Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Element.io VS Snapchat

Compare Element.io VS Snapchat 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.

Snapchat logo Snapchat

Real-time picture chatting
  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • Snapchat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-10

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.

Snapchat features and specs

  • Ephemeral Messaging
    Messages and photos disappear after being viewed, which enhances privacy by ensuring that content is not permanently stored.
  • Fun Filters and Lenses
    Snapchat offers a wide variety of filters and lenses that make communication more entertaining and engaging.
  • Private Sharing
    Allows users to share content directly with friends instead of broadcasting to a larger audience, offering a more intimate social experience.
  • Discover Section
    Features content from various publishers, celebrities, and creators, providing users with diverse and interesting material to explore.
  • Snap Map
    Lets users share their location with friends and see where their friends are, enhancing the social connectivity aspect of the app.
  • Streaks
    Encourages regular communication between friends by keeping track of the number of consecutive days users exchange snaps.

Possible disadvantages of Snapchat

  • Privacy Concerns
    Despite its ephemeral nature, there are risks associated with screenshots and third-party apps that can save content without notifying the user.
  • Addictive Nature
    The app’s design can be highly addictive, potentially leading to excessive use and negatively affecting productivity or mental health.
  • Age Inappropriate Content
    The Discover section may feature content that is not suitable for younger users, raising concerns for parents and guardians.
  • Limited Discoverability
    The private nature of Snapchat’s content sharing makes it difficult for new users to gain followers or for existing users to discover new friends without direct connections.
  • Complex Interface
    Some users may find the interface and navigation confusing or non-intuitive, especially those who are not tech-savvy.
  • Data Usage
    The app can consume a considerable amount of data, particularly when using filters, lenses, and Discover content, which may be a concern for users with limited data plans.

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.

Analysis of Snapchat

Overall verdict

  • Snapchat is a good platform for those who value privacy and enjoy interactive and playful communication. However, it may not be ideal for those who prefer more permanent forms of social media interactions or are concerned about data privacy.

Why this product is good

  • Snapchat is popular for its unique features like disappearing messages, augmented reality filters, and Stories, which appeal to users who enjoy spontaneous sharing and creative expressions. It also offers privacy features and allows users to maintain close connections with their friends through personalized communication.

Recommended for

  • Teenagers and young adults looking for creative ways to communicate
  • Users interested in augmented reality features
  • People who prefer ephemeral content

Element.io videos

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

Snapchat videos

Snapchat Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - HOW TO USE SNAPCHAT FOR BEGINNERS - Snapchat Tricks and Tips
  • Review - ULTIMATE snapchat review - Pissed off!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Element.io and Snapchat)
Communication
93 93%
7% 7
Social Networks
0 0%
100% 100
Group Chat & Notifications
Social Network
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 Snapchat

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...

Snapchat Reviews

  1. Asad Ali Khan
    · Social Media Marketing at Fiver.com ·
    Moments Become Memories

    Snapchat is my favorite app to have quick fun with my friends! I can send pictures and videos that disappear after they're seen, which makes it feel spontaneous and exciting. The funny filters and lenses always make us laugh, and we love trying out new ones together. The Stories and Discover sections also keep us entertained with interesting stuff to watch. Sometimes the app gets a bit busy with updates, but overall, it's the best for having instant fun and staying close with friends.

    🏁 Competitors: Instagram Stories, TikTok Timer, Likee
    👍 Pros:    Easy to use|Useful filters|Best features|Can conect with friends and family|Memories|Beautiful themes
    👎 Cons:    Exciting features|Glitches occur|App instability|Missed messages
  2. rithya_04
    · team leader at wipro ·
    Trending Social Media Platform.

    I have been using this app sinces 5 years , features are good and mostly i like AI feature which i can chat in my free time as a buddy . and make some funny memories in this platforms . I just loved it .

    🏁 Competitors: Canvas by Instructure, Instagram
  3. amna123
    · content writter at content arcade ·
    Capturing Moments, Unleashing Stories"

    Snapchat is such a fun and creative platform I love how easy it is to send snaps and share moments with friends. The filters and lenses add an extra touch of fun to every snap. And let's not forget about the awesome

    👍 Pros:    Fun and creativ
    👎 Cons:    Data usage

20 Telegram Alternatives to Chat With in 2024
Snapchat was launched to counteract the idea that anything you create online sticks around forever. It focuses on quick interactions and personalization. Snapchat works as a Telegram alternative only for 1:1 or group photo/video messaging.
Top 10 Apps like Telegram for Android and IOs [2023]
Snapchat is a popular free chat application that is regarded as the best for its unique features. Snapchat's primary feature is that images and messages are often only accessible to their receivers for a brief time before being destroyed. Additionally, you may exchange images, and videos, and even make free phone or video conversations.
9 best FaceTime alternatives for Android phones
Snapchat has gone far since its quirky beginnings as a self-destructing text and photo messaging app, branching out to include numerous social features such as augmented reality stickers, Bitmojis, and multimedia Stories that you can share with your friends and contacts.
The Complete List of Video Marketing Tools (Updated for 2022)
Twitch works best as a live-streaming app for gaming. It allows you to chat with other users or viewers at any point in time. One of the best features from this app is the Snap Camera that lets you choose from thousands of classic Snapchat filters to add to your live stream. From Overwatch to League of Legends, Twitch makes your live video experience worth watching.
The Top Social Networking Sites People Are Using
Kids love this app because it takes the pressure off of having to share something with everyone like they would on traditional social networks. Snapchat is easy to learn. Snapchat also has a unique feature called Stories, which allows users to share snaps publicly when they want. Facebook and Instagram have recently added Stories as well.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Snapchat should be more popular than Element.io. It has been mentiond 7 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)

Snapchat mentions (7)

  • What the heck did you look like before you could afford a smartphone? (in the 80's)
    I don't know if you're familiar with the Snapchat or the Facebook mobile app. It's really cool, but I didn't have a phone until I got into social media around 5 years ago. What kind of tools were used to make the pictures look as good as possible? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Troubleshooting DNS for OpenVPN Client
    I'm assuming DNS since nslookup doesn't resolve 216.239.36.126 and when adding the los angeles hostname, it causes my network to go out versus when using the IP. This very well could be wrong. I also understood nslookup as DNS related but I guess I'm misunderstanding Its true purpose here. I can ping snapchat.com and have updated the body above. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • My landing page sucks, I don't know how to explain my idea.
    Snapchat.com have probably the best landing page I've ever seen. It's very minimal, there is very little text and everything is absolutely clear and simple. Source: about 3 years ago
  • How do I find where this traffic is originating from?
    We recently implemented Cisco Umbrella and have a variety of sites blocked like a typical corporate environment. There are several computers that are frequently reaching out to numerous blocked sites, some on the list are: zillow.com, snapchat.com, etsy.com, youtube.com, myspace.com, netflix.com, facebook.com, target.com. All of these sites get hit and blocked within the same minute. Source: over 3 years ago
  • How do people pay for domains when they go for sale for millions?
    If you look at some of the biggest domain sales... snapchat.com; uber.com, gmail.com, wechat.com, twitter.com, SpaceX.com , Instagram.com, Chrome.com, Prime.com (sold to Amazon)... Their sales were all brokered via escrow.com . Escrow.com charges a fee to facilitate the transaction. Source: almost 4 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

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

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

Instagram - Instagram is a mobile, desktop, and Internet-based photo-sharing application and service that allows users to share pictures and videos either publicly, or privately to pre-approved followers.

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

Facebook - Connect with friends, family and other people you know. Share photos and videos, send messages and get updates.

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

X (Twitter) - Connect with your friends and other fascinating people. Get in-the-moment updates on the things that interest you. And watch events unfold, in real time, from every angle.