Rocket.Chat vs Element: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Rocket.Chat scores 67 out of 100 and Element scores 66. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Rocket.Chat | Element | |
|---|---|---|
| Price and free plan | 33 | 50 |
| Communication | 100 | 60 |
| Security and data control | 88 | 88 |
| Track record | 37 | 63 |
Pros and cons
Rocket.Chat
- Built-in voice or video calls
- Has a permanent free plan
- Messages are end-to-end encrypted
- Can run on your own server
Element
- Built-in voice or video calls
- Has a permanent free plan
- Messages are end-to-end encrypted
- Can run on your own server
Facts side by side
| Fact | Rocket.Chat | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Full message history on the free plan | Not verified | Yes element.io |
| Users on the free plan | 50 rocket.chat | Not verified |
| Built-in calls | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Screen sharing | Yes rocket.chat | Not verified |
| Threads | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Guest access | Yes docs.rocket.chat | Not verified |
| End-to-end encrypted messages | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Self-hosting | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Open source | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| ISO 27001 or SOC 2 | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Single sign-on (SSO) | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Data export | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Message retention settings | Yes rocket.chat | Yes element.io |
| Founded | 2015 rocket.chat | 2017 element.io |
| Public status page | Not verified | Yes status.element.io |
| Company | Not verified | Vector Creations Limited itunes.apple.com |
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