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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

Discord vs Element

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Discord #4 in Instant Messaging Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Discord
Element #7 in Instant Messaging Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Element

Discord leads on 0 checks, Element on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDiscord · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresElement · 1 of 2

Discord scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

Discord is the better fit for community chat, voice and streaming. Element is the better fit for organizations needing sovereign messaging.

  • Discord fits best

    Community chat, voice and streaming

  • Element fits best

    Organizations needing sovereign messaging

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Side by side

Feature Discord 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Element 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #4 in Instant Messaging Software #7 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Community chat, voice and streaming Organizations needing sovereign messaging
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $29.99/user/yr —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Discord 0/2 · Element 1/2
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Message history Not checked yet Unlimited
Max group size Not checked yet Not checked yet
File size limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
  • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
  • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions
  • End-to-end encryption with cross-signed device verification
  • Self-hosted, private-cloud, fully managed, and air-gapped options
  • Rooms, calls, guest access, unlimited history, and service bridges
Cons
  • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
  • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
  • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier
  • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
  • Paid Enterprise and Sovereign tiers require contacting sales
  • Air-gapped deployment is limited to the Sovereign plan
Our verdict

Discord combines voice channels, video calls, text chat, direct messages, screen sharing, game streaming, and community servers. It is designed for gaming communities and online groups, while its listed company-size fit spans solo users…

Read the review →

Element is an end-to-end encrypted messaging and collaboration application built on the Matrix open standard. It suits organizations and communities that want organized group discussions, direct messages, file sharing, voice and video…

Read the review →
  1. DiscordInstant Messaging Software 9.1Free plan
  2. ElementInstant Messaging Software 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Discord — where it wins

    • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
    • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
    • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions

    Where it doesn't

    • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
    • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
    • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier

  • Element — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption with cross-signed device verification
    • Self-hosted, private-cloud, fully managed, and air-gapped options
    • Rooms, calls, guest access, unlimited history, and service bridges

    Where it doesn't

    • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
    • Paid Enterprise and Sovereign tiers require contacting sales
    • Air-gapped deployment is limited to the Sovereign plan

More comparisons

All instant messaging software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update