Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Element.io VS Textra

Compare Element.io VS Textra 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.

Textra logo Textra

Textra is a seriously beautiful, feature rich SMS and MMS app.
  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • Textra Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-05-28

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.

Textra features and specs

  • User Interface
    Textra offers a clean and customizable user interface that many users find more appealing and easier to use than the default texting apps.
  • Customization Options
    There are numerous options for customizing the look and feel of the app, including themes, colors, and bubble styles, allowing users to personalize their messaging experience.
  • MMS and Group Messaging Support
    Textra supports multimedia messaging services (MMS) and group chats, providing users the ability to send images, videos, and messages to multiple recipients.
  • Performance
    The app is known for its speed and reliability, often delivering messages more quickly than stock messaging apps.
  • Scheduled Messages
    Users can compose messages and schedule them to be sent at a later time, which is convenient for sending messages during different time zones or reminders.

Possible disadvantages of Textra

  • Ads in Free Version
    The free version of Textra includes ads, which some users may find intrusive or annoying. A paid version is available to remove them.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There are occasional reports of compatibility issues with certain devices or network carriers, which can affect performance and functionality.
  • Features Behind Paywall
    Some advanced features and customization options are only available in the paid version, which may be a con for users who prefer to use free apps.
  • Data Privacy Concerns
    As with many messaging apps, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and how user data is managed and stored.
  • Limited Integration
    Textra may have limited integration with certain third-party services or applications compared to some other messaging platforms.

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!

Textra videos

What's So Great About Textra SMS?

More videos:

  • Review - Textra SMS - Better Than Samsung Messages
  • Review - Textra Messaging App Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Element.io and Textra)
Communication
96 96%
4% 4
Instant Messaging
0 0%
100% 100
Group Chat & Notifications
Messaging
91 91%
9% 9

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 Textra

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...

Textra Reviews

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

Based on our record, Element.io seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time 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)

Textra mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Textra yet. Tracking of Textra recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

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

mySMS - Our website uses cookies to provide you with the best experience we can. By using this website, you agree to mysms' use of cookies. More about cookies ร—. Menu. Home ยท Download ยท Apps ยท Support ยท Blog ยท Premium ยท Login.

Telegram - Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. Itโ€™s superfast, simple and free.

Twinme - Twinme โ€“ Private Messenger is a free, secure, instant, and high-definition messaging app that protects your privacy along with giving you full control over each of your relationships and contents.

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

Apple Messages - Learn more about sending and receiving text messages, photos, personal effects and more with the Messages app on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.