Software Alternatives & Startups

Element.io VS MailBluster

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

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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.

MailBluster logo MailBluster

Thrive with MailBluster: A powerful and affordable email marketing platform. Perfect for sending unlimited emails seamlessly using Pro features like automation, segmentation, email templates, etc.
  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • MailBluster MailBluster - Bulk email marketing tool
    MailBluster - Bulk email marketing tool //
    2026-07-07
  • MailBluster MailBluster - Drag and drop email builder
    MailBluster - Drag and drop email builder //
    2026-07-07
  • MailBluster MailBluster - Email automation
    MailBluster - Email automation //
    2026-07-07
  • MailBluster MailBluster - Unlimited leads
    MailBluster - Unlimited leads //
    2026-07-07
  • MailBluster MailBluster - Real-time tracking and report
    MailBluster - Real-time tracking and report //
    2026-07-07
  • MailBluster MailBluster - Multi SMTP providers
    MailBluster - Multi SMTP providers //
    2026-07-07
  • MailBluster MailBluster - Managed SMTP
    MailBluster - Managed SMTP //
    2026-09-02

MailBluster is an email marketing platform designed to help businesses communicate more effectively with their audiences. It supports unlimited leads and provides practical tools for creating, automating, sending, and tracking email campaigns.

MailBluster serves more than 50,000 businesses, including digital agencies, ecommerce brands, and large organizations with high-volume sending requirements. Its flexible features help teams manage campaigns efficiently as their marketing needs grow.

Multi SMTP lets you connect multiple preferred SMTP providers to improve deliverability, reliability, and sending performance. MailBluster SMTP provides a fully managed alternative for sending campaigns directly through MailBluster with zero SMTP configuration. You send campaigns. We handle everything else.

Build automated workflows, organize leads with segmentation, and use A/B testing to compare campaign variations. Create responsive emails with the drag-and-drop editor or customize ready-made templates. Inline and pop-up forms help you collect leads, while double opt-in supports list quality and deliverability. Real-time tracking and reports provide insights into campaign performance and subscriber activity.

Support is available 24/7 for questions and assistance. Contact MailBluster at https://mailbluster.com/contact

Element.io

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
free
Platforms
-
Release Date
-
Startup details
Country
United Kingdom

MailBluster

$ Details
freemium $5 / Annually (+ email costs from $0.60 per 1,000 emails, based on usage)
Platforms
AWS Web Browser Cloud
Release Date
2015 January
Startup details
Country
United States
State
Delaware
City
Delaware

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.

MailBluster features and specs

  • Automation
    Save time with automated workflows that send the right emails at the right moment.
  • Email templates
    Pick from stunning, ready-made templates or create your own from scratch.
  • Drag & drop email composer
    Create responsive and professional emails in minutes. No coding needed!
  • List segmentation
    Target and re-target the right audience by grouping subscribers based on opens, clicks, or purchase history.
  • A/B testing
    Test two versions of your campaign to see which one drives more opens, clicks, or conversions.
  • Real-time tracking & report
    Track opens, clicks, bounces, complaints, and eCommerce conversions with charts & data.
  • Double opt-in
    Grow a high-quality list, build trust, and boost email deliverability with verified sign-ups.

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!

MailBluster videos

Send Your First Email Campaign (MailBluster)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Element.io and MailBluster)
Communication
100 100%
0% 0
Email Marketing
0 0%
100% 100
Group Chat & Notifications
Email Marketing Platforms

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Element.io and MailBluster.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

MailBluster's answer:

MailBluster's primary audiences are startups and small businesses. Mainly, the companies that are looking for more affordable email marketing solutions. Such as agencies managing campaigns for numerous clients, organizations sending millions of emails, and e-commerce firms focused on automation-driven growth.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

MailBluster's answer:

Some of the biggest customers of MailBluster include Alphaniti, Omakase, Oldflix, eCareerPoint, Circlebloom, Instituto de Direito Real, Phamify, and Codeanywhere, among others.

What makes your product unique?

MailBluster's answer:

The highly affordable pricing plans and easy-to-use email marketing features, such as automation, segmentation, and scalability to manage email campaigns, are what make MailBluster unique.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

MailBluster's answer:

Compared to the other email marketing tools, MailBluster is extremely cost-effective with a pay-as-you-go pricing model. It offers multiple SMTP providers and offers enterprise-grade features at only a fraction of the cost.

What's the story behind your product?

MailBluster's answer:

Back in early 2015, when we reached 100,000 users on one of our startups, ThemeWagon, we needed a more affordable way to send newsletters without compromising the quality of the sending. We made an MVP and sent out a couple of million emails, and 99.8% of them got delivered. At that point, ThemeWagon was saving more than $2,150 a month on email marketing software subscription fees. After that, we didn’t want to keep this to ourselves and decided to share this sweet deal with everyone else. And so we did and made MailBluster.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

MailBluster's answer:

MailBluster uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), specifically EC2 and Lambda, to host microservices and manage the platform's infrastructure, enabling scalable and controlled resource utilization. MailBluster's core technology comprises AWS services, Terraform for infrastructure management, and multiple microservices that operate on EC2 and Lambda. It also features a modern drag-and-drop email editor, as well as campaign and list management automations, along with many more essential ones.

User comments

Share your experience with using Element.io and MailBluster. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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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 MailBluster

Element.io Reviews

Top 7 Best Open Source Skype Alternatives In 2025
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.
Source: itsfoss.com
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

MailBluster Reviews

  1. israt
    · technical writer at technext ·
    Lowest Cost Email Marketing Tool Ever

    It is a Handy and Classy Looked with the easiest features. Drag and drop of mailbluster were interesting. it was easy and smooth handling.

    Competitors: EmailOctopus, MailChimp, Sendy
  2. The best email sending service I have ever used!!

    MailBluster is saving thousands of dollars every month from last year. We have switched to MailBluster after spending with 'expensive' email sending software. Right now we are the most happy organization with the service of MailBluster. Definitely, it is providing excellent service at the most cheapest price. It is cost effective and a rapid answering support team is just WOW! Overall, I would recommend, use MailBluster and feel the difference!

    Pros:    List segmentation|Timewarp delivery|Drag & drop email builder|Cost effective|62k free emails/m|A/b testing|Realtime tracking & report|Best customer support
    Cons:    No custom smtp|No other smtp other than amazon ses
  3. Ashraful Prium
    · CEO at ThemeWagon Inc. ·
    The Best EmailMarketing Software I've used for ThemeWagon.com

    For the last couple of years, from MailBluster's "alpha" phase, it is saving our company thousands of dollars every month on email marketing. I definitely love this software. You can see more here at Themewagon's blog

    Pros:    Unlimited contacts|Low price|Timewarp delivery|Drag and drop email builder|Outstanding customer support
    Cons:    No custom smtp options|Only amazonses is supported

10 Best Campaign Monitor Alternatives You Can Find
Note: MailBluster pricing includes a $60 annual subscription cost for the Pro plan. Before sending emails with MailBluster, you must connect an AWS account that has been confirmed, approved, and removed from the sandbox environment. Keep in mind that the prices for Amazon SES and MailBluster differ. A valid AWS account is required for both MailBluster’s Starter and Pro...
Source: mailbluster.com
Ditch Your Expensive Email Platform for MailBluster
Ultimately, I chose to make the move to MailBluster when discovering how much money I’d save by using SES to deliver emails to my audience. It’s also important to note that I wouldn’t have switched if MailBluster didn’t have the following features.
MailBluster vs EmailOctopus
Both MailBluster and EmailOctopus provides bulk newsletter sending service via AmazonSES. They offer many identical sounding features, and up to a certain threshold they both are free. In this article, we will make a detailed comparison of the following key features of MailBluster and EmailOctopus:

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, MailBluster should be more popular than Element.io. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. 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)

MailBluster mentions (3)

  • Illustration Trends to Dominate Over the Web at 2022
    MailBluster is an email marketing tool that embraces some of the aforementioned illustration trends while getting on board with any illustration. Look at how they use hand-drawn illustrations, nature-inspired patterns and soft backgrounds with thick and prominent outlines to express what they want to. - Source: dev.to / almost 4 years ago
  • Best solution for one-time sending 7000 emails
    I would check out MailBluster. It should only cost you $0.70 in total to send the 7,000 emails. You do have to sign up for an AWS account and there is some setup involved, but once you have everything configured it works well and is super cheap. Source: almost 5 years ago
  • The Best ever Low-cost Email Marketing software - MailBluster
    On top of all these, you will get our top-notch customer support if you face any issues. If you have questions, please visit http://mailbluster.com/. Also, you can see our FAQ here: https://mailbluster.com/faq/. - Source: dev.to / over 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

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

MailChimp - MailChimp is the best way to design, send, and share email newsletters.

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

EmailOctopus - Email marketing for less, via Amazon SES

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

Sendy - Sendy is a self hosted newsletter app that sends emails 100x cheaper via Amazon SES