
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.

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 | shadowgit.com |
| Pricing | ||
| Platforms | — | |
| Company | Startup from the United Kingdom | Startup from Germany · 1 - 9 employees · 2025 |
| Listed in |
In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.


No description of Element.io yet.
Every change saved. Any version restorable. AI can search what changed to debug faster. Never lose work again. Cut debugging time by 80%. Save 50% on AI tokens. 100% local.
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!
How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.


As answered by people managing Element.io and ShadowGit.
ShadowGit's answer:
ShadowGit is the only tool where AI assistants can directly search your code history to debug faster while using 50% fewer tokens. Auto-captures every change without touching your main git repo. Built specifically for AI-assisted development.
ShadowGit's answer:
Electron is the primary technology being used.
ShadowGit's answer:
ShadowGit is the only tool built specifically for developers using AI. Unlike generic backup tools, your AI can actually search the history to debug faster and use 50% fewer tokens. Separate shadow repo means your main git stays clean. 100% local.
ShadowGit's answer:
AI-Accelerated solo developers that use AI coding assistants daily (Claude, Cursor, Copilot), experienced enough to feel the pain (2-10 years of coding) and that want to move fast, ship often and experiment constantly.
ShadowGit's answer:
I built ShadowGit after losing 3 hours of work to a bad AI refactor. Started as a personal backup tool, but when I added MCP integration so AI could search the history, debugging time dropped 80%. Had to share it.
Share your experience with using Element.io and ShadowGit. 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 ShadowGit 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 ShadowGit since Sep 2025.
When comparing Element.io and ShadowGit, you can also consider the following products.

Matrix is an open standard for decentralized persistent communication over IP.
Compare Matrix.org to Element.io or ShadowGit:

Git is a free and open source version control system designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency. It is easy to learn and lightweight with lighting fast performance that outclasses competitors.
Compare Git to Element.io or ShadowGit:

Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free.
Compare Telegram to Element.io or ShadowGit:

Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.
Compare Signal to Element.io or ShadowGit:

Step up your game with a modern voice & text chat app. Crystal clear voice, multiple server and channel support, mobile apps, and more.
Compare Discord to Element.io or ShadowGit:

Send messages, files, create groups and make Tox to Tox audio and video calls. Securely.
Compare Tox to Element.io or ShadowGit: