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Element

Open-source, end-to-end encrypted chat on the Matrix network.

Price
Open source
License
Open source · AGPL-3.0-only OR GPL-3.0-only
Works on
Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone & iPad, Android, Web browser, Your own server
Download Official site Releases on GitHub

Latest release (Web and desktop): v1.12.30 · released Sep 29, 2026

In short

A chat app for the decentralised Matrix network: you can use a free account on the public matrix.org server, join your organisation’s server, or run your own. Organisations can buy Element’s paid server products.

Made by: Element (New Vector Ltd) · Where your data lives: On the Matrix server where your account is — matrix.org by default, or your organisation’s or your own.

Logo from: element.io

The editor’s 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.

Download & install

Every link goes to the official site, an official app store, or the project’s own GitHub releases.

Official download page element.io
Windows Your device
Windows installer
Mac Your device
Mac app (.dmg)
iPhone & iPad Your device
Element X on the App Store
Android Your device
Element X on Google Play
Web browser Your device
Open Element in the browser
Your own server Your device
Element Server Suite Community (Helm)

Latest release (Web and desktop): v1.12.30 · released Sep 29, 2026 · fetched from GitHub on Oct 3, 2026 · Releases on GitHub

Getting started without coding

Plain-language steps based on the official install guide.

Difficulty: Easy

Download and install, or sign up in the browser. No server needed.

Create a free account on matrix.org straight from the browser or the official installers; no server needed.

Is there an installer?

  • Windows Installer
  • Mac Installer
  • Linux Package
  • iPhone & iPad App store
  • Android App store
Hosted version

app.element.io with a free matrix.org account — The free matrix.org server is run by the Matrix.org Foundation, not Element, and limits uploads (10 MB per file).

Steps for Windows

  1. Go to element.io/download and choose Windows (64-bit or ARM).
  2. Run “Element Setup.exe”.
  3. Sign in, or create a free account on matrix.org.

Steps for Mac

  1. Go to element.io/download and download Element.dmg.
  2. Open it and install Element.
  3. Sign in, or create a free account on matrix.org.

Steps for Linux

  1. On Debian/Ubuntu, copy the commands on element.io/download into a terminal to add Element’s repository and install it.
  2. It needs Ubuntu 22.04 / Debian bookworm or newer.
  3. Open Element and sign in or create an account.

Steps for Web browser

  1. Go to app.element.io and click Create Account (it uses the free matrix.org server).
  2. Choose a username and password, add your email and accept the server’s terms.
  3. Confirm your email, then share your Matrix ID (for example @name:matrix.org) with people who want to invite you.

Steps for Your own server

  1. Running your own Matrix server is technical. Element’s free option, Element Server Suite Community, is for non-commercial use up to 100 users.
  2. Install it with the provided Helm charts on Kubernetes (a single machine works).

Official help centre

What we could verify

We checked key factual claims and linked to primary sources so you can confirm the details. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026

Pricing & license Free app under AGPL-3.0 or GPL-3.0 (or a commercial licence). Organisations can buy Element Server Suite Pro, priced per seat. View the license · Checked Oct 3, 2026 · github.com
Where your data lives On your Matrix homeserver: matrix.org by default, or one you or your organisation run. Matrix is decentralised, like email. How Matrix works · Checked Oct 3, 2026 · matrix.org
Platform support Windows, Mac, Linux and the web browser, plus Element X for iPhone and Android. Check downloads · Checked Oct 3, 2026 · element.io

Try before you move

A simple way to see if it fits your needs.

  1. Invite a few teammates for a weekTwo or three people using it daily will find problems a solo test misses.
  2. Recreate your busiest channelCheck threads, mentions, file sharing and the integrations you depend on.
  3. Test search, notifications and mobileSearch an old message, mute a channel and reply from your phone.

Good to know

  • The free hosted account comes from matrix.org, run by the Matrix.org Foundation; Element’s own price list covers self-hosted products for organisations. Source: element.io

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