Element vs Mattermost: Which Is Better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of Element and Mattermost, two communication tools — what each does, who it's best for, and how to choose between them.
Quick verdict
Element and Mattermost are both communication tools, so it comes down to fit. Pick Element if you want A secure, decentralized team messaging app built on Matrix, with end-to-end encryption and self-hosting for full… Pick Mattermost if you want An open-source, self-hostable team messaging platform built for security-conscious and technical organizations.
Element
A secure, decentralized team messaging app built on Matrix, with end-to-end encryption and self-hosting for full control.
- Category
- Communication
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Best for
- secure messaging, Matrix, open source
Mattermost
An open-source, self-hostable team messaging platform built for security-conscious and technical organizations.
- Category
- Communication
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Best for
- team chat, open source, self-hosted
| At a glance | Element | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A secure, decentralized team messaging app built on Matrix, with end-to-end encryption and self-hosting for full control. | An open-source, self-hostable team messaging platform built for security-conscious and technical organizations. |
| Category | Communication | Communication |
| Type | Software | Software |
| Best for | secure messaging, Matrix, open source, team chat | team chat, open source, self-hosted, collaboration |
What is Element?
What is Mattermost?
Key differences at a glance
- Purpose: Element is A secure, decentralized team messaging app built on Matrix, with end-to-end encryption and self-hosting for full control. Mattermost, by contrast, is An open-source, self-hostable team messaging platform built for security-conscious and technical organizations.
- Category & type: both sit in Communication, and both are offered as software.
- Best suited for: Element leans toward secure messaging, Matrix, open source, whereas Mattermost leans toward team chat, open source, self-hosted.
- Community rating: Element is not yet rated vs Mattermost is not yet rated. Ratings are community-submitted and change over time.
Element vs Mattermost: which should you choose?
Element and Mattermost both serve the communication space, so the best choice depends on your priorities. Choose Element if you want A secure, decentralized team messaging app built on Matrix, with end-to-end encryption and self-hosting for full control. Choose Mattermost if you want An open-source, self-hostable team messaging platform built for security-conscious and technical organizations.The smartest move is to try each one's free tier or trial on a real task — that's the fastest way to feel the difference and pick the tool you'll actually stick with.
Frequently asked questions
Is Element better than Mattermost?
It depends on what you need. Element is A secure, decentralized team messaging app built on Matrix, with end-to-end encryption and self-hosting for full control. Mattermost is An open-source, self-hostable team messaging platform built for security-conscious and technical organizations. Both are communication tools, so the right pick comes down to your specific priorities, budget and workflow.
What's the main difference between Element and Mattermost?
Element focuses on A secure, decentralized team messaging app built on Matrix, with end-to-end encryption and self-hosting for full control. while Mattermost focuses on An open-source, self-hostable team messaging platform built for security-conscious and technical organizations. Read the full breakdown above and check each tool's site for current features and pricing.
Can I use both Element and Mattermost?
In many cases, yes — teams often use complementary tools together. Whether it makes sense depends on overlap in functionality and your budget. Try the free tier or trial of each to see how they fit your stack before committing.
Which is cheaper, Element or Mattermost?
Pricing changes often, so check each tool's pricing page for the latest. Many tools offer a free tier or trial, which is the best way to evaluate value for your specific usage before you pay.