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Head-to-head · Encrypted Messaging Apps

Element vs Delta Chat

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Element #3 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Element
Delta Chat #6 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Delta Chat

Element leads on 0 checks, Delta Chat on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreElement · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresDelta Chat · 3 of 3

Element scores higher on our rubric for encrypted messaging apps: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

Element is the better fit for teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration. Delta Chat is the better fit for open-source messaging with email interoperability.

  • Element fits best

    Teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration

  • Delta Chat fits best

    Open-source messaging with email interoperability

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Side by side

Feature Element 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Delta Chat 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.6
Ranking #3 in Encrypted Messaging Apps #6 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for Teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration Open-source messaging with email interoperability
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Element 0/3 · Delta Chat 3/3
Desktop app Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Voice and video calls Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Disappearing messages Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Encryption coverage Not checked yet Default
Maximum group size Not checked yet Not checked yet
Linked device limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Encrypted backups Not checked yet None
Our review
Pros
  • End-to-end encryption with cross-signed device verification
  • Web, desktop, mobile, self-hosted, and air-gapped deployment options
  • Rooms, calls, guest access, unlimited history, and third-party integrations
  • Default end-to-end encryption across messages and attachments
  • Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Channels, calls, groups, disappearing messages, and Webxdc apps
Cons
  • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
  • Advanced enterprise capabilities require a paid tier
  • Self-hosting requires organizational infrastructure and administration
  • Exported backups are not encrypted
  • Groups are practically recommended for no more than 150 members
  • Messaging depends on chatmail relays or compatible email servers
Our verdict

Element is an end-to-end encrypted messaging and collaboration application built on the Matrix open standard. It is designed for communities, enterprises, governments, and other organizations that need data ownership, interoperability, and…

Read the review →

Delta Chat is a free, open-source messaging app for private conversations, groups, channels, and one-to-one audio or video calls. It is designed for people who want default end-to-end encryption across mobile and desktop while retaining…

Read the review →
  1. ElementEncrypted Messaging Apps 9.1Free plan
  2. Delta ChatEncrypted Messaging Apps 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Element — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption with cross-signed device verification
    • Web, desktop, mobile, self-hosted, and air-gapped deployment options
    • Rooms, calls, guest access, unlimited history, and third-party integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
    • Advanced enterprise capabilities require a paid tier
    • Self-hosting requires organizational infrastructure and administration

  • Delta Chat — where it wins

    • Default end-to-end encryption across messages and attachments
    • Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Channels, calls, groups, disappearing messages, and Webxdc apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Exported backups are not encrypted
    • Groups are practically recommended for no more than 150 members
    • Messaging depends on chatmail relays or compatible email servers
  • Element9.1/10 · Free plan

    Encrypted collaboration with flexible deployment, open source foundations, and broad platform support.

    Visit ElementFull verdict →
  • Delta Chat8.6/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source messenger that combines default encryption with email interoperability.

    Visit Delta ChatFull verdict →

More comparisons

All encrypted messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update