Element | Secure collaboration and messaging
Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections.
Categories:
Element is a secure, decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messenger and collaboration app built on the open Matrix protocol, designed for individuals, teams, and organizations prioritizing digital sovereignty.
🚀 Overview
Element is a Matrix-based platform offering end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, and team collaboration tools in a decentralized, federated environment. It empowers users to self-host or use sovereign deployments, avoiding vendor lock-in and surveillance common in proprietary apps like Slack or Teams.
What problem does this project solve? It addresses insecure centralized communications by providing interoperable, E2EE-secure real-time collaboration with full data control and no single point of failure. Who is it built for? Individuals for personal use, teams for productivity, and enterprises/governments for compliant, sovereign infrastructure (e.g., NATO, UN, EU entities). Why did you build it? Founded by Matrix creators in 2014, Element advances open standards for trusted global communication, responding to demands for privacy and interoperability amid geopolitical shifts toward digital sovereignty.
✨ Key Features
- End-to-end encrypted messaging, 1:1/group chats, threads, polls, file sharing, and reactions (ensures privacy and productivity)
- Spaces for organizing teams/rooms with permissions and unlimited voice/video calls via Element Call (scalable collaboration)
- Federation, bridges, bots, and widgets for interoperability with other services (e.g., Jira, GitHub)
- Device verification, cross-signed keys, and admin controls (enterprise security)
- Optional: Element X (next-gen mobile app), Element Pro frontend, air-gapped deployments
🛠 Tech Stack
- Frontend: React.js (Element Web), Electron (Desktop), Kotlin (Android), Swift (iOS)
- Backend: Synapse (Python), Dendrite (Go alternative)
- Database: PostgreSQL, Redis
- Auth: OIDC, LDAP/AD, SCIM
- Hosting: Self-hosted (Helm/Kubernetes), air-gapped, Element Server Suite
👥 Who Is This For?
This project is useful for:
- Developers who want to self-host secure, open-source chat with federation
- Teams looking for Slack/Teams alternative with E2EE and no data mining
- Indie makers building sovereign apps or enterprises needing compliant comms
📸 Screenshots / Demo
- Live demo: https://app.element.io
- GitHub: https://github.com/element-hq
🔥 Project Status
- 🟢 Actively building
Last updated: 2026-03-24
❓ FAQ
Is this project free?
Freemium (Core app and Community Edition free/open source for self-hosting; Enterprise/Sovereign plans paid per seat/month for pro features/support).
Is the source code available?
Yes — link to repository https://github.com/element-hq (element-web, element-desktop, synapse, etc. under AGPLv3)
Can I contribute?
Yes, check GitHub repositories for issues/PRs, join #contrib:element.io, or provide feedback via support channels.
📬 Contact & Links
- Website: https://element.io
- GitHub: https://github.com/element-hq
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/element_hq
- Email: security@element.io
Built with ❤️ and kept warm on WarmIndex.
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