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Head-to-head · Encrypted Messaging Apps

Element vs Messenger

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 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
Messenger #5 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Messenger

Element leads on 0 checks, Messenger on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 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 featuresMessenger · 2 of 3

Element scores higher on our rubric for encrypted messaging apps: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Element is the better fit for teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration. Messenger is the better fit for free social messaging with encrypted chats.

  • Element fits best

    Teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration

  • Messenger fits best

    Free social messaging with encrypted chats

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Side by side

Feature Element 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Messenger 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.7
Ranking #3 in Encrypted Messaging Apps #5 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for Teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration Free social messaging with encrypted chats
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Community, Docs Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Element 0/3 · Messenger 2/3
Desktop app Not checked yet Not checked yet
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 End_to_end
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
  • End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for personal messages and calls
  • Free messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and media sharing
  • Disappearing messages, Secure Storage, editing, unsending, and shared albums
Cons
  • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
  • Advanced enterprise capabilities require a paid tier
  • Self-hosting requires organizational infrastructure and administration
  • Not open source
  • Social features can make it less focused on encrypted messaging
  • Secure Storage keys in iCloud or Google Drive are outside Messenger's encryption
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 →

Messenger is Meta’s consumer messaging app for connecting with friends, family, communities and creators. It combines text messaging, group chats, photo and video sharing, file sharing, voice and video calls, shared albums, message…

Read the review →
  1. ElementEncrypted Messaging Apps 9.1Free plan
  2. MessengerEncrypted Messaging Apps 8.7Free 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

  • Messenger — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for personal messages and calls
    • Free messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and media sharing
    • Disappearing messages, Secure Storage, editing, unsending, and shared albums

    Where it doesn't

    • Not open source
    • Social features can make it less focused on encrypted messaging
    • Secure Storage keys in iCloud or Google Drive are outside Messenger's encryption

More comparisons

All encrypted messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on encrypted messaging apps

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update