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Head-to-head · Encrypted Calling Apps

Wire vs Element

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Wire #3 in Encrypted Calling Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Wire
Element #6 in Encrypted Calling Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Element

Wire 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 scoreWire · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth

Wire scores higher on our rubric for encrypted calling apps: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

Wire is the better fit for organizations needing managed, secure team calling. Element is the better fit for teams needing self-hosted, integrated communications.

  • Wire fits best

    Organizations needing managed, secure team calling

  • Element fits best

    Teams needing self-hosted, integrated communications

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Wire 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Element 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #3 in Encrypted Calling Apps #6 in Encrypted Calling Apps
Best for Organizations needing managed, secure team calling Teams needing self-hosted, integrated communications
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price €7.45/user/mo —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, 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 ISO 27001, GDPR, SSO/SAML ISO 27001
Integrations 3 integrations 13 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Wire 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 encryption covers messaging, calls, and file sharing.
  • SMB adds SSO, SCIM, admin controls, and guest roles.
  • Cloud and self-hosted options support enterprise deployment needs.
  • 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
  • SMB annual billing starts at €7.45 per user monthly.
  • Linux clients are experimental or community-supported.
  • SMB pricing is per user, which may not suit every budget.
  • 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

Wire combines end-to-end encrypted messaging, audio and video calls, conferencing, and file sharing in a collaboration workspace for organizations, including government and public-sector teams. It suits teams that need secure calling…

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 →
  1. WireEncrypted Calling Apps 9.1Free plan
  2. ElementEncrypted Calling Apps 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Wire — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption covers messaging, calls, and file sharing.
    • SMB adds SSO, SCIM, admin controls, and guest roles.
    • Cloud and self-hosted options support enterprise deployment needs.

    Where it doesn't

    • SMB annual billing starts at €7.45 per user monthly.
    • Linux clients are experimental or community-supported.
    • SMB pricing is per user, which may not suit every budget.

  • 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
  • Wire9.1/10 · Free plan

    A secure team workspace with encrypted calls, guest access, and managed enterprise options.

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

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

    Visit ElementFull verdict →

More comparisons

All encrypted calling apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update