Replace-Xyour much needed alternatives
Element
COMMUNICATIONSecure, decentralized team chat on the Matrix network.
FREEDOM SCORE5.0Open
✓Is it free?
+1.5✓Open source?
+1.5✓Self-hostable?
+1.0✓Data export?
+0.5✓Free pricing tier?
+0.5RELEVANCE SCORE4.5Active
✓Actively maintained?
+1.5✓Large community?
+1.5✓Has public API?
+1.0✓Commit < 3 months?
+0.5×Stars > 20k?
+0.5About Element
Decentralized messenger offering end-to-end encryption for critical chats. Replaces heavy central databases servers.
WHAT IT DOES WELL
- +Decentralized federation ensures zero central lock-in
- +Military-grade end-to-end encryption protocols
HONEST PROBLEMS
- ✗Connecting bridge clients to standard Slack is tricky
SELF-HOSTABILITY PROFILE
DifficultyMEDIUM
License typeApache-2.0
💡 "The absolute king of decentralised chat."
PROJECT METRICS
Repositorygithub.com/vector-im/element-web
LicenseApache-2.0
GitHub Stars⭐ 10,200
Last CommitMay 29, 2026
Last VerifiedVerified May 2026