2 alternatives to Element

Element is a Communication product. The community recommends 2 alternatives: 0 open source, 0 self-hostable and 0 free to use. They are ranked by community votes, ratings and favorites, with the key differences from Element highlighted.

Last updated: October 9, 2026

About Element

Fully-featured Matrix client for Web, iOS & Android.

Open source · Apache-2.0

Self-hostable

View details Visit website

Quick picks

Most platforms

Discord

Available on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android

All alternatives

0
D
1.
Discord
Communication
Voice, video and text chat platform organized into community servers and channels, popular with gamers and online communities.
Freemium
Web
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Compared with Element
- − Closed source (Element is open source)
- − Not self-hostable (Element is)
- − Paid (Element is free)
Details Website
0
S
2.
Slack
Communication
Team messaging platform organized into channels, with direct messages, huddles, file sharing and thousands of integrations.
Freemium
Web
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Compared with Element
- − Closed source (Element is open source)
- − Not self-hostable (Element is)
- − Paid (Element is free)
Details Website

Element vs. alternatives

Service	Open source	Self-hosted	License	Pricing	Platforms	Rating	Votes
Element Current	Yes	Yes	Apache-2.0	—	—	—	—
Discord	No	No	proprietary	Freemium	Web / Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	—	0
Slack	No	No	proprietary	Freemium	Web / Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	—	0

FAQ

What is the best alternative to Element?

Community-recommended alternatives to Element include Discord and Slack. Compare open source, self-hosting, pricing and platforms to choose.

Services in the same category that haven't been suggested as Element alternatives yet. If one fits, add it as an alternative.

Z
Zoom
Video conferencing platform for meetings, webinars and screen sharing, with team chat and phone add-ons.
T
Twilio
Cloud communications API platform for programmable SMS, voice calls, WhatsApp messaging, email and verification.
I
Intercom
Customer service platform with live chat messenger, shared inbox, help center and the Fin AI agent.
M
Mailchimp
Intuit's email marketing platform for newsletters, audience management and automated campaigns.
L
Loom
Atlassian-owned screen and camera recorder for sharing quick async video messages by link.
MT
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft's workplace chat and video meeting app, integrated with Microsoft 365 files and calendars.

Know another Element alternative?

Once added, the community can vote and the best suggestions rise to the top.