data ownership
  • Spaces for organizing rooms and people
  • Voice and video calls

🎯 Key Differentiators

  • Built on the open, decentralized Matrix protocol
  • Strong focus on interoperability through bridging
  • Complete data sovereignty and end-to-end encryption

Unique Value: Provides secure, decentralized communication with no vendor lock-in, allowing organizations to own their data and conversations while being able to connect with users on other platforms.

🎯 Use Cases (4)

Privacy-conscious organizations and individuals Government and public sector agencies Open-source communities Federated communication between different organizations

✅ Best For

  • Secure communication for the French and German governments
  • Community management for large open-source projects

💡 Check With Vendor

Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:

  • Users looking for a simple, centralized, plug-and-play SaaS tool
  • Companies that are not comfortable with the concept of federation and decentralization

🏆 Alternatives

Wire Mattermost Rocket.Chat Signal

Unlike centralized systems (Slack, Teams), Element offers true data ownership and decentralization. Unlike other secure messengers (Signal), it's built for team and enterprise collaboration.

💻 Platforms

Web iOS Android Windows macOS Linux

✅ Offline Mode Available

🔌 Integrations

GitHub Jira GitLab Bridges to other networks (Slack, IRC, etc.) API

🛟 Support Options

  • ✓ Email Support
  • ✓ Dedicated Support (Enterprise plans tier)

🔒 Compliance & Security

✓ SOC 2 ✓ GDPR ✓ ISO 27001 ✓ SSO ✓ ISO 27001 ✓ SOC 2

💰 Pricing

$5.00/mo
Free Tier Available

✓ 30-day free trial

Free tier: Connect to the public Matrix network.

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