Head-to-head · Secure Messaging Apps
Element vs Jami
Element leads on 0 checks, Jami on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreElement · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
Element scores higher on our rubric for secure messaging apps: 9.1 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Element is the better fit for teams needing secure, extensible collaboration. Jami is the better fit for users wanting secure calls and conferencing.
- Element fits best
Teams needing secure, extensible collaboration
- Jami fits best
Users wanting secure calls and conferencing
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Side by side
| Feature | Element 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Jami 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #3 in Secure Messaging Apps | #7 in Secure Messaging Apps |
| Best for | Teams needing secure, extensible collaboration | Users wanting secure calls and conferencing |
| 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 | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 13 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Element 0/4 · Jami 0/4 | ||
| Encrypted backups | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Desktop apps | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Multi-device support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Disappearing messages | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Account requirement | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Maximum group size | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| 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 and interoperability.… Read the review → |
Jami is a free, open-source communication application for private messaging, voice and video calls, group conversations, conferencing, file sharing, and screen sharing. It is designed for users who want encrypted communications across web,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Element — where it wins
- End-to-end encryption with cross-signed device verification
- Self-hosted, fully managed, private-cloud, and air-gapped deployment options
- Broad integrations, guest access, and unlimited message history
Where it doesn't
- Paid tiers use contact-sales pricing rather than published amounts
- Uses rooms and spaces instead of conventional channels
- Air-gapped deployment is available only on the Sovereign tier
Jami — where it wins
- Free and open source with default end-to-end encryption
- Supports group calls, conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing
- Runs across web, desktop, and mobile platforms with linked devices
Where it doesn't
- Its peer-to-peer architecture may not suit teams seeking central administration
- The integration focus is narrow, centered on SIP client support
- Its broad feature set may be more than needed for simple secure messaging
- Element9.1/10 · Free plan
A secure, extensible collaboration app for teams that need control and interoperability.
Visit ElementFull verdict → - Jami8.5/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source choice for encrypted messaging, calls, and conferencing.
Visit JamiFull verdict →
More comparisons
All secure messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update