What is Element?
Element is a free, open-source web-based chat and communication platform developed by New Vector Limited. Formerly known as Riot (and before that, Vector), the platform provides a privacy-centric messaging experience with built-in end-to-end encryption. Supporting both individual and group communications, it enables secure messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing across devices and platforms.
Decentralized Communication Powered by Matrix
Unlike many centralized messaging services, Element operates on the Matrix Protocol—an open communication standard that enables interoperability with other messaging platforms. This decentralized architecture allows users to connect across different Matrix-based apps or even bridge to external services like WhatsApp, Slack, or Signal. It’s built for both individual users and organizations looking for a scalable, secure messaging infrastructure.
Why Choose Element?
Element stands out in a crowded messaging landscape for its strong focus on privacy, flexibility, and user control. Unlike most chat platforms, no single company owns or controls your communication data. You can choose to join a public server, host your own on-premise instance, or subscribe to a premium hosted solution for enterprise use.
Core Features of Element
- End-to-End Encryption – Secure all your messages by default, ensuring they can’t be read by third parties, not even Element itself.
- Group and Private Chats – Host discussions in private rooms, public channels, or direct message conversations.
- Voice and Video Calling – Enjoy 1-on-1 or group audio and video calls with encryption support.
- Cross-Platform Sync – Access conversations on web, mobile, and desktop seamlessly.
- Bridges to Other Platforms – Connect with users from other services using Matrix bridges.
- File Sharing – Share documents, images, and media securely within any chat thread.
Flexibility and Control with Private Servers
One of Element’s most powerful features is its server flexibility. While you can use publicly available Matrix servers, tech-savvy users and organizations can deploy their own self-hosted Matrix homeserver. This gives full control over user data, server policies, and security configurations—perfect for teams handling sensitive or confidential information.
Enterprise-Ready for Secure Collaboration
Element is not just for personal use. It includes features tailored for businesses and government agencies, such as identity verification, audit logs, admin controls, and integration with authentication providers like LDAP and SSO. It’s an increasingly popular option for secure remote team collaboration, especially where compliance and privacy are priorities.
Interoperability with External Messaging Apps
Thanks to the Matrix protocol, Element supports bridging to third-party chat platforms like Telegram, Discord, and even legacy systems like IRC. While setup may require technical knowledge and server configuration, the potential for unified messaging across platforms is unmatched.
User Interface and Experience
The interface of Element is functional and clean, offering a layout similar to tools like Slack or Discord. However, it may not be as visually refined or customizable. That said, its open-source nature allows developers to fork or modify it to suit specific branding or usability needs. Regular updates and community contributions continue to improve the UX over time.
Pros and Cons of Element
Pros:
- Privacy-first with open-source transparency
- Decentralized and interoperable
- Supports encrypted voice and video calls
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Flexible for personal, enterprise, or government use
Cons:
- Setup for self-hosting or bridging requires technical skills
- UI could be more modern or customizable
- No native calendar or task tools compared to competitors
Final Thoughts: Is Element Right for You?
Whether you're a privacy-conscious individual, a tech-savvy user, or part of an organization seeking secure communication, Element provides a powerful and flexible platform. With its decentralized foundation, end-to-end encryption, and expanding ecosystem of integrations, it’s a compelling alternative to mainstream chat apps. While there's a learning curve for advanced use cases, the long-term control and security benefits are well worth it.
