Element vs Signal

Element Decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messaging client built on the Matrix protocol.

CommunicationFreeOpen Source

Signal End-to-end encrypted messaging app focused on privacy for text, voice, and video communication.

CommunicationFreeOpen Source

Quick Facts

ElementCompanySignal Foundation

2016Year Launched2014

FreePricing ModelFree

YesOpen SourceYes

CommunicationCategoryCommunication

macOS, Windows, LinuxPlatformsmacOS, Windows, Web

12,789 ★GitHub Stars16,108 ★

Element

CompanyElement

Year Launched2016

Pricing ModelFree

Open SourceYes

CategoryCommunication

PlatformsmacOS, Windows, Linux

GitHub Stars12,789 ★

Signal

CompanySignal Foundation

Year Launched2014

Pricing ModelFree

Open SourceYes

CategoryCommunication

PlatformsmacOS, Windows, Web

GitHub Stars16,108 ★

Element

Free

Open Source: Free/One-time

Signal

Free

Free: $0/one-time

What practitioners say

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Signal

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