
Matrix.org
Telegram
Signal
Discord
Tox
Slack
WhatsApp
Secure messaging app with strong end-to-end encryption, advanced group chat privacy settings, secure video calls for teams, encrypted communication using Matrix open network. Riot.im is now Element.

BestDirectories.org
DirectoryEasy
Trusted business software directory featuring SaaS and AI tools. Find detailed reviews, pricing info, and expert recommendations at Direct2App.

Which is more popular?
Based on our record, Element.io seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 1 time since March 2021.
Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.
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|---|---|---|
| Website | about.riot.im | direct2app.com |
| Pricing | ||
| Platforms | — | |
| Company | Startup from the United Kingdom | Startup from The Netherlands · 1 - 9 employees |
| Listed in |
In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.


No description of Element.io yet.
What is Direct2App Direct2App is a comprehensive directory for business software, focusing on SaaS and AI tools, designed to help users find, compare, and evaluate various software solutions. Features of Direct2App Extensive Database: Access a wide range of software solutions across various...
What each product offers, as listed by its team.


Possible disadvantages
An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.


Overall verdict
Why this product is good
Recommended for
Element.io is highly recommended for privacy-conscious users, open-source enthusiasts, tech-savvy individuals, organizations seeking secure internal communication channels, and communities needing decentralized and customizable messaging solutions.
Overall verdict
Why this product is good
Recommended for
Walkthroughs and reviews on video.
RIOT : Riot.im : A New World Of Open Communication!
No Direct2App videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.
How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.


As answered by people managing Element.io and Direct2App.
Direct2App's answer:
Direct2App stands out in the crowded software directory space through our human-first curation approach. Unlike algorithm-driven platforms that prioritize paid placements, we personally test and evaluate every tool before listing it. Our unique value proposition centers on three pillars: genuine hands-on reviews from actual usage, transparent pricing breakdowns that reveal hidden costs, and categorization that reflects real-world use cases rather than marketing buzzwords. We've built a reputation for honest assessments that save businesses from costly software mistakes.
Direct2App's answer:
People choose Direct2App because we solve the "analysis paralysis" problem that plagues software selection. While competitors like G2 or Capterra overwhelm users with thousands of options and pay-to-play reviews, we provide a curated selection of genuinely useful tools. Our platform offers unbiased recommendations based on actual testing, detailed pricing transparency including hidden fees, and collections specifically designed for different business stages and use cases. We're the trusted friend who's already done the homework, not another marketplace trying to sell you something.
Direct2App's answer:
Our primary audience consists of startup founders, solopreneurs, and small business owners who need to make smart software decisions quickly. These are typically tech-savvy individuals aged 25-45 who value efficiency and authenticity over corporate polish. They're building something meaningful but don't have enterprise budgets or dedicated IT teams to evaluate software. Our users appreciate straightforward advice, hate marketing fluff, and need tools that deliver immediate value. They come to us when they're tired of wading through sponsored content and fake reviews on other platforms.
Direct2App's answer:
Direct2App was born from personal frustration during my own startup journey. After spending countless nights comparing project management tools, CRM systems, and marketing platforms, I realized I was spending more time researching software than actually building my business. The breaking point came when I discovered a highly-rated "perfect" tool had hidden fees that tripled its actual cost. I started keeping detailed notes on every tool I tested, sharing them with fellow founders who faced similar struggles. What began as a simple spreadsheet evolved into Direct2App – a platform designed to give entrepreneurs the honest, practical software guidance I wished I'd had from day one.
Direct2App's answer:
Direct2App is built on a modern, performance-focused stack. We use Next.js as our primary framework for its excellent SEO capabilities and server-side rendering, crucial for a content-heavy directory. The backend runs on Node.js with a PostgreSQL database for robust data management. Content management is powered by Sanity.io, which gives us flexibility in handling diverse software listings and reviews. For search functionality, we leverage Algolia to provide instant, relevant results. The entire platform is hosted on Vercel for optimal performance and scalability, with Cloudflare handling CDN and security. We've intentionally kept our stack lean and modern to maintain fast load times and excellent user experience.
Direct2App's answer:
Our user base includes several notable success stories from the startup ecosystem. While we respect user privacy and don't publicly share all names, we've helped Y Combinator startups find their essential tech stacks, assisted indie SaaS founders in selecting their development and marketing tools, and guided digital agencies in standardizing their client service platforms. We've also become a go-to resource for startup accelerators who recommend us to their cohorts, and several prominent tech newsletters regularly reference our reviews. Our impact is measured not in enterprise logos, but in the thousands of founders who've saved time and money by finding the right tools through our platform.
Share your experience with using Element.io and Direct2App. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.


You can get Element for both desktop and mobile, with apps being made available for Linux, Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS. There is also Element web if you don't prefer installing apps.
Element is a secure messaging and communication software that operates based on the Matrix protocol. It has advanced features that promote internal collaboration and boost team productivity. It offers end-to-end...
Element.io, which was earlier known as Riot, is a secure chat app that is built around protecting user privacy. It offers end-to-end encryption out of the box, which means that your conversations are fully encrypted...
We have no reviews of Direct2App yet. Be the first one to post
Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.


I love how Matrix or its most popular client Element do not even get a mention. Source: over 3 years ago
The title undersells the change a bit in my opinion. By default, mastodon now encourages new users to sign-up on https://mastodon.social which has caused a bit of a kerfuffle in the fediverse. Personally, I'm largely ambivalent to the... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
We currently have the Matrix protocol, with client applications such as Element supporting it. We also have XMPP as another option. Generally more modern than IRC, these platforms are primarily developed as FOSS software. This makes it... Source: over 3 years ago
Tracking Direct2App since May 2025.
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