Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Element.io VS Quaternion

Compare Element.io VS Quaternion 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.

Quaternion logo Quaternion

A Qt5-based IM client for Matrix.
  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • Quaternion Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-28

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.

Quaternion features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Quaternion is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to access it on various devices.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, Quaternion allows for transparency and community contributions, which can lead to more frequent updates and improvements.
  • Matrix Protocol Support
    Quaternion supports the Matrix protocol, enabling decentralized communication and interoperability with other Matrix-based clients.
  • Lightweight Design
    Quaternion has a relatively lightweight and efficient design, which can make it faster and more responsive compared to some other heavier chat clients.
  • Community-Oriented
    Being part of the Matrix ecosystem, Quaternion benefits from a community-driven approach, with potential access to a wide range of user-driven features and improvements.

Possible disadvantages of Quaternion

  • Limited Feature Set
    Compared to some more popular and mature messaging apps, Quaternion may lack certain advanced features, such as integrated voice/video calling.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of Quaternion might not be as polished or intuitive as some commercial counterparts, which can lead to a steeper learning curve for new users.
  • Smaller User Base
    Being a less mainstream client, Quaternion has a smaller user base, which might limit direct community support and real-time communication opportunities.
  • Dependency on Matrix Servers
    Quaternion’s reliance on Matrix servers may lead to issues if those servers experience downtime, affecting the reliability of communication.

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!

Quaternion videos

Chroma Quaternion Review - JRPG On A Budget (Kemco)

More videos:

  • Review - Quaternions and 3d rotation, explained interactively
  • Review - Visualizing quaternions (4d numbers) with stereographic projection
  • Review - Math for Game Developers - Quaternion Wrapup and Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Element.io and Quaternion)
Communication
99 99%
1% 1
Group Chat & Notifications
Messaging
98 98%
2% 2
Chat
100 100%
0% 0

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 Quaternion

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...

Quaternion Reviews

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

Quaternion 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)

Quaternion mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

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

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

Cinny - A Matrix client where you can enjoy the conversation using simple, elegant and secure interface protected by e2ee with the power of open source.

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

nheko - Social & Communications

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

SchildiChat - SchildiChat is a Matrix client based on Element with a more traditional instant messaging experience.