Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Element.io VS FireRTC

Compare Element.io VS FireRTC and see what are their differences

Element.io logo Element.io

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.

FireRTC logo FireRTC

FireRTC is the easiest way to call from your computer for free
  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • FireRTC Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-03

Element.io features and specs

  • Open Source
    Element.io is open-source, meaning the code is freely accessible and can be modified by anyone. This allows for transparency, security audits, and customization.
  • Privacy and Security
    Element.io offers end-to-end encryption for secure communication, ensuring that only the intended recipients can read the messages.
  • Interoperability
    It supports the Matrix protocol, which allows for communication across different platforms and services, facilitating greater connectivity.
  • Rich Feature Set
    Element.io provides features such as voice and video calls, file sharing, and integrations with other services, making it suitable for both personal and team use.
  • Cross-Platform
    Available on various platforms including web, desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), and mobile (iOS, Android), ensuring accessibility from any device.
  • Customizability
    Users can personalize their experience through various settings and even set up their own server for full control over their data.

Possible disadvantages of Element.io

  • Complexity
    The extensive feature set and customization options can be overwhelming for new users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Performance Issues
    Users have reported occasional performance issues such as slow response times and lag, particularly in larger rooms or with heavy media use.
  • User Interface
    While functional, the user interface may not be as polished or intuitive as other more mainstream messaging apps, which could impact usability.
  • Server Setup
    Setting up your own server for complete data control requires technical expertise and can be time-consuming, posing a barrier for non-technical users.
  • Limited Network Effect
    Despite its capabilities, Element.io has a smaller user base compared to giants like WhatsApp or Slack, which may limit its usefulness for some users.
  • Resource Intensive
    The application can be resource-intensive, particularly on older hardware, which may result in slower performance or increased battery consumption on mobile devices.

FireRTC features and specs

  • Free Calling
    FireRTC offers free calling services, allowing users to make phone calls over the internet without incurring traditional telephony costs.
  • Web-Based Platform
    The service is accessible via a web browser, eliminating the need for software installation and providing cross-platform compatibility.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    FireRTC has a straightforward and easy-to-navigate user interface, making it accessible for individuals of varying technical expertise.
  • No Sign-Up Required for Basic Use
    Users can make calls without a mandatory registration process, allowing for quick and convenient access to its basic features.

Possible disadvantages of FireRTC

  • Limited Features
    Compared to other VoIP services, FireRTC might offer fewer features, such as advanced call management and integrations, which could be a drawback for power users.
  • Availability
    Service availability may occasionally be limited due to high traffic or maintenance, potentially impacting reliability for regular users.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As a web-based service, users may have concerns about data privacy and how their information and call data are managed or stored.
  • No Mobile App
    The absence of a dedicated mobile app can limit usability for users who prefer mobile devices over desktops or laptops for calling.

Analysis of Element.io

Overall verdict

  • Element.io is a good choice for those looking for a secure and privacy-focused communication platform with rich features and high customizability. Its open-source nature and ability to integrate with other services enhance its appeal to a wide range of users.

Why this product is good

  • Element.io, previously known as Riot.im, is considered a good platform due to its focus on security and privacy, offering end-to-end encryption for conversations. It is built on the Matrix protocol, which supports decentralized communication, making it a versatile and open-source choice for both individual and group communication. It is designed for interoperability and can integrate with other messaging and collaboration platforms. Additionally, it offers extensive customization options and support for both text and voice/video communications.

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.

Element.io videos

RIOT : Riot.im : A New World Of Open Communication!

FireRTC videos

Firertc Tutorial Video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Element.io and FireRTC)
Communication
96 96%
4% 4
Group Chat & Notifications
Messaging
100 100%
0% 0
Customer Support
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Element.io and FireRTC

Element.io Reviews

7 best Mattermost alternatives for secure business messaging
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 encryption and supports communication through messages, voice, and video calls.
Source: www.rocket.chat
10 Best Secure Messaging Apps to Keep Your Conversation Private
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 and only the sender and receiver can read the messages. After the transition from Rio to Element, the secure messaging app has become more enterprise-friendly.
Source: beebom.com
18 Best Discord Alternatives 2020 | Expert Reviews
Element, formerly known as Riot, is a great alternative to Discord with many of the same features and functions. What sets Element apart is that it was created using open-source software, which allows for customization and flexibility. Element is based on a reaction-based software called Matrix, which allows you to bring other communication channels into the app as well as...
5 best secure private messengers
Neither Riot nor Matrix have been fully audited, although Olm and Megolm have been. Riot.im has been criticized the past for its rather basic user interface, but this no longer true. It still lags behind the futuristic flashiness of Wire, but Riot is now a highly capable messenger with functionality often compared to the corporate messaging workhorse, Slack.
Source: proprivacy.com
11 Alternatives to Whatsapp that Actually Respect Your Privacy
Formerly Riot.im, Element uses Matrix as a back end, and is an excellent chat app for those who like open source from end to end. Everything from the chat client, the chat protocol, and the video conferencing software are all open source, which is an important part of why Element is so respectful of your privacy. In the open source community, people are generally very...

FireRTC Reviews

We have no reviews of FireRTC yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

FireRTC might be a bit more popular than Element.io. We know about 1 link to it since March 2021 and only 1 link to Element.io. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Element.io mentions (1)

FireRTC mentions (1)

  • Is a VPN useful?
    I personally use firertc.com since its free, although I'm not sure if the sign up is open anymore. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Element.io and FireRTC, you can also consider the following products

Matrix.org - Matrix is an open standard for decentralized persistent communication over IP.

Make Free Calls Online - Make Free Calls Online is a web application that, as the name suggests, allows its users to make international and local calls for free.

Telegram - Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free.

Call2friends - High-quality cheap and free international calls online to any mobile or landline numbers from internet and free calling app - cheaper than other VoiP providers. Try it now!

Signal - Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.

IEvaphone - IEvaphone is a web service that can be used for connecting with friends and family overseas and for making important business calls providing its users the luxury to make a call to any place in the world with just a secure internet connection.