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Element

End-to-end encrypted chat and calls on the Matrix standard

Free planTeam ChatChecked Oct 5, 2026
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Element, as pictured on element.io
How Element presents itself. Image from element.io.

What is Element?

Element is an end-to-end encrypted messaging and calling app built on Matrix, an open standard for decentralized communication. Individuals can use it on a free public server, while organizations self-host it with Element Server Suite: the free AGPL Community edition for up to 100 users, or the paid Pro edition. Because it runs on Matrix, an Element deployment can federate with other Matrix-based systems.

Element has a free plan. See every plan

Good for

  • Governments and regulated organizations that self-host encrypted chat
  • Organizations that need air-gapped deployments
  • Groups that want to federate with other Matrix servers
  • Individuals and communities who want a free encrypted messenger

Worth knowing

  • No prices are published: Enterprise is priced per seat per month and Sovereign per deployment, both through sales, and Enterprise starts from 100 users.
  • The free Community server edition covers 1 to 100 users and, the vendor says, is not intended for production in commercial environments.
  • For organizations, the pricing page lists only self-hosted and air-gapped deployments; it does not list a plan hosted by Element.
  • Whitelabelled apps and the cross domain gateway are sold as add-ons.

Key features

End-to-end encryption by default
The platform is end-to-end encrypted by default, including voice and video, and devices are verified by QR code or an emoji string.
Rooms and messaging
Rooms organize team discussions, with threads, read receipts, attachments, voice messages, polls, reactions, invite-only private rooms and unlimited history.
Element Call
End-to-end encrypted voice and video for 1:1 and group conversations. Element Call is also included in the free Community server edition.
Matrix federation
Built on the Matrix open standard, so separate organizations can communicate across servers and frontends. Administrators can enable or block federation.
Element Server Suite
The self-hosted backend. Pro adds the Synapse Pro homeserver, auto-scaling, high availability, an admin interface, LDAP and SCIM integration, and auditing.
Widgets and integrations
Interactive apps can be embedded in rooms, including a whiteboard (NeoBoard) and project management tools such as OpenProject and Jira, alongside bots.

Element pricing

Starts at
Not published
Free plan
The Element app is free for personal use on a public server, and Element Server Suite Community is a free AGPL self-hosted edition for 1 to 100 users.
Free trial
None listed
Community$0Self-hosted Element Server Suite Community: open source under AGPL, for 1 to 100 users, with Element Call. Not meant for commercial production use.
EnterpriseCustomSelf-hosted Element Server Suite Pro from 100 users, priced per seat per month through sales: Synapse Pro, SSO, LDAP, auditing and SLA-backed support.
SovereignCustomAir-gapped Element Server Suite Pro, priced per deployment, with a dedicated mobile push gateway and no dependence on internet connectivity.

Read from element.io on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Element before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

  • NeoBoard
  • OpenProject
  • Jira

Who makes Element

Element Creations Ltd makes the Element apps and Element Server Suite on the open Matrix standard, which the same team created. It earns money from subscriptions and commercial licences, with much of its business in the public sector.

Founded
2017element.io
Based
London, United Kingdomelement.io
Ownership
Privately held. Privately held and backed by venture investors. Set up in 2017 as New Vector Ltd, an independent company spun out of Amdocs, and renamed Element Creations Limited in 2025, according to its about page.element.io
Funding
Raised $30 million in a Series B led by Protocol Labs alongside Metaplanet in July 2021, and $8.5 million in a Series A from Notion Capital, Dawn and firstminute in October 2019, both according to its own announcements.element.ioelement.io
Founders and leaders
Hiring
One open role on its job board: a Product Manager in product management, remote in Germany.element.careers.hibob.com
Partner program
Partner program with three kinds of partner: solutions partners (system integrators), managed service partners that host Element, and application partners that build modules and integrations. Firms apply through the site; no payment terms are published.element.io
Lately
Follow

Read on Oct 6, 2026 from the company’s own pages and from news reports. What is not stated there is left out.

Element alternatives

All Element alternatives comparedAll team communication apps

Common questions

Is Element free?

Element has a free plan. The Element app is free for personal use on a public server, and Element Server Suite Community is a free AGPL self-hosted edition for 1 to 100 users.

How much does Element cost?

Element lists 3 plans. Community: $0. Enterprise: custom pricing. Sovereign: custom pricing. Prices were read from element.io on Oct 5, 2026.

What platforms does Element work on?

Element is available on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.

Is Element open source?

Yes. Element is open source, according to its own site. It can also be run on a server of your own.

Is Element end-to-end encrypted?

Element describes itself as end-to-end encrypted on its own site. Nobody here has audited that.

What does Element integrate with?

Element's listing names NeoBoard, OpenProject and Jira. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes Element?

Element is made by Element. Privately held and backed by venture investors. Set up in 2017 as New Vector Ltd, an independent company spun out of Amdocs, and renamed Element Creations Limited in 2025, according to its about page. The company was founded in 2017.

What are the alternatives to Element?

The closest alternatives to Element in our directory are Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, Zulip, Wire and Slack. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Element.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.