Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Element.io VS Wickr

Compare Element.io VS Wickr 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.

Wickr logo Wickr

Wickr is a free end-to-end encrypted text, video, picture and voice messenger with full sender...
  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • Wickr Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-05

Wickr

Website
wickr.com
$ Details
Release Date
2011 January
Startup details
Country
United States
State
California
Founder(s)
Chris Howell
Employees
10 - 19

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.

Wickr features and specs

  • End-to-End Encryption
    Wickr provides end-to-end encryption for all messages, ensuring that only the intended recipient can read the messages.
  • Self-Destructing Messages
    Users can set messages to self-destruct after a certain period, enhancing privacy and minimizing data retention.
  • No Metadata Stored
    Wickr does not store any metadata, such as message timestamps or sender/receiver information, which helps protect user privacy.
  • Secure File Sharing
    The platform supports secure file sharing, enabling users to send documents, images, and other files safely.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Wickr is available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, ensuring cross-platform communication.
  • Group Messaging
    Supports group messaging, allowing for secure communications within teams or groups.
  • No Phone Number Required
    Users are not required to provide a phone number to create an account, adding an extra layer of anonymity.
  • Freemium Model
    Wickr offers a basic free version in addition to premium plans, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Possible disadvantages of Wickr

  • Limited User Base
    Wickr is not as widely used as some other messaging apps, which may limit its usefulness for some users.
  • Complex Interface
    The user interface can be somewhat complex and overwhelming for new users, requiring a learning curve.
  • File Size Limitations
    The free version of Wickr imposes limitations on the file sizes that can be shared, which could be restrictive.
  • No SMS Integration
    Unlike some other messaging apps, Wickr does not support the integration of SMS messages.
  • Potential Trust Issues
    As with any app claiming strong security features, users may have trust issues until the security claims are independently verified.
  • Limited Third-Party Integrations
    Wickr has fewer integrations with other apps and services compared to more mainstream messaging platforms, possibly limiting its utility for certain workflows.
  • Cost for Advanced Features
    Many of the more advanced features are only available in the paid versions, which could be a downside for users looking for fully free options.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    Wickr requires a stable internet connection for messaging, which can be an issue in areas with poor connectivity.

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!

Wickr videos

AppMess Review: Wickr Messenger

More videos:

  • Review - What is the Best Encrypted Messenger in 2020? Wire vs Wickr vs Signal vs Telegram vs Whatsapp!
  • Review - Properly paranoid - Nico Sell, Founder of Wickr & Wickr Foundation

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Element.io and Wickr)
Communication
93 93%
7% 7
Group Chat & Notifications
Messaging
89 89%
11% 11
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 Wickr

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...

Wickr Reviews

The 7 Best Texting Apps
You don't even need a phone number or email address to get started with Wickr Me, which means no identifying information is tied to your account. Instead, you must register a username and make a note of your password somewhere secure (if you lose the password, there's no recovery option). And as if Wickr Me wasn't already secure enough, the app includes Wickr Open Access, a...
Source: zapier.com
11 Alternatives to Whatsapp that Actually Respect Your Privacy
Like Element, Wickr Me doesn’t require a phone number to log in and contains all manner of silly and fun features like stickers and emojis. But that’s where the similarities end. Wickr doesn’t store your contacts on its servers, doesn’t keep metadata, and deletes messages irretrievably from your phone when you ask it to.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Wickr should be more popular than Element.io. It has been mentiond 5 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)

Wickr mentions (5)

  • Looking for weed from trusted source
    For security and privacy reasons please contact me at Wickr: candyminer. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Where to post high resolution photos securely?
    I'll just note that I've also been using https://wickr.com/ for exchanging photos as well. It isn't good for albums, but it's nice in a Slack-like way for sharing ... If you can get anybody to use wickr/wickrpro. (Good luck with that!). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Amazon acquires Wickr secure chat app used by government agencies
    A notice posted to Wickr’s website confirmed the acquisition: “From our founding ten years ago, we have grown to serve organizations across a wide range of industries, all over the world. Together with AWS, we look forward to taking our solutions to the next level for our customers and partners.”. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Whats the best app/site to share pictures securely?
    Wickr has a lot of the features you are looking for, I have used it for years on my phone and find it to be the most secure besides Teleguard . Source: about 4 years ago
  • Safest way to drive w meth?
    Telegram and Wickr are two of the best. I still don;t trust wjatsapp because facebook, LOL. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

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

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

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

Threema - A secure, end-to-end encrypted Swiss instant messenger with a focus on privacy.

Tox - Send messages, files, create groups and make Tox to Tox audio and video calls. Securely.

WhatsApp - WhatsApp Messenger: More than 1 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere.