Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Librem Chat VS Element.io

Compare Librem Chat VS Element.io and see what are their differences

Librem Chat logo Librem Chat

End-to-end encrypted chat, VOIP, and video calling used by millions of people

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.
  • Librem Chat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-02
  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20

Librem Chat features and specs

  • Privacy Focused
    Librem Chat is designed with privacy in mind, offering end-to-end encryption to ensure that users' conversations remain private and secure from eavesdroppers.
  • Open Source
    As part of the Purism suite, Librem Chat is built on open-source software, allowing for greater transparency and community-driven development.
  • Decentralized
    Librem Chat supports decentralized communication, meaning there is no single point of control or failure which enhances resilience and control for users.
  • Integration with Librem One
    It integrates seamlessly with other Librem One services such as Librem Mail and Librem Social, providing a cohesive ecosystem for privacy-centric users.

Possible disadvantages of Librem Chat

  • Limited User Base
    Compared to mainstream chat applications, Librem Chat has a smaller user base which may limit its usability for those looking to connect with a wider audience.
  • Subscription Cost
    To access Librem Chat, users must subscribe to Librem One premium services, which could be a deterrent for those looking for a completely free option.
  • Feature Set
    While it covers the essentials, Librem Chat may lack some advanced features found in other popular chat applications, such as extensive media integration or custom themes.
  • Learning Curve
    New users accustomed to mainstream chat services might experience a learning curve due to different user interface and feature sets focused on privacy and security.

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.

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.

Librem Chat videos

Librem Chat - Let's Start a Riot(.im)

Element.io videos

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

Category Popularity

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

Librem Chat Reviews

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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...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Librem Chat 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.

Librem Chat mentions (7)

  • Instances that doesn't block any instance
    Librem Chat is one of the most liberal instances since their business revolves around privacy and free speech, the free option gives access to Mastodon, the optional paid plan adds email and a VPN to Mastodon. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Librem 5 first impressions; comparison to Pinephones
    The "librem.one" entry in the Online Accounts doesn't work either. I get a TLS error IIRC. It's a crime that their bug tracker isn't free for all. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Does it make any difference which Matrix server you join?
    Or any recommendations? I was thinking of joining unredacted.org or librem.one or is there no point not just going with matrix.org which has the more up to date server version and most likely best maintenance and uptime? Source: almost 3 years ago
  • what's a lesser know distro that surprised you in a positive way?
    The main thing I would personally be worried about with Purism is a lack of timely software updates, as they were not good with them when it comes to their Librem One ecosystem (why even offer something like it, when you don't have the resources to administrate it properly?). Therefore I wondered if that might have been an issue with PureOS. Source: about 3 years ago
  • At wits end about managing privacy and Living My Life
    Https://librem.one/ is a step in the right direction. Iโ€™m going with Microsoft plus third party privacy services for the moment but biting the bullet in regards to my DAW and switching to Reaper. Framework laptop and building a new PC. Making my current pc a steambox. This should be interesting. Source: about 4 years ago
View more

Element.io mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

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

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

Conduit Chat Server - Conduit is a simple, fast and reliable chat server powered by Matrix.

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

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

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

Discord - Step up your game with a modern voice & text chat app. Crystal clear voice, multiple server and channel support, mobile apps, and more.