Element: when to install it, and when not to
Element is the flagship client for Matrix, a decentralised, open-standard chat protocol with end-to-end encryption by default. For teams and communities…
The short version
Element: A client for the open Matrix network, which means you can self-host or join someone else's server and still talk to people on other servers. Choose it for sovereignty, not for polish.
| Licence / price | Free · Open source |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Category | Communication — 6 programs |
| Official download | https://element.io/download ↗ |
What it is for
Element is the flagship client for Matrix, a decentralised, open-standard chat protocol with end-to-end encryption by default. For teams and communities that want to own their communication rather than hand it to one company, it is the credible mainstream option.
When to pick something else
Decentralisation means setup can be fiddly; picking a homeserver, bridging to other networks and onboarding non-technical people takes effort. Day-to-day it is a step behind Discord's polish for large casual communities.
How it compares in Communication
These are the alternatives we would consider for the same job. The notes are the same ones used on the main list, so there is no separate ranking hiding on this page.
| Program | Licence / price | Platforms | Why it is on the list |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird Publisher's site ↗ | Free · Open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | The desktop mail client that stopped the argument: handles any IMAP or Exchange account, has a real calendar, and runs your own rules locally. Newer versions are fast again after years of neglect. |
| Signal Publisher's site ↗ | Free · Open source | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | The benchmark for private messaging, run by a non-profit and audited repeatedly. Everything is end-to-end encrypted including calls, and the desktop app links to your phone rather than existing on its own. |
| Discord Publisher's site ↗ | Free + paid tiers | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Where communities actually live: voice rooms, screen sharing and persistent channels. Great for hobby groups and small teams. Assume everything you post there is readable by the platform. |
| Telegram Desktop Publisher's site ↗ | Free · Closed source | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Fast, syncs across devices without needing your phone nearby, and handles very large files. Only private chats are end-to-end encrypted, so treat groups and channels as server-visible. |
| Zoom Workplace Publisher's site ↗ | Free + paid tiers | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Install it because other people schedule in it, not because you want it. Use the desktop client rather than the browser version, and check the meeting settings before you assume a call is private. |
Practical notes
- Choose a homeserver you trust, or self-host for full control.
- Verify keys with the people you message for true E2E safety.
- Use bridges if you must talk to Slack or Telegram without leaving Matrix.
Questions people ask
Is Element open source?
Yes, both the client and the Matrix protocol are open.
Is it really private?
E2E encryption is on by default, and no single company holds your messages.
Can it replace Discord?
For controlled communities, yes; for sprawling casual servers, it is rougher.
Where it appears in our guides
- This tool is covered in its category explainer.
See the full Communication explainer for the other 5 programs in this category.
How to read this page. How to read this page. Platform, licence and publisher details come from our directory data. Where an independent review, audit or survey is mentioned, it is summarised in our own words with the source named and linked; our /sources page sets out that policy. The recommendation, the trade-offs and every 'skip it if' line are our editorial judgement. We do not run benchmarks, publish measured performance figures or host installers, and every download link goes to the publisher's own site. If a detail is out of date, our About page explains how to tell us.