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Top 6 Element Alternatives for Android, Compared (2026)

Explore 6 alternatives to Element — vetted by our editors with real user reviews, pricing, and feature comparisons.

Compare 6 top Element alternatives at a glance

Quick answer

Our top business instant messaging software alternatives to Element are Mattermost, Wire and Output Messenger. Mattermost ranks first with a SpotScore of -1 and 3.5★ from real users. The table below compares all 6 on score, rating, and pricing.

Finding a strong Element alternative is mostly about knowing which tools deliver. These 6 business instant messaging software alternatives do, ranked by SpotScore, which combines real-user satisfaction with market presence, plus star ratings and pricing. We vet each one. Skim the table, then read the breakdowns below.

ProductSpotScoreRatingPricingBest for
MattermostStreamline team communication and collaboration.—★★★★☆ 3.5(34)Freefrom $3.25 /User/Monthteams of all sizes
WireSeamless communication for your business.—★★★★☆ 4.15(56)Freefrom $5.83 /User/Monthteams of all sizes
Output MessengerStay connected with ease, anytime, anywhere.—★★★★☆ 4.1(10)Freefrom $35/yrteams of all sizes
TrillianStreamline your communication in one place.—Not yet ratedFreefrom $3.33/moteams of all sizes
GitterInstant messaging for seamless team collaboration.—Not yet ratedOpen-sourceteams of all sizes
CypherChatSecure messaging without compromising anonymity.—Not yet ratedFreeFreemiumteams of all sizes
Mattermost - Business Instant Messaging Software

Mattermost

Streamline team communication and collaboration.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

3.5

34 verified reviews

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What is Mattermost?

Mattermost is an open source messaging platform that brings all business communication into one place. More than just chat, Mattermost is built around a modern team communication workflow. It includes integrated video conferencing and IP telephony, along with integrations to CRM, LDAP ...

Read more about Mattermost
Free Trial·

Mattermost offers custom pricing plan

Wire - Business Instant Messaging Software

Wire

Seamless communication for your business.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.2

56 verified reviews

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What is Wire?

Wire is fast, modern and secure instant messaging, video calling and shared screen software for business. User can easily connect everyone in the organisation who wants to collaborate and communicate – no matter where they work or which device they use. Implement Wire for company’s internal ...

Read more about Wire
Free Trial

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Output Messenger - Business Instant Messaging Software

Output Messenger

Stay connected with ease, anytime, anywhere.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.1

10 verified reviews

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What is Output Messenger?

Output Messenger is an easy to use software that allows business to connect with others and keep in touch, regardless of proximity. Output Messenger provides instant chat options, file sharing, a task manager and more. It also can work at no cost with business operations over the web, using ...

Read more about Output Messenger
Free Trial
Trillian - Business Instant Messaging Software

Trillian

Streamline your communication in one place.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is Trillian?

Trillian combines instant messaging and email into one integrated system that's a breeze to use. It lets user effortlessly combine IM and email contacts, and provides a multitude of ways to communicate with them regardless of their location, AIM or ICQ account, online status, or time zone. With ...

Read more about Trillian

Trillian offers custom pricing plan

Gitter - Business Instant Messaging Software

Gitter

Instant messaging for seamless team collaboration.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Get Pricing Details

Add to compare

What is Gitter?

With Gitter, instantly communicate with team members and collaborators. Gitter makes it easy to discuss ideas, address questions, share code snippets and more. Add bsuiness to Gitter and make sure everyone stays in the loop with instant messaging conversations in real-time. With Gitter quickly ...

Read more about Gitter
CypherChat - New SaaS Software

CypherChat

Secure messaging without compromising anonymity.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is CypherChat?

CypherChat is a secure messaging software that guarantees anonymity for communications. With its Peer-to-Peer security tool, users can send and receive message, files and even video/voice conference in complete safety, free from the threats of data interception and data breach. The software ...

Read more about CypherChat

What each Element alternative is best known for

MattermostBest for teams of all sizes

Open source flexibility

Watch for: Steeper learning curve

WireBest for teams of all sizes

Fast and modern interface

Watch for: Limited integrations

Output MessengerBest for teams of all sizes

Easy to use

Watch for: Limited advanced features

TrillianBest for teams of all sizes

Integrated messaging and email

Watch for: Limited advanced features

GitterBest for teams of all sizes

Real-time communication

Watch for: Limited to tech teams

CypherChatBest for teams of all sizes

Secure messaging

Watch for: Limited to messaging features

Why teams look for a Element alternative

The push to replace Element tends to come down to a few recurring frustrations:

  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic customization options
  • May lack scalability
  • Not suitable for large enterprises

How to find the right Element replacement

Comparing the 6 alternatives on the figures that matter: 5 offer a free tier; paid plans run $3.25–$35, with Mattermost the cheapest entry point; and Wire is the highest rated at 4.15★ across 56 reviews.

How each tool earns its spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stuck on something? We're here to help with all the questions and answers in one place.

The top-rated alternatives to Element are Wire (4.2★), Output Messenger (4.1★), Mattermost (3.5★). Compare all 6 alternatives side-by-side above.

When evaluating alternatives to Element, prioritize: Chat (Messaging), Real-time Chat, End-to-End Encryption, Encryption, File Sharing, transparent pricing, free trial availability, and integrations with your existing tools. Use the filters above to compare by feature, budget, and team size.

Element starts from $10 /Month. Many alternatives offer similar functionality at different price points — some with free tiers, others with more flexible per-seat pricing. Use the filters above to narrow by budget.

Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Element is integrated into your workflows. Most alternatives offer data export/import tools and dedicated onboarding support. We recommend shortlisting 2–3 options, running a free trial, and checking each vendor's migration guides before committing.

How to choose the right Element alternative for you

  • On a budget / just exploring: start with a free tier — Mattermost, Wire and Output Messenger let you evaluate without paying upfront.
  • If real-user ratings matter most: Wire has the strongest star rating (4.15★) among the options with verified reviews.
  • Want the safest pick: Mattermost has the highest Spotsaas Score (-1) in this list — a strong default if you're unsure.

Moving off Element

Before retiring Element, take the cautious route. Export your data, make sure the new tool accepts it, and confirm the workflows you rely on transfer. Pilot on a free tier or trial, then go all in, leaving Element active until migration finishes.

Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].