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Head-to-head · Encrypted Messaging Apps

WhatsApp vs Element

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score WhatsApp #2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit WhatsApp
Element #3 in Encrypted Messaging Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Element

WhatsApp leads on 0 checks, Element on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreWhatsApp · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresWhatsApp · 3 of 3

WhatsApp scores higher on our rubric for encrypted messaging apps: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

WhatsApp is the better fit for free mainstream messaging with encryption. Element is the better fit for teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration.

  • WhatsApp fits best

    Free mainstream messaging with encryption

  • Element fits best

    Teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration

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Side by side

Feature WhatsApp 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Element 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #2 in Encrypted Messaging Apps #3 in Encrypted Messaging Apps
Best for Free mainstream messaging with encryption Teams needing encrypted, extensible collaboration
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs Email, Community, Docs
Compliance 2FA ISO 27001
Built for Solo, Small business Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WhatsApp 3/3 · Element 0/3
Desktop app ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Voice and video calls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Disappearing messages ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Encryption coverage Default Not checked yet
Maximum group size 1024 members Not checked yet
Linked device limit 4 devices Not checked yet
Encrypted backups End_to_end Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • End-to-end encryption covers personal messages and calls by default
  • Supports web, desktop, iOS, Android, and linked devices
  • Combines chats, calls, groups, backups, and screen sharing
  • 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
Cons
  • The app is closed source rather than open source
  • Facebook and Instagram integrations may not suit privacy-focused users
  • Meta AI features add an optional Meta-connected experience
  • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
  • Advanced enterprise capabilities require a paid tier
  • Self-hosting requires organizational infrastructure and administration
Our verdict

WhatsApp is a free messaging and calling application for individuals, groups, and organizations. It brings text messaging, voice notes, photo and video sharing, documents, status updates, group chats, and one-to-one or group voice and…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. WhatsAppEncrypted Messaging Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. ElementEncrypted Messaging Apps 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • WhatsApp — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption covers personal messages and calls by default
    • Supports web, desktop, iOS, Android, and linked devices
    • Combines chats, calls, groups, backups, and screen sharing

    Where it doesn't

    • The app is closed source rather than open source
    • Facebook and Instagram integrations may not suit privacy-focused users
    • Meta AI features add an optional Meta-connected experience

  • 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

More comparisons

All encrypted messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update