Slack vs. Element
Side by side, with sources. Checked Oct 3, 2026.
Price
Free plan with 90 days of history and up to 10 apps. Pro is US$8.75 and Business+ US$18 per user per month billed monthly (US list prices).from $8.75/user/monthSource: salesforce.com
The app is free and open source and works with a free matrix.org account. Organisations can buy Element Server Suite Pro, priced per seat through sales.Source: element.io
Pricing model
Paid plans · Free plan available
Open source · Free plan available
License
ProprietaryA proprietary cloud service under Slack’s Main Services Agreement.
Open source · AGPL-3.0-only OR GPL-3.0-onlyAvailable under AGPL-3.0 or GPL-3.0, or a paid Element Commercial License.
Works on
- ✓ Windows
- ✓ Mac
- ✓ Linux
- ✓ iPhone & iPad
- ✓ Android
- ✓ Web browser
- – Your own server
- ✓ Windows
- ✓ Mac
- ✓ Linux
- ✓ iPhone & iPad
- ✓ Android
- ✓ Web browser
- ✓ Your own server
Where your data lives
In Slack’s cloud, stored in the US unless your organisation sets up data residency (Business+ or higher).
On the Matrix server where your account is — matrix.org by default, or your organisation’s or your own.
Getting started
—
Difficulty: Easy Create a free account on matrix.org straight from the browser or the official installers; no server needed.
Hosted version
—
app.element.io with a free matrix.org accountThe free matrix.org server is run by the Matrix.org Foundation, not Element, and limits uploads (10 MB per file).
Our take
Best when privacy and talking across organisations matter most. Check the integrations you rely on before moving a whole team.
Best for
Privacy-minded groups
Communities and teams that want end-to-end encryption and the freedom to choose or run their server.
Check first
Integrations and admin
Check the bots and integrations you rely on, and who will manage accounts if you leave matrix.org.