Head-to-head · Team Collaboration Software
Lark vs Element
Lark 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 scoreLark · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresElement · 1 of 2
Lark scores higher on our rubric for team collaboration software: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
On message history, Element gives you Unlimited where Lark offers Limited.
Lark is the better fit for teams wanting chat, meetings, and work tools together. Element is the better fit for organizations prioritizing encrypted, self-hosted messaging.
- Lark fits best
Teams wanting chat, meetings, and work tools together
- Element fits best
Organizations prioritizing encrypted, self-hosted messaging
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Side by side
| Feature | Lark 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Element 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #4 in Team Collaboration Software | #6 in Team Collaboration Software |
| Best for | Teams wanting chat, meetings, and work tools together | Organizations prioritizing encrypted, self-hosted messaging |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Compliance | SOC 2 | ISO 27001 |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 13 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Lark 0/2 · Element 1/2 | ||
| Guest access | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Mobile apps | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Message history | Limited | Unlimited |
| File storage | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| App integrations | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Admin controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Lark brings team messaging and group chats together with video meetings, collaborative documents, calendar, email, approvals, a wiki, Base tools, and no-code workflow automation. It is aimed at teams that want communication and work tools… Read the review → |
Element combines end-to-end encrypted messaging with group discussions, voice and video calls, and collaboration features built on the Matrix open standard. Organizations can use rooms and spaces to organize conversations, while direct… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Lark — where it wins
- Combines messaging, channels, video meetings, and collaborative documents
- Includes calendar, email, approvals, wiki, Base, and no-code automation
- Runs on web, desktop, and mobile, with AnyCross for external app connections
Where it doesn't
- Starter limits teams to 20 users and 18 months of message history
- Starter and Basic include 1,000 automation runs per month
- Chat is part of a broader suite, which may not suit teams seeking chat alone
Element — where it wins
- End-to-end encrypted chat with rooms, spaces, calls, and unlimited history
- Deployment options include self-hosted, private cloud, and air-gapped
- Web, desktop, and mobile clients, with integrations and bridges
Where it doesn't
- Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
- Enterprise and Sovereign tiers require contacting sales for pricing
- Advanced deployment and control options may be more than small teams need
- Lark9.1/10 · Free plan
A broad collaboration suite that brings chat, meetings, documents, and workflow tools together.
Visit LarkFull verdict → - Element8.9/10 · Free plan
A self-hostable collaboration app for organizations that prioritize encrypted messaging and control.
Visit ElementFull verdict →
More comparisons
All team collaboration software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update