Our verdict: Element is the main app for Matrix, an open, decentralized chat network where no single company owns your account. Private chats are end-to-end encrypted and you can run your own server. It is less polished than mainstream messengers, and encryption key backup confuses new users.
About Element
Element is developed by Element (New Vector Ltd), the company founded by the creators of the Matrix protocol. Matrix works like email: you pick a server such as matrix.org or your organization's own, and can still talk to people on any other Matrix server.
Direct messages and private rooms are end-to-end encrypted by default. Element supports group chats, spaces for organizing rooms, threads, file sharing and voice and video calls, and bridges can connect Matrix rooms to other chat networks. The source code is public under the AGPL v3 or GPL v3.
What it does well
- Decentralized Matrix network. Choose any Matrix server or host your own and still chat with everyone else.
- End-to-end encryption. Direct messages and private rooms are encrypted by default.
- Spaces and threads. Group rooms into spaces and keep side discussions in threads.
- Voice and video calls. Call one person or a group from a room.
- Bridges. Server-side bridges can link Matrix rooms with other chat platforms.
Who it is for
Good fit
Privacy-minded users, open-source communities and organizations that want a chat they can host themselves.
Look elsewhere
People who want the simplest possible messenger that all their friends already use.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Open source and decentralized
- End-to-end encryption by default in private chats
- Self-hosting possible
- Apps for every major platform
Cons
- Encryption keys and recovery setup confuse new users
- Fewer of your contacts are likely to use Matrix
- Large public rooms can be slow to load
How to install Element
Run the Windows installer, then sign in or create an account on matrix.org or another server. Set up Secure Backup with a recovery key right away and store it safely; without it you can lose access to old encrypted messages when you sign in on a new device.
Questions about Element
Is Element free?
Yes. The Element app is free and open source. Element sells paid hosting and enterprise plans for organizations.
What is Matrix?
An open standard for decentralized chat. Accounts live on many independent servers that can all talk to each other.
Do I need my own server to use Element?
No. You can create a free account on a public server such as matrix.org.
