Element vs Zoho Cliq

Element9.1Visit Zoho Cliq8.7Visit

Higher score Element #3 in Business Instant Messaging - Enterprise Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Element

vs

Zoho Cliq #6 in Business Instant Messaging - Enterprise Software 8.7/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Zoho Cliq

• Element fits best

  Security-focused teams needing deployment control

• Zoho Cliq fits best

  Companies already using the Zoho ecosystem

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Side by side

Feature	Element 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Zoho Cliq 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	8.7
Ranking	#3 in Business Instant Messaging - Enterprise Software	#6 in Business Instant Messaging - Enterprise Software
Best for	Security-focused teams needing deployment control	Companies already using the Zoho ecosystem
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	14 days
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs
Compliance	ISO 27001	GDPR, 2FA
Integrations	13 integrations	7 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Element 1/4 · Zoho Cliq 1/4
Guest access	✓	✓
Single sign-on	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Retention controls	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Mobile apps	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Message history	Unlimited	Unlimited
Group size limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	End-to-end encrypted messaging with cross-signed device verification Self-hosted and air-gapped deployment options Unlimited history, broad clients, and third-party bridges	Combines channels, threaded chat, calls, meetings, file sharing, and task follow-up Supports guest meetings, external channels, and dedicated Networks Runs across web, desktop, and mobile, with API and third-party integrations
Cons	Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels Enterprise and Sovereign pricing requires contacting sales The Community plan is self-hosted, not a managed deployment	Administration, retention, and data-loss controls depend on higher plans Its broad feature set may be more than teams seeking only chat need Advanced features are divided across Standard, Professional, and Enterprise
Our verdict	Element combines messaging and collaboration on the Matrix open standard, with end-to-end encryption, rooms and spaces, direct messages, and voice and video calls. It suits organizations that want control over where messaging… Read the review →	Zoho Cliq brings one-to-one and group messaging together with channels, calls, meetings, file sharing, reminders, and integrations for business teams. Its channel options cover personal, team, organization, and external collaboration,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Element — where it wins

  • End-to-end encrypted messaging with cross-signed device verification
  • Self-hosted and air-gapped deployment options
  • Unlimited history, broad clients, and third-party bridges

  Where it doesn't

  • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
  • Enterprise and Sovereign pricing requires contacting sales
  • The Community plan is self-hosted, not a managed deployment

• Zoho Cliq — where it wins

  • Combines channels, threaded chat, calls, meetings, file sharing, and task follow-up
  • Supports guest meetings, external channels, and dedicated Networks
  • Runs across web, desktop, and mobile, with API and third-party integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • Administration, retention, and data-loss controls depend on higher plans
  • Its broad feature set may be more than teams seeking only chat need
  • Advanced features are divided across Standard, Professional, and Enterprise

• Element9.1/10 · Free plan

  A Matrix-based messenger for teams that need encryption and deployment control.

  Visit ElementFull verdict →
• Zoho Cliq8.7/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A broad business messaging suite with Zoho integrations, external collaboration, and tiered administration.

  Visit Zoho CliqFull verdict →