1
Conduit
gitlab.com/famedly/conduitAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Conduit provides a Matrix-powered chat server, described by its project as simple, fast, and reliable.
Alternatives
The Best Element Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives4 free · 4 open source
Looking for something like Element? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 4 are free or have a free plan and 4 are open source.
Matrix communication is available through Element, an end-to-end encrypted messenger for interoperable servers.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionConduitConduit provides a Matrix-powered chat server, described by…Free or freemium optionSignalSignal offers private messaging, with its site introducing…Open source optionMod BotModerate Matrix communities with Mjolnir, a bot that can…Another optionEcosystemThe Matrix.org ecosystem page introduces projects built…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conduit | — | Not stated | Web |
| 2 | Ecosystem | — | Not stated | Web |
| 3 | Berty | — | Not stated | Web |
| 4 | Signal | Free | Not stated | Web |
| 5 | Jami | Free | Not stated | Web |
| 6 | Mod Bot | — | Yes | — |
| 7 | Linphone | — | Not stated | Android, iOS, Web |
| 8 | Rocket.Chat | — | Not stated | Web |
| 9 | qTox | Free | Not stated | Web |
| 10 | Damus | — | Not stated | Android, iOS, macOS |
All Element alternatives
2
Ecosystem
matrix.org/ecosystemAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
The Matrix.org ecosystem page introduces projects built around Matrix, an open protocol for secure decentralized communications.
3
Berty
berty.techAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Berty Technologies develops tools for communication freedom and lists its Wesh network and Berty messenger projects.
4
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website · free
Signal offers private messaging, with its site introducing a communication experience centered on privacy.
5
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website · free
Jami offers distributed, open-source communication software with end-to-end encryption.
6
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · open source
Moderate Matrix communities with Mjolnir, a bot that can handle malicious invites, spam, and other server issues.
7
Linphone
linphone.orgAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Linphone offers real-time communication software for VoIP, video calls, and instant messaging.
8
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Rocket.Chat provides real-time messaging, voice, video, AI, and related collaboration tools for organizations.
9
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website · free
Use qTox, a free instant messaging application without advertising, to connect with friends and family.
10
Damus
damus.ioAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Damus offers a social network described as user-controlled, with versions listed for iOS, iPad, and Apple silicon Macs.
11
Eylenburg Comparisons
eylenburg.github.io/im_comparison.htmAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
This page compares instant messaging services and discusses how their approaches to user privacy differ.
12
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website · free
Tox provides instant messaging for connecting with others amid corporate and government surveillance.
13
Secure Messaging Apps
securemessagingapps.comAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Privacy Matters compares secure messaging apps by security and privacy features, with a filterable table of services.
14
Ricochet Refresh
ricochetrefresh.netAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Ricochet Refresh aims to update the Ricochet project for private and anonymous instant messaging, with its code available as open source.
15
Desktop
briarproject.org/download-briar-desktopAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Briar Desktop is available for download on Linux, Windows, and macOS, with the project site providing operating system links.
16
Briar
briarproject.orgAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Briar provides secure messaging, with information about how it works, project news, and downloads on its site.
17
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · open source
Run an SSH server for chat so users can join a command-line conversation with this project.
18
Delta Chat
delta.chatAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Delta Chat offers decentralized messaging with multi-profile and multi-device support, plus links to chatmail relays.
19
Stickers
signalstickers.orgAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging · same kind of website
Signal Stickers is a community-organized gallery of sticker packs for Signal, with more than 6,500 packs and an option to propose one.
20
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · open source
Use Molly, an Android fork of Signal focused on additional security features.
21
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · open source
Chat over SSH with Devzat, a terminal-based developer community for games, music, discussion, and technology news.
22
Wire
wire.com/en/downloadAlso covers encrypted messaging · same kind of website
Wire provides downloads for its end-to-end encrypted communication app, with messaging and collaboration highlighted on the download page.
23
Matrix Clients
matrix.org/ecosystem/clientsAlso covers encrypted messaging · same kind of website
The Matrix.org clients page lists software that connects to Matrix, an open protocol for secure decentralized communications.
24
Also covers encrypted messaging · same kind of website
Session is a private messenger that routes messages through an onion network, with a stated goal of avoiding metadata collection.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
Signal24 alternativesJami24 alternativesRocket.Chat24 alternativesGetsession.org24 alternativesMod Bot24 alternativesEcosystem24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Element?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Element are Conduit, Ecosystem, and Berty.
Is there a free alternative to Element?
Yes. Signal, Jami, and qTox are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Element?
Yes: Mod Bot, ssh-chat, Molly, and Devzat.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative