Element

Description

Element is a secure, feature-rich messaging and collaboration client built on the open Matrix protocol. It offers end-to-end encrypted chat, voice and video calls, and file sharing across a decentralized network you can self-host, serving as a privacy-respecting alternative to Slack and WhatsApp.

Features

• End-to-End Encryption: Encrypts messages, calls, and files by default using the Matrix protocol.
• Decentralized Federation: Connects independently hosted servers into one interoperable network.
• Voice & Video Calls: Supports encrypted 1:1 and group calls built on WebRTC.
• Cross-Platform Clients: Runs on web, desktop, iOS, and Android with full feature parity.
• Bridging: Connects to Slack, Discord, Telegram, and other platforms via bridges.
• Spaces & Rooms: Organizes communities into nested spaces, rooms, and threads.

Technology Stack

Web and desktop client built with React and TypeScript (Electron for desktop); mobile apps in Kotlin and Swift. Talks to any Matrix-compliant homeserver, most commonly Synapse or Dendrite.

Requirements

Any modern browser, or Windows/macOS/Linux for desktop; iOS or Android for mobile; a Matrix homeserver (self-hosted or matrix.org) to connect to; 1 GB RAM minimum for the client.