Threema vs Element

Threema9.2Visit Element8.8Visit

Higher score Threema #2 in Encrypted Calling Apps 9.2/10 30-day trial ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Threema

vs

Element #6 in Encrypted Calling Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Element

• Threema fits best

  Privacy-focused users wanting broad device support

• Element fits best

  Teams needing self-hosted, integrated communications

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Side by side

Feature	Threema 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Element 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.8
Ranking	#2 in Encrypted Calling Apps	#6 in Encrypted Calling Apps
Best for	Privacy-focused users wanting broad device support	Teams needing self-hosted, integrated communications
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$7.49/unit one-time	—
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
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	Tickets, Docs	Email, Community, Docs
Compliance	GDPR	ISO 27001
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Threema 1/5 · Element 1/5
Video calling	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Screen sharing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Self-hosting	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Team admin controls	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Open source	✓	✓
Specs
Group call limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Platform coverage	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	End-to-end encrypted voice, video, and group calls Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android Encrypted Threema Safe backups and group chats for up to 256 members	Includes Element Call in the free, open-source Community plan Supports self-hosted, private-cloud, managed, and air-gapped deployment Offers broad integrations and clients for web, desktop, and mobile
Cons	There is no free plan Threema Private is sold for Android through the Threema Shop Support channels are tickets and documentation	Calling is one part of a broader messaging and collaboration product Enterprise and Sovereign plans are contact-sales offerings Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
Our verdict	Threema is an encrypted messaging and calling app for individuals, organizations, and security-sensitive teams. It supports end-to-end encrypted text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group chats, file sharing, polls, and emoji… Read the review →	Element is an end-to-end encrypted messaging and collaboration app built on the Matrix open standard. It suits organizations that need control over their communications infrastructure, from communities and smaller teams to enterprises and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Threema — where it wins

  • End-to-end encrypted voice, video, and group calls
  • Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
  • Encrypted Threema Safe backups and group chats for up to 256 members

  Where it doesn't

  • There is no free plan
  • Threema Private is sold for Android through the Threema Shop
  • Support channels are tickets and documentation

• Element — where it wins

  • Includes Element Call in the free, open-source Community plan
  • Supports self-hosted, private-cloud, managed, and air-gapped deployment
  • Offers broad integrations and clients for web, desktop, and mobile

  Where it doesn't

  • Calling is one part of a broader messaging and collaboration product
  • Enterprise and Sovereign plans are contact-sales offerings
  • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels

• Threema9.2/10 · 30-day trial

  A paid, multi-device app for private calls, messaging, and encrypted backups.

  Visit ThreemaFull verdict →
• Element8.8/10 · Free plan

  A self-hostable communications app with encrypted messaging and calling through Element Call and integrations.

  Visit ElementFull verdict →