Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

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.

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Pricing:
  • Open Source
  • Free
Element.io

Element.io Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether Element.io is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20

Features & Specs

  1. 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.

  2. Privacy and Security

    Element.io offers end-to-end encryption for secure communication, ensuring that only the intended recipients can read the messages.

  3. Interoperability

    It supports the Matrix protocol, which allows for communication across different platforms and services, facilitating greater connectivity.

  4. 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.

  5. Cross-Platform

    Available on various platforms including web, desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), and mobile (iOS, Android), ensuring accessibility from any device.

  6. Customizability

    Users can personalize their experience through various settings and even set up their own server for full control over their data.

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Videos

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

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about Element.io and what they use it for.
  • Twitterโ€™s Encrypted DMs Are Deeply Inferior to Signal and WhatsApp. The social network's new privacy feature is technically flawed, opt-in, and limited in its functionality. All this for just $8 a month.
    I love how Matrix or its most popular client Element do not even get a mention. Source: about 3 years ago
  • A new onboarding experience on Mastodon
    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 change; I understand the reasoning, and it's what https://element.io has been doing for https://matrix.org since the beginning. It is more than a bit of a sea-change though given the... - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • Paying users get early access to the new change
    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 less likely for developers to impact their users negatively. However, despite these advantages, these platforms lack the refined user experience (addictiveness and stickiness) that... Source: about 3 years ago
  • [For Hire] Computer Programming Tutor or Teacher (C, C++, and others, details inside)
    Please DM me if you are interested in hiring me or have any questions at all. We will work via Element (https://element.io) voice/screen share calls, so please make sure you have a mic available. I look forward to hearing from you. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Discord alternatives?
    Your best bet is probably matrix, the most user friendly client iirc is element. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Discord alternatives?
    The relevant url is https://app.element.io, thatโ€™s the web interface for signing up, etc. You can also use an app such as Element on iOS and Android. General information can be found on https://element.io. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Discord alternatives?
    Matrix is honestly really good, with Element and Cinny being great clients that anyone can use. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Stop Electron apps from auto-adjusting microphone volume! [Question]
    I'm using a messaging platform called Element. https://element.io/ It is a electron app. The issue I am having is, even if I am not in a call. Element will auto-adjust my mic's volume when it thinks I get too loud. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Indian government bans 14 messenger apps including Element, Briar and Threema
    11. Element (encrypted chat app): https://element.io/. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • [For Hire] Computer Programming Tutor or Teacher (C, C++, and others, details inside)
    Please DM me if you are interested in hiring me or have any questions at all. We will work via Element (https://element.io) voice/screen share calls, so please make sure you have a mic available. I look forward to hearing from you. Source: about 3 years ago
  • does someone know?
    There's any number of alternative chat applications available, like Element, Mumble, Teamspeak etc. Source: about 3 years ago
  • need help with my riot.im account
    Riot.im got renamed to Element.io several years ago - See https://element.io/blog/welcome-to-element/. That's why https://riot.im/ redirects to https://element.io/ now. I can't answer your question about the account you had before; that entirely depends on which homeserver it was created on. Not sure how long ago you created it, but a lot of clients default to using matrix.org. You might try putting the full... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Most user friendly Fediverse solution?
    Not Activitypub, but decentralised - maybe Matrix through Element? Spaces could be fun! Source: over 3 years ago
  • [For Hire] Computer Programming Tutor or Teacher (C, C++, and others, details inside)
    Please DM me if you are interested in hiring me or have any questions at all. We will work via Element (https://element.io) voice/screen share calls, so please make sure you have a mic available. I look forward to hearing from you. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Stallman damn it!
    So to answer your question , it's better to not take a packaged product (software) that doesn't has its ingredients (soucre code) listed for people to inspect and don't trust its convenience. Support other FOSS alternatives like element. Source: over 3 years ago
  • XD-M 45: My First XD
    No, I just went to element.io and joined the AWCY? Waiting room. Someone gave me a link to the XD room and the file is there if you look for it. Had to do a lot of scrolling before I figured out how to use the search function. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Alternatives that have Microsoft Teams-style channels?
    You might like https://zulip.com/ otherwise I'd recommend checking out https://matrix.org/ (e.g. https://element.io/ ). Source: over 3 years ago
  • Discord is changing the layout for the mobile app
    That's actually almost a ripoff of FluffyChat with the pull-up server list from Element's Android app. And given Matrix is trying to mimic the semantics of Discord servers with spaces, I don't even like those layouts. Gross. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Discord's AI features violate our privacy, and it's time we pushed back.
    (FYI, Matrix is a communications standard, and Element it the most popular client which is worked on by the same people who implament the standard.). Source: over 3 years ago
  • Concerned about Privacy more than ever now... Is it actually that bad?
    If you're really interested in privacy you'd use an app that's actually specifically designed for it and has end-to-end encryption. For messages only that'd be Signal, for a more Discord-like experience probably Element. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Discord alternative that will probably be good if we canโ€™t use discord anymore
    Https://element.io here, itโ€™s called element, and itโ€™s nice. Source: over 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of Element.io

Element.io, previously known as Riot.im, is an open-source messaging application that has carved out a unique niche in the competitive landscape of communication tools. Based on the Matrix protocol, Element in particular distinguishes itself from many competitors by prioritizing user privacy and data security through features like end-to-end encryption. Here's a detailed look at the current public opinion regarding Element.io.

Element.io is often celebrated for its privacy and security features, making it a popular choice for users conscious about their digital footprint. The applicationโ€™s foundation on the open-source Matrix protocol is consistently highlighted as a key advantage because it allows communities and developers to audit, customize, and adapt the platform according to their needs. This transparency aligns with the values of the privacy-focused open-source community, offering reassurance that their data is not being misused. The open-source nature is not merely about accessing the code but also contributes to the flexibility and adaptability of Element, allowing users to host the app on their own servers.

Compared to other popular communication tools, Element is frequently mentioned as a viable alternative to platforms like Discord and Slack. While it offers similar functionalities such as messaging, voice, and video calls, its emphasis on security and privacy stands out. Element has managed to shed earlier criticisms regarding its user interface, which used to be viewed as too basic. The application is seen as capable and sophisticated now, though it may still lag behind some competitors in terms of user interface design and immediacy of user experience akin to venture-funded software like Slack and Discord.

A pivotal aspect of public opinion is Element's association with the overall Matrix ecosystem, which some users perceive as slightly daunting due to its decentralized and federated nature. However, this is also viewed as empowering by providing users with control over their data and the hosting of their communication infrastructure. Element's decentralization is often praised, particularly amidst growing concerns over centralized platforms' handling of data and user privacy.

Despite these security and privacy strengths, Element does face some challenges. Its user base is primarily those who are already aligned with or attracted to the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) principles. This focus may limit Element's appeal to the broader public, who may prefer more traditional or mainstream app experiences. Recent discussions have also highlighted that while Element caters efficiently to particular privacy-conscious segments, its market penetration is hampered by less aggressive marketing and the broader market appeal compared to platforms like Telegram and Signal.

Lastly, Element has experienced regional challenges, such as being one of the 14 messaging apps banned by the Indian government, which underscores the complex geopolitical landscapes modern communication apps navigate regarding data privacy and security.

In conclusion, Element.io has fostered a strong reputation for privacy, security, and open-source transparency, appealing to users who prioritize these attributes over other mainstream app features. While it might not be the go-to for all users, particularly those seeking more polished interfaces and integrated experiences, it remains a leading choice for those seeking secure, customizable, and decentralized communication solutions.

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Element.io discussion

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    webtirety
    ยท about 1 year ago
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    Collaborate with confidence. In real time.

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